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camping on the north shore mn

North Shore Campgrounds

There are loads of campgrounds on the North Shore, MN! Camp on Lake Superior in town at municipal campgrounds in Two Harbors and Grand Marais, a private campground in Schroeder, and four of the state parks. Inland, campgrounds are all on a lake,a river or a stream and are hosted privately and publicly.

There are many federal campgrounds within the Superior National Forest, and all the paid campgrounds offer some reservable sites. The free campground sites are rustic and do not include potable water, trash receptacles, or hosts. There are a number of State Forest campgrounds, too which are similar to federal sites, but on state land.

You can find North Shore Lake Superior campgrounds that offer more amenities to make your stay more comfortable. Some North Shore MN campgrounds include picnic tables, fire rings, and water and electric hookups, plus bath houses with hot water and flush toilets.

All the North Shore state parks offer camping except Grand Portage. State parks offer hike-in, cart-in, kayak, group, rustic and electric sites.

With so many north shore Lake Superior campgrounds to choose from, you’re sure to find just the right spot for your stay.

what to expect from north shore camping in mn

There’s no shortage of stunning North Shore campgrounds to choose from.

The beauty of camping on the North Shore MN is the variety of scenery and experiences you can choose from. Whether you decide on a tent site in the woods of a Minnesota state park or an RV site near the shoreline, you’re close to plenty of activities. From hiking trails and kayaking to historic sites and naturalist programs to visitor centers and coffee shops,, you can explore everything the North Shore has to offer on your next trip.

Get to know the North Shore with your base at one of the many North Shore campgrounds.

do your part when camping in north shore mn

Help keep the North Shore looking pristine, please dump your trash and recycling and RV tanks at a designated location.

Waste Disposal

state park payment update

For security reasons, some MN State Parks are no longer using payment envelopes. Firewood and camping fees can be paid via the free Yodel app (Apple and Google Play). Daily or annual park permits are NOT available on Yodel (yet) and can be purchased online.

tip

Download the app and buy the permit BEFORE you get on the shore in case cell reception is weak.

new to the area?

Check out this handy map of North Shore communities, State Parks, Lake Superior Access, Waysides and more!

mile 50.1
Private Campground

 

New! Now taking reservations

Looking for a place you can relax or adventure at whim? Do you love the great outdoors, but prefer a comfortable mattress to waking up on a deflated air mattress? We are with you. Get with us and get yourself to North Shore Camping Co. in Beaver Bay.

Located across Highway 61 from Cove Point Lodge

 

4595 MN 61 | Beaver Bay
218-414-7733
mile 78.8
Private Campground

 

A VERY COOL CAMPGROUND! The only campground on the North Shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota with sites right on the lake. We also have many sites tucked in the woods. There are two beautiful beaches on our 1/2 mile of shoreline to which everyone has access, and the property is bisected by the Cross River, in which kids and fish often swim.

We have primitive tent sites, RV sites with water and electric hook-ups and Rv sites with water, electric and sewer; plus 14 cabins!

We welcome pets of responsible owners. Pets are welcome but must be registered, may not be left unattended, and must be leashed at all times when outdoors. $10/stay for campers and $50 /stay for cabins.

 

19 Lamb's Way | Schroeder
218-663-7292
mile 109.1
Municipal Campground

 

Grand Marais Campground has the perfect location - on a peninsula edged by the Grand Marais Harbor on one side, Lake Superior on the other and easy walking distance to downtown shops and restaurants, and the North House Folk School. 300 campsites including full hook-ups, primitive lake view and wooded tent sites, clean bathhouses, discount green fees, playground, softball field, hiking trails, and reduced rates spring and fall.

 

114 South 8th Avenue West | Grand Marais
800-998-0959
gunflint mile 27.4
Private Campground

 

Golden Eagle Lodge Campground is private and comes with the same personalized service as our cabins. We have 9 sites, each with a picnic table, fire ring, and water and electric hookups. Electric service is 20, 30 and 50 amp. WiFi is available in the main lodge building.

Our heated shower house has 2 modern bathrooms with hot water and flush toilets. One Bathroom is wheelchair accessible with a roll in shower. A dump station is also available. These sites were designed to accommodate all sizes of RVs, Campers, Trailers, and Tents.

 

468 Clearwater Road | Grand Marais
218-388-2203
gunflint mile 30.0
Private Campground

 

Welcome to your North Woods get away.  Our 6 cabins, 4 townhouses, and 7 campsites are just a few feet from the shores of Poplar lake.  Boats, motors, canoes, kayaks, paddle boards and pontoons are available for rent or just relax on the sand beach, patio or your own private deck. Feeling adventurous?  There are islands to explore, panoramic views to find or simply shopping for gifts in our shop.

 

7778 Gunflint Trail | Grand Marais
218-388-2252
mile 92.8 + 9.5 miles
Superior National Forest Campground

Easily reached rustic campground on a beautiful medium sized lake.  White Pine Lake campground features a boat launch and an accessible fishing pier, as well as some wonderful white pines. No fees charged, 3 back country sites, a boat launch and barrier-free fishing pier.

From Highway 61 in Lutsen, north on the Caribou Trail about 6 miles to the Honeymoon Trail, west 2.5 miles.

For more details, click here.

 

White Pine Acc | Lutsen
218-663-8060
mile 92.8 + 11.9 miles
Superior National Forest Campground

Rustic campground on the shore of Clara Lake in a stand of pines.  It is close to other lakes as well, so it is a great campground for a weekend of fishing, or just relaxing near the water. No drinking water; 3 back country sites, a boat launch and barrier-free fishing pier. Details here.

From Highway 61 in Lutsen, north on Caribou Trail about 8 miles, west on Clara Lake Road about 4 miles.

 

Clara Public Landing Road | Lutsen
218-663-8060
mile 82.9 + 24.0 miles
Superior National Forest Campground

On Crescent Lake, this federal campground features:

33 sites, 1 group site, picnic tables, fishing, fire grates, toilets, are first come-first served, drinking water, are RV accessible (limited length, no hook-ups, though) and fee charged. A barrier-free campsite and fishing pier, a boat launch; details here.

 

The Grade | Tofte
218-663-8060
mile 82.9 + 23.0 miles
Superior National Forest Campground

This campground offers camping at 50 sites with picnic tables and fire grates. In addition to Sawbill Lake, amenities include toilets, drinking water, RV accessible (limited length, no hook-ups, though), and are first come-first served with a fee charged. Barrier free fishing pier, interpretive nature trail, large group area & picnic area, and an entry point for the BWCA - nearby Sawbill Outfitters offers canoe rentals & convenience items. Details here.

 

Sawbill Trail | Tofte
218-663-7150
mile 82.9 + 22.5 miles
Superior National Forest Campground

Rustic campground located in a stand of red pine on the shore of Baker Lake.  Unlike most other rustic campgrounds, there is a solar powered faucet for drinking water.  It is an excellent first or last night site for people who are using the Baker Lake Entry Point to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. 5 secluded sites, a boat launch, no fees charged; and walleye, northern & perch in the lake. Details here.

From Highway 61 in Tofte, North on the Sawbill Trail 16 miles to The Grade, turn right on The Grade and drive for 6 miles; left on FR 1272.

 

Forest Road 1272 | Tofte
218-663-8060
mile 82.8 + 11.2 miles
Superior National Forest Campground

9 sites on the Temperance River; picnic tables, fishing, fire grates, toilets, are first come-first served, drinking water, are RV accessible (limited length, no hook-ups, though) and fee charged. Details here.

From Hwy 61, north on Sawbill Trail (Co. Rd. 2) for 12 miles, campground is on west

 

Sawbill Trail | Tofte
218-663-8060
mile 80.6
State Park Campground

Want to stay at the Temperance River State Park Campground? It is open almost year-round [closes in the dead of winter] and features

52 [almost year round] drive-in sites; the upper campground offers 18 electric sites, 2 are pull-through sites; 60' RV length limit. The lower campground [non-electric] has 34 sites, and a few have excellent Lake Superior views.
6 cart-in sites a short distance from parking, 3 sites each in upper and lower campground; carts and bear-proof storage lockers provided.
Seasonal accessible showers and flush toilets in upper campground, and year round vault toilets.
Firewood and ice for sale at seasonally at office.
2023 payment update for camping and firewood
Reservations

 

7620 West Highway 61 | Schroeder
218-663-3100
mile 60.0 + 5.4 miles
State Forest Campground

The campsites at the Finland MN Campground are considered "primitive," designed to furnish only the basic needs of the camper. The campsites consist of a cleared area, fire ring, and table. Vault toilets, garbage cans, and drinking water are available. All sites are on a first-come, first-served basis for a fee.

Finland campground has 39 campsites and is located about 7 miles from Lake Superior and Tettegouche. The campground is situated at the confluence of the east and west branches of the Baptism River adjacent to the village of Finland. The Finland campground allows ingress/egress with ATVs to 15 designated campsites with access to the Moose Walk/Moose Run and Red Dot ATV trail systems. The campground also has a reservable group campsite.

From Hwy 61, take Hwy 1 to the village of Finland. From Finland, take Lake County Road 6 about 1/2 mile to the campground.

For more details, click here.

 

County Road 6 | Finland
866-857-2757
mile 59.4 + 2.8 miles
State Forest Campground

The campground, which is adjacent to the Baptism River, is considered "primitive," designed to furnish only the basic needs of the camper. The campsites consist of a cleared area, fire ring, and table. In addition, vault toilets, garbage cans, and drinking water are available. All sites are on a first-come, first-served basis for a fee.

Eckbeck Campground and Day Use Area is approximately 3 miles from Lake Superior and Tetttegouche State Park, offers the visitor a great alternative to the more developed and heavily used state parks along the North Shore. From MN Hwy 61, take MN Hwy 1, (N) 3.5 miles to the campground.

For more details, click here.

 

Highway 1 | Silver Bay
866-857-2757
mile 59.4 + 13.8 miles
State Park Campground

21 secluded backpack sites from 0.5 to 4.5 miles from parking area; several along the Manitou River and 4 near Benson Lake.
Vault toilets at the trailhead; field latrines are located near campsites.
This is low impact camping; use of camp stoves is encouraged instead of campfires.
2023 payment update for camping and firewood
Reservations

 

7616 Lake County Road 7 | Finland
218-353-8800
mile 59.4 + 21.8 miles
Superior National Forest Campground

26 sites along the lake, picnic tables, fishing, fire grates, toilets, are first come-first served, drinking water, are RV accessible (limited length, no hook-ups, though) and fee charged. Includes a boat launch, an area for large groups and a 5 mile hiking trail. Details here.

From Hwy 61 in Schroeder, north on Co. Rd. 1 for 10 miles, east on Co. Rd. 7 for 4 miles

 

Lake County Road 7 | Finalnd
218-663-8060
mile 58.7
State Park Campground

28 year round, secluded drive-in sites on the Baptism River, about 1.5 miles from Lake Superior; 22 are electric sites; NO pull-through sites; 60' RV length limit.
6 walk-in sites with bear-proof storage lockers in Baptism River campground.
13 cart-in sites near Lake Superior's shores with bear-proof storage lockers, up to 0.6 miles from parking.
5 backpack sites along the Superior Hiking Trail, first-come first-served, 1-night stays only.
2 cart-in [tent-only] group sites about 100 yards from parking; nearest potable water is at park office 1.5 miles away; vault toilets, picnic tables, fire ring.
Cabin Rentals: year round housekeeping, 2-bedroom, full kitchen, accessible Illgen Falls Cabin. 4 rustic year round walk-in cabins at Tettegouche Camp. Note - it is a 3.5 mile or steep 1.7 mile one-way walk into the cabins [no carts]. Cabins are 1- to 3-rooms, sleeping 2-6 people, with screened in porch, kitchenettes, wood stove and firewood, and use of a canoe; share a modern restroom with showers.
Year round accessible showers, flush toilets, and vault toilets in campground.
No dump station.
Firewood for sale year round at office; ice for sale seasonally at office.
2023 payment update for camping and firewood
Reservations

 

5702 Highway 61 | Silver Bay
866-857-2757
mile 55.0
Municipal Campground

One of the newest north shore campgrounds, Black Beach Campground Silver Bay is a 49-site campground with 5 accessible sites, 30-amp electric service in all sites, picnic tables, fire rings, restroom and bathhouse facilities, a playground and access to walking trails that lead to the beach.

 

200 W Lakeview Drive | Silver Bay
218-226-1825
mile 51.3 + 8.1 miles
Private Campground

Lax Lake Campground is privately owned and offers lakeshore campsites for tenters and RVS; electric hook-up available. Canoe, motor boat and pontoon rental; Also has Lakeside Lodge rooms, Lakeside Vintage cabins and a duplex. All on Lax Lake.

 

5736 Lax Lake Road | Silver Bay
218-353-7424
mile 46.0
State Park Campground

New! Shipwreck Creek Campground opened June 1st. This state park campground features:

46 seasonal electric sites at new Shipwreck Creek Campground, most with 70-foot long parking pads
20 year round beautiful walk-in/cart-in sites, secluded and within 2000' of parking; wheeled carts provided seasonally, bring a sled or packs in the winter.
2 accessible sites in cart-in campground and 3 sites in Shipwreck Creek campground.
4 backpack sites 0.5 to 2 miles from campground parking, 2 are accessible from Lake Superior Water Trail
Seasonal accessible showers and flush toilets, and year round vault toilets.
NO dump or fill station.
Firewood for sale year round at office; ice for sale seasonally at office.
2023 payment update for camping and firewood
Reservations

 

3755 Split Rock Lighthouse Road | Two Harbors
866-857-2757
mile 39.0
State Park Campground

69 drive-in sites [no electric/many wooded] with 3 pull-through, 40' RV length limit; 4 accessible sites near accessible restrooms.
1 first-come, first-served kayak site ONLY for campers paddling the Lake Superior State Water Trail.
3 group sites [tent only; shared parking; rustic toilets; potable water nearby]
Seasonal accessible showers and flush toilets, and dump station. Accessible flush toilets in visitor center and vault toilets open year round.
Firewood for sale at campground in summer and visitor center in winter; ice for sale seasonally at campground.

2023 payment update for camping and firewood
Reservations

 

3206 Highway 61 East | Two Harbors
866-857-2757
mile 26.4
Municipal Campground

Looking for Two Harbors camping? Burlington Bay Campground has 66 sites with water and electric hook-ups; 36 sites with water, electric and sewer hook-ups; and 34 sites with water, sewer and 50 amp electric hook-ups. In addition, there are 10 primitive tent sites. On Burlington Bay of Lake Superior at the eastern edge of Two Harbors.

 

Highway 61 and Park Road | Two Harbors
218-834-2021
mile 26.4 + 26.1 miles
State Forest Campground

The campsites are considered "primitive," designed to furnish only the basic needs of the camper. The campsites consist of a cleared area, fire ring, and table. Vault toilets, garbage cans, and drinking water are available. All sites are on a first-come, first-served basis for a fee.

Sullivan Lake Campground is tucked along Sullivan Lake. The campground features a boat launch, nature trails, and four day-use picnic sites.

From Two Harbors take Co. Rd. 2 north 26 mi. to Co. Rd. 15; turn left (W) 0.5 mi; turn left (S) at Sullivan Lake Rd. entrance.

For more information, click here.

 

Sullivan Lake | Two Harbors
218-834-1430
mile 16.7
Private Campground

Spacious RV & tent sites; fire pits, picnic tables; showers and flush toilets; located between Scenic 61 and Hwy 61 midway between Duluth & Two Harbors.

 

725 Scenic Drive | Two Harbors
218-834-4603
mile 123.8
State Park Campground

This Minnesota State Park campground features:

27 seasonal semi-secluded drive-in sites, no electric sites, 45' RV length limit, 30-50 foot parking spurs.
Seasonal accessible showers and flush toilets, and vault toilets open year round.
Firewood for sale seasonally at office.
2023 payment update for camping and firewood
Reservations

 

4051 East Highway 61 | Grand Marais
866-857-2757
gunflint mile 55.0
Superior National Forest Campground

32 sites, picnic tables, fishing, fire grates, toilets, some are reservable, drinking water, are RV accessible (limited length, no hook-ups, though) and fee charged.; two boat launches, two boat accesses, nearby phone, gas, groceries and sundry items - some RV hook-ups.

From Hwy 61, north 57 miles on Gunflint Trail (Co. Rd. 12) to campground entrance

For more information & reservations click here.

 

Gunflint Trail | Grand Marais
218-387-1750
gunflint mile 43.8
Private Campground

Bring you tent, RV or camper or stay in one of our camping cabins. Our sites are well wooded with natural features and vegetation, offer electric and water service, a rock fire pit and lake frontage for some sites.  There is a bathhouse, laundromat, playground and lodge/store building with gifts, groceries & supplies and snackbar.  We offer boat & watercraft rentals and can arrange guide service.  We welcome families with children and we're pet friendly!

 

217 South Gunflint Lake | Grand Marais
218-388-4454
gunflint mile 35.8
Superior National Forest Campground

7 sites and a carry down boat access, picnic tables, fishing, fire grates, toilets, are first come-first served, drinking water, are RV accessible (limited length, no hook-ups, though) and fee charged. Details here.

From Hwy 61, north 36 miles on Gunflint Trail (Co. Rd. 12), east 2 miles on Old Gunflint Trail (don't turn the first time you see Old Gunflint Trail, you will turn at the 2nd / west entrance).

 

Old Gunflint Trail | Grand Marais
218-387-1750
gunflint mile 30.7
Private Campground

formerly Big Bear Lodge and Cabins, camping on the Gunflint Trail

Open year round for lodging, bar, and homemade, artisan pizza.  Warm up by the massive 25ft stone fireplace or stay on Poplar Lake in one of our 6 lakeside cabins, 3 lodge rooms, or 4 campsites.  Guests have complimentary use of canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, and sauna.  Firewood is included with your stay.  Dog friendly cabins and campsites.  BWCA access.

 

7969 Northwoods Loop | Grand Marais
218-388-0172
gunflint mile 29.0
Private Campground

Tent and RV sites with hookups, dump station, fishing, swimming, hiking, a playground and lodge.

 

372 Hungry Jack Road | Grand Marais
218-388-2265
gunflint mile 27.4
Superior National Forest Campground

Up the Gunflint Trail, the Flour Lake Campground has 37 sites, picnic tables, fishing, fire grates, toilets, are first come-first served, drinking water, are RV accessible (limited length, no hook-ups, though) and fee charged. Great fishing lake, near Honeymoon Bluff hiking trail. Details here.

From Hwy 61, north 27 miles on Gunflint Trail (Co. Rd. 12), east 2 miles on Clearwater Rd.

 

Clearwater Road | Grand Marais
877-444-6777
gunflint mile 26.1
Superior National Forest Campground

This federal campground at East bearskin Lake features:

33 sites; some along the lake, which is partially within the BWCA, picnic tables, fishing, fire grates, toilets, are first come-first served, drinking water, are RV accessible (limited length, no hook-ups, though) and fee charged. Details here.

From Hwy 61, north 25.5 miles on Gunflint Trail (Co. Rd. 12), east 1 mile on E Bearskin Rd.

 

East Bearskin Road | Grand Marais
218-387-1750
gunflint mile 12.7
Superior National Forest Campground

Kimball Lake Campground offers 10 first-come, first-served sites, picnic tables, fishing, fire grates, toilets, drinking water, RV accessible (limited length, no hook-ups) and fee charged. Hiking trail around the lake. Nearby Mink Lake has a barrier free fishing pier and swimming beach - note a trout stamp is required to fish on Kimball Lake. Details here.

From Hwy 61, north 11 miles on Gunflint Trail (Co. Rd. 12), east 2 miles on Trout Lake Road.

 

Trout Lake Road | Grand Marais
218-387-1750
mile 110.2 + 16.2 miles
Superior National Forest Campground

Small camping area particularly suited to people who are planning to fish in the Cascade River or are looking for a remote place to camp.  There are not tables at the campsites.  Fishing requires a valid license from the Minnesota Dept of Natural Resources, and trout fishing requires an additional stamp. No drinking water, 4 sites, day-use picnic area, no fees charged. Details here.

From Highway 61 in Grand Marais, north on the Gunflint Trail to Devil Track Road; left for 4.5 miles and veer left, continue 5 miles to Bally Creek Rd, turn right and campground is there.

 

Bally Creek Road | Grand Marais
218-387-1750
mile 110.2 + 12.7 miles
Superior National Forest Campground

This federal campground at Devil Track Lake features:

16 sites, picnic tables, fishing, fire grates, toilets, are first come-first served, drinking water, are RV accessible (limited length, no hook-ups, though) and fee charged. A swimming beach, carry down boat access, a picnic site, berry picking and a boat launch a 1/2 mile east. Details here.

From Hwy 61, north 4 miles on Gunflint Trail (Co. Rd. 12), west 8.4 miles on Co. Rd. 8, left into campground on Forest Rd 1612.

 

Bergy Boulevard | Grand Marais
218-387-1750
mile 110.2 + 14.1 miles
Superior National Forest Campground

Two Island Lake Campground has 36 first-come, first-served sites, picnic tables, fishing, fire grates, toilets, drinking water, RV accessible (limited length, no hook-ups) and fee charged. A boat launch; fishing lake.

From Hwy 61 in Grand Marais, north 3.7 miles on Gunflint Trail (Co. Rd. 12), west 6 miles on Co. Rd. 8, north 4 miles on Ball Club Road

For more information click here.

 

Ball Club Road | Grand Marais
218-387-1750
mile 100.8
State Park Campground

40 drive-in sites: 21 electric, 19 non-electric; 4 are pull-through sites, 35' RV length limit.
5 backpack sites from 0.5 to 1.5 miles from parking.
2 group camps [tent only; located 75 yards from parking].
Seasonal accessible showers and flush toilets, and dump station.
3 electric and 3 non-electric sites and vault toilets open year round.
Firewood for sale at office; ice for sale seasonally at office.
2023 payment update for camping and firewood
Reservations

 

3481 West Highway 61 | Lutsen
218-387-6000

Garbage, Recycling & Dump Stations

Looking for a place to dispose of your camping waste? Many campgrounds will have a dumpster and recycling. If you need to dump your RV tank, or find a recycling or waste disposal center check out the links below

family in horse drawn sleigh at gunflint lodge
clearwater historic lodge on gunflint trail northern lights
sparkling wintry lake superior and ice sheets stacked on north shore

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