Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is nestled on the North Shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota. The park is named after the local lighthouse, which is located inside the park, and is known to be one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country.
Near the lighthouse visitors can also see the restored Split Rock Historic Tramway House and the Split Rock Historic Pump House. Other actives include swimming at Pebble Beach, hiking, fishing, and biking. If you are looking for a more serene getaway, the park also contains a few backcountry campsites, which can be accessed only by canoe or kayak.
Image from The Dyrt camper Jennifer H.
Camping Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, MN
The hike-in campsites at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park provide a quiet environment, where you will find water access for kayaking and canoeing, and historic landmarks for day excursions.
Bring a Water Filter
The campsites at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park do not have potable water. Many visitors get water from natural water sources within the park and then filter it before use or bring their own. During the winter months water can still be obtained from the shoreline, but some campsites offer easier access than others.
“We found site 1 during a hike while staying at site 2. The reason we chose to move was that it was a particularly cold and windy week in November. This was making it hard to obtain water for filtering at the rocky waterfront at site 2. The hike is easy as the trails are groomed. Site 1 is right off the beach. Obtaining water is easy in all of the seasons. There is a water break to prevent the waves.” — The Dyrt Camper Jennifer H.
Forgot the Firewood? No Problem!
If it is rainy out and your wood gets wet or you forget to bring some altogether, not to worry. Visitors can purchase excellent firewood right inside Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.
“…the wood purchased from the park was the best wood I have ever purchased from a park, in terms of speediness of lighting – by the time my wife and toddler got back from the walk to the bathroom at the crack of dawn through the light dusting of snow, I already had a roaring fire going!” — The Dyrt Camper Michael B.
Image from The Dyrt camper Michael B.
Sleep in Solitude
All of the campsites at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park are hike-in only. Campers can park in a lot and use carts to haul any heavy gear if needed. This set up provides a quieter camping environment for all visitors, with more wild space and less pavement. Everyone wins.
“All campsites are cart in only. Some are close to the parking lot and you are able to keep some items in your car for safekeeping. Most sites are quite a hike, uphill so it’s difficult to go back to your car as you would at a drive-in site.” — The Dyrt Camper Liz H.
Try Something New
Geocaching is abundant within Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. This activity is like taking a hike, but with the goal of finding a treasure at the end. Visitors can follow GPS coordinates through the park to find geocaches that have been left in hidden locations. The Dyrt camper, Michael B. Suggests looking up the MN State Park Geocache Series to get started.
“And of course had a great time with the geocaching…the Official MN State Park Geocache series are always great, and this was no exception, especially as a family activity: a hike in the woods, with a hidden treasure to find along the way!” — The Dyrt Camper Michael B.
Play at the Beach
Get in the water, enjoy unwind by the beach, or have a stone skipping contest. Pebble Beach is located within the park along Lake Superior. The beach is easy to access and provides picnic tables, making it an ideal spot to relax for the whole family.
“First of all, the park is BEAUTIFUL! There are many sights to see beyond the lighthouse. We enjoyed geocaching, hiking and pebble beach (the kids favorite.) They would have spent all day at Pebble Beach throwing the large smooth stones into the lake while enjoying the view of Ellingsen Island.” — The Dyrt Camper Jennifer H.
Image from The Dyrt camper Kayla B.
Take in the Views
If you don’t feel like hiking to a place with a view, you are in luck. Many of the sites have views of Lake Superior, which are especially enjoyable during sunset and sunrise.
“The sites are well worth any trekking that needs to be done to get to them! My site had a gorgeous overlook across a small bay.” —The Dyrt Camper Kayla B.
