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.
"Cascade River is one of my favorite Minnesota State Parks. Located between Grand Marais and Duluth in Lutsen, Mn. There is a set of 5 small waterfalls and then Cascade Falls that are spectacular."
"They also have the hole in the ground toilets spread around the campgound. The hiking trails are great leading you to multiple waterfalls and to Lake Superior. "
"We LOVE this campground, as it's an awesome place to to call home base for a bit and take day trips around the North Shore."
"Campground Review
Temperance River State Park is just off of scenic Highway 61 north of Duluth, Minnesota about 60 miles."
"Tucked up in the woods is a small tent area that is nice and quiet but a little far from the bathrooms so be prepared to walk."
"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"
"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."
"We stayed at site 49, which was a short walk to the beach. Our boys, age 5 and 3, spent hours throwing rocks in the lake."
$10 - $20 / night
"The biffy was clean and there were multiple clean water pumps located around the campground."
"Beautiful campsite, gorgeous location, and the canoe outfitters is within walking distance in case you want to shower, buy some food, supplies, or head into the BWCA!"
"I only stayed one night, but watching the sunset on the lake from my campsite was wonderful! It’s pretty easy to get too."
"We had taken a spot at Four-Mile Lake but it was not near the lake, so the next day we walked the mile to Toohey, which had been full the day before."
$20 - $40 / night
"The lake side sites are amazing. The Camp Host is great and keeps the place very clean and the pit toilets, don't worry about those, they are great some of the best maintained I've ever seen."
"It was easy enough to find the site and we thought we had located the tent in the best place, until daylight revealed our mistake. We were pleased to find a pleasant, quiet campground."
"This place was so perfect for our last night on the trail. It's a sweet little rock peninsula jutting out into a clean, clear Lake Agnes."
"Steep but short hike in to the lake via superior hiking trail. Quiet campsite right on the lake, with great views."
$20 / night
"This is one of the few state parks in Minnesota where you can winter camp! The trails are absolutely beautiful in the fall, the scenery changes often."
"We stayed a site 22 on the small lake in early June and loved it! There were other campers nearby for only 1 night, and we never much from them."
"Lots of cypress and snuggled right up next to Spruce Creek for a great sleep. Flat tent pads, two fire pits and great spots to sit in the creek or large flat rocks to sun on."
GuideThis is a campground for small campers only. My 16 foot travel trailer was about the limit for size. Very little access to the lake and river. Overall, this is a primitive site with pit toilets and a pump jack for water.
LegendJudge Magney State Park, Minnesota
This is a small state park near the shores of Lake Superior. Off Hwy 61, North of Grand Marais. Best known for the Devils Kettle Hike where there's a double waterfall
& one side disappears into a hole. It's very cool!
The campground is very small- only 26 sites. This is primitive camping- no electricity. There's water available. No dump. Dumpsters for trash. The sites are suitable for tents & small trailers, popups, truck campers, camper vans. We did see one larger trailer, but most sites are short. The road is also very primitive - trees will rip off the air conditioners in your 45 footer!
There's a modern bathroom & shower house with 2 showers in both the men's & women's. Even though we never saw anyone- someone was keeping the bathrooms clean!
They also sell wood at the camp host site.
We were here on a Tuesday thru Thursday. Everyone was respectful of quiet hours & no one was too loud. Most of the sites were full. Not sure about the weekends.
There's 2 loops. The outside loop is close to the highway & that gets loud around 6am until 10pm when it quiets down. There's paths to the bathhouse, which is nice.
The perimeter sites are the best for more privacy. We were in site 11 & I loved it! Site 12 was nice too. I really enjoyed this campground & have to say it was my favorite one on our Minnesota vacation.
ScoutI thought the campground itself was nice. It’s on a very busy road tho and I personally thought the sites in the middle were very close together. We also had a group of very rowdy college aged kids across from us that made our stay less enjoyable. If you can bet a site on the outer edge of the campground, it would be great.
TravelerSite number four has a trail that goes straight to the lake so you can take a dip or launch a kayak.
ScoutWe stayed here for 3 nights, 4 days and while the location is great, the camping was awful. The spots are one on top of each other, so much so that we spent our nights inside the RV because we were so on top of our neighbors. We could hear EVERYTHING, even when in our trailer and our neighbors were in theirs. Very clean facility, but not worth the price and unfortunate setup.
LegendHuge site with many trees for our hammocks. The mosquitoes were ravenous but we had a screen tent. The toilets were really clean. It was a delight to have a beach right at our site. This campground is off the beaten path so was extra dark and quiet.
ScoutThis place had so much potential but unfortunately I was not as lucky as the other reviewer. Got absolutely eaten alive by mosquitos the first night, tried to thug it out, and ended up leaving. I had long sleeves / pants and bug spray but it did not stop them. Would not recommend going here in August.
TravelerWe stayed at 26E which has 30amp and 50amp. The state park website says only 50amp but it had both. Lots of space
ScoutWe had a group of 7 at one campsite (3 of them being under 5). Its kind of hard to find some of the camp sites but when you do find them they have tables and rock fire rings. Outhouse was a pit toilet which didn't smell to bad and was nice they had a light in it. The garbage is also right next to the toilet. Again very beautiful, but with a little more maintenance definitely could be a five star!
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
When is the best season for camping in Lutsen, Minnesota?
Summer (June through August) is the prime camping season in Lutsen when temperatures are most comfortable and all facilities are fully operational. Crescent Lake Campground offers stunning lakeside sites that are particularly enjoyable during warm summer months. Fall (September-October) brings spectacular foliage and fewer crowds at Hogback Lake Rustic Campground & Backcountry Sites, though be prepared for cooler nights. Spring can be beautiful but often muddy with lingering snow melt and black fly season. Winter camping is possible for experienced campers, especially along the Border Route Trail, but requires proper cold-weather gear and preparation. For the best balance of pleasant weather and moderate crowds, aim for late summer or early fall camping trips.
Where are the best campgrounds near Lutsen, MN?
The North Shore area surrounding Lutsen offers exceptional camping options. Cascade River State Park Campground is a standout choice with private, tree-separated sites and convenient access to spectacular waterfalls and Lake Superior. For those seeking a different experience, Temperance River State Park Campground provides an excellent home base for North Shore day trips with nice private sites. Other noteworthy options include Grand Marais Campground & Marina for those wanting to be within walking distance of town, Black Beach Campground for coastal views, and Crescent Lake Campground for a more secluded lakeside experience. Most campgrounds in the area provide easy access to hiking trails and are within short driving distance of Lutsen's attractions.
What amenities are available at Lutsen campgrounds?
Amenities vary across Lutsen area campgrounds. Grand Marais Campground & Marina offers RV hookups and walking access to town, making it convenient for those wanting both wilderness and services. At Topper Lake Campsite and other backcountry options, expect minimal facilities with just fire pits and perhaps pit toilets. State parks like Cascade River and Temperance River typically provide clean shower/bathroom facilities, drinking water, and well-maintained pit toilets throughout the grounds. Most campgrounds offer fire rings and picnic tables at individual sites. Cell service is generally limited throughout the region, with Crescent Lake Campground specifically noted for having virtually no coverage. Always check specific campground listings before arrival, as amenities can change seasonally, especially water availability which may be restricted during colder months.
Keep Exploring
