The camping options near Two Harbors, Minnesota, extend along Lake Superior's North Shore between Duluth and Grand Marais. Located in Minnesota's Arrowhead region, this area features dense boreal forest, rocky shorelines, and numerous inland lakes. The region experiences cool summers with average July temperatures around 75°F and cold winters with January lows often below 0°F. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from May through October due to harsh winter conditions.
What to do
Hiking at Jay Cooke State Park: Located about 45 minutes from Two Harbors, the park offers diverse trail options through sculpted granite terrain. The Swingbridge crossing provides distinctive views of the St. Louis River. One visitor noted, "You can bike, run, hike and camp. We clambered around on the sculpted granite rocks that line the river and falls, dipping on and out of pools and up slick rock faces."
Kayaking in sheltered waters: Sullivan Lake Campground provides a more controlled paddling environment than Lake Superior. A camper mentioned, "The boat access was not as easy...it's 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."
ATV trail access: Wildhurst Lodge and Campground connects directly to regional ATV trails, making it convenient for off-road enthusiasts. A visitor observed, "The grounds seem to be primarily used for ATV folks, as there is a trail connected at the back of the grounds. There was some noisy riding around, but we were gone hiking most of the day so we barely noticed."
Mountain biking from campgrounds: Spirit Mountain Campground provides direct access to designated mountain biking terrain. A reviewer explained, "The best part was being able to bike down the trails right from the campground! The trees were just starting to turn so it was beautiful!"
What campers like
Private, sheltered sites: Campgrounds in the area typically offer individual sites with natural barriers. At Sullivan Lake Campground, a camper noted, "The lake is absolutely beautiful and some of the sites are so private you could run around naked if you wanted! It gets very, very chilly at night if you are at a site with lake access."
Proximity to water features: Many campgrounds provide direct access to lakes or rivers. According to one Fond du Lac camper, "We had a nice site on the corner, very close to the river to drop in our kayaks, clean bathrooms and showers."
Walking distance amenities: Several campgrounds include on-site conveniences. A visitor to Wildhurst mentioned, "A bar with a kitchen where you check in to the campsite filled with friendly people, games, and great food. Ice, firewood, and limited camping supplies are available for purchase at the bar."
Wilderness setting with basic comforts: Boise Brule Campground offers a wilderness experience with essential amenities. A camper described it as "The campsite itself is absolutely gorgeous. This park has lots of very mature trees and lots of very mature pine trees, making it very quiet. The spaces are quite distant from one another and we didn't hear our neighbors at all."
What you should know
Reservation requirements vary: Many smaller state forest campgrounds like Sullivan Lake operate on a first-come basis, while others require advance booking. A visitor to Penmarallter Campsite advised, "You can save $5 a night if you only need 30-Amp electric and water."
Seasonal insects: The region experiences significant tick and mosquito activity, particularly in early summer. One Brule River camper warned, "Been an outdoor person my whole life and more ticks than I've ever seen before. Pulling 10 or more off an hour..."
Limited cellular service: Many campgrounds have inconsistent connectivity. A visitor noted, "I wasn't expecting Verizon coverage, but I got 1-3 bars, and was able to use my hotspot most of the time."
Campground access considerations: Some locations have restricted vehicle clearance. A Sullivan Lake visitor cautioned, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds include dedicated play areas. At Fond du Lac, a camper observed, "There was however Horseshoe and bag pits, a small game room and at least one cabin for rental. It was a very quiet place and there were many families with children who were playing on the small playground, shooting hoops, fishing, and riding bike."
Lake swimming alternatives: If Lake Superior proves too cold for swimming, inland lakes offer warmer options. A camper at Jay Cooke noted, "The river's cold, so small kids would not like to swim there. L. Nebagamon is about 5 mi. away though."
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds provide access to natural learning experiences. A visitor mentioned, "A fish hatchery is on the way in to camp - a clear sign of the passion for fishing in this area. We recommend Angie's Bakery for a treat. It's just down the road."
Diverse glamping options for families: Two Harbors, Minnesota offers upgraded glamping accommodations particularly suitable for families not ready for traditional tent camping. A reviewer at Apostle Islands Area RV Park commented, "Very friendly staff, nice camp store. Sites ok, pretty tight. Quiet place with nice playground."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Many campgrounds in the area have limited space for larger vehicles. A Boise Brule camper advised, "The cost for non-residents is $21 for the campsite and another $11 daily state park entrance fee. So, $32 for the same type of campground as a USFS at about $15."
Utility connections: Hookup availability varies significantly between campgrounds. A Penmarallter visitor noted, "Penmarallter Campsite is located just outside the infamous Duluth, Mn and just before you get to Two Harbors, Mn. This is a very open campground that would be premier for RV camping. There is electric hook up and water hook up."
Leveling challenges: The region's terrain creates uneven parking situations at many campgrounds. A camper observed, "Most sites did not have enough space for your car, your tent, the fire ring, and a bug house. Our tent pad was really well graveled and made me realize that the standard stakes that came with our tent and bug house need to be upgraded."
Gravel road access: Several campgrounds require travel on unpaved roads. A visitor cautioned, "Gravel road in is rough so go slow. Did not try bath house or public facilities."
