Tent camping near Finland, Minnesota offers access to areas with dense northern forests and rocky terrain ranging from 1,000-1,800 feet above sea level. Many trails follow ridgelines with significant elevation changes, creating challenging hiking conditions on rocky, root-filled paths. Weather patterns shift quickly in this region, with summer temperatures typically reaching 70-80°F during the day and dropping to 50-60°F at night.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Divide Lake features excellent trout fishing from shore or canoe. "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!" notes a camper at Divide Lake Campground & Backcountry Sites.
Stargazing: Remote sites provide excellent night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. One camper at George H. Crosby Manitou State Park described "a rocky outcrop in the middle of the site that is a perfect platform to lay down on and stargaze," though they also warned about challenging terrain getting to campsites.
Hiking through varied landscapes: Numerous trails connect camping areas, with varying difficulty levels. "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," shares one backpacker describing the reward for tackling Crosby Manitou's rugged terrain.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Cart-in camping at Tettegouche State Park provides seclusion while maintaining accessibility. According to a visitor at Lake Superior Cart-in Campground, "Sites were fully hidden from each other, spacious, and comfortable. We could see lake superior and part of Palisade head from our campsite, which was awesome."
Waterfront access: Many sites offer direct access to lakes or rivers. A camper at Bean and Bear Lakes Hike-In reports, "This site sits directly on Bear Lake near Silver Bay, MN. The ground isn't exactly flat so your tent might be a little slanted - but it's worth it for the views!"
Sound of water while sleeping: Riverside sites allow campers to fall asleep to the sounds of flowing water. "Being able to fall asleep to the sound of the river was lovely," says a camper at George H. Crosby Manitou State Park who stayed at site BP4, adding that the "site is relatively big and level, with a few different spots available to pitch your tent."
What you should know
Challenging terrain: Many trails and campsites feature difficult access requiring physical fitness. One hiker at Bean and Bear Lakes notes, "This is one of my all time favorite hikes and camp spots 'up north'. The hike into the Bean and Bear Lakes is fun and has some great views in itself. Though the best and most gratifying part of the hike is getting to the top of the overlook and seeing both lakes."
Limited facilities: Most sites offer only basic amenities with varying accessibility. For State Land Lax Lake Area dispersed camping, a visitor explains, "If you like wilderness, rustic, resourcing wood for fires and pure relaxation in the woods, here's the place for you to add to your trip. No where you'd find on the main searches, it's a place to respect."
Tent site conditions: Ground surfaces at most sites are natural and uneven. "The site isn't exactly flat so your tent might be a little slanted," reports a camper at Bean and Bear Lakes, while another mentions at Crosby Manitou, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Choose appropriate difficulty: Not all sites are suitable for young children. At George H. Crosby Manitou, a visitor warns, "I would not advise bringing small children or inexperienced hikers as they will likely not have a very good time."
Consider cart-in options: For families wanting a wilderness experience with less hiking, cart-in sites offer a middle ground. "We camped in the cart-in area and it was a blast! It was our first time doing the cart-in and was slightly hard, but you have to commit to this if you reserve," shares a visitor to Lake Superior Cart-in Campground.
Look for shorter trail options: Some areas have easier access for day exploration. At Eighteen Lake, "There is a nice 2 1/2 mile hike around the lake" that's suitable for family exploration, according to a camper at Eighteen Rustic Lake Campground.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most campgrounds near Finland accommodate only smaller RVs. A visitor notes about Eighteen Lake: "Free primitive national forest campground with 5 sites. Wooded. Campground is suitable for truck campers and smaller," adding that "Road coming to the campground can be rough in places, but doable with passenger car."
Limited hookups: No electricity or water connections are available at most sites. RVers must be self-contained and prepared for primitive camping conditions throughout the Finland area.
Road conditions: Forest roads can be challenging, especially after rain. One camper at Eighteen Lake noted, "Roads can be a bit rough after rain," which is particularly important for RVers to consider when planning tent camping near Finland.
