Looking for an adventure where you can explore Winton and then fall asleep in your tent? Finding a place to camp in Minnesota with your tent has never been easier. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your Minnesota camping adventure.
$20 / night
This is one of our Backcountry sites which is a near- wilderness single party site and is accessible only by foot or boat. These sites are first come, first served. There are 2 sites on this lake, each have a fire grate, a latrine and may have a picnic table. A few reminders: Hang food packs, put your fire out each time you leave your campsite, treat or boil all water, wash yourself and dishes at least 150ft from any body of water, pack out all garbage and Leave No Trace. Use a Forest Map to locate campsites and accesses. (You can purchase a map on line at http://www.nationalforeststore.com/ or at any of the District offices or by mail.) This lake may be a part of or has portage or waterway access into the BWCAW. When portaging or paddling out of this lake and into another you’ll want to check to see if you’ll be entering into the BWCAW. Permits are always required while traveling in the BWCAW. If traveling for the day by paddle or foot you can use a self issued permit found at any Ranger District office or at the kiosk at the official entry point. Motor powered watercraft is permitted only on designated lakes. When traveling over night or using a motor please look at the BWCAW portion of this web site or take a look at the reservation sit.
Ojibway Lake offers a small picnic area, a back down ramp, and 2 island back country campsites. The lake contains crystal clear waters and a variety of fish, including lake trout, walleye, bass and northern pike. Access to Triangle Lake is a short roller portage between Ojibway Lake and Triangle Lake. Triangle Lake also has 2 island back country campsites and fish including walleye, bass, and northern pike.
Meander Lake is a remote, clear lake with 2 backcountry campsites. The picnic area and barrier-free fishing pier are located on the southern shore of the lake. Downloadable information and map
Eighteen Lake Rustic Campground provides three campsites and a picnic area under red pines on the shore of Eighteen Lake. A trail around the lake and a carry down boat access make this a wonderful spot to spend a weekend in the woods.
$16 - $32 / night
Traveler
The camp sites here are truly very special and if you are just wanting to camp this is a amazing place to do it! This is a great place to Roof Top Tent camp, Ground Tent camp, or RV at especially for the low cost!
CampGround Review:
Most the campsites are extremely private, space far apart, with fantastic views and access to the nearby lakes. It is a truly beautiful campground. The camp caretaker is a very generous and nice individual especially considering the difficulties of the COVID season shutting down their showers and restaurant. In the non-COVID season, or post mass vaccination, this campground is almost glamping level compared to most regular national park campgrounds!
Campsite 003 Review:
This is possibly one of the best sites at the entire campgrounds as it is VERY private, VERY well protected from any storms that come in, gets plenty of sun and shade as well as having easy access to the nearby lake. The campsite also has lots of open space to pitch two large tents (6 person tents) or three medium sized tents (3-4 person tent).
It is also near two easy to walk to bathrooms and a short walk from the trash dumpster as well.
Next time I will remember to take pictures!
Guide
Quiet campground with a short walk to the lake. RV and tent camping had separate areas. Restrooms and showers were clean. Close to Ely.
Traveler
Have stayed here many times, love it!
Great tent sites right on Lake Superior.
Hardly any bears :)
Guide
Camped here in early July and had no issues getting a secluded tent site. Beautiful area with sort walks throughout the campground and down to the lake.
GuideBeautiful rustic campground at the very end of the Gunflint Trail surrounded by the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Prestige lakes, tent camping only, hiking, fishing, kayaking and canoing. Moose, black bear, wolves, otters, and other countless critters. Photographers haven with all the rugged beauty. Chik Wauk museum nearby a wonderful place to visit.
Guide
I got a tent site (E5) for a one night stay. The check in process was quick and seamless and the site was nice. I was sleeping on a bit of an incline, and there wasn’t a truly flat spot, but I made due. There was one tent in the spot next to me, but was far enough away to not be noisy.
Scout
The tent sites or sites not on the water were EXTREMELY lacking. Site 25 specifically was awful. Brush is over grown making very limited space to set up a tent and the path up to the small clearing up the hill is being taken over by growth BUT the sites on the water are breath taking. Knowing this we will be back. Bathrooms are clean, water access is great, and water is available for drinking and cleaning that’s really a great set up. -Mosquitoes are BAD (as to be expected) so bring a screen tent. -Fire pits have a GREAT cooking set up that swivels over the fire, downside is some of them are broken or need upkeep as dirt has settled under it and it won’t move anymore (needs to be dug out). -camp host is SUPER nice and has the cutest relationship with the chipmunks, if you need wood stop by and say hi and meet the cute and bossy chipmunks.
Dog loved it there, it’s quiet, beautiful, campsites are generally well maintained, tent sites are just VERY small and getting smaller.
RangerNice clean bathroom and great showers that have an extra DRY SPACE and a chair to change into fresh dry clothes.
Campground is well maintained, sites in the woods are spaced apart. Sites closer to Lake Superior are tight, some are VERY SHORT and tent sites only.
Good electric power and water at the site we were at.
Two nice beaches and a river at the campground. Very beautiful sunrise’s over the lake!
Fall camping will be cool beside the lake so bring warm clothes.
Close to MANY Minnesota State Parks and super good hiking trails.
Site 8 with no electricity or water and is great site with super views of the lake.
Guide
My husband and I camped here over the 4th of July weekend with our entire family. We loved the campsites as the sites where spacious and seemed more secluded with all the trees. We loved how wooded the sites where as it felt more like camping and provided more privacy. The campground was pretty and very well kept. The sites vary in size so I would recommend driving around the loops to check them out to see which one would fit your best camping needs for your RV/Tents. We always do this as we like to know which sites to get the next time we camp here. We got the last two first come first serve non electric sites as it was over the 4th of July so we actually got lucky to get a site at all. We used generators as it was almost 100 out the entire week we camped. The campground asks for generators to be turned off I believe between 10-10:30pm.
We spent most of our time at the beach and in the lake as swimming was a must this week due to it being so hot out. We brought our lily pad to use out on the water which was a big hit for everyone in our group.
The tent sites where amazing they were full of trees for more of feel of actual roughing it camping. The best part of this campground is the tent site area has their own beach area which was amazing for all the kids in our group. The hosts were very informational and even delivered ice and firewood if you needed more! This was a huge perk as this campground has so many loops and our group camped in RV sites and Tent Sites.
The beach area was very clean and boat launch was nice. Very friendly hosts as each loop has hosts assigned which was convenient. The lake is huge just had to be careful as this was our first time at this lake and since the water levels where down the sand bars were more noticeable then usual as locals stated. We plan on coming back to this campground it was very clean and well kept.
Traveler
My sister and I spent two nights tent camping here at a site right on the water. We arrived around noon on Friday of memorial day weekend when about half of the sites were filled. Plenty of options depending on the size of your party and rigs. Lots of other lakes to explore in this area. Our favorite parts were the ample space between each site and that it was free. Plenty of room for dogs and kiddos to run around. We only wish we brought a canoe to take out on the lake for more exploring. It’s about 30 minutes from Finland off hwy 1.
Guide
We stayed here last June with our large family. My bf and I stayed 2 nights in a cabin and tent camped 2 nights on a camp site. This area has great access to many lakes including the BWCA along with being close to Ely for anything you may have forgotten. Silver Rapids Lodge itself has a bar/restaurant right by campground along with many other amenities. Many cabins to choose from from 4-6 ppl all the way up to a 24 person cabin!! Good fishing and lots of areas to do so without a boat, if you don’t have a boat and would like to rent one SRL offers boat rentals. Small swimming area and play place for kids. Pet friendly, clean, and nice hosts.
Traveler
We stayed at site 312E, pull through site which made it convenient with the boat. We tent camp and it had a nice flat grassy spot for the tent with ample room for the screened in shelter. (+’s)
(-‘s)
We didn’t do any biking but should bring the bikes next time as the paths look good.
I see this campground more for RV and non-kid groups.
Legend
This is a campground with good access to Lake Vermilion and excellent fishing, so that would be a main draw. This is a private campground and has some sites reserved for seasonal RV camping, and other sites avaialble for short term RV or tent camping. Many of the RV sites are open and close together, but there is also a loop set back in the woods that has shady campsites both on or off the lake which are pretty nice. The facilities seem a bit worn over all, but there is a basic camp office with some supplies, great docks for boats, a new playground for kids, and a nice picnic shelter. I think the man draw here is access to fishing, but you could easily get to Lake Vermilion State Park and the Mesabi Bike Trail which arent far away.
LegendBear Head Lake is an established, full service state park that has something for everyone. There are a variety of camping opportunities, from camper cabins to guesthouse to tent campsites with lake access to RV sites. Though you have to hike to the beach, the beach is really lovely and has boat rental. There is an extensive network of trails for both hiking and cross country skiing, with a really great indoor Trail Center that serves as winter warming house, indoor meeting place for rainy days, and classroom for park naturalist events. The lake is great for boating, fishing and paddling. though part of the lake shore is privately owned, the lake is quiet and peaceful overall, nestled in tall pines with easy access to the town of Ely if desired. The vicinity is known for bears and is part of a long term bear research study; visit the American Bear Center nearby if interested! https://www.bear.org/website/
TravelerThis is a small campground but so beautiful. We stayed at site 7. It consisted of "two areas" which was super cool. The "lower level" was where we parked with a decent driveway. It also had the picnic table and fire pit with a gravel area for a tent pad. The "upper area" was up a small hill and there was the amazing view overlooking Jeanette lake. There was a huge rock outcropping overlooking the lake and an area for our 8 woman tent. We had views of the lake from bed. So beautiful! The mosquitoes weren't too bad except right at dusk. The vault toilets were not the best and the sites were rather close but with the right site you wouldn't even know it. Sites 6 and 7 both have the "two areas" with more secluded areas you could tent. Site 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10 all have some level of water access. The people at sites 8 and 9 had kayaks/canoes pulled right into their site. Site 7 has the best overview of the lake but no direct water access. The best part...the loons and ducks at dusk and dawn. One of my favorite things.
Legend
Fenske Lake Campground, MN:
(Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(70 yr olds in 17’ trailer)
Overall Rating: 4 - Great place for a canoe trip, I am told. Also access close by to the boundary waters
Price 2023: $10 / night w lifetime senior pass.
Usage during visit: During mid week it was pretty busy.
Site Privacy: pretty nice
Site Spacing: pretty nice
Site surface: Gravel
Reservations: Yes
Campground Noise: Quiet
Road Noise: There may be occasional road noise in the few sites closer to the entry.
Through Traffic in campground: None
Electric Hookup: No
Sewer Hookup: No
Dump Station: No
Potable Water Available: Yes
Generators: Allowed
Bathroom: Pit Toilets
Showers: No
Pull Throughs: There are ‘some pullovers’, no separation from cg road. Those in use only had a van or used as tent sites
Cell Service (AT&T). We didn’t check at the campground. But, down the road we accessed via a new AT&T tower.
Setting: In the woods
Weather: 70’s with a storm in the forecast
Bugs: Mosquitoes are moderate.
Solar: Not great for fixed panels
Rig size: Some sites take large rigs. Check rec.gov for each site before making your reservation.
Sites:
TravelerThe sites weren’t particularly large, the singular available vault toilet for the tenting sites was usually in disarray and the general noise level was surprising....but even with all of these unexpected speed bumps the trip was great!
Everyone was super friendly and I appreciated being able to have my 3-legged companion along for the adventure. Sites were clearly marked and easy to find, along with trails to the beach area. Lots of families with children, so if you’re looking for a place to bring your littles, this should be on your list.
Legend
This is a small state forest campground on a small bay of the larger Vermilion Lake. There is a nice beach, group picnic shelter, docks, and an adjacent public boat landing. For folks who are looking for a quiet place to stay while on a fishing trip at Vermilion, this wold be a good location, though more rustic than a state park. There are 5 fairly open sites close to the shelter and beach where RV's and trailers could easily park, but there are no hook-ups so be prepared. There is drinking water available in several locations throughout the campground, though this is shut off by mid September. There are latrine toilets, and garbage collection. There are also a group of 5 tent sites located close together that would work well as a group camp area, also cloe to the beach and docks. Further back in the woods, however, at sites 12-19, there are larger more private sites spaced much further apart and set beautifully in among shady woods. Further along the campground loop road goes up a hill with more quiet sites, and two REALLY exceptional hike-in sites at #20 and 21. Site # 20 is a true gem, beautiful tall pines, picnic table, fire ring and tent pad in a very secluded setting but still just a short hike from where you park your car. There is a path down the hill to the beach and dock area. Really a primo campsite if you can get it, though all the sites are First Come-First Served and not reserveable.
Legend
This campsite location is perfect for a weekend backcountry camping experience along the Echo Trail north and west of Ely. It would also be a good place to spend the night before launching off onto a BWCA river trip on the Indian Sioux River or the Moose River, both of which have entry points nearby. The Forest Service refers to the three campsites here as "backcountry sites," meaning they are rustic and dont have the amenities of Forest Service group campgrounds like Jeanette Lake and Fenske Lake further along the Echo Trail, but also have the advantage of being a bit less primitive and a bit more accessible than canoe-in only sites within the BWCA. There is no permit required nor campground registration needed, so staying here is on a first come first served basis. be advised though, that the sites provide only a fire grill, picnic table, and tent site, and are a pretty good hike in from the parking area, from which you will have to carry all your gear. However, it is worth the effort as you will likely be the only one, or one of few campers, at the lake, which is pristine and beautiful. A disastrous forest fire swept the north and west sides of the lake in 1970, followed by major wind storms and tree loss in the late 1980's and early 1900's, however the forest has slowly and surely recovered and the shores are beautiful once again.
Scout
Ninemile Lake Campground seems to be the gem that no one knows about. I've stayed there multiple times and it has remained my favorite campground. The campground is located in the Superior National Forest along County Road 7 North of Finland, Minnesota. There are 20+ campsites available, with about half with direct lake access. Drinking water is available from the east side of the campground. There is also a landing for boats to be put into the lake and taken out. The campsites near the lake are gorgeous and offer a nice view of the lake. All of the campsites are perfect for tent camping, and all should fit RV's. The campsites may look small at first, but once you enter them you will find that many have passageways that lead to a clearing. Each site has the standard picnic table and fire ring. There is firewood for sale, and boat, kayak, and canoe rentals available.
The lake is beautiful, but not very exciting to swim in because it is quite muddy. There are 3 islands on the lake which I like to explore after a short kayak ride. One of the islands has some large boulders that offer a nice view of the sunset.
Ninemile Lake got it's name because it is nine miles away from Lake superior! The fishing was decent, but the long winter a couple of years ago killed off many of the fish. I believe it was recently restocked.
Ninemile Lake is within driving distance of the Superior Hiking Trail as well as many other trails. There is a hiking trail about a mile long just across the road from the campsite entrance, which also crosses a four wheeling trail.
I found plenty of things to do while staying at Ninemile Lake Campground, and I would recommend it to all types of people who appreciate the outdoors.
LegendBear Head Lake State Park is just south of the Boundary Waters, and shares a comparable wilderness element. The shoreline is beautiful and very fun to explore by kayak.
Campground features: Cabin rentals, tent sites, and RV sites. The campground is open in fall & winter. The campsites are private, well shaded, and level. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire pit. Flush toilets, hot showers, dump station, group sites, and electric are also available.
Hiking at Bear Head Lake State Park
Fishing at Bear Head State Park
Bass, northerns, walleye, panfish, and trout can be caught at this State Park. Many people fish from the fishing dock or shoreline. Panfish are all over the lake and most likely the first ones biting. Good walleye fishing after 6pm.
Other activities:
Boat rentals, cross country ski trail (groomed), snowshoe trails, and snowmobile trails.
Legend
Dyrt Ranger Review of Banner 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 MN State Highway 1 winds through the tall pines of the Chippewa National Forest, to the Bear Island state forest, and the Superior National Forest all the way east to Lake Superior. A nice weekend ride on this route includes a nice campout at the National Forest Service’s South Kawishiwi campground just off Highway 1 between Ely and Isabella. The campground is a typical rustic Forest Service campground, no hookups or plug-ins for RVs though many of the campsites would have room for a camper. All of the sites are great for tent camping, with large sheltered campsites in the pines, picnic tables and great fire rings with grill. There are water pumps for drinking water, and but the bathroom facilities are outhouses. One of the best features of this campground is the waterfront, with a nice beach and picnic area and a good boatlaunch for canoes and fishing boats. The campground is quiet and peaceful and well maintained. You can hike or boat in the area, and its an easy trip into Ely if you need supplies or want to visit the nature centers in town. Well recommended for families and small groups, accessible for motorcycles, cars, trailers and campers who want a quiet and simple camping experience.
Product review: As a Ranger for the Dyrt, I sometimes have the chance to review camping gear and related outdoor products. This review is for Banner and Oak gear, specifically their outdoor tshirts https://bannerandoak.com/collections/shirtsand their camping mugs https://bannerandoak.com/collections/gear-we-love/products/steel-camper-mug-white . My husband tried out these products on his recent camping trip with his motorcycle buddies, and he lived both of them. Our mess kit includes the standard flat sierra cups, which are fine for your instant oatmeal in the morning, but not great for coffee. The Banner and Oak mugs are enameled stainless steel, sturdy enough to be crammed into a tight pack and large enough to hold a good stiff morning coffee—and the “Freedom to Explore” motto on it is great! But most of all, he LOVED the shirts, and said they were the softest he has ever worn, whether hanging around the campsite or, more importantly, under his motorcycle jacket when he is on the road. He felt it was soft and comfy—yes, by comparison, softer even than our little pug dog, which is saying a lot— and its lightweight, and breathes well in addition to preventing chafing under his jacket. He’s a fan! He doesnt usually pay much attention to his tshirts, but Banner and Oaks are remarkable and he will surely be buying more. Its a plus that they are made in the US too!
Guide
This rustic campground within the Superior National Forest is one of the many great options available in the area. There are 7 sites available, vault toilet and a boat launch. All the sites have a pull in area a tent pad spot an picnic table. I only stayed one night, but watching the sunset on the lake from my campsite was wonderful! It’s pretty easy to get too. I use Avenza Maps to keep track of my location in the North woods for piece of mind. It’s quiet campsites let you get lost inalienable the natural beauty around you.
Be careful in early summer, there were 4-5 turtles laying their eggs near the bathrooms. The mosquitos were crazy too. But, that’s Minnesota.
Legend
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. 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.
RangerBeautiful state park with a funky layout. Campsites are very pretty but sites are mostly gravel not ideal for tents more aimed at the rvs. 100-200 campsites seem better for tents over 300 sites. 100-200 have some grassy tent pads with a cool layout. Check it out!
Scout
George Crosby is one of my favorites state parks for hiking and river fishing!
The site we stayed at however was not so great. BP19 has an awesome location on a secluded hill above Benson lake.... But it only has two tiny tent pads (2p or smaller) that are both VERY slanted. The entire site is anywhere from a 10-30% incline making sleeping, cooking and even sitting in a camp chair difficult!
Definitely a site for someone who uses hammock tents and not for traditional tents.
Guide
We were at the part close to the high way. Very noisy. Facilities are clean and well maintained. Sites are note usable by tent. I barely got the tent Ankers in the ground. Mostly RV or trailers. Not that close to the beach.
Tent camping near Winton, Minnesota offers a serene escape into nature, with a variety of well-reviewed sites that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure and tranquility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Winton, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Winton, MN is Canoe Country Campground and Cabins with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Winton, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 36 tent camping locations near Winton, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
