Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Grand Marais, MN is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Grand Marais. Find the best campgrounds near Grand Marais, MN. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
"The Cascade River is a great river to hike from its upper falls area to the mouth at Lake Superior. 5 falls or cascades are all visible from the trails along the river."
"Trails, the lake, 10mn from Grand Marais (world's best donuts!), great hiking, everything rocks. I'd move there if I could."
"Tucked up in the woods is a small tent area that is nice and quiet but a little far from the bathrooms so be prepared to walk."
"Right on Lake Superior with gorgeous views. About 1/3 to 1/2 of the sites are non reservable and the rest are difficult to reserve."
"There is no cell service so it is time to put the phone down and enjoy the nature. Mosquitos were horrid right when we got here but we packed a couple thermocells that helped a ton!"
"If you want easy access to Grand Marais, but want to be in a quieter location just up the Gunflint Trail, this campsite will be for you. It is small, quiet, and very rustic."
"Concessionaire is Ravenwood. 10 wooded campsites. Clean. Some set back from campground road. Some privacy between sites. Can hear a little bit of road noise from Gunflint Trail, but not bad."
$24 - $86 / night
"The tent pads were very level and without any lumps or holes. "
"The camper cabins at East Bearskin Lake Campground in Superior National Forest are the ideal way to take advantage of northern Minnesota's wilderness."
"Campground Review
Temperance River State Park is just off of scenic Highway 61 north of Duluth, Minnesota about 60 miles."
"The sites are generously sized, well spaced, wooded and private. short walk to get to Lake Superior shoreline."
"Stayed at the new ski/snowshoe in cabin. Cute little cabin with everything you need plus whatever you can carry on your back/sled. Cabin is equipped with firewood and a wood burning stove."
$24 / night
"I was here a while back and decided to give it another whirl during a fall trip to Grand Marais/Gunflint."
"Lots of great hiking within walking distance, and easy access to bwca if you want to do day trips."
"We have a great view of the harbor and the lake. The sites are really spaced out. The grounds are not manicured (the grass under our picnic table is knee high)."
"Not very private no trees or shade but I guess it’s not really needed when you’re on Lake Superior. It’s mid June and the high is 60. You get to enjoy all the amenities of the lodge and casino."
$20 - $40 / night
"Picnic table and fire pit. The lake wasn’t great for fishing for us this trip. Others only caught small mouth bass. There is no internet access."
"Don't expect cell service. I had Verizon and was teased with 1 bar, but really no service. The lake side sites are amazing."
LegendThe aspect of this campground we liked the best was that we could walk to town. The campground itself is o.k. It was full when we were and definitely felt crowded. There are some tent sites up in a wooded secluded area but most of the park is geared to RVs. Or you can pitch pitching your tent amongst RVs. Tucked up in the woods is a small tent area that is nice and quiet but a little far from the bathrooms so be prepared to walk.
There are 300 campsites of with full hookups, some with electric and water hookups and others no hookups. Some site have great views of Lake Superior, some are sunny and open and others have some large trees. Our site (#104) was very close to our neighbors and the RV right behind us and we had a big tree right in our “patio” which was not conducive to sitting outside. We had a 50 amp full hook-up site which all worked well and well-placed in the site. The campground is county-run and a mix of seasonal people (lots of whom appeared to be there for the fishing) and transients like ourselves. One aspect of seasonal campers that I don’t like is how they junk up their site and this certainly had that.
There are four bathhouses on the property some of which are pretty old and tired whereas others are larger and more updated. The bathroom near us was large but was heavily used (which is an understatement) as four tour-size busloads of college students exiting the boundary waters spent the night in tents near it. It was pretty trashed with that volume of people. Since the park is pretty large they have amenities like baseball fields, playground, group camping sections, a beach with picnic area, fish cleaning station, and nearby boat launch.
A short walk to downtown and you have restaurants, shopping, grocery, fuel, pretty harbor, art galleries, bait shops, and more. One of the most highly touted places in Grand Marais is World’s Best Donuts. Even before we got to Grand Marais, people in other parts of Minnesota told us about it. The donuts were really good but beware their closing hour is when they sell out which is why we went really early. We also ate at The Crooked Spoon Cafe and had an amazing meal. Nearby Grand Marais are a scattering of state parks known for their waterfalls which are worth seeing. Many people come here because it is close to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness but since we just came from the town of Ely we did not go back to the boundary waters. We liked this area and kept busy for the three days we were there but couldn’t see staying long-term.
GuideThe campground is close to everything in Grand Marais which is nice not have to drive. The bathrooms are very clean, but if you want a hot shower good luck. The sites are small for any big rig(s) and you are very close to your neighbor, so if you don’t like close proximity this is not a campground for you. The views are beautiful from the marina. The campground is very family friendly.
TravelerThis is one of our go to camp spots. It is a 45 minute drive up from Grand Marais, but worth every mile to get there.
Most sites have a unique layout, and almost all are private! Site #17 is my favorite, by far. It is large, picturesque, and has a path to the water.
Wilderness Way outfitters is at the entrance to the park, and they have a small cafe, shower house, and store. They also offer everything you need to get out in the BWCA and explore.
I recommend finding all the hiking trails along the gunflint and making day trip hikes. Trails are of varying challenge, and you'll often find moose.
ScoutWe camp here usually once or twice a swason for the past 10 or more years. Restrooms are always clean when we have been there. Proprietors are very friendly and helpful. I've been there when when it's just me and my 2 young kids. Owner and other campers helped me out of a situation in which my pop up slide would not slide out. Did not even ask, they all came to my rescuewhen they saw me struggle. The views over the all are to die for. If you want more privacy they have wooded spots that are just as nice. Book early for prime locations. Very quite and draws a clientele that is respectful. Family friendly, for sure.
LegendOn the outskirts of Finland, along the Baptism River, in the Finland National Forest. Just a few miles north of Eckbeck Campground, off of MN 1 & County Rd 6. Really nice wooded sites, some can accommodate big rigs. Level sites. Vault toilets. Trash bins. Some privacy between sites. I would recommend staying here overnight if the nearby state parks are full. I do not recommend staying here for peace & quiet. Noise from ATVs, a few with modified mufflers. Since there are no electric hookups, there is some noise from generators for the big RVs. What was really annoying was the noise from a bunch of drunk middle aged folks down at the group site on the night of Oct 8, 2021. I had my own drunken moments at parties, but their behavior was pathetic. Their loud voices carried throughout the campground, including some loud f-bombs. Vault toilets were just okay; not particularly clean but usable. IMO, $17 fee is too high for this particular campground. 4 bars T-Mobile.
GuideCampground Review
Temperance River State Park is just off of scenic Highway 61 north of Duluth, Minnesota about 60 miles. You will be camping near the shores of Lake Superior with expansive views out over the lake from the top of several tall cliffs along the lake.
The campground has a clean bathroom with showers. There is running water available at several spots within the campground as well as at a spout outside the restroom. The sites themselves are large and tree-lined. There is plenty of space for one or two tents or a small RV or travel trailer. We camped in our 1989 16 foot Scamp trailer and had lots of room left in the campsite to cook dinner and set up chairs, as well as plenty of space for our dog to run around.
The campground is close by to many hikes within Temperance River State Park, as well as just down the road from the Superior Hiking Trail, Cascade River State Park, and several other state and national forest areas.
Product Review
As a Ranger for The Dyrt I get products to test from time to time. Today I am testing the Renogy Water Filter. The full video review is below, but I'll give you the rundown here.
GuideThe sites are generously sized, well spaced, wooded and private. short walk to get to Lake Superior shoreline. Pet friendly. clean showers. tons of water spigots and vault toilets spread throughout the park. Will definitely stay here in the future.
GuideThe Cascade River is a great river to hike from its upper falls area to the mouth at Lake Superior. 5 falls or cascades are all visible from the trails along the river. The campsites are close and most are not level and have only electric hookup. The road in is not big rig friendly with low branches and washboard gravel roads. The hiking trails are well worn so easy to hike safely. This is a perfect camp for small trailer or tent camping as the sites are shaded. Bath houses are fine and water sources are good. There is a free dump and fill station for campers..a bonus!
RangerI was here a while back and decided to give it another whirl during a fall trip to Grand Marais/Gunflint. However a bit of difference this time:
-Online booking showed that it was first come first serve, so we decided to go ahead and try our luck.
-I came with my buddies during mid-late October and we were NOT expecting snowfall [light]
-We arrived and the campground was actually CLOSED for the season!! (Arrived October 19th)
-To our luck though, the owners of the campground (Golden Eagle Lodge) allow you to camp on campgrounds for free but no utilities (water or trash).
-We were still able to use the covered outhouse near our site.
-Virtually no other campers when we got there, but by Fri/Sat/Sun, RV campers started rolling in.
Of course, this experience was way different from my July visit (3 star rating), but considering the fact that the campground was still open when other campgrounds on Gunflint were not (no outhouse/water/trash), it was great because it was free.
-40ish minute drive from Grand Marais.
-Right by Gunflint Scenic Byway. Try to find some Moose!
Site #26 was huge and that’s where we stayed for the trip. Very secluded and near the trail to the lake. No Loons.
Explore the beauty of RV camping near Grand Marais, Minnesota, where stunning landscapes and well-equipped campgrounds await outdoor enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What RV parks and campgrounds are available in Grand Marais, MN?
Grand Marais offers several RV-friendly options. Grand Marais Campground & Marina is centrally located with walking access to town, though sites can feel crowded during peak season. For a quieter alternative just up the Gunflint Trail, Kimball Lake Campground provides a rustic experience while still maintaining easy access to Grand Marais. Other options within driving distance include Lamb's Resort, Finland State Forest Campground, and Eighteen Rustic Lake Campground, though the latter is better suited for smaller rigs and truck campers rather than large RVs.
What are the best RV campgrounds near Grand Marais for scenic views of Lake Superior?
Temperance River State Park Campground, located along scenic Highway 61 about an hour from Grand Marais, offers spectacular views of Lake Superior from tall cliffs. The park features electric hookups, though sites may not be perfectly level and the access road can be challenging for larger RVs. Closer to Grand Marais, Cascade River State Park Campground provides beautiful Lake Superior vistas along with access to multiple waterfalls and cascades visible from riverside trails. While offering electric hookups, be aware that many sites aren't level and the entrance road may not accommodate big rigs.
What amenities are offered at the Grand Marais Recreation Area for RV campers?
The Grand Marais Campground & Marina offers RV campers clean bathrooms with showers, though hot water can sometimes be limited. The campground provides electrical hookups but has limited space for larger rigs. Its prime location allows campers to walk to all amenities in town, eliminating the need to drive once set up. While sites are relatively close together with minimal privacy, the campground's proximity to Lake Superior and Grand Marais' shops, restaurants, and attractions makes it a convenient base for exploring the area.
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