Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Lutsen, MN

Stayed here on my way to Isle Royale and had a wonderful night. I booked an electric site (#233) to charge and camp in my Tesla, which worked out great. It was crowded on a Thursday night (August 17th) but it got really quiet after dark. I had plenty of space at my site and didn’t mind that the other sites were close by. Bugs weren’t bad, but I used spray, a citronella candle, and a Thermacell for protection. The women’s bathrooms were clean, and firewood was available at the office (I think a bundle was $6). Very pet friendly- my dog was relaxed here. Loved the location next to town, which was a beautiful walk during sunset (and I highly recommend getting coffee at Java Moose in the morning). Night skies are beautiful, especially on the water. A little pricey with all the fees (a $43 site turned into $60). I booked my site over a month in advance and there were only a few spots available, so don’t delay!

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. We camp every summer with three other families and this week we ended up in the lower campground of Temperance River State Park. The sites were nice and private with paths between so we could go see our friends next to us. The only downfalls were: the showers were across the river and up a LOT of steps and our site was just down from Hwy 61, so was a bit noisy with traffic at times.

Day trips:

• Lutsen for alpine slides, gondola rides and hiking
• Grand Marais for shopping, mini golf, hiking, and breweries
• Hike the Temperance River trail (although sketchy with a lot of small children who like to go too close to the edge)
• Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center - a small gem where the kids got to learn about rocks and the geology of the North Shore. maybe a bit above their heads, but the adults loved it!
• Just throwing rocks in the lake from large boulders just down from our campground

Highly recommend this as a place to stay for short or longer periods of time due to how much there is to do around the area!

In my haste to make the reservation online I forgot to indicate I was a Good Sam member. I thought, no problem, I will say something when I check in to pay the balance.

The office was very busy at check in and we were in quite a hurry as we had RV service scheduled and technician waiting on us. MY fault only, I forgot to mention it. I went into the office this morning and a clerk told me there was no way to issue a refund in their system. I told the clerk if they would not refund my 10% then I would have to dispute the charge at the bank and then they would have to make an adjustment with their banking service. The clerk said, “Do what you want, but we don’t do any refunds.” I called my bank and they said, “The charges are still pending to your account, so ask them to void the transaction and start over.”

I returned to the office and suggested that, and the clerk then contacted the manager who agreed to do just that.

Sorry I made the mistake, but that is not a way to earn a return stay.

Sometimes you gotta be the squeaky wheel.

The dog park has old astroturf on it. I found that a bit strange.

They have a cute little store. Laundry takes debit snd credit cards.

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. I wasn’t able to get a picture of the waterfalls because this time so you will just have to take my word for it.

The picnic are was super cool as-well. There were little areas separated from each other that had a picnic table and fire ring that were like little campsites. No overnight camping though.

From the picnic area you could relax on the rocks on sunning Lake Superior’s shore and catch a sunrise or sunset. You can cast a line for lake trout or salmon from shore or just relax having a picnic.

There are a few hiking trails in the park and parking for some one the trails and the picnic area right off highway 61 a half a mile from the park office.

If you stay in the campground there is approved firewood available at the park office, along with ice and other goodies. You must have a park permit for this park. Daily permits are 7$ and annual permits that are good for all state parks and recreation areas in Minnesota are 35$. The annuals can be purchased in the park office or online. Daily park permits are only available in the park office at any state park or recreation area. Camping fees are the normal Minnesota Park fees.

This park is surrounded by a few other state parks you could spend visiting as well. Check this beauty out! IT’S TOTALLY WORTH YOUR TIME!!!

Me & hubbs had a weeklong stay here at the marina campground for our anniversary. Upon arrival, we noticed how crammed together the sites were. Yikes! One of our pet peeves . We have 3 dogs, no kids & enjoy a little space & at least the slightest privacy. No such luck. We had a back in site - hook ups on the wrong side!! First annoyance. Kids galore. Everywhere. And Uber noisy & running amok! Second annoyance. Don’t get me wrong- I love kids enjoying the outdoors & just being kids! But holy cow- could’ve done without the non stop wailing & firecrackers day & night. If we had to have stayed at our site any longer I’d never relax. But I digress. We weren’t there to stay at our site. We were the for the surroundings & they did not disappoint!! It is absolutely gorgeous! Adventures abound! Tons of beaches ( water was un-swimmable though , super freezing still!) Clear beautiful water, the scenery was breathtaking! An abundance of dog friendly restaurants & businesses. You could walk nearly everywhere you needed to see & be in town . Incredibly friendly people ! We never felt like silly tourists. Made new friends from Canada, took many hikes to waterfalls, found lots of secret beaches along 61 where the dogs ran leash free & took in allllll the sights ! The weather at the end of August was incredible! 65 degrees , no humidity, no wind or rain & very minimal bugs.

We spent every early morning drinking fresh local coffee , eating World’s Best Donuts & watching the sun rise on a nearly deserted shoreline in town. It was heaven.

There is tons to do if you just go exploring. Even with people everywhere, it never felt crowded & anxiety inducing. Somehow it all went perfectly! Reminded me of Tahoe or Bodega. Can’t wait to get back!

FYI- rv sites are hard to get ! Get a jump on a rez in January. Clarify if it has sewer- ours didn’t . We had site 77 . Not right on the water but a literal 2 min walk. I preferred this site to many others. More privacy for the pups.

This is a quiet no frills campground.  The sites are nice and private with trees separating the sites.  The shower/bathrooms are great.  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.  My only issue with this campground is that there isnt any play area for kids.

Theres plenty to do in the areas surrounding this State Park.  We drove the Gunflint Trail, went to Lutsen and shopped around Grand Marais.  Voyageur Brewing is a fun brewery with good beer.