Rice Lake
00 review7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615
Rice Lake
$0.00 - $9.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
There are no reservation fees as the sites are first-come, first-served. The only costs may involve permits or restrictions for groups larger than nine people.
About this campground
Escape to the untouched wilderness of Rice Lake, where adventure begins at the water's edge. This remote sanctuary beckons those seeking authentic solitude, accessible only by paddling across pristine waters or hiking forest trails. Two thoughtfully placed dispersed camping sites await, each offering just the essentials—a fire grate for evening gatherings and basic facilities—allowing nature to take center stage. Here, primitive camping reaches its purest form, where every visitor becomes a steward of the land, practicing Leave No Trace principles while creating memories that last a lifetime.
Rice Lake is a backcountry camping site with two single-party sites available. It is accessible only by foot or boat.
Historical SignificancePaddle in the wake of centuries-old traditions along the historic Poplar River canoe routes, where indigenous peoples and early explorers once navigated these interconnected waterways. This corridor has long served as a vital lifeline through the wilderness, shaping both the cultural heritage and ecological tapestry of the region. Today, these same waters offer modern adventurers a chance to connect with history while contributing to the ongoing story of conservation and respect for this remarkable landscape.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations that make Rice Lake a year-round destination. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, where temperatures dance between a brisk -1°F and a mild 45°F, and weekly snowfalls of 1-5 inches create a fresh canvas for wildlife tracks and cross-country adventures. As summer arrives, the forest awakens to perfect camping weather, with temperatures settling into a comfortable sweet spot between 56°F and 75°F. Clear skies dominate the season, with minimal rainfall ensuring endless opportunities for stargazing and outdoor exploration.
ElevationThe natural contours of the land create an intimate camping experience at Rice Lake, where the terrain gently embraces the shoreline and forest floor.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in 222 acres of pristine wilderness where Rice Lake sparkles like a jewel within the vast Superior National Forest. Connected by the meandering Poplar River to a network of hidden lakes, this aquatic playground invites exploration by paddle and portage. Dense boreal forests rise from the water's edge, their towering pines and paper birches creating a living cathedral that shelters an abundance of wildlife. From the haunting call of loons at dawn to the rustle of deer through understory ferns, every moment reveals the intricate beauty of this thriving ecosystem.
Geological RegionNestled within the legendary Superior National Forest, Rice Lake forms a crucial link in an ancient chain of waterways carved by glaciers and time. This 222-acre aquatic gem, seamlessly connected to neighboring lakes through the Poplar River system, showcases the raw beauty of boreal forest ecology. Here, the bedrock of the Canadian Shield meets a tapestry of life, creating a biodiversity hotspot where northern species flourish in their element. The landscape tells a story millions of years in the making, where geological forces have sculpted a paradise for those who seek wilderness in its most authentic form.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccess to Rice Lake is limited to hiking/portaging or boating. The site is not designed with accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeSites are described as 'single-party' in nature, designed for small groups with a nine-person limit per site.
Sites PrivacySites are remote and accessible only by foot or boat, offering a high degree of privacy.
Total Campsites2 campsites
Recommended CampsitesVisitors are advised to choose sites based on proximity to portage routes for convenience.
Best CampsitesBoth campsites are evenly equipped and accessible by foot/boat.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so no formal check-in time is specified.
Check-out
Sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis so no formal check-out time is specified.
Stay Limit
Nine people per site limit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Nine people per site limit.
Groups
Group sites are not available at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutTwo dispersed sites located around Rice Lake, accessible via portage routes.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from April 15 onwards.
Reservation PlatformsSites are not reservable online or through phone services as they operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up as reservations are not available and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyThere is no cancellation policy as the sites are first-come, first-served.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Activities you can enjoy
Rice Lake offers a limited range of activities centered on nature and backcountry recreation. Opportunities include fishing, viewing scenery, and hunting.
Hiking
Hiking is required to access the lake via portages or trails connecting to the Poplar River system.Fishing
Fishing is available in the lake, which spans 222 acres. Specific fish species are not detailed.Boating
Boating is essential for accessing the lake, and campers must follow Minnesota State boating laws. This includes wearing life jackets and ensuring pet safety onboard.Wildlife viewing
The lake's remote wilderness setting offers potential wildlife viewing opportunities.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not detailed for Rice Lake.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as canoeing and kayaking are implied due to the access nature of the lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires must be made in the provided grates. No additional fire rings are allowed.
- Quiet hours are No specified quiet hours.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential dangers include interactions with wildlife, cold temperatures, and water hazards while portaging.
Active alertsNo current alerts are listed.
Weather forecast
61
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 46%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 10 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are available at the Tofte Ranger District office (address: 7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615, phone: (218) 663-8060) during operational hours.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season coincides with summer months and warmer weather conditions.
Trash and recyclingCampers are required to pack out all garbage as no trash or recycling facilities are provided. '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.'
Proximity to water featuresSites are lakeside, with direct access to Rice Lake and connections to various other lakes via the Poplar River.
Common complaintsComplaints often involve the challenging access routes and lack of potable water or restrooms.
HostNo campground hosts are available.
Campground Map
7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615
Driving directionsFrom Lutsen, travel on Caribou Trail for 8.1 miles, then turn left onto Clara Lake Road for 3.3 miles, followed by a left turn onto Rice Lake Road for 2.4 miles. Hike/portage to the lake from there. Alternatively, continue on Rice Lake Road for another 0.8 miles, turn onto Forest Route 339, and travel for 0.3 miles, then follow the Poplar River through Screech and Anderson Lakes to Rice Lake.
Access to the campground requires a combination of driving and hiking/portaging. The roads leading up to the trailheads are paved, but the actual access to Rice Lake involves hiking or portaging through nearby lakes, making it less accessible for vehicles.Nearby places
Tofte: 10 miles, Lutsen: approximately 8 miles
Nearby supplies
Supplies, including groceries and camping essentials, can be found in Tofte (approximately 10 miles away).
Camper Reviews
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Rice Lake has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews are provided in the source materials.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
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Common Concerns
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
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Seasonal Insights
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Camper Quotes
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Site-Specific Reviews
Specific reviews for individual campsites are not provided.
Accessibility Features
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Pet-Friendly Features
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Last updated August 10, 2025