Babbitt, Minnesota sits at 1,500 feet above sea level in a region dominated by mixed conifer-hardwood forest. Summer temperatures average 65-75°F with cool evenings dropping to 50-55°F. Winter camping options remain limited as temperatures regularly fall below 0°F from December through February, with most primitive sites closed seasonally after the first significant snowfall.
What to do
Swimming options: Lake Three in the Boundary Waters offers excellent swimming areas with gentle rocky shorelines. "The shore leading up to the site is a very gentle slope that is mainly flat rocks, so it's very easy to lay your clothes out in the sun to dry," notes a BWCA Lake Three camper.
Hiking trails: The Bean and Bear Lakes loop offers a moderately challenging 6.5-mile trail with significant elevation change. A camper at Bean and Bear Lakes Hike-In reports, "This is one of my favorite hikes and camp spots 'up north'. The hike into the Bean and Bear Lakes is fun and has some great views in itself."
Star-gazing: Many backcountry sites around Babbitt provide excellent night sky viewing opportunities. At George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, visitors appreciate the clear night skies: "There is a rocky outcrop in the middle of the site that is a perfect platform to lay down on and stargaze."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campsites in the Babbitt region offer significant separation between camping areas. At Lake Superior Cart-in Campground, "Sites were fully hidden from each other, spacious, and comfortable. We were able to hike to the high falls and shovel point directly from our campsite."
Natural tent pads: The BWCA Entry Point at Slim Lake features comfortable natural tent areas. "Great flat tent pads!! Under pines, more than enough room for a 6 person, 4 person and a 2 person with room for a few more small tents. Very flat pads (most of them) and all are on pine needles. Soft!" notes a visitor to BWCA Entry Point: 6 - Slim Lake.
Fall colors: The best tent camping near Babbitt, Minnesota showcases spectacular autumn foliage. "The campground is very quiet but the fall scenery is beautiful. The trees are blazing in color," reports a camper from Canoe Country Campground.
What you should know
Portage requirements: Many tent sites require equipment portages to access. A camper at Triangle Lake Campsite explains, "About an hour paddle to get there, and includes a portage. Has a fire ring and rustic latrine."
Bear protection: Most remote sites require proper food storage to prevent bear encounters. At George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, a visitor noted: "There also isn't a bear box which I am told the other campsites do have."
Trail difficulty: Trails to backcountry sites often present navigation challenges. One camper described paths at George H. Crosby Manitou: "Exposed roots, large rocks, and elevation changes are common. Good potential for a twisted ankle. I would not advise bringing small children or inexperienced hikers."
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: For families with young children, select sites with minimal hiking required. At Canoe Country Campground and Cabins, "Offers showers and a restroom. Has a fire pit and grate" making it more suitable for families than remote options.
Pack insect protection: Summer months bring significant mosquito activity. Bring appropriate clothing and repellents as one camper noted: "With a combination of permethrin-treated long sleeve shirt and pants, and deet bug spray, bugs did not bother me at all although they were certainly out and about."
Consider shoulder seasons: For family tent camping near Babbitt, September offers reduced insects and comfortable temperatures. "We stayed at a cart in site. There are tons of hiking trails there!" reports a family at Lake Superior Cart-in Campground.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: RV sites with electric and water are primarily available at established campgrounds. The Canoe Country Campground provides "electric-hookups" and "water-hookups" but does not offer sewer connections or sanitary dump stations.
Site access limitations: Many access roads to campgrounds around Babbitt have restrictions. At Eighteen Rustic Lake Campground, "Road coming to the campground can be rough in places, but doable with passenger car."
Alternative accommodation options: For those seeking more comfort, cabin options provide a middle ground. "Has a one room cabin for 2 people with a queen bed, small refrigerator, an electric cook top, dishes and a table with 2 chairs. Heated by a wood stove and has back up furnace if temperature goes below 50 degrees."
