Silver Island Lk Rustic Campgd & Backcountry Sites


Area Status: Open

Silver Island Lake is a large lake with both an eight site rustic campground and three backcountry campsites on its shores.  Access to the backcountry sites is through the boat launch at the rustic campground.  Choose the camping experience that suits you best!

At a Glance

Current Conditions: Opens May 10, 2024 and closes October 1, 2024. First come, first served only.
Reservations: First come, first served only.
Fees: There is no fee at rustic campgrounds or backcountry campsites.
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: Isabella
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

General Notes:

Silver Island Lake has a boat launch with dock and overnight parking for people using the backcountry sites.  There is a 300 yard portage from Silver Island Lake to T Lake, and a portage from T Lake to County Road 7.  There is an unmaintained trail from Co 7 to Windy Lake.  There is also access to Windy Lake at the Windy Lake Rustic Campground.

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


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 FR 369.
  • Turn left on FR 369.  Drive 2.5 miles to FR 921, the Silver Island Access Rd.

The campground 1.5 miles further at the end of FR 921.

You can also reach Co 7 from MN 1 at Finland, or via FR 172 (Wanless Rd) from Isabella.


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 8

RV Camping

Sites are pull-in and not specifically designed for RVs.  However, all 8 sites are longer than 21 feet and may accommodate an RV.

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.  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.

Lake and Pond Fishing

Walleyes, northern pike, and some panfish can be caught in Silver Island Lake.

Boating - Motorized

There is a boat launch, dock, and area for trailer parking at Silver Island Lake Rustic Campground.

Related Information

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Latitude : 
47.727398

  Longitude : 
-91.149167