The Land of 10,000 Lakes is also notable for its likewise numerous assortment of trails and campgrounds for avid lovers of the great outdoors. Minnesota has many diverse natural environments to explore all across the state. While there are lots of spots to choose from, here are a couple especially neat sites to consider for your next foray when camping in Minnesota.


Part of the massive Dulux Complex rock formation, Eagle Mountain stands at a whopping 2,301 feet, the highest point of elevation in the state. Isolated from higher ground for hundreds of miles and overlooking several different lakes and a vast forest, the peak offers excellent opportunities to take a bird’s eye view of Minnesota’s rich natural beauty.


In addition to the campsites adjacent to Whale Lake, there are also many trails that run along the mountain, through the woods, and beside the lakes. Just keep in mind that Eagle Mountain’s trails overlap with the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, so be sure to get a BWCAW permit if you plan to cross over. Plus, you need an overnight permit from the Forest Service in nearby Tofte, MN.


The starting point for the grand Mississippi River, Lake Itasca, rests within Itasca State Park. The park hosts a variety of camping amenities such as lodges and internet access. You can also stop at the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center to learn more about the lake and its link to the Mississippi. Or you can check out the University of Minnesota’s Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories campus.


In addition to excellent camping facilities, Lake Itasca has many other outdoor sights and activities for visitors to explore. Multiple trails snake by the shores of the lake and into the adjacent wilderness, and it’s definitely a great place to experience the beauty of Minnesota’s northern ecosystems. Plus, you can go fishing at the lake, assuming you have the necessary permits.


With so many different campsites and trails throughout Minnesota’s diverse natural environments, there’s bound to be one that’s just right for you. Whatever you’re looking for in your camping experience, whether it’s finding deluxe accommodations or exploring unique trails or getting a great view of the landscape, you’re sure to have a blast camping in Minnesota. 

Minnesota

The Best Camping in Minnesota | 100+ MN Campgrounds

Blue Grass, MN is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Blue Grass is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Discover great camping spots near Blue Grass, reviewed by campers like you.

Blue Grass

The Best Camping Near Blue Grass, Minnesota

Goldie is bundled up for the winter!

Please watch for new dates to open in the spring.



\*\*While we love kiddos, the caboose is set up for 2 adults. With a tiny footprint, there is very little floor space, and it's best for 2 people. If you have a special request, please reach to me directly. \*\*

The year is 1905…Take a step back to a time when the Duluth Missabe Railroad existed. When wooden cabooses still ran the tracks and people still used them for safety on the railroad. Goldie was born in 1905, remodeled by the DMIR(Duluth Missabe Iron Rail) in 1911, and had her last run on the tracks in 1968, but has since been brought back to life after many years of neglect. Found in Ely MN and brought to our house in 2014 for repair.

Goldie is nested in the woods on our property, just steps from an old railroad bed that was used by a lumber mill many years ago. While staying true to what a wooden caboose should be, we've updated her just a little bit so that staying here is more comfortable than it might have been for her workers so long ago. She now has a shower with a skylight and hot and cold running water, a flush toilet, small appliances, hidden tv & DVD player (just in case, but not so obvious - it's not set up for cable, just for the DVD), Wifi, hand sink, air conditioning/heat and a full sized bed. Oh yes, and for those lovely evenings, a fire pit and picnic table nested in the trees behind.

Since the roof is made of metal, and if you are lucky enough to get some rain while you are here, the sound on that roof will lull you to sleep! Our house is on the property, but Goldie is out of sight, in the woods, giving her a great deal of privacy. She's about fifty yards from the main house. There is an entrance with stairs on the front side to get in, and more stairs on the back for private access to the fire ring. Motion lights will help you navigate the stairs, but only stay on a short time.

Near the fire ring behind the caboose, there is a trail that runs alongside the marsh, down the length of our wooded property and pops out by the lake. And by the lake, there are Adirondack chairs and another fire ring to enjoy, if you like (please bring your own beach towels). The sunsets are gorgeous and the sun sends dappled light to the caboose as it goes down. Birds and frogs will sing to you while you enjoy the evening air. And if you visit during the spring or summer, the field of wildflowers outside her door are absolutely stunning!

Nearby: Biking on the paved Heartland Trail, hiking and camping on the North Country Trail(it goes from ND to NY), small town shopping in Dorset (with$2 ice cream and mini golf) is 3 miles away, more small town shopping and eating is 2 miles(as well as a small grocery). Itasca State Park is where the Headwaters of the Mississippi River is located and it's only a 30 minute drive. Lots more to see within easy driving distance. The Crowe Wing River is close by and offers the chance for day trip canoeing, overnight canoeing (with free canoe camps along its route) and tubing!



Goldie the Caboose in the Woods

Sunnybrook Park

Sebeka Public Park and Campground

Old Wadena County Park

McGivern Park marks the end of the designated Crow Wing River Canoe Trail that winds its way through Wadena County. This quaint little park with its mix of hardwoods and pine is also the home of the Staples Sportsmen’s Club and Shooting Range. With its close proximity to the City of Staples, McGivern Park is used often for picnicking and other small gatherings.

​Camper/RV Usage
Smaller camper units but limited campsites available  -  no hookups provided

McGivern Park Campground

Frames Landing Campsite

Knob Hill

Andersons Crossing

Dower Lake Recreation Area

Cottingham is a very popular park for picnicking and swimming. It is part of a 56-acre property owned by Wadena County with trails for walking. A through trail from Cottingham Park to Bullard’s Bluff Park provides approximately 2.5 miles of nature walking, horseback riding, ATV riding, and hiking. Cottingham is also unique in that it has campsites available for accommodating horse enthusiasts.


Cottingham Park Campground

Are you in need of a campground near Houston, MN? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Houston. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Houston camping trip.

Houston

The Best Camping Near Houston, Minnesota

Cleveland is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Cleveland is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Discover great camping spots near Cleveland, reviewed by campers like you.

Cleveland

The Best Camping Near Cleveland, Minnesota

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Minneapolis. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Minneapolis campgrounds just for you. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Minnesota camping adventure.

Minneapolis

The Best Camping Near Minneapolis | Minnesota Campgrounds

St. Paul is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. St. Paul is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near St. Paul, MN. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

St. Paul

The Best Camping Near St. Paul, Minnesota

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Rochester, MN is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Rochester is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Rochester camping trip.

Rochester

The Best Camping Near Rochester, Minnesota

Looking for the best campgrounds near Duluth, MN? 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 Duluth, MN. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Duluth

The Best Camping Near Duluth, Minnesota

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near BloomingtonMn. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of BloomingtonMn. Find the best campgrounds near BloomingtonMn, MN. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

BloomingtonMn

The Best Camping Near BloomingtonMn, Minnesota

Bloomington is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Bloomington is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Bloomington, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Bloomington

The Best Camping Near Bloomington, Minnesota

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Brooklyn Park, MN has a lot to offer. Brooklyn Park is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Minnesota camping adventure.

Brooklyn Park

The Best Camping Near Brooklyn Park, Minnesota

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Plymouth, MN has a lot to offer. Plymouth is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Plymouth, MN. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Plymouth

The Best Camping Near Plymouth, Minnesota

Chippewa National Forest is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Chippewa National Forest. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Chippewa National Forest camping trip.

Chippewa National Forest

The Best Camping Near Chippewa National Forest, Minnesota

Campers can find some of the best camping opportunities in Minnesota near the Canadian border in Voyageurs National Park. Camping in the park is limited to pitching a tent or staying in a rustic cabin. Campers who want a little luxury can stay in a 20th-century hotel by picturesque Kettle Falls. Campsites near Ellsworth Rock Gardens have views of the artist’s collection of abstract sculptures on the terraced outcrop. Campgrounds by the park’s three lakes are perfect for nature and water lovers. Fish from the bank or take a boat out to explore the various islands. RV campers will also find the necessary hookups and amenities to enjoy their time exploring the park and MN.

Voyageurs National Park

The Best Camping Near Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Searching for the best camping near St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, MN? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Minnesota camping adventure.

St. Croix National Scenic Riverway

The Best Camping Near St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, Minnesota

Join the fun near Superior National Forest. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Superior National Forest, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Superior National Forest, MN. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Superior National Forest

The Best Camping Near Superior National Forest, Minnesota

Saint Croix National Scenic River, MN is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Minnesota camping adventure.

Saint Croix National Scenic River

The Best Camping Near Saint Croix National Scenic River, Minnesota

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Loyalhanna Lake, MN is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Loyalhanna Lake is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Loyalhanna Lake, MN. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Loyalhanna Lake

The Best Camping Near Loyalhanna Lake, Minnesota

Crooked Creek Lake is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. 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. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Crooked Creek Lake camping trip.

Crooked Creek Lake

The Best Camping Near Crooked Creek Lake, Minnesota

Looking for the best campgrounds near East Branch Clarion River Lake, MN? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of East Branch Clarion River Lake. Find the best campgrounds near East Branch Clarion River Lake, MN. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

East Branch Clarion River Lake

The Best Camping Near East Branch Clarion River Lake, Minnesota

Searching for the best camping near Tionesta Lake, MN? 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. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Tionesta Lake. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Tionesta Lake

The Best Camping Near Tionesta Lake, Minnesota

Looking for the best campgrounds near Canyon Lake, MN? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Canyon Lake. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

The Best Camping in Blue Grass

Top Campgrounds in Blue Grass (209)

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