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Best Tent Camping near Beaver Bay, MN

691 Reviews

Tent campsites near Beaver Bay, Minnesota center around the rugged Lake Superior shoreline and inland forest areas. Tettegouche State Park offers a variety of tent camping options, including the popular Lake Superior Cart-in Campground with sites positioned along the lakeshore cliffs. Bean and Bear Lakes Hike-In sites provide more remote backcountry camping experiences accessible only by trail. These primitive tent camping areas are situated within the dramatic North Shore landscape, characterized by rocky outcroppings, dense forests, and scenic lake views.

Most tent-only sites in this region provide basic amenities such as fire rings and bear lockers, but limited or no drinking water. Campers should pack water purification systems when staying at backcountry sites, especially around Bean and Bear Lakes. Walk-in tent sites require carrying gear from parking areas, with distances ranging from a quarter-mile to nearly two miles depending on the location. Vault toilets are available at most primitive tent areas, but shower facilities exist only in the main campgrounds. During peak summer months, reservations are essential for cart-in sites at Lake Superior, while backcountry sites along hiking trails typically operate on a first-come basis.

The tent camping experience in the Beaver Bay area offers exceptional privacy and natural immersion. Sites are generally well-spaced and surrounded by forest, providing ample shade and wind protection. Many tent sites feature direct access to hiking trails, including connections to the Superior Hiking Trail network. Lake Superior Cart-in sites provide dramatic views and sometimes direct access to the shoreline, though reaching some requires moderate physical ability. As one visitor noted, "Each site at the cart-in campground was secluded from view from the others. Mine was right along the water with a path down to a small beach and rock outcrop, nice for sitting and watching the water." Early fall brings fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures, making it an ideal time for tent camping in this region.

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Best Tent Sites Near Beaver Bay, Minnesota (48)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Beaver Bay, MN

36 Photos of 48 Beaver Bay Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Beaver Bay, MN

691 Reviews of 48 Beaver Bay Campgrounds

  • Alli T.
    Aug. 25, 2023

    Cascade River State Park Campground

    BP#2 lovely and secluded

    Loved the two nights spent at backpacking site #2. It was very secluded, couldn’t hear/see anyone at any point during our time at the campsite. It has a covered wooden structure, good sized bear box, picnic table, and fire ring. There is also a pit toilet ~50 feet from the campsite, though was in pretty rough shape so did not use that but didn’t really mind since most backpacking sites don’t have this luxury anyway and was not expecting to have a toilet in the first place. The campsite sits atop Moose “Mountain,” which is about a mile hike in from the group site parking lot. Don’t underestimate this hike in!! We are two people in our 20s and in pretty good shape, but with ~35lbs of gear on your back with a very steady incline up, definitely had to take a couple breaks. It was pretty rainy so there were some muddy spots that were relatively easy to avoid. With that being said, it was definitely worth it given the seclusion and privacy of this campsite. If able and willing to put in the extra effort, I would recommend the backpacking sites over the drive-in sites as I have heard they can be pretty cramped. Overall, very happy with BP#2 will definitely be back!

  • Amy G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 25, 2018

    South Kawishiwi River Recreation Area

    Quiet, lovely and had a beautiful swimming lake

    Quiet and full of trees, it's a great place to drop for the night. We didn't have a camper, but there was room for one. If you don't have a camper, you could actually fit several tents in the space where a camper would be parked. Ours, site #18, had a few steps that led to the picnic table and fire ring. Up there, we found another tent pad. That would have been the ideal spot for a tent (level and under trees), but we'd already set up at the bottom of the stairs.

    The fire ring was next to the table, almost too close, but not a problem. There were, however, lots and lots of mosquitoes (end of June). There was also a mamma bear and 2 cubs there, but they didn't bother us at all.

    The bathrooms were the nicest vault toilets that we've seen. Glad air freshener and everything!

    Although we didn't swim, they had a very lovely area in the lake that was sectioned off for swimming. It also appeared as though they had canoes for free use as well. They also had firewood for sale, but it was $7 for a bundle. That seemed very steep to me.

    Typical cost for a state forest campground in MN (cheaper, by far, than state park camps) and it was $15 for the night for a non electric site. Electric (30 amp) was $19 and electric (50 amp) was $21.There was also a $7 charge for extra vehicles at the site.

  • J
    Sep. 9, 2019

    Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Campground

    Backpacking Site 2

    Spent a couple of nights here recently and really enjoyed the solitude. Trails are all marked and the proximity to the lighthouse was nice. Weather was cool and varied between clear and partly cloudy with a light rain for about an hour one morning. Site is on a relatively open, low bluff that overlooks Lake Superior to the South and has fire ring with grill grate, half a picnic table, a locker for food / gear, latrine and tent area padded with wood chips. Trees on site were perfect for my hammock. Waves crashing below site were calming and put me to sleep both nights - was much like beach camping in my home state of California! I did not hike the surrounding trails much as this was more of a short reconnaissance trip for future visits. If you plan on swimming be sure to bring water shoes! Pebbles/rocks are tough on bare feet.

    While there I also took the opportunity to scout backpack site 1. This site has same amenities though it is more sheltered by trees. There is a short path that leads down to the water’s edge and a little swimming cove that could be cool for shallow rock diving. Large, flat granite formations for sunning yourself as well. Either site is awesome and Split Rock I’ll definitely be back!

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2023

    Big Bay State Park Campground

    Nice Experience and some very nice sites

    Big Bay State Park Campground, WI: (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer) Ferry Ride: $110 round trip with a 17’ trailer Overall Rating: 3.5 Price 2023: About $20 to $30 Usage during visit: Very full Site Privacy: Loop 1 - 29 Great site privacy. Loop 30 -60 some good sites. The overall privacy not as good. Site Spacing: Loop 1 - 30: Great. Loop 31- 60: Good Site surface: Gravel Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: People noise while here. Road Noise: None Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: Some sites Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Check out the campground map . The dump is on the way to the airport.
    Potable Water Available: Yes, at the bathrooms Generators: Not specified. We used a low noise generator. Bathroom: Clean pit toilets and flush toilets in the showroom.
    Showers: One centrally located.
    Pull Throughs: Mostly, if not all are back in. Cell Service (AT&T): Sporadic Setting: In a pine forest Weather: Highs are 70’s Bugs: Some mosquitoes. I think they are decreasing. Have bug spray if you hike. Solar: No Host: They are short a host Rig size: Rigs I’ve seen are under 35’ Sites: The sites in Loop 1 - 30 is the best loop, are most all very private. Loop30 - 60: Not as private. Site 42 has no under brush between site and parking for tent walk in sites. Other than that, pretty good. Sites 48, ad 50 are the absolute least private sites. Trailer sites in Loop 30 - 60 are generally not as deep and thus less site privacy than Loop 1 - 30. (35 - 41 are walk in tent sites,)

  • Cassie D.
    Nov. 12, 2020

    Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Campground

    Beautiful park, well-maintained campsites

    My friend and I went camping here from October 19th-21st (which happened to be during an unseasonable cold snap- I'm talking 20 degrees at night with a bit of snow, but that's neither here nor there). The first night we lucked out and though it was cold, there was virtually no wind.

    We chose one of the campsites nearest to the parking lot since we had a lot of cold weather gear to lug and my friend was new to camping. Even though it was close to the lot and there weren't really leaves on the trees anymore to offer privacy, the park was quiet and we only heard people when they would walk directly past our campsite.

    The proximity to Lake Superior and the view was absolutely gorgeous. We gasped when we got to the site because it was so beautiful! In combination with how quiet it was, it really made for a worthwhile stay.

    The tent pad was flat and covered with woodchips. Tent pad was elevated, with a wooden bench built in. The site was cart-in, which made loading in and out a breeze. Going uphill to the parking lot was a bit of a pain, but it was a short enough distance that it was just fine. There was a sizeable metal bear box for food. The vault toilet was a short jaunt up the hill and had plenty of toilet paper in stock.

    Because it was off-season, the campground building with flush toilets/showers was closed, and there was no running water for the campground. (During the regular season, water is close by at the parking lot.) There was water available on the side of the Trail Center Picnic Shelter.

    I am looking forward to returning to camp here in a bit warmer weather!

  • Jennifer H.
    Nov. 30, 2017

    Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Campground

    Site 2 @ Split Rock in November

    The reservations were made online with ease. We were booked for November 5th of 2017. Parking lot was convenient, but the restrooms were closed. We did have a mouse in the car when we returned eating a bag of popcorn I had left. There were an adequate amount of carts for the cart in sites. The trails are groomed regularly. There were latrines houses along the way. The backpack in hike in to site 2 is all of 1.25 miles I believe. There is a stairway leading down to the beach that is in great condition. Campsite 2 is a large site on the most south side of the property. It is on a hill above the water. There are a few trees at the edge of your hill cliff area for a bit of a wind break, but not much. The view is amazing. Down the hill to the very rock water front you have access to an abundance of clean water. The waves can come crashing in on you. In most of the seasons this is very doable. When the rocks begin to freeze in November you will slip into the cold water. There is not an easy way to go about it. A pole attachment for your water bucket could work. There is a bear box, but I would warn you of the mice. The latrine is guarded on three sides and has a well build pedestal. There is a pad for your tent and trees for your hammock. There is no hiding from the wind in this large clearing of a campsite. There is a half wood bench with table top. This is very convenient. The fire pit has a metal grate to swing over the top with a few large logs for seating. The hike is easy and the view is amazing. It is mostly tall grass around you, but there is plenty of firewood in the surrounding area.

  • Kim K.
    Oct. 3, 2021

    Herbster Campground

    Amazing location

    We tried it on the way to the UP of Michigan and came back the same route for two more nights. If you are a water lover, you’ll love the easy access to the water and walkable beach. 12 Reservable campsites online. Tent camping and electrical camping on water, and dry camping in the back woods first come first serve. Camp hosts are nice. Picnic table and fire ring included. Wood bundles $5 for a lot of wood. Laundry, separate bathrooms from shower trailer. Faucets in shower were odd. Definitely would stay again.

  • Jennifer H.
    Sep. 21, 2020

    Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Campground

    Winter Camping!

    I’ve stayed at Site 1 twice in the winter. We did manage to hike in on a blizzard night in November of 2019, but the park office made sure we were ok. The park office has limited hours so be prepared with firewood ahead of time. They do not plow the campground parking lot in the winter, but they do plow down to the pebble beach lot. You can snowshoe, hike, or toboggan in. The back trail off Of pebble beach parking is groomed and has views of the light house and nature center. There is a dumpster and a bathroom that is open. There is another bathroom off of the campground parking lot that I was able to use, but you will need to have snow shoes. Camping at site 1 in the winter is amazing. Perfect views of the lake and lighthouse. The site is protected from the lake by a large hill that has a bench at the top. The site has a picnic table, bear box, and grate. During the summer, the site would have a lot of noise from the parking lot and hiking traffic. In the winter, there are a lot of photographers. There are coyotes in the winter.

  • Jeremy B.
    Sep. 19, 2020

    George H. Crosby Manitou State Park Campground

    Rugged, Beautiful, Challenging

    The trails of this park are either a hikers dream or nightmare. 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 as they will likely not have a very good time. Although there is the Bensen Lake trail that is a wooden boardwalk that rings Bensen Lake. This trail connects to the picnic grounds that is a great place for a day outing. You can drive almost right up to it and there is a vault toilet. The lake itself is fairly small. I don't know if it is worth the trouble of bringing a canoe or kayak unless you plan on taking some trout out of the lake.

    9/14/2020 - 9/16/2020
    I camped in site 19 which is only .5 miles from the parking lot. Flat road and wooden boardwalk sounds good until you get to the trail that leads from the boardwalk up a hill to the campsite. According to my GPS this is 138 feet of elevation. And remember what I said about the large rocks and exposed roots? This trail doesn't disappoint. Let's put it this way, you will not feel guilty for playing hooky from the gym during your stay here. This site is also not level. It has a pitch of about 5 degrees which doesn't sound like much until you attempt to balance your cookpot on your backpacking stove. There also isn't a bear box which I am told the other campsites do have. My guess is that nobody wanted to carry one up that hill.  You do get a field latrine and decent view of the sky. There is a rocky outcrop in the middle of the site that is a perfect platform to lay down on and stargaze. There is a couple of bushcraft style benches and a stool near the fire ring. Good luck finding dry deadfall for firewood around the campsite. If you want a fire you are going to have to bring your own up the hill. 

    I decided to take a look at the neighboring campsite 18 thinking that this must be a cakewalk compared to 19.  It wasn't on a hill but the trail resembled something like what Indiana Jones had to contend with getting into the Temple of Doom. I didn't even get all the way to it. Although I didn't come across any signs that said, "I'd Turn Back If I were You" - I turned back partially because I already had a long hike planned for that morning, and this isn't the trail I wanted to have to run down while being chased by a huge boulder. 

    All this toil has its payoff though. There are some great views. The cascades on the Manitou river, the overlooks, and the Matt Willis trial that looks like you are going to see Robin Hood come walking down the trial at any time. This trail seems like it hasn't been touched by humans in a while. There were lots of trees fallen over the trail and there are parts where it is difficult to tell where the trail goes. 
    Would I come back to this park? Absolutely. Will I reserve campsite 19 again? I think I will pass on that, and site 18 for that matter - wherever it is.

    Note - there is no cell service in the park, You do get it when you get out to the park entrance on county road 7. There is a hand pump for water near the entrance. Otherwise you will need to filter or boil the water you find in the park. The map shows springs that flow towards the Manitou river, although they are not marked as such.

Guide to Beaver Bay

Beaver Bay, Minnesota, offers a fantastic backdrop for tent camping enthusiasts, with its stunning landscapes and well-maintained sites. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of options to explore.

Tent campers should check out George H. Crosby Manitou State Park Campground

  • The George H. Crosby Manitou State Park Campground features hike-in and walk-in access, making it perfect for those seeking a more secluded experience.
  • Campers can enjoy the sound of rushing water nearby, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere while providing a beautiful setting for a campfire.
  • With amenities like drinking water and toilets, this campground balances rustic charm with essential comforts.

Local activities to enjoy while tent camping

  • Explore the breathtaking trails at Tettegouche State Park, where you can hike to stunning overlooks and waterfalls, perfect for day trips from your campsite.
  • Experience the serene beauty of Bean and Bear Lakes, where you can hike in and enjoy swimming or fishing in a picturesque setting surrounded by nature.
  • For a unique experience, visit the Thompson Beach Kayak Site, ideal for kayaking or canoeing, allowing you to explore the waters of Lake Superior.

Tips for tent camping near Beaver Bay

  • Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in the summer months; bringing insect repellent can make your camping experience much more enjoyable.
  • Consider packing a hammock for relaxation at sites like Divide Lake Campground & Backcountry Sites, where trees provide ample hanging spots.
  • Always check trail conditions before heading out, as some areas may have washed-out paths or require caution after heavy rains, particularly around sites like North Egge Lake Camp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Beaver Bay, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Beaver Bay, MN is Lake Superior Cart-in Campground — Tettegouche State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 16 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Beaver Bay, MN?

TheDyrt.com has all 48 tent camping locations near Beaver Bay, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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