107 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Orr, Minnesota area is surrounded by recreational campgrounds including Aspen Resort & Campground and Pine Acres Resort, located on the shores of Pelican Lake. These established campgrounds cater to diverse camping preferences with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. The Superior National Forest lands extend into this region, with Echo Lake Campground offering more primitive sites about 20 miles outside of Orr. Campers seeking a wilderness experience can access the Boundary Waters Canoe Area from nearby entry points, while those wanting modern amenities can choose from several lakefront resorts that combine camping with boat access and resort facilities.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact campground operations in this northern Minnesota region. Most campgrounds operate from May through September, with some facilities like Echo Lake open May 8 through September 3. Winter brings heavy snow and freezing temperatures, making only certain sites accessible year-round. Many campgrounds offer full hookups for RVs during the main season, but services may be limited in shoulder months. Cell coverage can be spotty in more remote areas, particularly around the Superior National Forest boundaries. A camper noted, "This is a small state forest campground on a small bay of the larger Vermilion Lake... There are latrine toilets and garbage collection, though drinking water is shut off by mid September."
Lakefront access represents a common feature among the highest-rated campgrounds near Orr. Several visitors highlighted the pristine lakes and fishing opportunities as primary attractions. At Pine Acres Resort, campers praised the lakefront sites and reasonable pricing, though some mentioned that facilities like showers need updating. Echo Lake Campground receives consistent praise for its quiet atmosphere and beautiful surroundings, with one reviewer describing it as "a peaceful, beautiful campground with large, well-spaced sites." The proximity to Voyageurs National Park makes several campgrounds in this region popular base camps for exploration. Visitors also noted the abundance of wildlife viewing opportunities, with bear watching at nearby Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary mentioned as a worthwhile excursion from Aspen Resort & Campground.
"Camp ground right on a large lake, family owned and well maintained."
"Fishing on Pelican lake is great. The fishing dock is accessible ( I rode my mobility scooter out there with no difficulty) and they have boats available so you can get out on the. lake."
"Everyone says stay at Woodenfrog or Ash because it’s close to the park but those parks are very primitive."
"A really nice place with lots of fun stuff do to right in the campground including a beach and boat ramp on Pelican Lake. There is a nice playground area for kids."
from $45 - $77 / night
Check Availability"This is my favorite campground in all of Minnesota. Located outside of Orr close to 20 miles, there are no people or towns to make noise or light. The stars are incredibly bright at night."
"My family and I have been camping up here for three generations (50+ years), it’s a beautiful spot away from every day life. We come up to pick fresh blueberries, and spend time on the lake."
from $18 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Our Family stayed at Headquarters RV Park in Buyck (just outside of Orr, MN) for 4 days over the Memorial Day weekend, and we were so impressed!!"
"Close to many attractions. Dogs allowed. Nice quality firewood."
from $45 - $60 / night
Check Availability"We love to drive around, aimlessly, enjoy the scenery and then find a place to plop for the night. "
"Wooden Frog Campground in the Kabetogama State Forest near Kabetogama, MN. We did a drive thru- we were staying elsewhere.
So, there's A LOT of camping resorts in this area."
from $17 / night
Check Availability"This is a small state forest campground on a small bay of the larger Vermilion Lake. There is a nice beach, group picnic shelter, docks, and an adjacent public boat landing."
"Minnesota does a nice job with their state parks. The campsites are varied in types, sizes and layouts. Ours works great for our 26’ travel trailer and truck, and includes electrical."
"The drive off the main highway is a few miles, so you really end up out in the wilderness! We also appreciated that this park doesn’t allow hunting so you know you are safe during that season. "
from $23 - $90 / night
Check Availability"Nothing says Minnesota like the call of the Loon and that’s what greeted me upon arrival at my site! This site is lovely—water and easy to access to water sports on either Sturgeon or Side Lake."
"Located just outside Hibbing and Chisholm, this campground is on Side Lake and Sturgeon Lake. If it is too windy on one lake, just walk across to the other one."
from $24 - $34 / night
Check Availability"It's pretty amazing to wake up right next to the lake. There are about a dozen sites here. Some are reservable, but most are first-come first-serve. Camp sites have a table and fire ring with grate."
"Our site did not have direct clear access to the water, but we walked past other sites that did. Boat launch available right at the entrance to the campground."
from $18 / night
Check Availability
GuideVery nice. Quiet. Lake sites are few and most not very level. All the spaces seem very nice. Wooded and relatively private. Pit toilets were being thoroughly cleaned this morning while we were walking around the campground. Would definitely stay here again.
First come first served. Plenty of available sites early evening on a Friday. Scan a barcode to pay. $17. Pick up a site card at entrance to put on the site post.
TravelerMost people know about the sugar sand beaches on both lakes, but the real treasures are the hiking trails! The campsites are generous. Some are tricky for bigger rigs. Plenty of vegetation between sites compared to most campgrounds. Lots t o see and do! Paddle boards, kayaks, boats, swimming, fishing piers…a local shop for necessities…within walking distance. The scenery is lovely.
GuideLong gravel road but easily drivable. Very buggy this time of year next to water but bug spray helps. Vault toilet. Quiet. No trash bins.
TravelerThis was my first time camping in MN and it was amazing! Our campsite had a partial view to the lake and had a trail to view the lake better.
Camping neighbors were pretty quiet and friendly. The site was also a short walk to restrooms (outhouse) and potable water spout.
One note is be prepared for the mosquitos. They seemed to be ravenous that weekend!
Bugs aside, I will definitely be back with my kayak!
TravelerWe took a chance on this campground. It was a great option. Driving a dually w a truck camper. Road in was ok - few washout spots that can be avoided. Campground was clean and plenty of spots open midday on a Saturday in summer. Only two negatives - the QR codes to pay via rec.gov are missing from most sites. Most sites are listed in rec.gov as first come first served yet only a few have this signage (it’s been removed from many sites). We went to check with camp host but he was…let’s just say not available for questions. Otherwise a nice campground with sites in the woods on one row and a small lake on the other. Really clean pit toilets and well tended sites. It is clearly well cared for. Good signage off the highway too.
TravelerThis is a lovely campground. If youre looking for a family getaway its nice here. From my site the showers/toilets with dish washing sinks were right around the corner as well as the outhouse. The beach is large and has a beautiful view at sunset. This site is also close to a landing and the beach trail. The trails are well groomed and maintained with signs every so often. The sites are average size. They have picnic tables and fire pits.
Lots of wildlife here. We've seen a fox, just missed a big black bear, birds, and snapping turtles. The lake is quite large and has good fishing from the dock.
We camped on July 1st. The campground was not all the way full but definitely busy with the kiddos.
ScoutNice and quiet, friendly atmosphere
TravelerMy wife and I were the campground hosts here for the 2025 season. This is a really nice rustic National Forest campground on a beautiful lake with great fishing. Many of the sites are very large and can accommodate large RVs, boat trailers, etc. Many can be double occupancy sites, double occupancy ( more than one sleeping unit either tent or RV) requires double site fees. As with many National Forest campgrounds there is very limited cellphone service and that is dependent on your cellphone service provider. We use Verizon and had 1-2 bars intermittently.
Traveler$18 to camp. Most of the campsites are not on the lake, but are still very nice.
Superior National Forest surrounds the Orr area with thick pine forests, numerous lakes, and elevations ranging between 1,300-1,400 feet. Winter temperatures often drop below -30°F, while summer highs reach the mid-80s. Camping near Orr offers direct access to the Vermilion River system and connects to the historic Voyageurs highway used by fur traders.
Wildlife viewing: Visit Aspen Resort & Campground for easy access to wildlife experiences. "We also enjoyed the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary. Its only 15 miles away. A wonderful place to view the bears! Don't miss it!" noted camper Charlie S.
Fishing: Lake Jeanette provides excellent fishing opportunities in a quieter setting. One visitor at Lake Jeanette Campground shared, "This is one of the prettiest places I've ever been. The campground is small and quiet. Each site has a beautiful lake view."
Boating: Many campgrounds offer boat rentals or docking facilities. At Aspen Resort & Campground, "Fishing on Pelican lake is great. The fishing dock is accessible (I rode my mobility scooter out there with no difficulty) and they have boats available so you can get out on the lake," according to Charlie S.
Lake views: Campers consistently mention the quality of lakeside sites as a highlight. At Cabin O' Pines Resort, one camper noted, "A really nice place with lots of fun stuff to do right in the campground including a beach and boat ramp on Pelican Lake."
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer well-spaced sites. At Echo Lake Campground, reviewers appreciate that "The campsites are large and spaced out well." Some of the best campsites near Orr, Minnesota feature natural buffers between camping spots.
Access to national park: Headquarters RV Park gets high marks for its location. "This is a fantastic place to stay if visiting Voyageurs National Park and the other surrounding attractions, such as Vermillion Falls. We would absolutely stay here again," wrote Nathan H.
Seasonal limitations: Water service ends early at many campgrounds. At Lake Jeanette, water is solar-powered, while other sites shut down services by mid-September.
Variable amenities: Facilities range from primitive to full-service. At Woodenfrog Campground, "No showers. Outhouses and potable water spickets throughout the campground. All sites are offered on a first come first served basis," reported Tori K.
Reservation systems: Some campgrounds require advance booking while others operate first-come, first-served. "Sites that are occupied will have a small white card clipped to the site number marker sign, just pick an open one, pay, and fill our your place holder card," explains a Woodenfrog Campground visitor.
Swimming access: Look for campgrounds with dedicated swimming areas. "We spent a lot of time in the pool and hot tub and enjoyed the nightly campfire," noted a visitor at Aspen Resort & Campground, which also offers "Paddle boat and kayaks are free for guests."
Playground facilities: Some resorts include play areas for children. At Cabin O' Pines Resort, "There is a nice playground area for kids. The place caters mostly to seasonal folks more than overnight roadies."
Dark sky viewing: Bear Head Lake State Park offers excellent stargazing opportunities. One camper mentioned how "The shoreline is beautiful and very fun to explore by kayak" and that campsites are "private, well shaded, and level."
Site leveling: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Lake Jeanette Campground, "Our site fit our 30' travel trailer with left slide just fine and plenty of room for the truck. Overflow parking available near the campground entrance for a small fee."
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited. The Pines of Kabetogama Resort offers premium RV options, but a reviewer noted, "If you don't get the preferred lake view spots, staying on the Cliffside is not worth it. While you can see the lake (through other spots) there are very few trees and some of the fire pits are right on the road."
Road conditions: Access roads can be challenging. A camper at The Pines of Kabetogama mentioned, "About the worst thing I could say about this campground is the road leading up to the cliff was pretty rough."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Orr, MN?
The Orr area offers several excellent camping options. Echo Lake (minn) stands out as a pristine campground about 20 miles from Orr, known for its spectacular stargazing and walleye fishing opportunities. For those wanting riverside camping, Big Falls Campground and Horse Camp provides a unique experience with beautiful rapids and towering pines. Other notable options include Woodenfrog Campground for primitive camping and Little American Falls for a more secluded experience. The area's state parks like McCarthy Beach State Park and Bear Head Lake also offer well-maintained camping facilities with access to recreational activities.
What RV rental options are available in Orr, Minnesota?
While Orr itself is a small community with limited direct RV rental services, the area does offer excellent RV accommodation options. Headquarters RV Park in nearby Buyck is a family-owned facility set on 30 acres of beautiful pines that welcomes RVs of all sizes. For travelers bringing their own RVs, Side Lake Campground — McCarthy Beach State Park offers scenic sites with access to water sports on Sturgeon and Side Lakes. For RV rentals, you may need to check with outfitters in larger nearby towns or arrange delivery from regional rental companies.
How far is Orr, MN from Ely, MN for a camping trip?
Orr is approximately 50 miles from Ely, making it about a 1-hour drive along Highway 53 and Highway 169. This manageable distance allows you to explore camping options in both areas during a single trip. Bear Head Lake State Park Campground is conveniently located between the two towns and offers electrical hookups for travel trailers along with excellent canoeing opportunities. For those willing to venture a bit farther from Orr toward the Ely direction, Voyageurs National Park Backcountry Camping provides beautiful boat-in sites on Kabetogama Lake, about 5 miles from the Ash River Visitor Center.
Keep Exploring
