Superior National Forest near Tower offers distinctive glamping opportunities at Echo Lake and Eighteen Lake rustic campgrounds. These wilderness accommodations provide access to clear lakes, hiking trails, and abundant wildlife viewing. The sites combine rustic charm with relative privacy, set among dense forest with lake views. As one guest noted, "Echo Lake 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." Most glamping options feature fire rings for evening gatherings and picnic tables, though amenities are intentionally minimal to preserve the natural setting.
Visitors to these glamping destinations enjoy exceptional water recreation options and wildlife observation opportunities. Paddle boats and kayaks are available at some locations, perfect for exploring the numerous lakes in the region. Fishing is particularly popular, with one reviewer highlighting that "Fishing on Pelican lake is great. The fishing dock is accessible and they have boats available so you can get out on the lake." The area connects to both Voyageurs National Park and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, offering extensive exploration possibilities. Crane Lake provides a unique entry point to these wilderness areas, with primitive glamping sites that serve as ideal basecamps. Most locations are seasonal, typically operating from May through September, with limited winter accessibility.
"Bathrooms are nice and clean. With in walking distance from Main Street."
"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."
$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."
"Nice beach fun lake to boat on. Sites are good sized not too crowded. Nice showers."
"Direct access to A great beach, plenty of space to safely roam, and a park to play in."
"Crane Lake is so unique!! It is the Southern Entry to Voyageurs National Park, the Western entry to Boundary Waters Canoe Area, and The Superior Forest borders the East side of Crane Lake."
"There is ample ground space for tents, as well as the whole lake network at your fingertips. Highly recommend"
"Everyone says stay at Woodenfrog or Ash because it’s close to the park but those parks are very primitive."
"Two small sites here right next to each other with a fire ring for each. Canoe launch with a small beach. Nice breeze off the lake. New clean pit toilet. No onsite trash."
"with a beautiful lake right in view of the entire camp. Pretty nice beach and it’s closer to highway 16 than most the other rustic camps we’ve come across."
"Nice campground in upper Minnesota. I thought the best site was 4 as it was closest to the river, but really anything was pretty good. Site 7 had the best set up for us but 5 and 6 were good as well."
"The lake views for sunsets we're amazing. Vault toilet across from site 6 must be new as it was very nice for what it is. Our firepit tipped over with the weight of the grill swung out."
"The owners were very nice and helpful, as well as the staff. Very clean. A beautiful spot! Fishing on Pelican lake is great."
"Camp ground right on a large lake, family owned and well maintained."
"To repeat, no water or trash but there is a bathroom and a nice hike that is well used. The lake is great. Really wonderful. The other close campsite is better though so if tou can, stay at Divide."
"Clean Nice walking trail around the lake. Vault restroom clean."
"Really great, quiet, loons calling all night and a very cool hike around the lake. There is a hike in campspot a mile into the hike. Wonderful."
"I Highly recommend its an amazing trout Lake."
GuideThis 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. Plenty of hiking trails and great for fishing walleye.
ScoutGreat campground with great views. Bathrooms are nice and clean. With in walking distance from Main Street.
ScoutNice campground, we have stayed several times and have really enjoyed it. Nice beach fun lake to boat on. Sites are good sized not too crowded. Nice showers.
LegendNice campground in upper Minnesota. I thought the best site was 4 as it was closest to the river, but really anything was pretty good. Site 7 had the best set up for us but 5 and 6 were good as well. Some sites were right next to each other and lacked a little privacy but it was still good. There was a nesting turtle caution when we were there.
There were no showers here but they did offer 2 toilets and a water well so you can easily manage a weekend here without a shower. It does offer for small RV and tents.
The boat access was not as easy...its not a traditional boat ramp so it is better for Canoe or Kayak. If it is rainy it would be a problem for the tow vehicle. Very basic campground but perfect for a rustic getaway.
TravelerTwo small sites here right next to each other with a fire ring for each. Canoe launch with a small beach. Nice breeze off the lake. New clean pit toilet. No onsite trash. Overall pretty quiet, some fishing traffic, and the nearby cabin owners walk through a couple times a day. We used both sites for the six of us, two cars, a tent, and a teardrop camper.
ScoutAll the perks of rustic camping (or lack of lol!) with a beautiful lake right in view of the entire camp. Pretty nice beach and it’s closer to highway 16 than most the other rustic camps we’ve come across. No campfires this year, nice wind off the lake and a fire ban.
RangerCrane Lake is so unique!! It is the Southern Entry to Voyageurs National Park, the Western entry to Boundary Waters Canoe Area, and The Superior Forest borders the East side of Crane Lake.
***NOTE Don't forget to bring along a detailed map as there are hundreds of islands and turns on this beautiful lake.
We camped on the United States side of Crane Lake. Once again you need to be aware of the United States/Canadian borders while in the water. Our headquarters were set up at Handberg's Marina http://www.handbergs.com/
There are 3 back Country campsites located just offset to the Vermilion Gorge Trailhead. These campsites have no fees and are on a first come, first served basis.
The Vermilion Gorge Trailhead hike is a 1 & 1/2 mile trail that featues sheer granite cliffs and waterfalls-it was breathtaking due to the high water levels this year-another note: be very cautious if you bring small children.
LegendOnly 3 spots. Snagged a private one and stayed a night. Really great, quiet, loons calling all night and a very cool hike around the lake. There is a hike in campspot a mile into the hike. Wonderful. Im sure you can boat to it as well. 5 miles of gravel but there is water, trash and a bathroom.
TravelerThe owners were very nice and helpful, as well as the staff. Very clean. A beautiful spot! 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. We spent a lot of time in the pool and hot tub and enjoyed the nightly campfire. We ordered a pizza and it was delivered to to out camper by a nice young man! Paddle boat and kayaks are free for guests as well as many other amenities and activities the children will enjoy. We brought our rv but they also have some beautiful cabins. I just wish we had more time to enjoy all the resort offers. Next time! We also enjoyed the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary. Its only 15 miles away. A wonderful place to view the bears! Don’t miss it! We loved our stay at Aspen. It’s our new vacation destination!
Superior National Forest encompasses the Tower, Minnesota area, offering rustic glamping opportunities in a region with over 2,000 lakes and 445 miles of rivers. Summers reach highs around 75°F, while winter temperatures can drop well below zero. The terrain features mixed northern hardwood and conifer forests with elevation changes that create distinctive microclimates throughout the year.
Hiking trails around lakes: A 2.5-mile trail circles Eighteen Rustic Lake Campground, providing access to fishing spots and scenic views. "Great Area! Lake is clear and looks like very good fishing. Does not have a boat launch. There are three campsites that are decently big and you could fit two-three cars. Has a nice 2 1/2 mile hike around the lake," notes Adam M.
Fishing for walleye: Pelican Lake offers productive fishing opportunities near Orr. At Aspen Resort & Campground, "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," reports Charlie S.
Wildlife viewing: Bears can be observed at Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary, located 15 miles from some campgrounds. "We also enjoyed the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary. Its only 15 miles away. A wonderful place to view the bears! Don't miss it!" recommends a visitor to Aspen Resort & Campground.
Clear lakes for swimming: Many glamping sites near Tower feature access to clean, clear water. At Sullivan Lake Campground, one reviewer notes, "The lake is absolutely beautiful and some of the sites are so private you could run around naked if you wanted!"
Stargazing opportunities: Limited light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing. "It gets very, very chilly at night if you are at a site with lake access- and the frogs get loud, but it's worth it if you are prepared," advises Chandra C. about Sullivan Lake.
Private, spacious sites: Sherwood Forest Campground provides well-separated sites. "The sites were spacious. It was so peaceful!" reports Cindy B., who appreciated the full hook-ups and proximity to recreation.
Bugs can be intense: Mosquitoes and other insects peak from June through August. One candid reviewer at Eighteen Lake simply states: "Mosquitos were bad run back to the twin cities!"
Limited cell service: Most glamping locations have minimal or no cellular coverage. Prepare offline maps and entertainment.
Distance from supplies: Most glamping sites near Tower require advance planning. Sullivan Lake campers note: "Town of Two Harbors is 26 miles (30 min) away, so don't forget anything."
Seasonal operation: Most sites close by early October. "We came here after a day of diving in Lake Superior. The trees are just starting to turn. Beautiful drive from Silver Bay," reports Scott S. about Divide Lake Campground & Backcountry Sites in fall.
Playgrounds and beaches: Gilbert's Sherwood Forest offers family-friendly amenities. "Cool view looking over a nice lake, has a playground for the kids," notes Louis S.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Tower, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Tower, MN is Sherwood Forest Campground with a 5-star rating from 6 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 10 glamping camping locations near Tower, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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