North Shore is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of North Shore. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your North Shore camping trip.
$12 / night
"Birch Lake is Lake Wobegon personified. Fish, swim, canoe, jet ski, you name it. The campsite is located in the Burch State Forest with tons of trees around each site."
"If you like quiet/off the beaten path sites, this one is awesome. Walk in sites as well as drive in. Great (but small) swimming beach, large lake with great fishing available."
"My extended family has gatherings here a couple times a year as it is close to everybody and a great location! "
"There is a boat launch right next to the campground. A fish cleaning house is provided at the campground. Bathrooms are also located within the campground."
$30 / night
"Walking distance to stores water and electricity"
"There was so many goodies and we walked around park. It is right on river nice playground basketball courts walking trails everything you would need. Very nice and well kept!!! :)"
"Shallow lake for swimming not a lot of sites"
"Had a nice park area with playground, clear lake swimming area. We had a dog with so limited areas that pets can go. It was very enjoyable. Would recommend"
"Sites are close together compared to some other Minnesota state parks. Lots of trees. Bathroom is older but decent. Hiking trails ok nothing special."
"There is about a 500yd walk to the restrooms, and you have to go another 500yds to the main campground to find the showers."
$15 - $40 / night
"This is a quiet and fairly small but impeccably maintained campground located near the town of Long Prairie. It would be a nice family friendly destination for an easy lical get away."
"And it’s less than 1/8 mile from the Long Drive in. A great family experience and one of the few left in the state. We went to the Scott co fair during the day and the drive in that night."
$15 - $30 / night
"The main community ball park is located here, along with several playgrounds, volleyball fields, picnic shelters, and a Veterans memorial."
"Lots of screaming kids the weekend we were here, but we found the quiet trails. Lower campground offers no privacy, but a newer shower house and views and access to the lake."
"The lower campground has electric sites and is situated along Lake Carlos but there is little privacy between sites (126 and 127)."
"This is a well kept and well run campground tucked in between the Mississippi River and the outlet of the Platte River."
ScoutNot free but a very nice owner and campgrounds
GuideTwo Rivers Campground is the perfect spot for a fun and relaxing getaway. They have a lazy river, a splash pool for little ones, and another pool for all ages. Kids will love the giant inflatable bouncy house, mini golf, and the many activities offered. The general store has all your camping essentials, plus they make great pizza and other food—delivered right to your campsite along with firewood and ice, just by calling or texting. The campground also features a beautiful beach area on the river that’s perfect for swimming. A few nice spots to shower and restrooms. Quiet beaches one is 1100 to 0900. It’s well maintained and taken care of. We will come back again.
TravelerClean bathrooms with hot water, clean laundry room.
TravelerThis park is very small, minimal vegetation between sites. It was buggy, but manageable. Clean facilities, easy to navigate. If you're looking for a quiet small park this is a good place to start.
TravelerFriendly caretakers, spots right on the beach and a clean shower house!
TravelerBeautiful park with rolling prairies. Oak Ridge campground is prettier, quieter, and more private than the Lower campground. Site 28 and 30 don’t have tree cover, but have beautiful views of the rolling hills. Site was a bit buggy, but very manageable with bug spray and a Thermacell. The bugs on the hiking trails were unrelenting even with lots of deet bug spray- I was planning to hike 5 miles but had to stop after 2. Would be nice to have showers in the Oak Ridge campground as it’s a long walk to the Lower campground.
Traveler⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We had an incredible stay at Andes RV Park! The facilities are top-notch, with brand-new, spacious bathrooms and showers that were really nice and clean! The park offers a fantastic range of activities, including golf cart rentals, volleyball, horseshoes, disc golf, pickle ball, etc…and in winter, cross-country skiing and tubing—there’s something for everyone! The laundry room, the firewood and the ice delivery service were a convenient touch, and easy as a quick phone call or text. The owners were exceptionally friendly and accommodating, making us feel right at home. Highly recommend this gem for a fun and relaxing RV camping experience!
Side note: if coming in summer make sure to bring plenty of bug spray!!!
ScoutWe are camping/glamping in. 30’ fifth wheel. The sites here are spacious and cozy at the same time. Feels like we are deep in the forest but civilization is close enough for WiFi! Get some firewood from the Ranger, the fire pits are great!!
LegendGroup camp: Mississippi River County Park offers group camping for bona fide youth groups and educational groups (e.g. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Church youth groups, 4-H Clubs, etc.). There is no charge but reservations are required.
Canoe campsite: The canoe campsite is accessible from the river. Camping is allowed for those traveling by canoe and limited to one night of camping with no overnight vehicle. First come-first serve; Register onsite.
Bicycle campsite: Camping is allowed for those traveling through on bicycles and limited to one night of camping with no overnight vehicle. The bicycle campsite is located by the fire pit near the picnic shelter. First come-first serve; Register onsite.
Camping near North Shore, Minnesota, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful lakes and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are campgrounds that cater to all types of campers.
Camping near North Shore, Minnesota, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there free camping available on Minnesota's North Shore?
Free camping options are limited but available on Minnesota's North Shore. Some county parks offer free or very low-cost camping, particularly in the off-season. Chippewa Park represents the type of county-maintained campground that may offer affordable options. The Superior National Forest also has some free dispersed camping areas along forest roads, though you'll need to follow strict regulations and practice Leave No Trace principles. Holdingford City Park on the Lake Wobegon Trail demonstrates how some municipal parks provide economical camping opportunities. Always verify current regulations and potential parking fees before setting up camp.
Where can I find dispersed camping on the North Shore of Minnesota?
Minnesota's North Shore offers limited but valuable dispersed camping options. The Superior National Forest provides several dispersed camping areas along forest roads outside designated campgrounds, following Leave No Trace principles. Look for established pull-offs with fire rings. Crow Wing State Park Campground offers a more remote camping experience with their canoe landing sites, providing a taste of dispersed camping within a managed area. Always check current regulations with the US Forest Service office in Duluth or Grand Marais, as some areas require permits. Remember that dispersed camping on the North Shore typically means no facilities—pack in and pack out all supplies and waste.
When is the best time of year to go camping on Minnesota's North Shore?
The ideal camping season on Minnesota's North Shore runs from late May through early October, with each period offering distinct advantages. Summer (June-August) provides warm days perfect for swimming and hiking, but also brings crowds and mosquitoes. For a more peaceful experience, Charles A. Lindbergh State Park Campground demonstrates the beauty of wooded sites that are particularly stunning in September when fall colors emerge. Early fall (September-early October) offers spectacular foliage, fewer insects, and more solitude. Monson Lake State Park Campground represents the type of peaceful setting that shines in the shoulder seasons. Spring (late May-early June) features wildflowers and waterfalls at peak flow, though evenings can be chilly. Always pack layers regardless of season, as North Shore temperatures can fluctuate dramatically.
What are the best campgrounds along the North Shore of Minnesota?
The North Shore boasts several outstanding campgrounds catering to different preferences. Lake Carlos State Park Campground offers two distinct camping experiences—waterfront sites perfect for RVs and fully wooded sites in the upper area for those seeking privacy. For a unique ecological experience, Oak Ridge Campground — Sibley State Park showcases the transition between hardwood forest, savannah, and prairie, making it particularly exciting for birdwatchers. Other excellent options include Gooseberry Falls State Park (waterfall views), Split Rock Lighthouse State Park (dramatic lake vistas), and Tettegouche State Park (rugged landscape with hiking access). Most popular campgrounds require reservations well in advance, especially during peak summer months.
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