Camping opportunities near Two Harbors, Minnesota extend beyond the Lake Superior shoreline to include inland forests and river systems. The area sits at approximately 700 feet above sea level, with camping terrain ranging from sandy beaches to dense woodland. Water temperatures at Lake Superior typically remain cold year-round, rarely exceeding 55°F even during summer months.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: Access multiple falls within a short drive from Two Harbors campsites. At Gooseberry Falls State Park Campground, visitors can explore several cascades. "Great day hikes around the falls as wel!" notes Craig B., who appreciated the park's family-friendly atmosphere.
Winter camping: Experience quieter North Shore conditions from October through April. "Minnesotans are a hardy lot. Hence, winter camping at state park campsites is still possible at most state parks for those who choose to do it," explains Janet R. about Gooseberry Falls State Park Campground. Winter campers should prepare for outhouses and limited services.
Rock climbing: Test your skills at nearby cliff faces within a short drive. The vertical rock formations draw experienced climbers. "We saw people rock climbing at Palisade Head," notes one visitor who explored while staying at Baptism River Campground.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Several campgrounds offer well-spaced sites with natural screening. At Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Campground, "The campground is large with tons of trees making it very private," according to Stephanie H., who warns campers to "keep your tent/camper door shut, I had a chipmunk come inside the camper and join me for a nap."
Beach access: Some campgrounds provide direct water access for swimming or paddling. At Herbster Campground, "You get your pick - sand flies on the beach or skeeters in the woods," notes Annie C., who appreciated the campground's location for exploring the Apostle Islands.
Cleanliness: Well-maintained facilities consistently earn praise from campers. "Facilities were clean and updated with plenty of toilets and showers to handle a full park," reports Craig B. about Gooseberry Falls State Park.
What you should know
Campsite availability: Reservations fill quickly, especially for waterfront sites. "Reservations fill up quick a year in advance," warns Cynthia K. about Burlington Bay Campground, where lakeside sites are particularly sought-after.
Road noise: Highway 61 impacts several campgrounds with traffic sounds. "A little close to hwy 61 so be prepared for road noise," notes Tori K. about Burlington Bay Campground. Truck braking is particularly noticeable in Two Harbors.
Site spacing: Campgrounds vary significantly in site density and privacy. "The sites are small... very small. Barely fit my 21 foot trailer in because the turn was ridiculous to get in the site," reports Robert P. about Burlington Bay Campground.
Water availability: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups or accessible water stations. "There are water hydrants in the campground, but you cannot do dishes or fill your camper from them," explains Dave M. about Shipwreck Creek Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Easy waterfall access: Look for campgrounds with manageable hiking distances for children. "The campground is great. Been camping here since I was a child," shares Nichole K. about their experiences at Gooseberry Falls, where the falls are "breathtaking" and accessible for families.
Playground availability: Amnicon Falls State Park Campground features "a covered bridge" and areas where children can explore safely. "My family has spent many summer days cooling off in the pools of the Amnicon River," shares Mary K.
Water play opportunities: Several campgrounds offer safe wading areas. "We tent camped with our littles (2 & under) & they had a blast walking & sitting in the water near the Falls," reports a reviewer about Amnicon Falls State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many North Shore campgrounds have uneven terrain. "The sites are not level so come prepared," advises B.M. about their stay at Baptism River Campground at Tettegouche State Park.
Dump station locations: Some campgrounds lack onsite dump facilities. "No dump station at the campground for RVs but you can use the dumpstation at Pattison SP which is about 30 minutes," notes Mark J. about Amnicon Falls State Park.
Generator policies: Rules vary by campground regarding generator use. "Wisconsin is loosing there position on the use of generators in there state parks that do not have electric at sites. You need to get the ok from the DNR staff," explains Mark J. about Amnicon Falls State Park.
