T-lake Backcountry Campsite
Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No permits or fees required. Limited to 14 consecutive days at this location.
Flood Warning issued May 1 at 7:52PM CDT until May 6 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Minnesota... South Kawishiwi River near Ely affecting northwestern Lake County. .High water continues on the Kawishiwi River due to the effects of recent heavy rains and the last of ongoing snowmelt. Expect high, fast moving water through the Kawishiwi River, Isabella River, and Basswood River. Lake levels across the Boundary Waters Wilderness Area will be high. * WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring and remains forecast. * WHERE...South Kawishiwi River near Ely. * WHEN...Until early Wednesday afternoon. * IMPACTS...At 7.0 feet, Several BWCA camp sites may be submerged. Portages may have flowing water difficult to identify. Areas with swift currents may be hazardous to recreationalists. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 7:30 PM CDT Friday the stage was 6.9 feet. - Bankfull stage is 5.5 feet. - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 7:30 PM CDT Friday was 6.9 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise to a crest of 7.0 feet just after midnight tonight. It will then fall below flood stage Wednesday morning. - Flood stage is 6.5 feet. - Flood History...This crest is higher than the crest of 6.9 feet on 05/17/2022. - Flood safety information can be found at www.weather.gov/safety/flood.
Flood Advisory issued May 1 at 9:54AM CDT until May 2 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
High water continues across portions of the far eastern Rainy River watershed due to the effects of runoff from heavy rains and snowmelt from earlier this week. Expect high, fast moving water on area rivers and elevated lake levels. Water levels are near or just surpassed those seen during flood events in Spring 2022 and June 2024. Further water level increases are possible through this weekend after which slow declines should begin. * WHAT...Flooding caused by runoff from rain and snowmelt continues. * WHERE...In Minnesota, Cook and Lake Counties. * WHEN...Until 700 PM CDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Some low-water crossings may become impassable. River or stream flows are elevated. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 948 AM CDT Friday, automated river gages and the public reported flooding in the advisory area. Minor flooding is occurring. - Expect high, fast moving water on area rivers and elevated lake levels. Water levels are near or just surpassed those seen during flood events in Spring 2022 and June 2024. Further water level increases are possible through this weekend after which slow declines should begin. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Gunflint Lake, Forest Center, Little Saganaga Lake, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Snowbank Lake, Alpine Lake, Sea Gull Lake, Isabella, Saganaga Lake, Basswood Lake, Fall Lake, White Iron Lake, Birch Lake, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness North of the Gunflint Trail, Pine Lake, Alice Lake, Malberg Lake, Lake Polly and Thomas Lake. - Flood safety information can be found at www.weather.gov/safety/flood.
About
T-Lake Backcountry Campsite offers a true wilderness camping experience in Superior National Forest, with access limited to foot or boat travel. This near-wilderness location features two single party campsites designed for experienced campers seeking solitude. Each site is equipped with basic amenities including a fire grate and wilderness latrine, and some sites may have a picnic table. The remote setting requires complete self-sufficiency and adherence to wilderness camping practices. Campers must follow Leave No Trace ethics and are required to hang food packs to protect from wildlife, treat or boil all drinking water, and pack out all garbage. Washing should be done at least 150 feet from any body of water. Fires must be extinguished completely before leaving the campsite. A Forest Service map is recommended to locate the campsite and access points. These backcountry sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no permits or fees required, and groups are limited to nine people maximum.
Directions
From Tofte, take MN-61 South for 2.4 miles. Follow Windy Lake Road/Highway 7 for 23 miles. Windy Lake Road will cross a small stream you can follow to the lake.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (218) 663-0012 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| T-Lake Backcountry Campsite | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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