Windy Lake is an easily accessed, but remote, lake near several other lakes which all provide camping and fishing opportunities.  Windy Lake Rustic Campground offers 1 site accessible by car.  On the shore of the lake are an additional 3 backcountry campsites accessible by boat.  For information about backcountry campsites, click here.

At a Glance

Current Conditions: Opens May 10, 2024 and closes October 1, 2024. First come, first served only.
Reservations: This campground does not accept reservations.
Fees: There is no fee at rustic campgrounds.
Open Season: May 10 - October 1
Restrictions: Maximum of nine people per site at both campground and backcountry sites.  At the campground, there is space for one vehicle and one towed vehicle (such as a boat trailer).  Additional vehicles on the site must park on the spur.  No vehicles may park on the grass or where they impede traffic.
Closest Towns: Tofte
Water: No potable water available – lake water must be treated.
Restroom: Outhouse (vault style) at campground, wilderness latrines at backcountry sites
Operated By: Forest Service
Information Center: Tofte Ranger District Email | Call | Address | Webpage

General Information

Directions:

From Tofte on MN 61:

  • At Temperance River State Park, just south of the river, take FR 343 (Temperance River Rd) inland.
  • Drive 4.5 miles to a T intersection with FR 166 (The '600' Road).
  • Turn left on FR 166 and drive 5 miles to Co 7.  
  • Turn right on Co 7 then follow Co 7 through several intersections about 9 miles to the intersection with FR 369 (Sawbill Landing Rd).  While FR 369 goes straight, you will follow Co 7 to the right.  At this point, Co 7 acquires the name Windy Lake Road.
  • Stay on Co 7 about 3 more miles to Windy Lake Rustic Campground down a short access road to the right.  

General Notes:

Windy Lake Rustic Campground has a boat launch with dock and overnight parking for those using the backcountry sites.  There is an unmaintained trail from Windy Lake to Co 7, connected to a portage from Co 7 to T Lake.  From T Lake, there is a 300 yard portage to Silver Island Lake.  There are campsites both at T Lake and Silver Island Lake.

There is no garbage pick up at Windy Lake Rustic Campground.  Plan to pack out all your garbage, including fish remains from cleaning fish. 


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

  • Please use facilities provided such as fire rings, tent pads, and latrines.
  • Pack out all waste, do not burn paper or other garbage.
  • Water from lakes must be treated, boiled, or filtered before use.
  • Noise limits enforced, respect your fellow campers. 
No. of Sites 1

Dispersed Camping

Access to the 3 backcountry sites on this lake is a boat ramp in the campground.  Use a Forest Map to locate campsites and accesses. (You can purchase a map on line or at any of the District offices or by mail.)  For information on backcountry campsites, see the Dispersed Camping page.

Fees: None required.
Reservation info: First-come, first-served. 
Usage: A few reminders:Use areas provided for tents and fires, hang food packs, put your fire out each time you leave your campsite, treat or boil all water, wash yourself and dishes at least 150ft from any body of water, pack out all garbage and Leave No Trace.

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Latitude : 
47.743581

  Longitude : 
-91.087176