Best Places to Camp in Northern Minnesota
The beautiful forests and lakes of Northern Minnesota are host to some must-experience places to camp. Ample wilderness gives plenty of privacy for personalized adventures and places to explore; with tons of hiking, fantastic fishing, refreshing swims, unmatched birding, rock climbing, and much more, there is something for everyone when camping in Northern Minnesota. The dense green landscapes of the summer are unlike anything else! Let’s explore some of the best places this state has to offer.
Kabetogama State Forest
North of Orr, Minnesota on Kabetogama Lake lies the beautiful Kabetogama State Forest and the Woodenfrog Campground. There are tons of hiking trails, a boat ramp, and tons of beautiful forest surrounding the lake that makes for an exquisite get-away. You can’t go wrong around Kabetogama Lake.
Price Range: $$
Date in Operation: April to November
Pet Policy: Allowed, extra costs for horses
Reservation Requirements: First come first serve, paid on site
Campsite Amenities: “primitive”, basic needs for campers
Distance from Crane Lake: 23 min (21.0 mi) via Crane Lake Rd and Orr Buyck Rd
Voyageurs National Park
Tucked amongst the dense forests and lakes of Northern Minnesota, Voyageurs National Park has a range of campsites to choose from of all varieties. From primitive setups where you need to boat in to more casual drive-in camp sites, there is a spot for everybody here. Open year-round, there is never a bad time to try camping at Voyageurs.
Price Range: $-$$$
Date in Operation:Year-round
Pet Policy: At frontcountry campsites only
Reservation Requirements: Required
Campsite Amenities: Full range of options
Distance from Crane Lake: 1 hr 6 min (62.1 mi) via US-53 N
Temperance River State Park
Adjacent to Lake Superior, Temperance River State Park provides a unique camping experience even amongst the already unique group of campsites listed here. With rock climbing, hiking, fishing, birding, snowmobiling, and much more all interconnected around the state park, there is so much fun to have and places to explore.
Price Range: $
Date in Operation:Year-round
Pet Policy:Not allowed
Reservation Requirements: Required, see online
Campsite Amenities: Barebones
Distance from Crane Lake: 3 hr 2 min (173.8 mi) via US-53 S
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Gooseberry Falls State Park has some incredible scenery with its array of waterfalls that keep viewers in awe. With fantastic hiking that can step up to an overview of Lake Superior, the views are absolutely incredible here. Come see this stunning wilderness crafted by the elements.
Price Range: $$$
Date in Operation:Year-round
Pet Policy: Allowed
Reservation Requirements:Needed, online or by phone
Campsite Amenities:Bathrooms and showers, no electricity
Distance from Crane Lake: 2 hr 47 min (159.6 mi) via US-53 S
Big Falls Campground and Horse Camp
South of Littlefork along route 71 lies the fun adventures of Big Falls Campground and Horse Camp. Designed to be able to support 4-legged friends, Big Falls Campground is a unique, well-mainted campsite worth a visit. Even without a horse, these campgrounds have plenty to offer with trails and other activities.
Price Range: $$
Date in Operation: May through October
Pet Policy: Allowed, designed for horses
Reservation Requirements: Yes, available online
Campsite Amenities: Well equipped, with electrical RV hookups
Distance from Crane Lake: 1 hr 41 min (86.0 mi) via MN-65 N
Fall Lake Campground
Nestled along Fall Lake, neary Ely, Minnesota, that touches part of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Fall Lake Campgrounds offers a wild feeling campsite with some solid amenities. The boating, fishing, and birding are all amazing throughout the season. Kayak rentals are available nearby to get everyone on the water!
Price Range: $$
Date in Operation: May through October
Pet Policy: Not allowed
Reservation Requirements: Yes, by phone
Campsite Amenities: Showers and toilets
Distance from Crane Lake: 1hr 50 min (98.6 mi) via MN-169 N
Wildhurst Lodge and Campground
Out of Finland, Minnesota, Wildhurst Lodge and Campground offers a fantastic touch of wilderness in the Sawtooth Mountains. With ample wildlife scatter amongst the dense, green forests, there is never a dull day at Wildhurst. Come explore the tens of miles of largely untouched hiking trails in the summer or hop on the snowmobiles to ride around during the winter.
Price Range: $$-$$$
Date in Operation: Year-round
Pet Policy: Not allowed
Reservation Requirements: Yes, online
Campsite Amenities: Options vary
Distance from Crane Lake: 2 hr 41 min (141.7 mi) via State Hwy 1 E
Fun for all.
This northeast Minnesota territory is part of Voyageurs National Park and offers many outdoor activities, such as kayaking, biking, hiking, and backpacking. Visitors from all over Minnesota, Wisconsin, and beyond travel to Crane Lake to enjoy the vast wilderness and explore the beauty of its many lakes and waterways. There are many local accommodations from cabin rentals to fishing tours with family fun activities for all ages. Contact us today to learn more about Crane Lake and plan your visit!
Find Your Perfect Northern Minnesota Campsite Near Crane Lake
With the mild summers, fantastic green forests, and ample space for friends/family, Northern Minnesota is a great setting to camp in. With no shortage of accessible campgrounds enabling adventures for all ages, there is no excuse not to come experience the beauty and tranquility of Northern Minnesota. With some of the country’s best fishing, birding, boating, hiking, and much more, Northern Minnesota is truly a hidden gem amongst the native blanket of forest green. Come to the Crane Lake area to reconnect with nature amongst the beautiful wilderness Minnesota has to offer.
