Searching for the best camping near Lutsen, MN? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Lutsen. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Lutsen, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
There are two campgrounds, an upper and a lower campground. Some sites in the lower campground have an excellent view of the lake. Most sites are in a shaded, wooded area.
The campsites at Cascade River Rustic Campground are pull-in and not specifically designed for RVs. Only one of the four sites is longer than 21 feet and may accommodate an RV.
Minnesota's arrowhead region is famous for spectacular scenery, pristine Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, rugged Sawtooth Mountain range, Superior National Forest and numerous Minnesota State Parks. A rich history of first nations, explorers, pioneers, artists and adventurers speaks to the special sense of place found with Grand Marais Camping. The Grand Marais municipal campground is the ideal base camp for exploring Minnesota's arrowhead and north shore of Lake Superior. Campers especially enjoy the convenience of set-up and walking to downtown Grand Marais. Our 60 acres of public parkland includes: Sweetheart's Bluff nature area, cobblestone beaches, harbor break wall and public water access, 4 clean bathhouses, ball field, playground, pavilion, Rec Hall, community garden, Gitchi-Gami bike trail connections, and cozy office with free coffee and wi-fi. Here's a few more details: -A full spectrum of camping options across 300 campsites -Pull-thru and 50 AMP RV sites -Lakeside and Wooded tent sites -Nightly, Weekly and Monthly rates -Reservable and Drop-In sites -Open Year Round -Full service bath houses, water at sites & reservations May-October
Located on the Baptism River, the campground is one and one-half miles from Lake Superior. These are secluded, well-screened sites. Eight sites are available in winter. Note: A campsite may be occupied by a group of six or fewer people using one camping shelter. Groups of six or fewer traveling in one vehicle may have one additional tent with prior approval from park staff.
$25 / night
$20 / night
Camping Drive-in Sites46 electric sites in Shipwreck Creek Campground Open seasonally, May - October. Most site parking pads are at least 70 feet long. This park does NOT have a dump station or water fill station!
Wheelchair Accessible SitesFive sites Two sites in the cart-in campground and three sites in the Shipwreck Creek Campground. Sites 110 and 203 have elevated tent pads with a ramp. Site 314 does not have an elevated tent pad, but the entire site is packed, crushed gravel - no grass.
Backpack Sites4 sites These sites range from 1/2 to 2 miles from the campground parking lot. Two of the sites are accessible from Lake Superior for use by kayakers.
Cart-in Sites20 sites These beautiful sites are all within 2,000 feet of the parking lot. Wheeled carts are available to haul gear and supplies to your campsite. These are secluded sites.
Carts are not available in the winter. A backpack or sled is recommended to haul gear during the winter months. Please call park office with questions.
Sawbill Lake Campground has immediate access to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a beautiful, peaceful and wild natural feature of Minnesota's Superior National Forest. The campground acts as a convenient base camp for exploring the nearby wilderness. Superior National Forest, located in northeastern Minnesota's Arrowhead Region, is comprised of 3 million acres. The forest spans 150 miles along the United States-Canada border. Visitors can find recreation opportunities year-round, including travel in the famed Boundary Waters.
This facility draws canoe enthusiasts who seek a quiet and convenient area from which to access the surrounding wilderness. Day and overnight use of the Boundary Waters requires a permit. The campground concessionaire, Sawbill Canoe Outfitters, provides a one-stop shop for canoeists of all levels within walking distance of the campground. Canoe rentals, permits and guided canoe trips are available. Campers who wish to spend time relaxing at the campground can fish for northern pike and bass; hike, bike, picnic and attend educational programs. View recreation guides and maps of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest.
Sawbill Lake is nestled in a thick pine forest that gives campsites excellent privacy. Birds and wildlife are abundant, from moose and bear to bald eagles and loons. Wildflowers add bright colors to the landscape in warmer months. The campground sits on a hill above Sawbill Lake. The 765-acre lake is within the Boundary Waters.
Sawbill Canoe Outfitters maintains a store with showers, laundry, fishing licenses, bait and tackle, ice, grocery and convenience items, canoe and camping gear, rentals and a pay telephone. Over 1 million acres in size, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness contains over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 12 hiking trails and over 2,000 designated campsites. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Additional sites of interest
$20 / night
$20 / night
Toohey Lake Rustic Campground is a seven site campground with a boat launch and trailer parking. It is right off of a well traveled forest road, making for easy access.
There are two campgrounds, an upper and a lower campground. Some sites in the lower campground have an excellent view of the lake. Most sites are in a shaded, wooded area.
The campsites at Cascade River Rustic Campground are pull-in and not specifically designed for RVs. Only one of the four sites is longer than 21 feet and may accommodate an RV.
Minnesota's arrowhead region is famous for spectacular scenery, pristine Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, rugged Sawtooth Mountain range, Superior National Forest and numerous Minnesota State Parks. A rich history of first nations, explorers, pioneers, artists and adventurers speaks to the special sense of place found with Grand Marais Camping. The Grand Marais municipal campground is the ideal base camp for exploring Minnesota's arrowhead and north shore of Lake Superior. Campers especially enjoy the convenience of set-up and walking to downtown Grand Marais. Our 60 acres of public parkland includes: Sweetheart's Bluff nature area, cobblestone beaches, harbor break wall and public water access, 4 clean bathhouses, ball field, playground, pavilion, Rec Hall, community garden, Gitchi-Gami bike trail connections, and cozy office with free coffee and wi-fi. Here's a few more details: -A full spectrum of camping options across 300 campsites -Pull-thru and 50 AMP RV sites -Lakeside and Wooded tent sites -Nightly, Weekly and Monthly rates -Reservable and Drop-In sites -Open Year Round -Full service bath houses, water at sites & reservations May-October
Located on the Baptism River, the campground is one and one-half miles from Lake Superior. These are secluded, well-screened sites. Eight sites are available in winter. Note: A campsite may be occupied by a group of six or fewer people using one camping shelter. Groups of six or fewer traveling in one vehicle may have one additional tent with prior approval from park staff.
$25 / night
$20 / night
Camping Drive-in Sites46 electric sites in Shipwreck Creek Campground Open seasonally, May - October. Most site parking pads are at least 70 feet long. This park does NOT have a dump station or water fill station!
Wheelchair Accessible SitesFive sites Two sites in the cart-in campground and three sites in the Shipwreck Creek Campground. Sites 110 and 203 have elevated tent pads with a ramp. Site 314 does not have an elevated tent pad, but the entire site is packed, crushed gravel - no grass.
Backpack Sites4 sites These sites range from 1/2 to 2 miles from the campground parking lot. Two of the sites are accessible from Lake Superior for use by kayakers.
Cart-in Sites20 sites These beautiful sites are all within 2,000 feet of the parking lot. Wheeled carts are available to haul gear and supplies to your campsite. These are secluded sites.
Carts are not available in the winter. A backpack or sled is recommended to haul gear during the winter months. Please call park office with questions.
Guide
I stayed here in late October. The campground was officially closed at this point in time, but they were still allowing you to stay here at the remarkably low rate of $10 per night. The bathrooms were closed and locked, but there was a single porta potty by the marina. The water was supposed to have been turned off but it wasn't. They're still closing up for the winter. But, the place was essentially empty. I saw one or two other campers in this huge area. So I had lots of space and privacy. It's within walking distance to downtown, which was wonderful. And, on the other side, away from town, there are some hiking trails for your morning stretch. I was able to take my dog off leash in the sledding area for a bit. I'm not sure if that's within the rules, but it didn't bother anybody because there was nobody to bother. The trails take you up to an overlook that allows you to look out over the town and watch the sun come up. You're within a very short driving distance of several ski/hiking areas in the national Forest. Also. I can't speak to how the place would be in the summer when it's busy, but it certainly was a good value for me in October.
Legend
Split rock is a great place to stay on the north shore! Great place to set up base camp and go explore nearby parks and trails! Site come with a picnic table and fire pit and wood is available at the office! Bathrooms and showers are also in the campground.
Legend
Split rock is a great place to stay on the north shore! Great place to set up base camp and go explore nearby parks and trails! Site come with a picnic table and fire pit and wood is available at the office! Bathrooms and showers are also in the campground.
Guide
This spot was easy to get to with our truck camper. Road is alittle bumpy and rocky on the way up. The spot is near Carlton peak trail head and not to far from superior hiking trail. At this spot you can see views of superior lake and the lusten mountains. We went in October and it was quiet and secluded.
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.
Guide
This was my first time backpacking and I did it solo. I camped in site 3 and it was gorgeous. Looks like they recently planted some trees. There was plenty of fallen wood nearby for firewood. The river is right there and so beautiful. I slept great to the sound of the rushing water. The latrine was hard to find at first.
ScoutWe have camped there a few times and love the accessibility to Mtn. Bike Trails and bicycle riding on the Gitche Gami State aBike Trail. Close to world class hiking on the Superior Hiking Trail and a few nice easier hikes right in the park.
GuideWe walked into town for a donut and didn’t make it back to the site until 3 o’clock. Lots to see and places to shop. Everyone very friendly. Lots of art. The campground is very crowded. But right on the Lake. No matter where you are it is just a few steps to a beautiful view.
TravelerWe called a few hours ahead on a Monday and were able to stay for a week at a site with electrical and water hookups. While the sites are close together, we felt like we still had plenty of privacy with how many trees are in the campground, and all of our neighbors were so nice and also quiet. Very kid and dog friendly place. There's a sink for washing dishes by the bathrooms/showers which came in handy and there are multiple bath houses. A quick walk to town too, so we didn't have to ever leave the site with our rig.
Guide
Really nice campground, our site was pretty small & very close to others so that was kind of annoying. But the bathrooms were nice & showers were really nice, overall enjoyable!
ScoutShipwreck Creek Campground is a great new(er) addition to the Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. All of the sites are large and spacious with interesting rock features and vegetation that adds to the privacy. Facilities are clean and well maintained. All sites are nice, but the loop with the “300’s” sites are the most spacious and interesting.
The shower house is a lengthy walk; not a problem but consider driving up to it if you have little with. Clean vault toilets throughout the campground are convenient.
Only bummer is the lack of dump/fill station onsite; park website directs you to fill prior to arrival at the Silver Bay city/municipal shop.
Traveler
When everything along the north shore was full up, this campground had 25 open sites! They were beautiful and spread out over several big loops. Clean toilettes, accessible boat launch on lake, potable water, trash and recycling area… a total gem!
Legend
Recently I stayed in the upper level bunkhouse suite, which means that I have stayed in all of the accommodation types that HH offers. I loved having our own dedicated lounge space upstairs. The upper level used to be a traditional hostel format, but sometime during the pandemic they switched it to a single booking for the entire space. You get a large bed (full or Queen I can’t recall) and then 4 bunks.
This was the most affordable option to take my nephew up to the north shore while still having a roof over our heads and running water. The only things that are still communal with this space are the showers on the first floor (only a toilet and sink upstairs) and the fire pit. Love love love hungry hippie!
GuideWe had a good Campspot and the neighbors were nice. The beach is 2 minutes and the city 20 minutes. Great pleasant experience
ScoutOur first time camping in this park. We made base camp and did day hikes from there. Site 7 was near the river, the rushing water was a convenient water source, but was quite loud - this was no calming, babbling brook, lol! We didn’t see any other humans for 2 whole days, which was a plus. The site was large for 2 tents and 2 couples, the latrine was adequate and marked with a sign. We were able to find enough deadfall for firewood. Mosquitoes were horrendous, as expected. The hikes to many of the campsites are strenuous with hilly terrain, some have been washed out and it was unclear how to access some sites. We had a great time with friends. The cascade was gorgeous, and we had it all to ourselves. Unfortunately, we didn’t pack in any fishing gear. This camping trip was a great middle ground between state park camping loops and true back country.
Guide
We were at the part close to the high way. Very noisy. Facilities are clean and well maintained. Sites are note usable by tent. I barely got the tent Ankers in the ground. Mostly RV or trailers. Not that close to the beach.
Guide
Great location. Well kept facilities. ONE THING TO KNOW… you must fill your fresh tanks for RV near the dump station. There is no water at the sites. The primitive toilets are just that, but the showers are awesome. Enclosed are some cliff and cave shots taken from Kayak on Superior
Traveler
Been a long time user of Sullivan lake campground. Love the rusticity of it and the quietness of it. So quit you can feel the grouse Drumming’s deep within your soul. Highly recommend.
Guide
What a great place. Clean bathrooms if needed with showers. Many of the RV sites have lake access if not you just use the launch ramp. RV spots can be a little tight getting in and out for hook, but doable. Great supply store open during day. The “sisters” and crew are super hostesses! Mosquitos were horrible, but hey it’s MN in June. You never know.
Scout
We camped here over the 4th of July. Our site had a short trail directly to Lake Superior. We arrived mid afternoon on the 4th and there were multiple sites still available. The campground did fill up though. Some sites had grass which had not been cut in quite some time and would make it really difficult to camp, others had the grass cut. Sites had a fire pit and picnic table. The outhouse was a bit messy, but usable.
Traveler
We stayed at Wildhurst about 20 years ago and had a great time, even got to see an mini-air show overhead with USAF F-16s out of Duluth doing maneuvers overhead. So, when the State Forest campgrounds were closed last spring for storm cleanup, we decided to take a cabin there. Not going back. The new owners are trying; I'll give them that. They're friendly, the little restaurant isn't bad, but the latrines (outhouses) really need to be rebuilt. I mean REALLY. Lime on the toilet seat. Early in the season and the biffys by our cabin were horrible smelling, (And I DO understand that they are open toilets. I was the ranger in a state forest campground for 26 years and had to clean weekly and pump out every year 12 of them.) and if the wind was wrong, we could smell it in our cabin. Cabins were smallish, but comparable to a state park camper cabin, they need updates, paint, roofing, and leveling the floors.
Wildhurst has potential. I wish it was as good as it used to be,
Scout
Great spot for camping in your vehicle. Plenty of parking. No bathrooms or water.
Guide
The facilities are nice and well maintained. Not many bugs but I did go later in the year. Medium sized open sites
Guide
I stayed in the lower campground, further from the bathrooms/showers but much quieter and better views of the lake. The site was very secluded from the sides, the facilities are well kept. The hiking is beautiful and not to intense.
Legend
Camped here on Oct 22, 2023. Free primitive national forest campground with 5 sites. Wooded. Campground is suitable for truck campers and smaller. There was a crappy looking RV parked next to the vault toilet; sketchy, looked like long term residents. I did not get a good vibe here but stayed anyway since it was getting late. No drinking water. Fire ring at site. Sites spaced apart okay. Beautiful lake. Nice hiking trail around lake. Fishing is good. Road coming to the campground can be rough in places, but doable with passenger car. The campground itself was nothing special, but camping in the woods along a beautiful lake was appealing.
Traveler
Been coming here for years. It's absolutely amazing. It had gotten busy over thr years though.
Legend
Stayed at the new ski/snowshoe in cabin. Cute little cabin with everything you need plus whatever you can carry on your back/sled. Cabin is equipped with firewood and a wood burning stove. There is a little outhouse right outside of the cabin. The main lodge is where you park your car, and there is a hot tub available to reserve if you are staying in one of the main cabins or the showshoe in cabin. The snowshoe in trail is a little hilly, so be prepared to do some work getting in, especially if you are pulling a gear sled like we did! Required a little teamwork to avoid being run downhill by the sled. We slept three people in the cabin, one on each bunk and one on the floor. Recommend putting the person who gets hot easily on the floor and the one who gets cold easily up on the top bunk. I get hot easily and was up top and had to cuddle with my water bladder to keep cool overnight.
Camping near Lutsen, Minnesota, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax by the campfire, there are several campgrounds that cater to all kinds of campers.
Camping near Lutsen, Minnesota, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of options for families, RVers, and solo adventurers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Lutsen, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Lutsen, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 144 campgrounds and RV parks near Lutsen, MN and 10 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Lutsen, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lutsen, MN is Temperance River State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 45 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lutsen, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 free dispersed camping spots near Lutsen, MN.
What parks are near Lutsen, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Lutsen, MN that allow camping, notably Superior National Forest and Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
