Bear Lake Campsite - Awesome!!

An amazing Campsite if you’re lucky enough to beat the crowds there! This site sits directly on Bear Lake near Silver Bay, MN. There are 2 relatively close sites here and this review is for the further back one. The ground isn’t exactly flat so your tent might be a little slanted - but it’s worth it for the views!

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.

3 Day Weekend Paradise!

Due to the popularity of the park we had to have 2 different sites during our time there - but this was not an issue as they were very close together and moving was a breeze! All sites have a picnic table, fire ring, and flat space for your tent - there are also electrical sites for RV hookups.

There is so much to do at this park! From the crystal clear waters of the lake itself to the hikes along the rock overlooks, you won’t be bored! There are kayaks and canoes and paddle boats to rent at the lake along with a little shop/restaurant that makes the area feel like a mini National Park! Some of the trails connect to the Ice Age Trail that runs throughout WI. Make sure you get to Balanced Rock!

We had such a great time, we’ve already planned a second trip for this summer!

An amazing experience!

This was our second time to this park and we stayed in one of the Yurts on the edge of the Union Bay Campground. Inside the yurt there are 2 bunk beds and a wood burning stove, along with a small table and chairs I believe. Outside there is a picnic table and fire ring - since we came at the end of the winter season, the campground provided some wood for us upon arrival. There is a food storage container outside as well so no bears try to break into your yurt.

We stayed at the end of April/beginning of May so the campground itself was not open meaning now access to water or restroom facilities which was okay for us. Additionally we were unable to drive all the way up to the yurt like you would in the summer time. We had to park outside the campground and walk across the entire thing with our stuff - we took 2-3 trips as we didn’t plan for this and packed as though we were car camping. The yurts are a great experience and perfect for a weekend away with friends.

The views of superior are amazing and just below the yurt you have access to the shoreline which is great to watch the sunsets on. Porcupine Mountain offers many trails, many of them longer backcountry trails, and some easier ones as well. It is a great park that I always love coming to!

One of my favorites!

Yes this park is FAR up the north shore, but that should NOT stop you from checking it out. I have stayed here 2-3 times and every time I find new adventures. There are great trails at the park itself, definitely check out Devils Kettle and marvel in where that water all goes. If you feel like exploring elsewhere there are so many options within ½ hour drives of this park it’s insane!

On our most recent visit last weekend it was raining at our site so we decided to drive into Grand Marais, about 25-30 min away - there was a little farmers market going on, we checked out the camp supply store where we were given advice to hike up Eagle Mountain, the highest elevation in MN. It was an AMAZING hike, 7 miles round trip but worth every step!

I have stayed at a few different sites at Judge Magney, they all offer their own charm. Most recently we were in site #24 and I think it was my favorite thus far. It offers a picnic table, fire ring, and flat clearing for your tent like all the others, but when the sun came up in the morning it hits your tent just right in the clearing to let you know it’s going to be a beautiful day. You can clearly see the people at the sites on either side of you, but they’re far enough away where you rarely notice them. Directly behind the tent spot is a wooded hill that leads down to highway 61 - being from the city though I didn’t notice the cars driving by. I actually noticed when there weren’t anymore driving by later in the evening and the frogs were out singing.

As most Minnesotans are realizing, the parks are busy and loud in the summers. This park was no different but I think most people here were aware of the sound they were making and no one was extremely obnoxious.

Backpack Site #3

The backpacking sites at Cascade River State Park are a great option when the main campground fills up. #3 is about a mile or so from the group camp parking lot and the trek there is fairly easy along what I believe is a cross country ski trail. You’ll pass site #4 on your way there, but keep going because it’s almost the end!

The site provides a shelter which is very useful when it rains, picnic table, fire ring, and a small clearing for your tent to be set up. From the site itself there are many hiking options and a few even loop back around to the site.

Cascade Lodge is just down Highway 61 from the state park and we actually walked down there to grab some dinner at their restaurant.

I only stayed one night at this site due to a nasty storm rolling in - but I will definitely be back!