Along Minnesota's North Shore, Black Beach Campground sits in Silver Bay just off Highway 61, providing RV and tent campers with level gravel sites and full hookup options. The municipal campground operates two distinct sections: sites near the highway offer electric-only hookups, while the back loop features full-service sites with water, electric, and sewer connections for RVs up to 75 feet.
The campground's young landscape means limited shade from saplings still establishing themselves, creating an open environment where sites offer little privacy between neighbors. Jennifer B. notes "a new security code locked bathhouse is clean and nice," though facilities serve a high number of sites relative to their capacity. ATV enthusiasts frequent the area since trails connect directly to the campground, bringing daytime activity that respects the 8 AM quiet time start.
Black Beach itself sits within walking distance, offering the unique experience of Lake Superior's dark sand shoreline. The campground serves as a practical base for exploring Superior National Forest attractions, with Lake Superior Overlook at Northshore Park nearby. Silver Bay provides grocery stores and dining options for resupply needs.
Campers should note the absence of an onsite dump station—those without full hookups must use Silver Bay's municipal facility, which reviewers report can be problematic during busy periods. The campground enforces strict check-in and check-out times, and reservations help secure preferred sites away from highway noise. Sites closer to the lake typically offer a quieter experience than those adjacent to Highway 61.
This straightforward municipal facility works best for RV travelers seeking reliable hookups and lake access on the North Shore, particularly those comfortable with minimal privacy and open camping conditions.
Description
Our campground is comprised of 49 sites and situated on 14.5 acres adjacent to the shores of Lake Superior, located near the intersection of the North Shore Scenic Byway and the Superior National Forest Scenic Byway. Situated in the heart of the North Shore, the Black Beach Campground is an hour drive north of Duluth following Highway 61 and only 50 miles south of Grand Marias. If traveling from the Iron Range cities (Biwabik, Eveleth, Gilbert and Virginia) our campground is approximately 60 miles east from Highway 53 when taking Highway 16/Forest Highway 11 towards Silver Bay. The campground's location makes it the ideal basecamp for those looking to explore the wonders of the North Shore.
Fee Info
Extras $10/stay lock chosen site
$10/reservation change
$10/night per tent
$5/night per vehicle
$5/stay per pet
$6/firewood bundle $5/bundle purchasing 3 or more
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBlack Beach Campground is located in Minnesota near Silver Bay
Directions
From the South | The campground is roughly a 3 1/2-hour drive from the Twin Cities. Take Interstate 35 north out of Minneapolis or St. Paul and drive towards Duluth. Upon entering Duluth, take Highway 61 north and following it until you reach the campground on the right-hand side of Highway 61. From the North | The campground is approximately a three-hour drive from Thunder Bay, Ontario. Head south out of Thunder Bay to the U.S. Border and continue to the town of Grand Marais on Highway 61. The campground is about 50 miles south of Grand Marais on the left-hand side of Highway 61. From the West | The campground is approximately an hour drive from the Iron Range cities (Biwabik, Eveleth, Gilbert and Virginia) on Highway 16/Forest Highway 11. Upon entering Silver Bay, stay on Outer Drive and continue to Highway 61. Take a left at the stop lights. The campground will be on your right-hand side.
Coordinates
47.299299432564915 N
91.24866223380475 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 user
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 user
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr from Duluth, MN
- 3 hrs 13 min from Eau Claire, WI
- 3 hrs 20 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 4 hrs 23 min from Wausau, WI

































