Superior National Forest Campsite #2169

**Superior National Forest Campsite #2169: Your Private Slice of Northwoods Backcountry**

For dedicated Minnesota campers, the **Superior National Forest (SNF)** is a vast playground of deep woods, rocky ridges, and pristine lakes. When seeking a true escape from developed campgrounds, specific, designated rustic sites like **Campsite #2169** provide the perfect balance between accessibility and genuine wilderness solitude. Located within the general vicinity of **Tofte Township**, this site falls under the jurisdiction of the Tofte Ranger District, a region famous for its rugged terrain and proximity to the stunning North Shore of Lake Superior.

Campsite #2169 is characteristic of the many numbered, primitive sites scattered throughout the National Forest that are available for a nominal fee or sometimes free (check current USFS regulations). These are not the large, paved-loop campgrounds; rather, they are secluded pull-offs or short walk-in sites specifically designed to contain the impact of camping in sensitive areas. They cater to the self-sufficient adventurer—the local resident with a tent, a small vehicle, or a camper van—who seeks quiet nights and days filled with forest exploration. The key distinction here is the **primitive nature**; campers must bring all necessities, practice strict **Leave No Trace** principles, and be prepared to pack out all waste. For those who know and love the Northwoods, finding a numbered site on an old Forest Road means securing a peaceful, private refuge far from the highway noise.

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**Location and Accessibility**

Campsite #2169 is located within the expansive boundaries of the **Superior National Forest**, specifically in the area managed by the **Tofte Ranger District**. While the address provided, **Tofte Township, MN 55615, USA**, is general, the site's number indicates it is likely a designated **Rustic** or **Dispersed Backcountry** campsite found along one of the numerous gravel Forest Service roads that spiderweb out from major trails like the Sawbill Trail (County Road 2) or the Caribou Trail (County Road 4).

* **Access Type:** Access is typically by car via a **gravel or dirt Forest Road**. These roads can be winding, narrow, and potentially rough, requiring careful driving. They are generally accessible by standard vehicles, though high-clearance vehicles may be preferred, especially after heavy rain. * **Directions:** To find a site like #2169, one would drive a specific, named or numbered Forest Road (FR) branching off a main trail like the Sawbill Trail, and the campsite is often marked by a small sign with the official USFS site number. Due to the primitive nature, maps from the Tofte Ranger District are essential for accurate navigation, as GPS coordinates for specific numbered sites are often the most reliable method. * **Proximity:** The site is positioned deep enough into the woods to provide excellent quiet, yet still allows for relatively easy drives back to Highway 61 and the nearby towns of **Tofte** and **Schroeder** for supplies or day trips along the North Shore.

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**Services Offered**

As a designated rustic/backcountry site in the Superior National Forest, Campsite #2169 offers **minimal amenities** focused on public safety and environmental protection. There are no hookups, no running water, and no host on-site. The services provided are the core necessities for primitive camping.

The standard services and infrastructure you can expect at this USFS site are:

• **Designated Parking/Pull-off:** A level area for parking one or two vehicles, directly adjacent to the site or a short walk away.
• **Tent Pad:** A relatively flat area designated for pitching a tent, which helps minimize ground disturbance.
• **Fire Grate:** A permanent metal fire ring or grate is provided for campfires and cooking, ensuring fires are contained (check Tofte District for fire restrictions).
• **Restrooms:** Typically, a basic **Wilderness Latrine** (an outhouse with a vault toilet) is located nearby.
• **Capacity:** Strictly limited to a maximum group size of **nine people** and generally two vehicles (or one RV/trailer of limited length).
• **Pack In, Pack Out:** There is **NO garbage or recycling service**. All trash, including food waste, must be secured and packed out by the camper.
• **Water Source:** **Potable drinking water is NOT available**. Campers must bring all their water or be prepared to collect and treat water from the nearest natural source (like a nearby creek or lake), which requires proper filtration or boiling.

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**Features / Highlights**

The true highlights of a Superior National Forest dispersed site like #2169 are the natural environment and the feeling of having the wilderness to yourself. These sites are strategically placed to offer the best of the forest environment outside of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).

The key features and highlights valued by local users include:

• **Exceptional Solitude and Privacy:** The single-site nature and remote location guarantee a level of **privacy** far superior to large, developed fee campgrounds. This is where you come for silence.
• **Forest Immersion:** Surrounded by the Boreal forest—a mix of pine, spruce, birch, and cedar—the site offers a deep immersion into the sights, sounds, and smells of the Minnesota Northwoods.
• **Proximity to Hiking and Trails:** The site is often close to forest trails and perhaps even segments of the **Superior Hiking Trail (SHT)**, making it an excellent **remote basecamp** for day hikes.
• **Wildlife Viewing:** The quiet nature of the location enhances opportunities for viewing local wildlife, including moose, deer, and diverse bird species. Campers must always be **bear aware** and secure food properly.
• **Stargazing:** Far from any significant light pollution, the site offers spectacular views of the **night sky**, a major draw for North Shore camping.
• **Fishing Access (Potential):** Depending on the exact location, the site may be near a small, managed **trout stream** or an accessible inland lake, perfect for remote fishing expeditions.
• **Free or Low Cost:** Many of these rustic, dispersed sites are either free or require a minimal overnight fee, making them one of the most **budget-friendly** options on the North Shore.

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**Contact Information**

Since Superior National Forest Campsite #2169 is a rustic, designated site without an on-site host, all inquiries and critical information (like current fire restrictions and road status) must be directed to the **Tofte Ranger District** of the U.S. Forest Service.

Primary Contact Details (Superior National Forest - Tofte Ranger District):

• Address (Ranger District): 7355 West Hwy 61, Tofte, MN 55615
• Phone (Tofte Ranger District): (218) 663-8060
• General SNF Phone: (218) 626-4300
• Website: U.S. Forest Service - Superior National Forest (Check for the 'Rustic Campgrounds' or 'Dispersed Camping' information.)

Note: These sites are **first-come, first-served** and cannot be reserved. Always check with the Ranger District before your trip for any necessary permits and current conditions, especially concerning fire bans or seasonal road closures.

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**What is Worth Choosing: Maximum Seclusion, Minimal Cost**

Campsite #2169, and other similar Superior National Forest numbered sites, are absolutely worth choosing for the local Minnesotan who values **maximum seclusion, minimal cost, and a low-impact camping style**. This is the quintessential Northwoods experience for the self-reliant camper.

The core reasons to choose this type of site are the **unrivaled privacy** and the ability to feel truly disconnected. Unlike state parks where you are often within earshot of dozens of neighbors, a dispersed site offers genuine quiet, allowing the sounds of the forest—rather than other campers—to dominate the experience. This enhanced solitude is the primary luxury.

Moreover, the **cost-effectiveness** is a significant draw. The nominal fees (or sometimes no fees at all) for these sites make them an incredibly accessible option for extended stays or frequent weekend trips throughout the season. The trade-off—packing in all water and packing out all trash—is a small price to pay for the guaranteed serenity. Choosing Campsite #2169 is choosing a rugged, authentic engagement with the Superior National Forest. It's an invitation to step away from the conveniences of modern life, embrace the simplicity of the outdoors, and use a true forest base camp for exploring the vast, beautiful wilderness of the North Shore region. Just remember your bear safety, your water filter, and your compass, and you will find your ideal retreat here.