Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Illgen City? Finding a place to camp in Minnesota with your tent has never been easier. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
$20 / night
The farthest site is six-tenths of a mile from the parking area. Bear-proof storage lockers available.
The Divide Lake Campground provides a northwoods camping experience in a small (only 3 sites) secluded campground located near many recreational opportunities. A walk-down canoe launch provides access to Divide Lake and its stocked trout population while Divide Lake Trail provides a 2 mile hike with benches and scenic overlooks. Other nearby lakes, a boat ramp, and a fishing pier give the camper even more chances to enjoy the outdoors. Of particular interest is the fact that FR 172 in this area is on the Laurentian Divide with waters on the Divide Lake side flowing to Lake Superior and those on the Tanner Lake side flowing north to Hudson’s Bay. Downloadable information and map.
Eighteen Lake Rustic Campground provides three campsites and a picnic area under red pines on the shore of Eighteen Lake. A trail around the lake and a carry down boat access make this a wonderful spot to spend a weekend in the woods.
Traveler
We were tent camping and although most of the campground is geared towards RVs, they do have sites for tents only. We chose to stay in a tent site in the RV area since it was close to Lake Superior. There was also a nice secluded tent only area on a wooded hill which would be a good choice if you prefer less hustle bustle. The big attraction for this place is that it is easy walking distance from town where there are many interesting shops, restaurants and sites to see!
LegendThis is a huge community campground within the village of Grand Marais, right on the harbor. Most folks are here with RVs, but there are three separate sections for tent camping only: one right on the lakeshore, one right on the bike path, and one tucked into the woods up the hill to the south. We always do tent camping, and had intended to go to Magney State Park nearby but they were filled for the weekend, so we reluctantly decided to try the town campground and were pleasantly surprised. Although the RV sites are jam-packed close together in the open throughout most of the campground, the forest tent sites are private, quiet, spacious, well wooded, and I would say comparable to the sites at Magney. We were at one of the smaller tent sites, but most are pretty big, the one called Honeymoon Hill is really great, ask for that if you can! The tent area does have drinking water but the toilets are just porta potties, though they are very clean and well kept. There is a full bath house down the hill about 1/4 mile walk, good facilities but heavily used and it got a bit muddy very quickly after the rain Sunday morning. The main advantage of this campground is great location on Lake Superior and Grand Marais Harbor, easy biking and walking distance into the village with all its amenities, and easy driving distance to numerous trailheads and other outdoor opportunities, so overall a pleasant surprise and an excellent alternate if area state parks are filled.
Traveler
We loved our stay here, just a bit colder than I was expecting and after coming across the US in June I was not dressed for the cold. We had warm stuff and were totally fine just something to think about. We camped at tent site #3 because we could park right next to our camp site. There are camping spots back in the woods a bit that you can park right next to but we wanted to be on the lake. The sunset was breathtaking, and we had fun picking stones. Be sure to bring your UV light for finding yooper lights.
We lost cell service on the way there and got a bit nervous, taking screen shots of the map but there is service there.
We camped in a tent without 2 dogs and young toddler and had a great time.
Guide
Tent camp sites not too close. The view of Lake Superior was stunning. If you want to get to the Lake it is a hike down and then only a view and not up close. The hike to the falls was a short walk with fantastic views. The North Shore has so many places to visit.
Traveler
Have stayed here many times, love it!
Great tent sites right on Lake Superior.
Hardly any bears :)
ScoutLoved the view. We had a lakeside tent site. Campsites aren’t that spread out. We had a good amount of space but we could easily hear the neighbors and was annoying late at night. There are some outhouses and ADA restrooms/showers. We were 15 minutes from Meyer’s Beach, which was great. Lakeside tent sites are right by the beach. Beach was rocky - bring a pair of crocs or similar shoe if you’re sensitive to the rocks and branches in the sand. Water was cool and felt great!
TravelerVery beautiful place right on Lake Superior. The tent sites are right along the beach. Small and remote. Beautiful hiking locations close by.
Traveler
Been there twice in the last few years. Last time, in late Sept, we had the place to ourselves. It was peaceful and lovely. This time (mid Sept) and it was a friggin zoo. The place was packed with large RVs, several of which had drunken, stupidly loud hooting and hollering yahoos taking it into the night. There is a separate tent camping area that is isolated from the main area by some trees but unfortunately not enough to block the noise. The tent camping sites are not isolated from each other-just a long strip of lawn with about 6 sites or so.
Nice supply of quality firewood and pay to spray shower (closed this year probably due to the pandemic). There is a nice, new modern bathroom facility for the Little Sand Bay park right next to the campgrounds.
Ranger
We camped in a cart-in site, with privacy and a beautiful view of Lake Superior. It is a splendid place for tent camping.
The MN Historical Society runs the tours and manages a visitor center for the lighthouse. Go up in the lighthouse and look around the lighthouse keepers home from a hundred years ago.
RangerLARGE campground! Right on Lake Superior. Sites are close together. Some nicely located TENT sites by the lake, can hear the waves. Very easy walk on paved trail into town. Men’s bathroom was very clean. Showers are in great shape.
ScoutGreat campground with tent sites next to the beach. RV sites are small and close together. Both 30 & 50 amp service for RV's. First come first serve for all sites. Can be very crowded in July and August. I recommend this campground if you like great views of Lake Superior.
Scout
The tent sites or sites not on the water were EXTREMELY lacking. Site 25 specifically was awful. Brush is over grown making very limited space to set up a tent and the path up to the small clearing up the hill is being taken over by growth BUT the sites on the water are breath taking. Knowing this we will be back. Bathrooms are clean, water access is great, and water is available for drinking and cleaning that’s really a great set up. -Mosquitoes are BAD (as to be expected) so bring a screen tent. -Fire pits have a GREAT cooking set up that swivels over the fire, downside is some of them are broken or need upkeep as dirt has settled under it and it won’t move anymore (needs to be dug out). -camp host is SUPER nice and has the cutest relationship with the chipmunks, if you need wood stop by and say hi and meet the cute and bossy chipmunks.
Dog loved it there, it’s quiet, beautiful, campsites are generally well maintained, tent sites are just VERY small and getting smaller.
LegendCamped here July 5th on our way South from Lake Superior and it was empty. Camped right along Lake Superior, practically the entire sandy beach to ourselves. Though close to the road and open, secluded, wooded tent sites and open. Even spots are also available. Cute place in an even cuter town. Excellent spot and would stay again if timing were right.
RangerNot much privacy with these campsites (or shade if you have one right on the lake) but the view is worth it to us! Boat landing is about a 10 minute drive down a gravel road, but it’s a nice area! There are tent sites on the side road that provide shad and some privacy as well. All sites and first-come (no reservations)
Guide
Big Bay State Park is a perfect place for your summer vacation. You can camp with a tent or RV at Big Bay State Park. Don’t forget to look at the cost of the ferry over if you’re bringing your RV. It can get expensive depending on length, but still a better deal than renting an air bnb. Easy walking trails and cliffs to jump off. There are a lot of fun places to visit on the island. Definitely recommend bringing a car if you’re planning to tent camp, the park is far from town.
RangerNice clean bathroom and great showers that have an extra DRY SPACE and a chair to change into fresh dry clothes.
Campground is well maintained, sites in the woods are spaced apart. Sites closer to Lake Superior are tight, some are VERY SHORT and tent sites only.
Good electric power and water at the site we were at.
Two nice beaches and a river at the campground. Very beautiful sunrise’s over the lake!
Fall camping will be cool beside the lake so bring warm clothes.
Close to MANY Minnesota State Parks and super good hiking trails.
Site 8 with no electricity or water and is great site with super views of the lake.
ScoutTent “lakeside” site is an open court yard setting which is a little strange. All sites can face The lake. Try and avoid the other tent sites as they are behind fish house in the woods. Those sites are still less than 2 minute walk to lake. Showers are 2 dollars for 8 minutes. Great location for apostle island kayak tours or starting point.
One bogus item or plus item.
County ran so some people pull up and bandant camp.
ScoutThis campground is our go-to place to stay on our summer visits to Grand Marais. We usually stay in the wooded tent sites on the hill which provides nice shade, protection from the frequent winds off of Lake Superior, and a little bit of privacy. When we stayed in site W213R in June 2018, I could still see glimmers of the lake through the trees. They have portapotties and potable water on the hill, and it’s only a short walk down the hill to the bathhouse.
When you first come up the hill to the tent sites, the first path to the right of the split leads to a little creek where the kids love to go and explore.
The tent sItes in the lower campground are open, have few trees, and you are likely to be next to an RV, but it could be worth it to wake up to the sound of the waves and a vIew of the bay. The sites closest to open water (not the bay) have bushes that block the view of the lake, but are necessary for the frequent wind.
The staff in the office have always been friendly and helpful to me. They also sell wood, have some camping supplies for sale, firewood, and they used to have a take-a-book/leave-a-book inside, but I haven’t looked for that for a couple years. There is online booking and pictures of many of the sites on their website.
It’s a nice walk around the bay into town. Some of our favorite places are Voyager Brewing Company, World’s Best Donuts, Gunflint Tavern on the Lake, Angry Trout Restaurant, North House Folk School (feel free to walk through, check out their available classes onlIne, and book a ride to sail on their 50 foot steel schooner, the Hjordis), Drury Lane Bookstore, My Sister’s Place Restaurant, walking out to Artist’s Point and the lighthouse, and visiting the multiple state parks within a short drive. Many have waterfalls.
Guide
My husband and I camped here over the 4th of July weekend with our entire family. We loved the campsites as the sites where spacious and seemed more secluded with all the trees. We loved how wooded the sites where as it felt more like camping and provided more privacy. The campground was pretty and very well kept. The sites vary in size so I would recommend driving around the loops to check them out to see which one would fit your best camping needs for your RV/Tents. We always do this as we like to know which sites to get the next time we camp here. We got the last two first come first serve non electric sites as it was over the 4th of July so we actually got lucky to get a site at all. We used generators as it was almost 100 out the entire week we camped. The campground asks for generators to be turned off I believe between 10-10:30pm.
We spent most of our time at the beach and in the lake as swimming was a must this week due to it being so hot out. We brought our lily pad to use out on the water which was a big hit for everyone in our group.
The tent sites where amazing they were full of trees for more of feel of actual roughing it camping. The best part of this campground is the tent site area has their own beach area which was amazing for all the kids in our group. The hosts were very informational and even delivered ice and firewood if you needed more! This was a huge perk as this campground has so many loops and our group camped in RV sites and Tent Sites.
The beach area was very clean and boat launch was nice. Very friendly hosts as each loop has hosts assigned which was convenient. The lake is huge just had to be careful as this was our first time at this lake and since the water levels where down the sand bars were more noticeable then usual as locals stated. We plan on coming back to this campground it was very clean and well kept.
ScoutWe tried it on the way to the UP of Michigan and came back the same route for two more nights. If you are a water lover, you’ll love the easy access to the water and walkable beach. 12 Reservable campsites online. Tent camping and electrical camping on water, and dry camping in the back woods first come first serve. Camp hosts are nice. Picnic table and fire ring included. Wood bundles $5 for a lot of wood. Laundry, separate bathrooms from shower trailer. Faucets in shower were odd. Definitely would stay again.
ScoutThis campground has a marina and a beach right on Lake Superior. We went in mid September and it was pretty empty. There were about 10 tent only sites and there were campers at only 1 of the other tent sites and they were there only 1 night. I think if it was busy it might feel too crowded because the sites are very close. You had to pay 2 dollars for the showers but the water was hot and you got a good amount of time. The bathrooms were clean.
ScoutThis is one of my favorite campgrounds. If your looking for a place to camp on the shore of Lake Superior, then this is your place. Nothing beats the sunsets!
They recently have gotten showers and a place to wash dishes.
From my experience if you want a tent site on the lake and not in the woods, you need to get there early Friday or go during the week.
Bring food with you, the nearest store is 7 miles away in Cornucopia.
Legend
This is a private campground that fills up quick. It is 1 mile from Bayfield town center. It is close to the ferry dock, restaurants, parks and beaches. All sites are electric and water and some are full hook up. There are cabins and tent sites as well. The office/store is very clean and stocked with things you may need. 8 flavor ice creams on site! There is a dump station and picnic tables and fire rings at each site. There is free wi-fi and a shower house, bathrooms and laundry.
Legend
The campground is located in a very nice small town and the water sites are amazing for sunrise. The campground has all the amenities you need; Full hookups, water, dump station, fire rings, and picnic tables. Tent sites were the most numerous, but there were several RVs. We saw everything from big RVs to motorcycles here. Things were clean but it was a super packed when we were there. You can't sit outside without getting to know your neighbors inner secrets!
The view and access to water is what would bring us back.
Traveler
My sister and I spent two nights tent camping here at a site right on the water. We arrived around noon on Friday of memorial day weekend when about half of the sites were filled. Plenty of options depending on the size of your party and rigs. Lots of other lakes to explore in this area. Our favorite parts were the ample space between each site and that it was free. Plenty of room for dogs and kiddos to run around. We only wish we brought a canoe to take out on the lake for more exploring. It’s about 30 minutes from Finland off hwy 1.
Guide
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. 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!
Legend
for short stay RV campers or seasonal campers, this might be a campground of interest due to its proximity to the Bay as well as into the town of Washburn. However, I am reviewing this from the perspective of a tent camper, and this campground proides bathrooms and menities etc, but this is not a reall desireable location for tent camping. Few trees, small campsites, close together, no privacy. The waterfront area needs a bit of work and maintanence too, in rough shape due to shoreline flooding. It would be more than adequate to stay here if nothing lse in the area is avaialble, or would be a decent place to stay overnight before launching out into the Apostle Islands, but not the best place as a destination camping area for tent campers.
Tent camping near Illgen City, Minnesota, offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a rustic experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Illgen City, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Illgen City, MN is George H. Crosby Manitou State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 22 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Illgen City, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 56 tent camping locations near Illgen City, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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