Best Dispersed Camping near Grand Portage, MN

Dispersed camping near Grand Portage, Minnesota centers primarily around kayak-accessible sites along the Lake Superior shoreline. Two designated primitive sites—County Road 67 Kayak Site and Fall River Kayak Site—provide basic accommodations for paddlers exploring the North Shore. These sites are categorized as boat-in access points with minimal amenities, situated on public land. The surrounding region includes portions of Superior National Forest where additional dispersed camping may be permitted according to forest service regulations.

Access to these kayak sites requires watercraft, as neither location offers road-based entry. Paddlers must navigate Lake Superior waters, which can change rapidly with weather conditions. Both sites permit fires and allow pets, though neither provides drinking water, toilets, or trash collection. Camping is free at these locations with no reservation system or permits required. Standard dispersed camping regulations typically limit stays to 14 days. Weather conditions along Lake Superior can be unpredictable, with strong winds and fog developing quickly, particularly during shoulder seasons.

The remote nature of these kayak-accessible sites provides solitude and direct access to Lake Superior's shoreline. Each site includes a picnic table, though campers must pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. The Fall River site sits near the mouth of the Fall River where it enters Lake Superior, while the County Road 67 site offers a more eastern position along the shoreline. These primitive camping locations appeal primarily to experienced paddlers comfortable with self-sufficient backcountry travel and changing lake conditions. The sites remain relatively unknown compared to established campgrounds in the region, offering quieter alternatives for those with proper equipment and experience.