Shoepack Lake
00 review7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615
Shoepack Lake
$0.00 - $0.00 / 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
No fees are explicitly mentioned for accessing the site.
About this campground
Nestled deep within the forest, Shoe Pack Lake is a hidden gem spanning 41.77 acres of pristine waters. This intimate backcountry retreat features a single, secluded campsite that promises true wilderness immersion. With 1.42 miles of undeveloped shoreline and depths reaching 22 feet, the lake offers excellent opportunities for paddling and fishing in complete solitude. Your adventure begins with a journey by foot or boat to reach this remote sanctuary, where only essential amenities—a fire grate and latrine—await, ensuring an authentic back-to-nature experience.
Shoe Pack Lake offers a single dispersed camping site suitable for tent camping. There are no group, RV, cabin, or glamping options.
Weather and SeasonsOpening its gates on April 15th each year, Shoe Pack Lake transforms with the seasons. Late spring brings wildflowers and migrating birds, while summer offers warm days perfect for swimming and stargazing. Early fall paints the surrounding forest in brilliant golds and crimsons, creating a photographer's paradise. As winter approaches, the site becomes inaccessible to all but the most experienced cold-weather adventurers, with harsh conditions making camping inadvisable during the frozen months.
ElevationSet within the gently rolling forest terrain characteristic of this region, the campground sits at a comfortable elevation that provides easy access to the water's edge while maintaining scenic views through the towering pines and hardwoods that define this northern landscape.
Natural Features and SceneryShoe Pack Lake epitomizes untouched wilderness, where ancient forests press close to crystal-clear waters and wildlife roams freely. This near-wilderness designation means you're likely to spot deer at dawn, hear loons calling across the water, and perhaps glimpse a moose feeding in the shallows. The heavily wooded surroundings create a natural amphitheater of sound and solitude, while the pristine environment serves as a living reminder of the importance of Leave No Trace principles in preserving these wild spaces for future generations.
Geological RegionLocated within the magnificent Superior National Forest, Shoe Pack Lake showcases the dramatic landscape of northeastern Minnesota. This ancient terrain, sculpted by glaciers and time, features a stunning mosaic of interconnected lakes, exposed granite outcroppings, and dense boreal forests. The rocky shores and clear waters tell the geological story of the Canadian Shield, creating a rugged yet beautiful backdrop for your wilderness adventure.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe site is accessible by foot or boat, but specific accessibility features for individuals with disabilities are not mentioned.
Sites SizeThe site is a single-party, near-wilderness site, but specific size details are not provided.
Sites PrivacyThe site is dispersed and single-party, ensuring a high level of privacy for campers.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesVisitors may wish to plan trips during favorable weather seasons and ensure all supplies, including water and firewood, are packed in.
Best CampsitesThere is only one site available at Shoe Pack Lake.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- None specified
- first-come, first-served.
Check-out
- None specified
- first-come, first-served.
Stay Limit
Nine people per site limit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Nine people per site limit.
Groups
Group sites are not available at this dispersed camping location.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe site is dispersed camping with minimal facilities. Visitors access via boat or hiking trails.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from April 15 annually.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations required; the site is first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe site is listed as first-come, first-served, available year-round during the open season.
Cancellation PolicyNo explicit reservation or cancellation policy exists as this is a first-come, first-served backcountry site.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers activities such as fishing, non-motorized boating, and viewing scenery. It is suitable for campers looking for solitude and wilderness experiences.
Hiking
Dogs are allowed on hiking trails as long as they are leashed. Specific trail details are not provided.Fishing
Fishing is available in the lake, which hosts species such as black crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead, northern pike, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, and white sucker.Boating
Non-motorized boating is supported, with a gravel/dirt boat ramp available for access.Wildlife viewing
The near-wilderness location makes the site ideal for observing wildlife, but no specific species or viewing tips are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed only in the provided grate; additional fire rings are prohibited.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include interaction with wildlife, drinking untreated lake water, and risks associated with boating.
Weather forecast
61
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 43%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 10.5 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
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Tofte Ranger District Office during April 28 – September 30, Wednesday - Sunday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm for assistance. Nearby hospitals and more emergency services details are null.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season is likely summer when Minnesota weather is most favorable for backcountry camping.
Trash and recyclingCampers are required to pack out all garbage as no trash or recycling facilities are provided.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on Shoe Pack Lake, which is 41.77 acres in size with a maximum depth of 22 feet.
Common complaintsGuests must pack all garbage out, and potable water is unavailable, which could be inconvenient for some visitors.
HostRanger services are available at the Tofte Ranger District office during open hours.
Campground Map
7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615
Driving directionsFrom Sturgeon, head south on MN-73 South for 10 miles, then turn right onto Forest Route 279 for 3.7 miles.
Road access quality is limited as the site is accessible only by foot or boat. These forest roads may be challenging, and visitors should plan accordingly.Nearby places
Tofte, MN - approximately 90 miles
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are null
users must pack in all essentials including water and food.
Camper Reviews
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Accessibility Features
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Last updated August 10, 2025