Camping cabins near Silver Bay, Minnesota offer convenient access to Lake Superior's North Shore and the Superior National Forest. This region receives about 31 inches of annual rainfall and features rocky shorelines with inland terrain rising to elevations of 1,600+ feet above sea level. Winter temperatures frequently drop below 0°F, while summer averages 75°F with occasional 90°F days.
What to do
Hiking around lake perimeters: Eighteen Rustic Lake Campground features a well-maintained 2.5-mile hiking trail around the lake. "Lake is clear and looks like very good fishing. Does not have a boat launch... Has a nice 2 1/2 mile hike around the lake," notes one visitor.
Explore ATV trails: Finland's Wildhurst Campgrounds connects directly to regional ATV routes. "There's a bar with a kitchen where you check in to the campsite filled with friendly people, games, and great food. But enough about that, the campsite itself is very private with a spot to park you car, and you are surrounded by trees and bushes for each individual campsite," explains one camper.
Canoe and fishing access: Sawbill Lake Campground serves as an entry point to Boundary Waters Canoe Area. "Perfect little campground (and outfitters) right in the lake. Great for those who still want a few amenities... Canoe rentals too. Campground is right in sawbill lake. Lord of portages nearby," reports a visitor.
What campers like
Secluded sites for privacy: Many camping cabins near Silver Bay provide separation between sites. At Wildhurst Lodge and Campground, "Sites are secluded and pretty private. Campground also has clean bathrooms. Toilets are by the sites but are vaults but then by the bar there are two bathrooms with showers and flushing toilets that are open 24/7."
Waterfront access: Campers appreciate direct lake access at many locations. "We had a wonderful time at Lamb's Resort on our way back from Thunder Bay! The owners were available for questions and our site was perfect! 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," writes one visitor.
Fall color viewing: Many rustic cabins remain open through peak foliage season. At Wildhurst Campgrounds, a visitor in mid-September noted, "We are the only people here in the campground, the locals make us feel welcome. Lots of hiking."
What you should know
Toilet facilities vary widely: Some cabin areas only offer vault toilets while others provide shower buildings. At Lamb's Resort, "Tent campers and RVs are separate to minimize noise. Site was private and tucked in the corner. So many activities to do, no matter the weather. Although a hike from our site, the main bathrooms were clean."
Water quality considerations: Some locations have issues with water clarity. One camper at Birch Lake Campground noted: "The well water available had a bit of an off smell and came out a little more yellow/brown than I prefer so I did not use it."
Limited cell service: Much of the region has spotty coverage. Bring printed directions and prepare for digital disconnection. A Sawbill Lake visitor mentioned: "It's a wonderful place to camp! BWCA entry point."
Tips for camping with families
Lake activities for kids: Beaches with smooth pebbles provide safer water entry points. At Lamb's Resort, "The smooth pebble beach is fantastic. Our dogs loved running up and down the beach and playing on the shore. We took a day trip and walked North on the Gitchi Gami State Trail and visited Temperance River Falls and Hidden Falls."
Playground availability: Some campgrounds offer play equipment for children. Penmarallter Campsite provides "a very open campground that would be premier for RV camping... Being located just about 30 minutes outside of Duluth, Mn and just before Two Harbors, Mn its a very convenient campground to stay at."
Late arrival considerations: When traveling with families, plan for daylight setup. A camper at Birch Lake Campground shared: "We arrived late and set up in the dark, but were pleasantly surprised in the morning. Quiet except for the nature sounds - fronts, owls, loons at night. Hiking trails right out of the campsite."
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Most cabin areas have limited space for larger rigs. At Sawbill Lake, "Sites are spaced out. Shaded. Most can accommodate trailers. Some are better for tents only. Our 34' and 37' fit perfect with plenty of room. Fire pits and tables in each one."
Access road conditions: Some campgrounds require travel on unpaved roads. For Eighteen Lake, a visitor warned about "the gravel leading to it is quite a few miles off the highway." Another camper noted it was "Remote, quiet campground... Sites were large, private, and spread out."
Hookup availability: Many rustic cabin areas offer limited RV services. At Wildhurst Lodge, "There is more open camping near the office, but if you follow the road back past the office/bar there are about 10 more private, individual spots. Staff was incredibly friendly."
