Balsam is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Balsam, MN. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
The rugged land formations of Jay Cooke State Park enhance the beauty of the hardwood forests and make for great camping near Minneapolis. The water-eroded gorge, steep valleys, and massive rock formations are seen throughout the park. In some seasons, the water of the St. Louis River thunders over slabs of ancient, exposed rock. At other times, it slows to a gentle trickle. Visitors enjoy the scenic splendor of Jay Cooke State Park during all seasons.
Drive-in Sites 79 Sites: Most are wooded sites. In winter, 12 sites are kept available for winter camping. Of these, five are electric sites.
Pull-Through Sites: One Site
Electric Sites: 21 Sites Majority of sites are 20 and 30 amps, some 50 amp.
RV Length Limit: Variable by site up to 60 Feet Length is measured from front of tow vehicle to rear of vehicle being towed.
Wheelchair Accessible Sites: 3 Sites Located near drinking water. Two sites are electric, one is non-electric.
Backpack Sites: 4 Sites Sites are located from 1 to 4 miles from parking area. Each site has picnic table, fire ring and latrine. Campers must haul water or treat water on site. Trail access to these sites has been restored after a 2012 flood, but a few nearby trails remain closed. Please register at the park office for details on how to get to these sites.
Walk-in Sites: 4 Sites Sites are located 50 to 150 feet from parking area.
Group Camp: 2 Sites - Each accommodates up to 25 people Remote, wooded camp with walk-in sites approximately 150' from parking area (limited parking). Carts are provided to carry in camping gear. Water spigot and vault toilets available. Tents only. Lodging
Camper Cabins: 5 Cabins All cabins have a screened porch. Electricity and heat are available year-round. Agate and Basalt cabins are ADA accessible and sleep 5. Slate, Gabbro, and Shale Cabins sleep 6 people. Pets not allowed in cabins. More information on camper cabins.
Savanna Portage State Park Campground, nestled near McGregor, MN, is a gem for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. This campground is open from April to November and offers a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. It's a great spot for families, solo adventurers, and groups alike.
The campground is surrounded by serene lakes and lush forests, making it a prime location for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. The Continental Divide Trail is a highlight, offering a scenic hike with the chance to spot local wildlife. Loon Lake, with its small beach and playground, is perfect for families with kids.
The campground itself is well-equipped with amenities like electric hookups, drinking water, showers, and toilets. Firewood is available for those cozy campfires, and pets are welcome, so you don't have to leave your furry friends behind. Sites are generally flat and wooded, providing a good mix of shade and open space.
Visitors have noted that the campground can get a bit buggy, especially in the summer, so packing some insect repellent is a smart move. Despite this, the beauty of the park and the variety of activities available make it a worthwhile destination.
Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, Savanna Portage State Park Campground offers a peaceful retreat with plenty to explore. Just remember to bring your bug spray and enjoy the natural beauty of this Minnesota treasure.
$16 - $60 / night
Welcome to Banning State Park Campground! Nestled near Askov, MN, this campground is a gem for anyone looking to escape into nature. The campground offers a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations, making it a versatile spot for all kinds of campers. One of the standout features here is the abundance of hiking trails. The trails are well-maintained and offer a range of experiences, from easy walks to more challenging hikes along the Kettle River, which boasts the only class 5 rapids in Minnesota.
Visitors rave about the spacious sites and the ample tree coverage that provides plenty of shade. If you're into history, you'll love the self-guided tours that take you through the park's rich past, including old quarry ruins and informative signs along the trails. The park is also pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends along for the adventure.
For those who enjoy a bit of comfort, the campground has electric hookups, showers, and toilets. Firewood is available for purchase on-site, and each campsite comes with a picnic table and fire ring. Just a heads-up: the water can be a bit rusty, so it's a good idea to bring your own drinking water or fill up at the park office.
If you're planning a visit during the warmer months, be prepared for a bit of noise from the nearby interstate, but the beauty of the park more than makes up for it. And if you're visiting in the fall, you're in for a treat with the stunning fall colors. Whether you're here for the hiking, the history, or just to relax, Banning State Park Campground has something for everyone.
$24 - $34 / night
$39 - $59 / night
Nestled in a forest on the western high point of Duluth, Minnesota, Spirit Mountain Campground offers walk-in tenting as well as 73 campsites equipped with fire pits, picnic tables, and electricity. Easy access to our award-winning Mountain Bike Trails, our Adventure Park and Superior Hiking Trail.
Thirty-nine sites have water hook-ups, and two shower buildings offer 24-hour convenience.
Spirit Mountain overlooks majestic Lake Superior and the St. Louis Bay. Natural beauty abounds in the area– you can quickly and easily access water, hiking and biking trails and much more. The trailhead for the Superior Hiking Trail is within walking distance of the Campground. And near the Campground, there is an overlook area of Lake Superior, the bay, the St. Louis River, and the Aerial Lift Bridge.
$30 / night
$20 / night
The campground is adjacent to the Hay Lake Public Landing. 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.
Highlights: Hay Lake campground offers a swimming beach and water access to Hay Lake, which is known for panfish, crappie, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and walleye. Many of the campsites are located lakeside and have access to hiking and mountain bike trails.
Hay Lake Campground is a great alternative to the more developed and heavily used Savanna State Park.
CAMP SITES
WATER & SANITATION
RECREATION & TRAILS
20 camp sites
1 well
drinking water
lake access
carry-in access
5 picnic tables
swimming
fishing3
The Sandy Lake Dam and Recreation Area is situated at the outlet of Big Sandy Lake in northern Minnesota, 13 miles north of McGregor, MN. The dam is a part of the Mississippi Headwaters Project, one of the first reservoir systems in the country, and the Sandy Lake Dam structure dates back to 1895. Today the grounds have been developed into a park and campground that is noted for its clean, family-friendly environment and access to fishing and boating on both the lake and nearby Mississippi River. It offers the only public campground and beach on Big Sandy Lake. The area is also a part of the historic canoe route that connected the Mississippi River to Lake Superior and major fur trading companies. Artifacts from the area's long history are kept in a small museum located near the dam.
Sandy Lake offers many recreational opportunities including camping, boating, swimming, picnicking, birding and hiking. Anglers enjoy fishing the lake and river for Northern pike, walleye, small mouth bass, bluegill, crappie and even catfish. Playgrounds are located on both sides of the dam and are located near the beach and visitor museum areas. The old lock house has been converted into a free small museum containing historical artifacts from the area. Educational programs are offered seasonally and are open to the public.
Sandy Lake offers many recreational opportunities including camping, boating, swimming, picnicking, birding and hiking. Anglers enjoy fishing the lake and river for Northern pike, walleye, small mouth bass, bluegill, crappie and even catfish. Playgrounds are located on both sides of the dam and are located near the beach and visitor museum areas. The old lock house has been converted into a free small museum containing historical artifacts from the area. Educational programs are offered seasonally and are open to the public.
Big Sandy Lake is a reservoir that was created in the late nineteenth century from the waters of a naturally exisiting lake and the Sandy River. A forest of mixed hardwoods and towering red and white pine covers the area. An abundance of wildlife can be found including bald eagles, white-tail deer, black bears, chipmunks, loons, mink, river otters and many others. Wild rice is harvested from the lake seasonally and wild berries are occasionally found.
Nearby attractions include golf courses, shopping and dining venues, Savannah Portage State Park, Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and many acres of state and county forest land.
$60 / night
The rugged land formations of Jay Cooke State Park enhance the beauty of the hardwood forests and make for great camping near Minneapolis. The water-eroded gorge, steep valleys, and massive rock formations are seen throughout the park. In some seasons, the water of the St. Louis River thunders over slabs of ancient, exposed rock. At other times, it slows to a gentle trickle. Visitors enjoy the scenic splendor of Jay Cooke State Park during all seasons.
Drive-in Sites 79 Sites: Most are wooded sites. In winter, 12 sites are kept available for winter camping. Of these, five are electric sites.
Pull-Through Sites: One Site
Electric Sites: 21 Sites Majority of sites are 20 and 30 amps, some 50 amp.
RV Length Limit: Variable by site up to 60 Feet Length is measured from front of tow vehicle to rear of vehicle being towed.
Wheelchair Accessible Sites: 3 Sites Located near drinking water. Two sites are electric, one is non-electric.
Backpack Sites: 4 Sites Sites are located from 1 to 4 miles from parking area. Each site has picnic table, fire ring and latrine. Campers must haul water or treat water on site. Trail access to these sites has been restored after a 2012 flood, but a few nearby trails remain closed. Please register at the park office for details on how to get to these sites.
Walk-in Sites: 4 Sites Sites are located 50 to 150 feet from parking area.
Group Camp: 2 Sites - Each accommodates up to 25 people Remote, wooded camp with walk-in sites approximately 150' from parking area (limited parking). Carts are provided to carry in camping gear. Water spigot and vault toilets available. Tents only. Lodging
Camper Cabins: 5 Cabins All cabins have a screened porch. Electricity and heat are available year-round. Agate and Basalt cabins are ADA accessible and sleep 5. Slate, Gabbro, and Shale Cabins sleep 6 people. Pets not allowed in cabins. More information on camper cabins.
Savanna Portage State Park Campground, nestled near McGregor, MN, is a gem for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. This campground is open from April to November and offers a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. It's a great spot for families, solo adventurers, and groups alike.
The campground is surrounded by serene lakes and lush forests, making it a prime location for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. The Continental Divide Trail is a highlight, offering a scenic hike with the chance to spot local wildlife. Loon Lake, with its small beach and playground, is perfect for families with kids.
The campground itself is well-equipped with amenities like electric hookups, drinking water, showers, and toilets. Firewood is available for those cozy campfires, and pets are welcome, so you don't have to leave your furry friends behind. Sites are generally flat and wooded, providing a good mix of shade and open space.
Visitors have noted that the campground can get a bit buggy, especially in the summer, so packing some insect repellent is a smart move. Despite this, the beauty of the park and the variety of activities available make it a worthwhile destination.
Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, Savanna Portage State Park Campground offers a peaceful retreat with plenty to explore. Just remember to bring your bug spray and enjoy the natural beauty of this Minnesota treasure.
$16 - $60 / night
Welcome to Banning State Park Campground! Nestled near Askov, MN, this campground is a gem for anyone looking to escape into nature. The campground offers a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations, making it a versatile spot for all kinds of campers. One of the standout features here is the abundance of hiking trails. The trails are well-maintained and offer a range of experiences, from easy walks to more challenging hikes along the Kettle River, which boasts the only class 5 rapids in Minnesota.
Visitors rave about the spacious sites and the ample tree coverage that provides plenty of shade. If you're into history, you'll love the self-guided tours that take you through the park's rich past, including old quarry ruins and informative signs along the trails. The park is also pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends along for the adventure.
For those who enjoy a bit of comfort, the campground has electric hookups, showers, and toilets. Firewood is available for purchase on-site, and each campsite comes with a picnic table and fire ring. Just a heads-up: the water can be a bit rusty, so it's a good idea to bring your own drinking water or fill up at the park office.
If you're planning a visit during the warmer months, be prepared for a bit of noise from the nearby interstate, but the beauty of the park more than makes up for it. And if you're visiting in the fall, you're in for a treat with the stunning fall colors. Whether you're here for the hiking, the history, or just to relax, Banning State Park Campground has something for everyone.
$24 - $34 / night
$39 - $59 / night
Nestled in a forest on the western high point of Duluth, Minnesota, Spirit Mountain Campground offers walk-in tenting as well as 73 campsites equipped with fire pits, picnic tables, and electricity. Easy access to our award-winning Mountain Bike Trails, our Adventure Park and Superior Hiking Trail.
Thirty-nine sites have water hook-ups, and two shower buildings offer 24-hour convenience.
Spirit Mountain overlooks majestic Lake Superior and the St. Louis Bay. Natural beauty abounds in the area– you can quickly and easily access water, hiking and biking trails and much more. The trailhead for the Superior Hiking Trail is within walking distance of the Campground. And near the Campground, there is an overlook area of Lake Superior, the bay, the St. Louis River, and the Aerial Lift Bridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Balsam, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Balsam, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 123 campgrounds and RV parks near Balsam, MN and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Balsam, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Balsam, MN is Jay Cooke State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 63 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Balsam, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Balsam, MN.
What parks are near Balsam, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Balsam, MN that allow camping, notably Crooked Creek Lake and St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.
