BY Nick Bulanda
Published March 17, 2019
Planning a camping trip is a bit stressful. Especially if you are traveling with a group of friends. Let alone camping with your entire family. You have your hands full with crossing off your packing checklist. You need a tent, a camping bed, and even a camping chair. Not to mention other essential items. Luckily, The Camping Chair provides lists with the best camping destinations. Read through the 10 best campgrounds in Northern Minnesota below. Keep in mind, this list is in no particular order. Each destination is just as fun and promising as the last! Simplify your planning process with our helpful information today.
1. Voyageurs National Park
The Voyageurs National Park is the only national park in Minnesota. It is also a destination for any boat enthusiast. Hop in a houseboat, motorboat, or even a canoe. There is an abundance of landing points that range from standard to scenic. Ride up to a nice beach or wooden dock. Either way, plenty of adventure awaits. Make a reservation for your tent spot. That way, you do not worry about squabbling with other campers. Every real camper needs to camp at a national park at least once. So we highly encourage you to plot out a fun camping experience at the Voyageurs National Park.
2. Bear Head Lake State Park
Here is another very scenic park. This time, it is a state park and not a national park. But, the Bear Head Lake State Park provides a similar experience to the Voyageurs National Park. Canoe out on the beautiful water. There are nearly 23 miles of Lakeshore to access. Plus, you can fish from the shore or out on the water. Bear Head Lake is plenty of fun for all water lovers. All the while, the atmosphere provides the true feeling of wildlife and nature.
3. Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness
There are 2000 campsites and 1200 miles of canoe routes available at the Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness. With over 1 million acres in size, there is so much fun to be had. There are even 12 different hiking trails. Go for a long walk or enjoy a canoe ride all the same. The wonderful wilderness awaits. For over 40 years, the BWCA Wilderness Act has been in place. Enjoy 40 years of wildlife protection during your next camping trip.
4. George Crosby Manitou State Park
The Cascades of the Manitou River is the highlight of the George Crosby Manitou State Park. Take in a truly brilliant view of the river. Bring your license and stamp to properly fish at the river. Non-motorized boats are allowed out on Benson Lake. Hangout on the water all day and fish. However, you can also take hikes throughout the trails as well. Enjoy a fun picnic with the family too. There are so many activities to choose from at this particular campground.
5. Lake Maria State Park
Lake Maria State Park is wonderful for all winter lovers. Enjoy all types of fun winter activities. Obviously, this includes cross-country skiing, hiking, and more. Come back during the spring for hiking and spring wildflowers. During the fall, the park becomes absolutely beautiful. All of the fall colors pop out and look great to the eyes. Best of all, you can check out endangered Blandings Turtles. Visit the Lake Maria State Park all year-round and enjoy plenty of fun!
6. Scenic State Park
Yes, the name of one of the best campgrounds in northern Minnesota is Scenic State Park. Obviously, this park looks great. But, it is actually one of the best campgrounds for kids. The peaceful setting is calm and cool for all. Take kids fishing out in a canoe. However, you can also fish from the shoreline. They provide you with kids’ Discovery Kits and Fishing kits too. Show your children some of the great wildlife at this park.
7. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
The iconic Split Rock Lighthouse State Park boasts a lighthouse right on the edge of a cliff. As a result, you can look out over Lake Superior. Enjoy a scenic view and snap some pictures for the memory book. You can even plan out a fun little picnic with your family. Set up a fun history center tour to learn all about the history of the area. Then, camp at night with your loved ones. Not many other campgrounds in Northern Minnesota boast this type of history.
8. Superior Hiking Trail
Are you an outdoor enthusiast that wants a challenge? If so, then Superior Hiking Trail is one of the best campgrounds in northern Minnesota. The hiking trails travel across all types of forestry and wildlife. All the while, you are located right above Lake Superior. There is no other trail like this trail. Enjoy some of the best hiking in the northern Minnesota area.
9. Tettegouche State Park
The Tettegouche State Park is great for all seasons. During the winter, enjoy serious cross-country skiing. During the summer, enjoy waterfalls, rock climbing, wildlife, and hiking. Baptism River meets Lake Superior at this campsite. Enjoy a long winding river that leads to a wonderful Great Lake. Also, you can follow the Cascade Trail that follows along the Baptism River and leads to the Cascades Waterfall. There are so many fun activities at Tettegouche State Park.
10. Two Island Lake Campground
Two Island Lake Campground is located right by the Grand Marais. Pay a small fee and you can use toilets, water, and even trash containers. There is the Eagle Mounting Hiking trail which delivers four miles of trail. Meanwhile, there is also Eagle Mountain is Minnesota’s tallest peak, without any contention. Travel to the highest part of Minnesota to enjoy the amazing view.
Wrapping Up On Campgrounds in Northern Minnesota
As mentioned earlier, planning out a camping trip involves a number of moving parts. Sometimes, you spend most of the time worrying about what fellow campers will bring. Not to mention planning out fun activities. Plan out your trip and pack away your camping bed without any worries about a destination. Our list of great campgrounds has just what you need.