Camping near Superior National Forest

Join the fun near Superior National Forest. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Superior National Forest is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Minnesota camping adventure.

Best Camping Sites Near Superior National Forest (128)

    1. Superior National Forest Fall Lake Campground

    35 Reviews
    Winton, MN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 365-7600

    $28 - $120 / night

    "Ranger Review: Brunton Outdoor products at Fall Lake USFS campground in the Superior National Forest, Minnesota

    Just got back from over a week in the Superior National Forest, and have reviews of both"

    "Camping in October in Northern Minnesota is a great time of year and the fall colors are out of this world! Fall Lake is on the edge of the Boundary Waters and has easy access to it."

    2. Bear Head Lake State Park Campground

    41 Reviews
    Tower, MN
    24 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. "

    3. South Kawishiwi River Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Ely, MN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 365-7600

    "We also liked the size of the sites as they gave us plenty of space to be away from the action. The sites are wooded and give you loads of privacy."

    "Small set of steps brought you up to a magical place. The site was large enough for two tents. The fire pit has a grill rack attached to it. Private sites."

    4. South Kawishiwi River

    5 Reviews
    Ely, MN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 365-7600

    $20 - $162 / night

    "and Oak Products at the South Kawishiwi Campground

    Campground Review: My husband and his motorcycle buddies love riding on backroads and scenic byways in our state and National Forests in northern Minnesota"

    "The campground had the feel of a being out in the wilderness with the convenience of being close to Ely. I loved camping at South Kawishiwi and will recommend it to my friends."

    5. Fenske Lake Campground

    8 Reviews
    Ely, MN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 365-7600

    $20 - $60 / night

    "Next time we made sure to snag a site along the lake!"

    "This is a small campground with a few pull in and walk up sites. We had a walk up site that was on the side with the lake which was really nice."

    6. Birch Lake Campground & Backcountry Sites

    6 Reviews
    Ely, MN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 365-7600

    $19 - $89 / night

    "We showed up around 8 PM on a Friday and was still able to get a spot at this nice, quiet campground. It was a very peaceful spot since the gravel leading To it is quite a few miles off the highway."

    "Stayed 2 nights and kayaked close to shore out of the wind. Caught a couple of Northerns. I think other campsites are better but this was the only one available."

    7. Silver Rapids Lodge

    3 Reviews
    Winton, MN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 365-4877

    $40 / night

    "This area has great access to many lakes including the BWCA along with being close to Ely for anything you may have forgotten."

    8. Triangle Lake Campsite

    1 Review
    Superior National Forest, MN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 365-7600

    "Some cabins on the lake but very remote.

    A great secluded site for a somewhat easy quick getaway. Big enough for a 2/4 tents."

    9. BWCA Lake Three

    2 Reviews
    Superior National Forest, MN
    9 miles
    Website

    "The kids can run around (and so can the dogs) and no one can really get lost. It was several acres big, covered in tall pines, with little trails all over the place."

    "The two short portages to get from the Lake One access weren't too bad and it took us about 3 hours to paddle to a really good campsite. We liked it so much we stayed there for 3 nights."

    10. Superior Forest Blackstone Lake Backpack Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Superior National Forest, MN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 365-7600

    "If you like primitive wilderness camping but want to be only a short backpack hike away from your car, this campsite is for you!"

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Recent Reviews near Superior National Forest

545 Reviews of 128 Superior National Forest Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Sullivan Lake Campground

    Wilderness Campground

    This is a campground for small campers only. My 16 foot travel trailer was about the limit for size. Very little access to the lake and river. Overall, this is a primitive site with pit toilets and a pump jack for water.

  • 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.

  • m
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Eckbeck Finland State Forest

    Just fine

    I thought the campground itself was nice. It’s on a very busy road tho and I personally thought the sites in the middle were very close together. We also had a group of very rowdy college aged kids across from us that made our stay less enjoyable. If you can bet a site on the outer edge of the campground, it would be great.

  • 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.

  • H
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Black Beach Campground

    Tight spaces, expensive

    We stayed here for 3 nights, 4 days and while the location is great, the camping was awful. The spots are one on top of each other, so much so that we spent our nights inside the RV because we were so on top of our neighbors. We could hear EVERYTHING, even when in our trailer and our neighbors were in theirs. Very clean facility, but not worth the price and unfortunate setup.

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Ninemile Lake Campground

    Beach on site

    Huge site with many trees for our hammocks. The mosquitoes were ravenous but we had a screen tent. The toilets were really clean. It was a delight to have a beach right at our site. This campground is off the beaten path so was extra dark and quiet.

  • H
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Superior Forest Blackstone Lake Backpack Campsite

    Eaten by mosquitos

    This place had so much potential but unfortunately I was not as lucky as the other reviewer. Got absolutely eaten alive by mosquitos the first night, tried to thug it out, and ended up leaving. I had long sleeves / pants and bug spray but it did not stop them. Would not recommend going here in August.


Guide to Superior National Forest

Camping near Superior National Forest, Minnesota, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax by the campfire, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful area.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Many campers rave about the beautiful hikes, like one reviewer who said, "The hike to get to this campsite was rough. Trails were very overgrown, but the views were worth it." This is especially true at Bear Head Lake State Park Campground, where you can enjoy the Northwoods scenery.
  • Fishing: The lakes are great for fishing. One camper at Fall Lake Campground mentioned, "I have caught a lot of Northern and Small Mouth just north of the boat ramp." So, bring your fishing gear!
  • Canoeing: Many campgrounds provide easy access to canoeing. A visitor at Sawbill Lake Campground noted, "The outfitters on site are amazing. They have pay showers and all the rentals you need." Perfect for those wanting to paddle into the Boundary Waters.

What campers like:

  • Privacy: Campers appreciate the spacious sites. One reviewer at Superior National Forest Fall Lake Campground said, "The people who run the campground were also super nice!" Many sites are well-separated, giving a sense of seclusion.
  • Natural Beauty: The scenery is a big hit. A camper at Lake Vermillion - Soudan Mine State Park shared, "The campground itself was very nice and the bathroom lodge was immaculate." The views of the lakes and forests are breathtaking.
  • Wildlife: Many campers enjoy the wildlife. One visitor at Trail's End Campground mentioned, "The atmosphere here is great. Secluded campgrounds but some sites are close together." Keep your eyes peeled for local critters!

What you should know:

  • Bugs: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in the summer. A camper at Toohey Lake Rustic Campground warned, "The mosquito hatch at the end of the summer was truly awful." Bring bug spray!
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Fenske Lake Campground, have basic facilities. One reviewer noted, "There are no showers, but the pit toilets were pretty clean." Know what to expect before you go.
  • Reservations: Many sites are first-come, first-served. A camper at Birch Lake Campground mentioned, "Some sites are reservable while others are FCFS." Arrive early to snag a good spot!

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities like playgrounds. One family at Wildhurst Campgrounds said, "A great campsite just a few minutes from the main highway up the coast of Lake Superior."
  • Plan Activities: Bring games and outdoor gear. A camper at Lake Jeanette Campground shared, "Watching the storms come in across the lake was well worth it!"
  • Pack Snacks: Keep everyone fueled for adventures. A visitor at Bear Head Lake State Park Campground noted, "Be sure to practice proper bear safety precautions," so keep food secure!

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some sites can accommodate larger rigs, while others cannot. A reviewer at Lake Vermillion - Soudan Mine State Park mentioned, "The site was long enough for our 40’ toy hauler."
  • Water Access: Make sure to fill up your water tank before heading to your site. A camper at Sawbill Lake Campground said, "There’s a spigot to fill your RV’s water tank."
  • Stay Connected: Some campgrounds have good cell service. A visitor at Trail's End Campground noted, "AT&T service was good (2 bars, fast internet and streaming)." Check your provider before you go!

Camping near Superior National Forest, Minnesota, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you’re sure to have a memorable experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available in Superior National Forest?

Superior National Forest offers a diverse range of campgrounds across its vast wilderness. Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest serves as a popular entry point to the Boundary Waters. Ninemile Lake Campground provides over 20 campsites and remains a hidden gem in the forest. Other options include Little Isabella River Campground with a dozen sites including an ATV camping area, South Kawishiwi River Recreation Area near Ely, and Fall Lake Campground. The forest also features backcountry sites at Nels Lake, accessible via the Echo Trail north of Ely, and lakeside sites at Lake Vermilion. Many campgrounds offer amenities like vault toilets, picnic tables, and boat launches, with some providing water access.

Are there rustic camping options in Superior National Forest?

Toohey Lake Rustic Campground offers a quintessential rustic experience deep in the forest. This free, quiet campground features seven sites with pull-in areas, tent pads, picnic tables, a vault toilet, and a boat launch. Many sites have lake views or access. For backpackers seeking primitive wilderness experiences, Superior Forest Blackstone Lake Backpack Campsite offers two lakeside sites accessible via a short hike from your vehicle. Nels Lake provides several backcountry paddle-in sites just outside the official BWCA border. These rustic options typically lack running water or electrical hookups, perfect for those looking to escape crowds and experience the forest's natural beauty.

Can you rent cabins in Superior National Forest?

While Superior National Forest itself has limited cabin rental options within forest-managed properties, there are private accommodations near or within forest boundaries. Headquarters RV Park in Buyck (near Orr) is a family-owned property on 30 acres of pines that may offer cabin accommodations. Silver Rapids Lodge near Ely provides lodge-style accommodations for visitors. Additionally, numerous resorts and private cabin rentals are available along the edges of the forest, particularly near popular areas like Ely, Grand Marais, and around Lake Vermilion. For those seeking a true forest experience with some amenities, these options provide a comfortable base for exploring the Superior National Forest.