Finland State Forest Campground, near Finland, Minnesota, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without the frills. This campground offers a mix of spacious, wooded sites that provide a good amount of privacy, making it a solid choice for both tent campers and RVs.

The campground is known for its proximity to the Baptism River, which adds a lovely backdrop for your stay. Visitors have highlighted the clean, well-kept sites and the peaceful atmosphere, especially when compared to busier nearby campgrounds. As one camper noted, “It was very clean, very wooded and the campsites were nice and big.” 

While amenities are minimal—think pit toilets and no electric hookups—this place is all about the outdoor experience. You can enjoy activities like hiking, fishing, and climbing in the surrounding area, with some great state parks nearby. Just keep in mind that it can get a bit lively during peak season, especially with ATV traffic in the area. 

If you’re looking for a quiet escape with a touch of adventure, Finland State Forest Campground is worth checking out. Just remember to pack your essentials and be ready for a more primitive camping experience!

Finland State Forest Campground

Finland is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Minnesota camping has to offer. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Finland, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Finland

The Best Camping Near Finland, Minnesota

This was a random "find" when we were through hiking the SHT, but what a wonderful, hidden gem!  It was very quiet at night (there weren't many campers), but it's "self served".  The sites were $14/night on the honor system (you pay at a box at the gate). Sites are in a sort of circle, but many are on a river/stream.  Lots of trees!!  It's a state forest campground.  Fire ring, picnic table and lots of places to hang hammocks.  No showers, but pit toilets are available.  Would recommend and would frequent again!

Little Hidden Gem in the Woods

Nice little campground just off of highway 61 heading up the north shore. We were able to find a walk in campsite on a Friday night which was nice. Bathrooms were in decent condition. There is a river that runs next to the campsite and has some great views at sunset, it looks like it may have good fishing as well.

Finland Camping

This is likely my favorite campground in the state. There are minimal amenities (pit toilets and I can't remember if there is a spigot), but the location is wonderful, the sites are mostly private and wooded, and the Baptism River runs right through. You are close to excellent climbing, hiking, fishing, and the Finland Co-op. Less crowded than the north shore state parks too!

A little gem near the North Shore

We have camped as a group or shown on this outing, alone in winter! This campground never disappoints. The reason why we enjoy it so much is because it is can you get a located near some of the best hiking trails, climbing, and scenic vistas north of Duluth. We camp here at least 2-3 times a year if not more. At night you hear the Baltism River as you gently fall asleep.. we have an exped duo mattress and sleep like babies!

Most beloved group site on the baptism river

Impeccable campground. Primitive, so no electricity. Clean, secluded, and beautiful! It was the perfect place to stay while we tripped the North Scenic Route. 

Primitive-beautiful-secluded Campgrounds

This is a state forest campground high on a ridge overlooking Lake Superior, just south of the Wolf Ridge ELC. It has alot of overflow campers from Tettegouche in the summer, but is also a destination for folks who want to fish on the Baptism River or visit Wolf Ridge.  It is in a bit quieter and off the beaten path than nearby Eckbeck campground, but it is much larger so it gets busier and noisier in peak season. It also is a campground of choice for folks  interested in using the nearby state forest ATV trails, and apparently there have been some security issues related to ATVers here so video cameras are in use here for security as it is an unstaffed campground with occasional visits from state forest rangers. The campsites are large and spacious and have good fire grills and picnic tables, but the facilities are outhouses so more geared toward primitive or self sufficient camping. In summer, the business of the campground is not appealing; in winter there are few campers so I would be concerned about security issues, plus being at higher elevation there is a lot more snow up here so winter campers should be prepared! 

Up on the Ridge!

This campsite is first come, first serve which is great for people who are last minute like me 😊 I go up the North Shore quite often and this was my first time going to this campsite. It was very clean, very wooded and the campsites were nice and big. I’d most definitely visit again!

Great Campsite right near The Baptism River

On the outskirts of Finland, along the Baptism River, in the Finland National Forest. Just a few miles north of Eckbeck Campground, off of MN 1 &amp; County Rd 6. Really nice wooded sites, some can accommodate big rigs. Level sites. Vault toilets. Trash bins. Some privacy between sites. I would recommend staying here overnight if the nearby state parks are full. I do not recommend staying here for peace &amp; quiet. Noise from ATVs, a few with modified mufflers. Since there are no electric hookups, there is some noise from generators for the big RVs. What was really annoying was the noise from a bunch of drunk middle aged folks down at the group site on the night of Oct 8, 2021. I had my own drunken moments at parties, but their behavior was pathetic. Their loud voices carried throughout the campground, including some loud f-bombs. Vault toilets were just okay; not particularly clean but usable. IMO, $17 fee is too high for this particular campground. 4 bars T-Mobile. 

Okay for overnight

Right now the campground looks a little worse for wear. They did extreme tree clearing do to moth damage. 
The cons: ATV noise, the tree clearing. Paying for the site can be confusing. I paid at tettegouche, QR code didn’t work and yodel didn’t work either. 
Pros: close to climbing, some really great state parks, SHT trail, fishing. Quieter than tettegouche. 

Photos of Finland State Forest Campground

Real photos from real campers