Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near Knife River? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find Knife River campgrounds for you and your tent. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your Minnesota camping adventure.
The farthest site is six-tenths of a mile from the parking area. Bear-proof storage lockers available.
$20 / night
Located on the Sioux River, a Class A steelhead trout stream, the park offers a spot for picnicking, wildlife viewing, hiking, bank and stream fishing, and primitive camping. Camping is on a first come, first served basis only.
Amenities Number of sites: 13 Pit toilet Hand pump Fees Non-electric campsite - $13 per day No monthly rates
$15 / night
A few miles north, experience Point Detour “Wilderness” Campground. Rustic camping surrounded by nature and located on an overlook of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.
On a first come, first serve basis
No reservations required (but advised if it's a weekend or holiday)
Pay site fees at Legendary Waters Resort & Casino Hotel Front Desk
Campground Check-in: 12PM / Campground Check-out: 11am
Stay six nights, get the seventh night FREE! TENT: $25 For reservations or information, please contact the Hotel Front Desk at (800) 226-8478 Toll Free.
The showers are at the casino, not the campground (but they are FREE). You must book a "time" to take a shower with the casino front desk
$25 / night
Trails may be used to access remote areas of the Brule River State Forest and backpack camping is allowed. However, you must hike with your gear a minimum of 1 mile from where you park your vehicle and camp at least 100 feet from any trail and out of sight of any water body. Camping along the Brule River and Lake Superior shoreline is prohibited.
The most suitable trail for backcountry camping is the North Country Trail. Hunter Walking Trails are also a good way to access the forested backcountry.
Please follow the rule of "carry in, carry out," taking all of your trash and recyclable items home with you, and make sure your campfire is out when you leave.
Ranger
As a tent camper the only reason I’m not giving Thais a 5 star is the price and the lack of privacy. The tent sites are all within arms length of each other and in the middle of a path to a trail. The price was 30$ to camp in a tent without electricity... by far the most expensive tent camping I have ever seen. arms length from other people... in the middle of a path.
Legend
Wedged between the St Louis River, the highway, and a ceiling tile factory, this campground has four tent sites on the edge of the river with the rest of the campground having full hookup sites for RV’s. It is a popular campground as I got the last tent site- the last site in the entire campground- at 2 in the afternoon. There is a snowmobile trail going over the river and into the woods that is a nice walking/hiking trail in the warmer months. The bridge over the river is too high to fish from, but there seemed to be lots of places along the river that you could toss a line from. Watch out for ATV’s and bicyclists as they also use the bridge to access trails. The camp host will get you the code for the really nice, clean bathhouse that has free showers for campers. If you are tent camping you will need to park either at the bathhouse or in the park lot outside the campground as you cannot park in the tent sites, which are essentially walk in. But it is a short walk. There aren’t any hammock appropriate trees in the tent area which is basically a mowed lawn, but there are a few trees to provide some shade.
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.
Legend
We came with our extended family and while they did tent camping we stayed in a camping cabin. The cabins were great! Our family also was pleased with their tent camping site. This park offered some fun hikes. The views are beautiful- great place to take photos! We came into the stay somewhat unaware of the park, as our family had done the reservations and planning, but we were pleasantly surprised at everything this park offers :)
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.
Scout
Great campground! Most of the sites are perfect for tent camping or glamping. Clean and each site is well separated and lots of trees. Manitou Falls is a short walk away and is incredible. Bring firewood.
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.
Scout
Found this gem of a campground while passing thru this area.
Nice quiet campground. This campground seemed to be mostly filled with RVs. We were tent camping and they had a well shaded,very clean and quiet area for us.
The owners were quick to return our phone call when trying to make a reservation.
Very friendly owners!
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.
Guide
I got a tent site (E5) for a one night stay. The check in process was quick and seamless and the site was nice. I was sleeping on a bit of an incline, and there wasn’t a truly flat spot, but I made due. There was one tent in the spot next to me, but was far enough away to not be noisy.
LegendThere is a lot to do in the area and this is a busy campground offering a couple tent sites and mostly full time rv folks. Talked to a few people and they are like a community and we’re welcoming!
Bathhouse is kept clean and can be accessed with help from the camp host.
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)
TravelerNice little RV park right in the town of Cloquet. There are a few tent sites right against the river. On the west end of the property is access to a pedestrian bridge where you may find some fisherman in the summer. You can walk to the Northeastern Bar of the coffee shop. Nice little stopping spot if you are headed to the BWCAW or the Range.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
LegendWe had a very difficult time finding a place to camp for the night traveling from MN back to GA. We found this place and I’m so glad we stayed here. We got a site with water and electric to plug in our teardrop trailer. We really wanted to tent camp so we pitched our tent and started a fire.
The camp host was quick to respond whenever we needed something (we just needed some firewood and had questions about the restrooms Before making a reservation) and even though the restrooms were closed for covid, they did provide a port-a-potty for campers.
This place was quiet and peaceful and left me well rested. I wish this wasn’t a pit stop and I could’ve stayed for a few days! I’ll be back!
LegendRight on Lake Superior! The campground name was a bit confusing as it is also called The Town of Clover Campground, but most of the signage seems to say Herbster Campground, so that is what we will go with. The RV campground section is up front on a large lot with views of the lake (if you are in the front row). Across the street are a few tent sites right on the beach, as well as a few on the main campground side of the street. There is a nice loop going back into the woods that has most of the tent/small trailer sites. You get your pick- sand flies on the beach or skeeters in the woods. The campground overall is well maintained and very private- everything was well mowed to keep bugs down, and the sites in the woods were well spaced so that most sites are out of sight from each other. The shower house is in a newer shower trailer- sounds weird, but they were actually very nice and obviously cleaned daily. There was a sink station outside the shower trailer for cleaning dishes. I think I saw a fish cleaning station too. Most tent sites seemed to have electric (bonus!) and all had picnic tables and fire rings. They are pretty strict about firewood- it must be local! They have some wood for sale but also had recommendations for where to purchase nearby. This 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. There is a boat launch about 5 minutes away that is reasonably priced if you have your own boat for exploring the islands/sea caves.
Tent camping near Knife River, Minnesota, offers a blend of stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape into the wilderness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Knife River, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Knife River, MN is Bean and Bear Lakes Hike-In — Tettegouche State Park with a 4.9-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Knife River, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 23 tent camping locations near Knife River, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring