Best Campgrounds near Orr, MN

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Orr, Minnesota (103)

    1. Aspen Resort & Campground

    2 Reviews
    Orr, MN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 757-0098

    "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."

    2. Pine Acres Resort and Campground

    2 Reviews
    Orr, MN
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (218) 757-3144

    "Everyone says stay at Woodenfrog or Ash because it’s close to the park but those parks are very primitive."

    3. Cabin O' Pines Resort

    1 Review
    Orr, MN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 757-3122

    $45 - $77 / night

    "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."

    4. Echo Lake (minn)

    6 Reviews
    Crane Lake, MN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 666-0020

    $18 - $30 / night

    "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."

    5. Headquarters RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Crane Lake, MN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 750-1376

    $45 - $60 / night

    "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."

    6. Woodenfrog Campground

    26 Reviews
    Voyageurs National Park, MN
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 235-2520

    $17 / night

    "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."

    7. The Pines of Kabetogama Resort

    16 Reviews
    Voyageurs National Park, MN
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 875-2000

    "The Pines Of Kabetogama, Minnesota.  After Itasca SP we headed North to check out Voyagers National Park & the area."

    "Long story short, the resort itself provides direct access to Voyageurs National Park, is immaculately maintained, has top-shelf amenities, and the staff is amazing. You truly get what you pay for."

    8. Wakemup Bay — Kabetogama State Forest

    1 Review
    Orr, MN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 365-7229

    "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."

    9. Bear Head Lake State Park Campground

    41 Reviews
    Tower, MN
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 365-7229

    $16 - $22 / night

    "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. "

    10. Lake Jeanette Campground & Backcountry Sites

    7 Reviews
    Crane Lake, MN
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 666-0020

    $18 / night

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Orr, MN

288 Reviews of 103 Orr Campgrounds


  • M
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Clubhouse Lake

    Wonderful National Forest Campground

    My 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.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Woodenfrog Campground

    Quiet with a nice campsites

    $18 to camp. Most of the campsites are not on the lake, but are still very nice.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Big Rice Lake

    Great spot to unwind

    We rolled in at night and spent the first night in our camper by the boat landing. The next day we scoped out the sites and picked the perfect one. Very easy to pull our 20’ nobo through the loop (yes…the road access loops around and puts you out by the boat landing… so, no worries about getting in and out) and backing into the site was a breeze

  • TF The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Kab-Ash Trail Dispersed Campsites

    Just a trailhead

    No established sites here - just a trailhead lot. Stayed a night without issue though. Mosquitoes are nuts but that probably applies anywhere in this area. This site is right on the road but not a ton of traffic and it died off around 10pm, though people caming driving through around midnight and 2am. No T-Mobile coverage here but you can get 4G in the park.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Sherwood Forest Campground

    Great spot right on the Mesabi trail and OHV trail

    Can be a bit loud during the day on the weekends with the OHV vehicles pulling through but quiet at night and incredible views of the lake. Clean. Large spots not stacked on top of each other. Lake offers swimming and a small water park. Great little town nearby (Gilbert) with an amazing Caribbean themed restaurant that features outstanding food and cocktails taking you from the Iron Range of Minnesota to the sunny sandy beaches of the ocean

  • Bare Soul  W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Big Rice Lake

    Labor Day Get Away

    Great spot to camp away from everyone. Available spots last minute Labor Day weekend 😎. Thr gravel road is a maintained gravel road. Easy for any type of car.

  • Cynthia K.
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Woodenfrog Campground

    If you like it primitive!

    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. If you like it primitive- the Wooden Frog is the place! 

    There's 61 non electric sites tucked into the woods. 2 accessible. The road thru the campground is gravelly dirt. There's a lakeview at sites 2/3. Possibly at 34/36, but I didn't note that. 

    7 pit toilets. 2 water access. 2 docks for camper use.

    $17 a night. I'm not sure if you can reserve. Go on the Minnesota DNR page for a map.

     Appropriate for tents & small RVs/ truck campers, ect. This is also a day use area with a pier & swimming. There's a picnic shelter also. Hiking in the area.

  • Yaulynk The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Pfeiffer Lake

    Great place for rustic camping

    I am no stranger to this campground as my family has been coming here for generations.  This place is wonderful for those who like a little bit more of a rustic campsite.  Vaulted toilets and drinking water, there is a small playground, swimming beach and fishing pier along with a boat landing. There is also sites at the beach for daytime use.  Its a small lake so recreational boating is a little hard but there are larger lakes nearby for that sort of fun.

    New camp host  and excellent work on the grounds.  It looks fantastic.  A lot of care has been going into bringing this campground back to it's former glory.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Big Rice Lake

    Beautiful view

    We have a 40’ 5th wheel, so decides not to stay in the “formal” campground. There is an open spot near the lake where we set up for the night. The road to drive in is gravel but very smooth.


Guide to Orr

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.

What to do

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.

What campers like

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.

What you should know

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.

Tips for camping with families

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."

Tips from RVers

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.