Dispersed camping opportunities exist throughout the Knife River area on the western shore of Lake Superior, with elevations ranging from 600 to 1,100 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures can drop below 0°F, while summer averages 65-75°F with regular lake effect conditions. The region features glacial-carved terrain, creating diverse landscapes from rocky shoreline to inland forests.
What to do
Hiking trails: Knife River access points connect to segments of the Superior Hiking Trail with varying difficulties. Gooseberry Falls State Park Campground offers "great day hikes around the falls" and "a lot of cool trails and waterfalls to see. Along lake Superior there are a lot of cliffs to take in the view of the great lakes and a great spot for a picnic," according to camper Craig B.
Boat launch access: 5 minutes from camp at some locations provides water recreation options. When staying at Herbster Campground, "the boat landing is about a 10 minute drive down a gravel road, but it's a nice area," notes Kalene H.
Winter activities: Snow camping and sports continue year-round at some parks despite seasonal closures elsewhere. Janet R. notes that at Gooseberry Falls, "winter camping starts in October and goes through April and sometimes into May! If you are willing to forgo amenities like hot running water...then camping here is do-able, and you will get to experience the winter mood of the Gooseberry River."
What campers like
Lake access: Beachfront camping provides direct Superior shoreline access at select campgrounds. At Herbster Campground, Lesley R. found that you can camp "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."
Waterfall viewing: Multiple cascade sites within short distances from campsites. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Campground provides "great hiking trails and water activities," according to Kyle B., while Brian C. describes it as "set at the end of a path, atop of a 100 foot cliff, this site has a commanding view overlooking Lake Superior. The noise is minimal, and dominated by the sound of waves crashing on the shore below."
Primitive camping options: Undeveloped sites provide solitude for those seeking isolation. Carrol Truck Trail offers "secluded" camping with "beautiful spot, we are currently here in warmer weather, but surrounded by snow. Theres plenty of woods/dead things to burn meaning the fire never goes out," according to Blake B. Another camper notes the area is "a fine place to go to get away from everything."
What you should know
Road conditions: High-clearance vehicles required for some dispersed sites. Skip H. describes Castle Danger as having a "tight trail in" while Sawyer P. warns, "DO NOT COME HERE UNLESS YOU HAVE A HIGH CLEARANCE 4x4. The 'road' up to the campsite is basically a jeep trail."
Site availability: First-come basis at many locations, with limited reservations. Annie C. explains that Herbster Campground "is a first come first serve campground that doesn't take reservations, which is nice so close to the busy Apostle Islands. This is the place to come as it is much quieter than some of the campgrounds closer to the Islands."
Train noise: Regular rail traffic near some campgrounds disrupts sleep. Krista T. observed at Jay Cooke State Park Campground: "One of the only things that was obnoxious about this park is that there is a frequently used train track nearby- and the trains really lay on whistle. I slept with earplugs in because of this, but I was still woken up around 4 times that night."
Tips for camping with families
Shower facilities: Clean restrooms available at established campgrounds. Cody A. had a good experience at Gooseberry Falls: "Private trail directly to the showers, restrooms and water. Would stay there again in a heartbeat. 49 is close to the Gitchi Gami trail so that was also nice considering we were rollerblading."
Pet restrictions: Dog friendly areas have specific rules for camping with animals. At Burlington Bay Campground, Tori K. describes it as having "bathrooms, shower facilities, and Wi-Fi" while noting it's a "nice alternative to state parks."
Wildlife awareness: Tick and mosquito preparation essential during warmer months. Skip H. mentions Castle Danger "is pretty well hidden in the woods" while Carissa J. observed varying insect conditions: "There was also no bugs here which was amazing! Great spot to hang out by a campfire without getting swarmed."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Various electrical options across campgrounds with differing amperage. Spirit Mountain Campground offers "heavily wooded and beautiful" sites according to Michelle P., who notes "it is a mountain bikers paradise."
Site spacing: Limited separation at some RV-friendly campgrounds. Robert P. found at Burlington Bay Campground, "the sites are small... very small. Barely fit my 21 foot trailer in because the turn was ridiculous to get in the site" but acknowledged "it does have water and electric for a decent price."
Seasonal access: Limited winter services with some facilities closed. During winter at Gooseberry Falls, Janet R. explains "the shower houses and campground bathrooms have the water shut off in winter" and visitors must adapt to "using outhouses or trekking to the park Visitor Center."
