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Best Campgrounds near North Shore, MN

316 Reviews

Campgrounds around the North Shore area of Minnesota feature a mix of state forest sites and city park camping. Birch Lake State Forest provides rustic camping with non-electric sites suitable for tent and RV camping, with walk-in and drive-in access options available. Sauk River City Park offers riverside camping with electric hookups, located within walking distance of town amenities. Cedar Lake Memorial Park and Sinclair Lewis City Campground provide additional options for visitors seeking lakeside camping experiences with varying levels of amenities. Most campgrounds in this region accommodate both tent and RV camping, though hookup availability varies considerably.

Camping season in this area typically runs from May through mid-October, with most facilities closing during the winter months. Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis with self-registration, though some like Lake Carlos State Park and Sinclair Lewis City Campground offer advance reservations. Sites at Birch Lake cost around $17 per night for dry camping, while developed campgrounds with utilities charge $25-35 per night. Weather conditions can create challenges in some areas, particularly in lower-lying regions. According to one visitor, "There were hiking trails that we ended up turning around on because they got too swampy."

State forest campgrounds like Birch Lake receive consistent praise for their quiet, natural settings and privacy between sites. One camper noted that Birch Lake offers a "nice place to get away from people" with "fire pits" and basic amenities. City park campgrounds provide convenient access to town services while maintaining proximity to water recreation. Facilities range from basic vault toilets and water pumps at state forest sites to modern restrooms with showers at developed campgrounds. Waterfront access represents a major draw for many campers in the region, with swimming beaches and fishing opportunities available at several locations. Visitors should note that city park campgrounds like Sauk River may feel more exposed with sites described as "right on top of each other," while state forest options typically provide more seclusion.

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Best Camping Sites Near North Shore, Minnesota (113)

    1. Birch Lake

    10 Reviews
    Melrose, MN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 616-2525

    $12 / night

    "Birch Lake is Lake Wobegon personified. Fish, swim, canoe, jet ski, you name it. The campsite is located in the Burch State Forest with tons of trees around each site."

    "If you like quiet/off the beaten path sites, this one is awesome. Walk in sites as well as drive in. Great (but small) swimming beach, large lake with great fishing available."

    2. Sinclair Lewis City Campground

    14 Reviews
    Melrose, MN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 352-2203

    "My extended family has gatherings here a couple times a year as it is close to everybody and a great location! "

    "There is a boat launch right next to the campground. A fish cleaning house is provided at the campground. Bathrooms are also located within the campground."

    3. Sauk River City Park

    8 Reviews
    Melrose, MN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 256-4278

    $30 / night

    "Walking distance to stores water and electricity"

    "There was so many goodies and we walked around park. It is right on river nice playground basketball courts walking trails everything you would need. Very nice and well kept!!! :)"

    4. Cedar Lake Memorial Park

    3 Reviews
    Holdingford, MN
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 573-2983

    "Shallow lake for swimming not a lot of sites"

    "Had a nice park area with playground, clear lake swimming area. We had a dog with so limited areas that pets can go. It was very enjoyable. Would recommend"

    5. Charles A. Lindbergh State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Little Falls, MN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 616-2525

    "Sites are close together compared to some other Minnesota state parks. Lots of trees. Bathroom is older but decent. Hiking trails ok nothing special."

    "There is about a 500yd walk to the restrooms, and you have to go another 500yds to the main campground to find the showers."

    6. Camp S'more Campground

    5 Reviews
    Osakis, MN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 732-2517

    $15 - $40 / night

    "This is a quiet and fairly small but impeccably maintained campground located near the town of Long Prairie. It would be a nice family friendly destination for an easy lical get away."

    "And it’s less than 1/8 mile from the Long Drive in. A great family experience and one of the few left in the state. We went to the Scott co fair during the day and the drive in that night."

    7. Saukinac Campground

    2 Reviews
    Osakis, MN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 352-0037

    8. Holdingford City Park on the Lake Wobegon Trail

    1 Review
    Holdingford, MN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 293-6687

    $15 - $30 / night

    "The main community ball park is located here, along with several playgrounds, volleyball fields, picnic shelters, and a Veterans memorial."

    9. Lake Carlos State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Carlos, MN
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 852-7200

    "Lots of screaming kids the weekend we were here, but we found the quiet trails. Lower campground offers no privacy, but a newer shower house and views and access to the lake."

    "The lower campground has electric sites and is situated along Lake Carlos but there is little privacy between sites (126 and 127)."

    10. Two Rivers Campground

    7 Reviews
    Royalton, MN
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 584-5125

    "This is a well kept and well run campground tucked in between the Mississippi River and the outlet of the Platte River."

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Recent Camping Photos near North Shore, MN

66 Photos of 113 North Shore Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near North Shore, MN

316 Reviews of 113 North Shore Campgrounds

  • Lindsey R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Crow Wing State Park Campground

    Beautiful park with so many things to do!

    Set on the Upper Missisippi this was well worth the 8 Mile detour off the main east/west route through MN. History, hiking, biking, fishing and boating here. We grabbed a site just above the river. So peaceful and quiet. The few campers here on a late September day were mostly at the electric site area. There is an old town site with informational plaques along the way that depict what life was like here in the 1890s. Excellent map signage on the hiking trails too. Clean and tidy vault toilets. There is access to the extended bike path from this state park as well.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park

    Nice campsite

    Friendly staff, quiet during the week and busy on the weekends. Nice pool, laundry facility, nice restrooms with showers. Stayed for a little more than a month after selling my house. (End of Aug-Sept)
    Recommend!!

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Two Rivers Campground

    Great place to camp.

    Two Rivers Campground is the perfect spot for a fun and relaxing getaway. They have a lazy river, a splash pool for little ones, and another pool for all ages. Kids will love the giant inflatable bouncy house, mini golf, and the many activities offered. The general store has all your camping essentials, plus they make great pizza and other food—delivered right to your campsite along with firewood and ice, just by calling or texting. The campground also features a beautiful beach area on the river that’s perfect for swimming. A few nice spots to shower and restrooms. Quiet beaches one is 1100 to 0900. It’s well maintained and taken care of. We will come back again.

  • The Rolling Panda ..
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Charles A. Lindbergh State Park Campground

    Small quiet park

    This park is very small, minimal vegetation between sites. It was buggy, but manageable. Clean facilities, easy to navigate. If you're looking for a quiet small park this is a good place to start.

  • Cassie W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Lucky Acres Campgrounds

    Great spot!

    Friendly caretakers, spots right on the beach and a clean shower house!

  • Mike O.
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Glacial Lakes State Park Campground

    Beautiful, buggy

    Beautiful park with rolling prairies. Oak Ridge campground is prettier, quieter, and more private than the Lower campground. Site 28 and 30 don’t have tree cover, but have beautiful views of the rolling hills. Site was a bit buggy, but very manageable with bug spray and a Thermacell. The bugs on the hiking trails were unrelenting even with lots of deet bug spray- I was planning to hike 5 miles but had to stop after 2. Would be nice to have showers in the Oak Ridge campground as it’s a long walk to the Lower campground.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Andes RV Park

    Great camping spot!

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We had an incredible stay at Andes RV Park! The facilities are top-notch, with brand-new, spacious bathrooms and showers that were really nice and clean! The park offers a fantastic range of activities, including golf cart rentals, volleyball, horseshoes, disc golf, pickle ball, etc…and in winter, cross-country skiing and tubing—there’s something for everyone! The laundry room, the firewood and the ice delivery service were a convenient touch, and easy as a quick phone call or text. The owners were exceptionally friendly and accommodating, making us feel right at home. Highly recommend this gem for a fun and relaxing RV camping experience!

    Side note: if coming in summer make sure to bring plenty of bug spray!!!

Guide to North Shore

Camping near North Shore, Minnesota, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful lakes and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are campgrounds that cater to all types of campers.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the area. Campers at Lake Carlos State Park Campground enjoy easy access to hiking trails, with one reviewer noting, "Very clean restroom/shower house. Level gravel campsite with metal fire ring and table."
  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing dip at local beaches. One visitor at Oak Ridge Campground — Sibley State Park mentioned, "Nice beach for swimming. Shower and bathrooms available in the campground."
  • Fishing: Cast a line in nearby lakes. A camper at Sinclair Lewis City Campground shared, "Clean campsites along Sauk Lake. Fishing pier nearby."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Charles A. Lindbergh State Park Campground states, "Bathroom is older but decent," highlighting the cleanliness.
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy roomy campsites that provide a sense of privacy. One visitor at Crow Wing Lake Campground said, "What a beautiful, peaceful sight in the woods next to the lake."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A camper at St. Cloud Campground & RV Park noted, "The staff was very friendly and helpful."

What you should know:

  • Reservations Required: Some campgrounds, like Lake Carlos State Park Campground, require online reservations. A reviewer mentioned, "Need to reserve online."
  • Seasonal Closures: Be aware of seasonal closures. A camper at Sinclair Lewis City Campground noted, "The office was closed for the season with the water & electric turned off."
  • Bug Spray is Essential: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially in warmer months. One camper at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park Campground warned, "Mosquitos so thick we had to wear nets over our faces."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. A review from Lake Koronis Regional Park mentions, "Nice playground with swings, close to a larger park near the lake."
  • Family Activities: Choose campgrounds that offer various activities. A family at Oak Ridge Campground — Sibley State Park enjoyed, "Lots of trails, a very nice beach and picnic area."
  • Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with ample space for tents and RVs. A camper at Birch Lake appreciated, "Sites are decent sized, but not pull through."

Tips from RVers:

  • Big Rig Friendly: Many campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. A reviewer at Crow Wing Lake Campground mentioned, "RV site had 30amp with FHU’s."
  • Check Hookups: Ensure your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. A camper at Games Lake County Park noted, "Each site has a table and fire pit."
  • Quiet Evenings: Look for campgrounds that offer a peaceful atmosphere. One visitor at Birch Lake said, "Nice quiet little campground."

Camping near North Shore, Minnesota, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there free camping available on Minnesota's North Shore?

Free camping options are limited but available on Minnesota's North Shore. Some county parks offer free or very low-cost camping, particularly in the off-season. Chippewa Park represents the type of county-maintained campground that may offer affordable options. The Superior National Forest also has some free dispersed camping areas along forest roads, though you'll need to follow strict regulations and practice Leave No Trace principles. Holdingford City Park on the Lake Wobegon Trail demonstrates how some municipal parks provide economical camping opportunities. Always verify current regulations and potential parking fees before setting up camp.

Where can I find dispersed camping on the North Shore of Minnesota?

Minnesota's North Shore offers limited but valuable dispersed camping options. The Superior National Forest provides several dispersed camping areas along forest roads outside designated campgrounds, following Leave No Trace principles. Look for established pull-offs with fire rings. Crow Wing State Park Campground offers a more remote camping experience with their canoe landing sites, providing a taste of dispersed camping within a managed area. Always check current regulations with the US Forest Service office in Duluth or Grand Marais, as some areas require permits. Remember that dispersed camping on the North Shore typically means no facilities—pack in and pack out all supplies and waste.

When is the best time of year to go camping on Minnesota's North Shore?

The ideal camping season on Minnesota's North Shore runs from late May through early October, with each period offering distinct advantages. Summer (June-August) provides warm days perfect for swimming and hiking, but also brings crowds and mosquitoes. For a more peaceful experience, Charles A. Lindbergh State Park Campground demonstrates the beauty of wooded sites that are particularly stunning in September when fall colors emerge. Early fall (September-early October) offers spectacular foliage, fewer insects, and more solitude. Monson Lake State Park Campground represents the type of peaceful setting that shines in the shoulder seasons. Spring (late May-early June) features wildflowers and waterfalls at peak flow, though evenings can be chilly. Always pack layers regardless of season, as North Shore temperatures can fluctuate dramatically.

What are the best campgrounds along the North Shore of Minnesota?

The North Shore boasts several outstanding campgrounds catering to different preferences. Lake Carlos State Park Campground offers two distinct camping experiences—waterfront sites perfect for RVs and fully wooded sites in the upper area for those seeking privacy. For a unique ecological experience, Oak Ridge Campground — Sibley State Park showcases the transition between hardwood forest, savannah, and prairie, making it particularly exciting for birdwatchers. Other excellent options include Gooseberry Falls State Park (waterfall views), Split Rock Lighthouse State Park (dramatic lake vistas), and Tettegouche State Park (rugged landscape with hiking access). Most popular campgrounds require reservations well in advance, especially during peak summer months.

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