Tent camping near Two Harbors, Minnesota places visitors in proximity to the Lake Superior shoreline with elevations ranging from 600 to 1,700 feet in surrounding wilderness areas. The region receives approximately 31 inches of precipitation annually, with summer temperatures averaging 70-80°F during peak camping months. Fall brings earlier sunsets around 7:30 PM in September, requiring campers to arrive at sites with adequate daylight for setup.
What to do
Kayak to Thompson Beach: Access this boat-in only campsite for shoreline exploration of Lake Superior. "Beautiful campground," notes one visitor who arrived by kayak, emphasizing the site's isolation and direct water access.
Hike Twin Lakes Trail: The 3-4 mile trail to Bean and Bear Lakes Hike-In offers significant terrain changes. "This is one of my all time favorite hikes and camp spots 'up north'. The hike into the Bean and Bear Lakes is fun and has some great views in itself," reports a camper who enjoyed the challenging trail.
Circumnavigate Eighteen Lake: A 2.5-mile trail circles this clear northern lake. "Great Area! 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," explains a visitor to Eighteen Rustic Lake Campground.
Explore Rocky Overlooks: The Manitou River Cascades provide waterfall views just a short distance from backcountry sites. "The Manitou River Cascades are maybe a half mile north of the site," notes a camper who spent time hiking from their camp location to view the water features.
What campers like
Secluded Lake Sites: Sites positioned along inland lakes offer privacy compared to crowded shoreline areas. "We stayed at site 3 and it was gorgeous. Looks like they recently planted some trees. There was plenty of fallen wood nearby for firewood. The river is right there and so beautiful. I slept great to the sound of the rushing water," shares a camper at George H. Crosby Manitou State Park Campground.
Free Backcountry Resources: Some dispersed sites provide unexpected amenities. "Free firewood! Or at least there was a large pile of it when we were there. Free for the taking, so that was a nice surprise," reports a camper at Point Detour Wilderness Campground about finding complimentary wood supply.
Primitive Lake Access: Rustic sites allow direct water access without crowds. "The site has a 1 night stay maximum because of its popularity and is located about 3 miles from the Superior Hiking Trail parking lot in Silver Bay. You can hike up above the lake for an amazing view of both Bear and Bean Lakes," explains a visitor regarding site limitations.
Bear-Safe Storage: Many wilderness sites include bear boxes for food security. "The bear boxes at the site are also convenient so hauling food to the car at night is unnecessary, and the boxes are big enough to stash extra gear or valuables while you're not on site (padlock compatible)," notes a visitor to Lake Superior Cart-in Campground.
What you should know
Rugged Trail Conditions: Most backcountry sites require significant hiking effort. "The trails of this park are either a hikers dream or nightmare. Exposed roots, large rocks, and elevation changes are common. Good potential for a twisted ankle. I would not advise bringing small children or inexperienced hikers," warns a visitor about trail conditions.
Limited Water Sources: Most primitive sites require water filtration or carrying supplies. "The lake is fantastic for swimming in the summer and clear enough to purify for drinking water or cooking," mentions a camper at Bean and Bear Lakes regarding water access.
Road Access Challenges: Some dispersed camping areas have unmarked or rough access roads. "The dirt road in was fine, the driveway was overgrown and the clearing has lots of rocks and vegetation so glad I checked it out in the daytime," explains a camper at State Land Lax Lake Area about navigating to their site.
Site Privacy Varies: Cart-in sites often provide better separation than developed campgrounds. "The sites were close enough that we were able to easily haul all of our gear without the cart, but far enough from the main camping area that it was nice and quiet," explains a camper about their cart-in experience.
Tips for camping with families
Choose Cart Access Over Backpack Sites: Cart-in camping offers wilderness experience with easier gear transport. "We camped in the cart-in area and it was a blast! It was our first time doing the cart-in and was slightly hard, but you have to commit to this if you reserve. The trek into the campground was manageable and the area was very scenic," shares a family who visited Lake Superior Cart-in Campground.
Use Group Sites For Multi-Family Trips: Some areas offer larger shared spaces. "We stayed at a group campsite that was cart-in, and it was lovely. The site was surrounded by plenty of trees and set a little bit away from the other group sites," notes a visitor about their experience camping with others.
Consider Cabin Options: For families not ready for tent camping, cabins provide structure. "We spent a chilly November night in one of the camper cabins. The cabins are about a 1.5 mile walk from the parking lot, up and over a hill. Cabins themselves were nice, bed, wood burning store, kitchen prep area, and a small table," explains a visitor at North Egge Lake Camp.
Check Shower Access: While most wilderness sites lack facilities, some nearby locations offer shower options. "There ARE showers available, but not at the campground. You can sign up for a time slot at the casino front desk and then go there and take one. They are quite clean. So while not terribly convenient, they are free and it is a nice shower," notes a camper about amenities nearby.
Tips from RVers
Choose Forest Sites For Small Rigs: National forest campgrounds accommodate compact RVs. "Campground is suitable for truck campers and smaller. Road coming to the campground can be rough in places, but doable with passenger car," advises a camper at Eighteen Rustic Lake Campground.
Reserve Early For Peak Season: Limited RV spaces fill quickly during summer months. "Make reservations early in the session because things fill up quickly. Great family campground with a lot of young kids running around, riding bikes, and playing and dogs in most campsites," suggests a visitor at Cloquet-Duluth KOA.
Expect Close Quarters At Commercial Campgrounds: Private campgrounds typically have tighter spacing. "Sites are cramped, leaving no illusion of privacy. It was fine in a pinch but not my idea of camping," notes an RVer about the developed campground experience compared to wilderness sites.
