Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Crane Lake? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Crane Lake, Minnesota's most popular destinations.
BACKCOUNTRY CAMPSITES are located on the park's interior lakes and offer a more remote and secluded camping experience. They have fewer amenities, consisting of fire rings, an outdoor privy, and some have a bear pole for safe food storage. These sites first require travel by private watercraft or local water taxi service to a trailhead and then hiking up to several miles to the backcountry lakes. Some campsites can be hiked to directly while others require the use of a canoe after hiking which is provided by the park and remains stationed at these remote lakes.
$25 - $35 / night
Welcome to Bear Head Lake State Park Campground, nestled near Ely, MN. This spot is a gem for those who crave a mix of tranquility and adventure. The campground is open year-round, so whether you're a summer sun-seeker or a winter wanderer, there's always something to enjoy.
The campsites here are pretty varied. Some are perfect for tents, others cater to RVs, and there are even cozy cabins if you prefer a bit more comfort. One thing visitors consistently rave about is the privacy of the sites, especially in the non-electric areas. You won't feel like you're on top of your neighbors, which is a big plus.
Bear Head Lake itself is a highlight. It's a great spot for canoeing, and there are individual docks for fishing. The trails around the park are well-maintained and offer plenty of opportunities to explore the beautiful Northwoods. If you're into hiking, there's a tough but rewarding 1.5-mile trek to a secluded backpacking site with a stunning lake view. Just be prepared for a bit of a workout!
Amenities include drinking water, electric hookups, showers, and toilets. There's also a market for any essentials you might need. And yes, you can have a campfire—just remember to grab some firewood from the park.
A word to the wise: bring plenty of bug spray. The mosquitoes and black flies can be relentless, especially in the more remote areas. But don't let that deter you; the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it all worthwhile.
So pack your gear, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to enjoy everything Bear Head Lake State Park Campground has to offer. Happy camping!
$16 - $22 / night
Echo Lake is located on the west end of the Echo Trail, a remote country road that traverses through the heart of the Western Superior National Forest. This quiet campground, where the sounds of birds and the wind are often heard, is a peaceful alternative to the hustle and bustle of the area's resort scene. A variety of campsites, activities and amenities offer a comfortable stay for RV, trailer and tent campers. Superior National Forest, located in northeastern Minnesota's arrowhead region, is comprised of three million acres. The forest spans 150 miles along the United States-Canada border. Visitors can find recreation opportunities year-round, including travel in the famous Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Echo Lake is a popular fishing spot for walleye, northern pike, panfish, black crappie, white sucker and yellow perch also living in the lake. The surrounding national forest offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking in secluded woodlands and canoeing in pristine lakes and rivers. View recreation guides and maps of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest.
Echo Lake is a popular fishing spot for walleye, northern pike, panfish, black crappie, white sucker and yellow perch also living in the lake. The surrounding national forest offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking in secluded woodlands and canoeing in pristine lakes and rivers. View recreation guides and maps of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest.
This campground is on the south shore of the 1,222-acre Echo Lake and is surrounded by a mix of aspen, balsam, spruce, maple and pine trees, which provide ample shade.
Possible day trips from the campground include Voyageurs National Park, Crane Lake, Vermillion Falls, Echo Lake Trail (1.5 miles) and Echo Lake Hunters Walking Trail (10 miles). Numerous outdoor recreation opportunities lie within Superior National Forest's 77 lake accesses, 13 fishing piers, 10 swimming beaches and 22 picnic areas. The forest is also home to three scenic byways and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Additional sites of interest
$12 - $20 / night
Fall Lake Campground is located on the shores of Fall Lake and provides direct access into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The campground opens in early May in time for walleye fishing season, making it a popular place for anglers. Others are drawn to Fall Lake for its birding, swimming, hiking and boating opportunities. Superior National Forest, located in northeastern Minnesota's arrowhead region, is comprised of 3 million acres. The forest spans 150 miles along the United States-Canada border.
Part of Fall Lake lies within the BWCAW, while the rest of the lake is open to unrestricted boating, permits are required to enter the BWCAW. View recreation guides and maps of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest. Kids love the campground's swimming beach, playground and picnic area. A 1.5 mile hiking trail is also a favorite pastime for families. Anglers can try their luck for smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, crappie, perch and bluegill. Some campers might be interested in the unique opportunity to view the visitor center's display of replica artifacts found during archaeological digs within the campground and surrounding areas. There's no shortage of popular local events to attend, including the City of Ely's July 4th fireworks, the Blueberry Festival (the last full weekend in July) and the Harvest Moon Festival-mid September.
Part of Fall Lake lies within the BWCAW, while the rest of the lake is open to unrestricted boating, permits are required to enter the BWCAW. View recreation guides and maps of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest. Kids love the campground's swimming beach, playground and picnic area. A 1.5 mile hiking trail is also a favorite pastime for families. Anglers can try their luck for smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, crappie, perch and bluegill. Some campers might be interested in the unique opportunity to view the visitor center's display of replica artifacts found during archaeological digs within the campground and surrounding areas. There's no shortage of popular local events to attend, including the City of Ely's July 4th fireworks, the Blueberry Festival (the last full weekend in July) and the Harvest Moon Festival-mid September.
The campground is nestled among majestic pine and abundant aspen and fir trees, providing the ultimate northwoods setting. Average summer temperatures are a pleasant 60-75 degrees. Birds and wildlife are abundant.
Guests may want to take a day trip to the Dorothy Molter Museum, International Wolf Center, North American Bear Center, Ely-Winton History Museum or Soudan Mine. By far the most popular nearby attraction is the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Over one million acres in size, the Boundary Waters contain over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 12 hiking trails and over 2,000 designated campsites.
$35 - $110 / night
Jeanette Lake Campground is a small, single-loop campground on a peninsula reaching out onto the glacier-carved Lake Jeanette in Superior National Forest. Originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, this sweet, picturesque campground is well worth the drive. The facility provides sites that are usually accessible to RVs and tent trailers along with tent-only and hike-in sites. Superior National Forest, located in northeastern Minnesota's arrowhead region, is comprised of three million acres. The forest spans 150 miles along the United States-Canada border. Visitors can find recreation opportunities year-round, including travel in the famous Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
The winding shoreline and islands make the 638-acre Lake Jeanette a great place to explore in a canoe or kayak. Fishing opportunities include walleye, northern pike and perch. The campground provides access to the Astrid Lake Hiking Trail for those who want to stretch their legs. The surrounding national forest offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking in secluded woodlands and canoeing in pristine lakes and rivers. View recreation guides and maps of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest.
The winding shoreline and islands make the 638-acre Lake Jeanette a great place to explore in a canoe or kayak. Fishing opportunities include walleye, northern pike and perch. The campground provides access to the Astrid Lake Hiking Trail for those who want to stretch their legs. The surrounding national forest offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking in secluded woodlands and canoeing in pristine lakes and rivers. View recreation guides and maps of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest.
Lake Jeanette is not the largest or most isolated lake in the national forest, but it feels like it is both. Created long ago by a massive glacier, this lake is considered by many to be a special location. The campground is wooded with a pleasant mix of hardwoods, pine and spruce providing shade for most sites. The understory of fern, wildflowers and grass is kept under control by mowing, giving the campground a manicured appearance. Glacial "erratics" (massive boulders) left behind by the receding glacier give the campground character and a place for moss to grow.
Possible day trips from the campground include Voyageurs National Park, Crane Lake and Vermillion Falls. Numerous outdoor recreation opportunities lie within Superior National Forest's 77 lake accesses, 13 fishing piers, 10 swimming beaches and 22 picnic areas. The forest is also home to three scenic byways and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Additional sites of interest
$12 / night
The campground 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. There are only individual campsites available. Campsites are spacious throughout, so the deciding factors are privacy and proximity to the lake.
All sites are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Highlights: Woodenfrog State Campground and Day- Use Area is beautiful and rustic with a great swimming beach, boat ramp, and an old CCC building used for interpretive talks on a regular basis.
The day-use area is located on a pine-covered shoreline, can accommodate large groups, and offers quiet, private sites for smaller groups.
$17 / night
Crane Lake is a large body of water and is a popular area for fishing and boating. There are 3 backcountry campsites located on the lake. Crane Lake also connects to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness through Little Vermilion Lake and Voyageurs National Park through Sand Point Lake.
All Frontcountry and Backcountry campsites are water-based, require a permit, and can only be accessed by boat. Most campsites in the park are Frontcountry sites, meaning they are directly accessible by boat. 15 of our campsites are in the Backcountry, meaning the trail head is only accessible by water before you start your hike in.
$20 / night
$35 / night
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Crane Lake, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Crane Lake, MN is Voyageurs National Park Backcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park with a 4.9-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Crane Lake, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 63 tent camping locations near Crane Lake, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
