Best Tent Camping near Finland, MN
State parks and national forests surrounding Finland, Minnesota offer diverse backcountry tent camping opportunities with varying levels of accessibility. George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, located about 20 minutes off Highway 61 on County Road 7, features 22 hike-in tent campsites situated along the Manitou River and Benson Lake. The park is known for its minimal maintenance approach and true wilderness experience. Tettegouche State Park, south of Finland, provides both cart-in and walk-in tent-only sites, with some offering Lake Superior views. For more primitive tent camping, the Superior Hiking Trail includes several backcountry tent sites near Finland, including Bean and Bear Lakes, which require a 3-4 mile hike to access.
Most tent campsites in the Finland area require preparation for primitive conditions. Sites typically feature dirt or forest floor tent pads with minimal grading, and many have significant slopes that can challenge tent setup. Vault toilets are available at most established sites, though often at a distance from campsites. Water sources vary widely - George H. Crosby Manitou has a hand pump near the entrance, but campers at backcountry sites must filter water from lakes and streams. Fire rings are standard at most sites, though firewood availability is limited, particularly at remote locations. Bear activity is common throughout the region, requiring proper food storage either in provided bear boxes at some sites or by hanging food from trees.
Tent campers frequently use these sites as bases for exploring the extensive trail networks. According to reviews, the hike to river backpack sites at Crosby Manitou is "challenging with constant rocks, roots, mud and steep hills," but campers report the effort is worthwhile for the seclusion. One visitor noted that "Site 13 sits on a ridge about 15 feet above a curve in the river and has an easy path down to the water. It's completely secluded, and the breeze off the river keeps the bugs at bay." The cart-in sites at Tettegouche State Park provide more amenities while maintaining privacy, with campers reporting that "sites were fully hidden from each other, spacious, and comfortable." Summer brings mosquitoes, particularly in wooded areas, while fall offers cooler temperatures and fewer insects.
