The forests surrounding Finland, Minnesota create a network of remote camping options within Superior National Forest. With 3 million acres of wilderness to explore, the area serves as a gateway to northern Minnesota's backcountry. Temperatures can drop below 40°F at night even in summer, particularly near the lakes where fog often forms at dawn.
What to do
Hiking trails: Sullivan Lake Campground offers access to wilderness trails through dense forest. "We came here after a day of diving in Lake Superior. The trees are just starting to turn. Beautiful drive from Silver Bay," notes Scott S. The 2.5-mile trail around Eighteen Rustic Lake Campground provides moderate hiking with lake views. A camper shares, "Lake is clear and looks like very good fishing. Does not have a boat launch. There are three campsites that are decently big and you could fit two-three cars. Has a nice 2 1/2 mile hike around the lake."
Fishing spots: Trout fishing is excellent at Divide Lake where the clear waters hold plenty of fish. "This is a very quiet, rarely used campsite. We canoed over to it which makes it feel more remote than it actually is. Had a lot of luck fishing for trout as well!" reports Tony E. For a less crowded experience, try the nearby lakes accessible by canoe from Superior National Forest Whitefish Lake Rustic Campground. One visitor explains, "From this lake you can access portage trails to neighboring lakes like Elbow Lake, which also has good fishing."
ATV trails: For off-road enthusiasts, Wildhurst Lodge provides direct access to regional ATV trails. "Friendly campground! Nice restaurant on site. Seems to cater to the side by side...ATV crowd. Lots to see and do in the area," reports Sandra.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers value the secluded feel at Lamb's Resort. A camper explains, "Sites are kind of small but there are trees between each for a private feeling. Right on Lake Superior, the views are nothing short of amazing." Similarly at Sullivan Lake, campers appreciate the spacing. "It's a bit of a drive from Two Harbors so you want to make sure you have everything you need before leaving Two Harbors. It is very quiet and peaceful, with only 11 sites."
Lakefront access: Sand Lake Rustic Campground offers direct water access. "All the perks of rustic camping with a beautiful lake right in view of the entire camp. Pretty nice beach and it's closer to highway 16 than most the other rustic camps we've come across," notes Katie L. At Harriet Lake, waterfront sites are highly sought after. One camper shared, "My sister and I spent two nights tent camping here at a site right on the water. We arrived around noon on Friday of memorial day weekend when about half of the sites were filled."
On-site food options: While most sites are primitive, Wildhurst Campgrounds offers a restaurant. "What a great spot! Quiet and comfortable, and when I called to confirm our spot (we were running late) the site owner was super friendly," shares Alice. Another camper adds, "A little expensive but worth it for the secluded site not far from the showers. Bar/office super friendly."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most rustic campgrounds have minimal amenities. At Dyers Creek Campsite, "The water source is good but the creek is just that, a creek. It lacks that gurgling flow that sends you off to sleep. It's also deep in the woods so no views." Harriet Lake offers primitive camping with few amenities but plenty of space. A visitor notes, "Plenty of options depending on the size of your party and rigs. Lots of other lakes to explore in this area. Our favorite parts were the ample space between each site and that it was free."
Seasonal considerations: Divide Lake Campground offers year-round access, but conditions vary dramatically by season. One visitor mentioned, "Really great, quiet, loons calling all night and a very cool hike around the lake." For yurt camping in Finland, Minnesota, most sites operate only from late May through September.
Reservation limitations: Many sites are first-come, first-served. Whitefish Lake fills quickly: "This campground often fills up quickly. When that happens, I have done dispersed camping in the area. Some of those spots include the gravel pit and a sand pit located along the road before you reach the campground."
Tips for camping with families
Safety precautions: While camping with children at Sullivan Lake, be aware of wildlife. "It gets very, very chilly at night if you are at a site with lake access- and the frogs get loud, but it's worth it if you are prepared," advises one camper. Another visitor at Sullivan Lake added, "Was perfect for our family with two toddlers and a dog in a scamp. Quiet, peaceful, and spacious."
Kid-friendly activities: Lamb's Resort provides beach access suitable for families. "We had a wonderful time at Lamb's Resort on our way back from Thunder Bay! The owners were available for questions and our site was perfect! We stayed at site 49, which was a short walk to the beach. Our boys, age 5 and 3, spent hours throwing rocks in the lake," shares Sara P.
Yurt camping options: For families interested in yurt camping near Finland, Minnesota, both Wildhurst locations offer this accommodation type as an alternative to tent camping. Facilities include toilets and shower access, making them suitable for families with younger children.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most rustic campgrounds can only accommodate smaller RVs and truck campers. Sullivan Lake has limited access. "Small campground with a narrow road in. It's fine for our tiny camper but bigger rigs would have trouble getting in and out," reports Scott S. Another camper adds, "Lots of nice pull through sites. Excellent for truck campers."
Hookup availability: For those needing electric hookups, consider Wildhurst Lodge and Campground. "We stumbled upon this campground when every other campground near Tettegouche was full by noon on Friday. About a twenty minute drive from the park. Great spot. There is more open camping near the office," explains Lindsey H.
Road conditions: Access roads to many sites can be challenging. For Sand Lake, one camper noted it's "closer to highway 16 than most the other rustic camps we've come across." When visiting Sullivan Lake, be prepared for rough roads: "Town of Two Harbors is 26 miles (30 min) away, so don't forget anything."
