Upper Campground

This state park also has a good campground layout for most of the sites. There is an upper campground with about 36 RV sites ( 1/2 are electric and other 1/2 non-electric) and 3 walk in tent sites and lower portion that is situated closer to Lake Superior that has about 15 RV (non-electric) sites and 3 cart in tent sites. Some of the sites offer more privacy than others, but most are spaced apart enough that although you may not have tree/hedge privacy you are not right on top of the other camper.

I was in Site #1, upper level, non-electric and non-reservable with enough sun on most days for solar even though it was late September 2015. This campground sits pretty close to Highway 61 and I could a little highway noise but not anything that really bothered me. Site #5 is also a non reservable, non electric site that sits further away from the highway and will provide sun and a great view of Lake Superior.

Some of the best reservable sites on the upper level will be along the outer ring near Lake Superior, sites #25 - #28, all electric. If making reservations, check the length of the site as many sites are varied as to length of trailer that will fit. When I checked in, most of the sites in the Lower Campground that would fit my trailer were occupied but I was quite happy in Site #1.

There are short trails that will take you to Lake Superior from either campground, where you or your dog can swim. There are also two longer but scenic hikes from across the highway, one popular one is hiking to Carlton Peak utilizing the Superior Hiking Trail, the other less popular, and probably more arduous route (we had the trail to ourselves) is to Cross River using the SHT the other way. As you get to the Cross River crossing, you will be rewarded with a neat bridge and more waterfalls. There is also backcountry camping at this area.

No Dump Station, but there are some water spigots throughout the campground. The one spigot near site #10 did have threads.

This is one of my favorite campgrounds along the north shore. It is a great middle point from Duluth to the border. I have tent camped here 3 times and enjoyed all my sites. The upper and lower campground have different things to offer.

I have stayed in sites 41 and 47 in the lower. 41-44 have open lake views and you can walk right up to shore. The campground road is in between (anyone with a park permit may drive on it), there are public iconic tables across also but it’s stull lovely to have a meal at a picnic table or catch a sunrise. Site 47 is a cart-in site and by far my favorite state park campsite. It is shared with 46 but I don’t mind that, or carting in. It sits a top a cliff, you have full lake view and your own beach. It is absolutely gorgeous! I snagged a weekend in 2020 but had to book a year in advance.

The upper campground is more private and some sites are near the shore. You are also closer to the official showers and bathrooms. There are also quite a few trails that lead down to the water. I stayed in 31 and this was also cart-in. It is the closest of the 3 cart-in sites to your vehicle is the largest, has great hammock spots and has the least amount of road noise. Though all 3 do have some, I got used to it. You also have somewhat of a lake view that is lovely. I really enjoyed how spacious this site was.

Nice quiet state campground but only gets 4 stars cuz the closest dump station is 20 miles north! Or you can drive 26 miles south so plan accordingly. Some sites have electric and there is potable water nearby. Asphalt drive in to mostly level spots.
Beautiful area to hike and enjoy the lake.
There is an additional daily fee for your vehicle unless you can prove you’re a disabled
Showers and restrooms are clean and water is
hot!
Camp hosts are wonderful and have a wealth of knowledge about the area. This was one of our favorite spots in Minnesota!

This was our second time at this campground, first time was Oct 2019 in site 28- perfect if you want a view of the lake.

It was hard to get a reservation this time around so we got an interior site 20e - which we were surprised to like. Spacious suite with tons of trees, nice picnic table and fire ring. Lots of nearby trails to walk to.

Only con - no dump station.

We stayed at site 29 for 5 days. Pretty private and lots of mosquitoes but that’s expected this time of year. They had the water shut off throughout the campground but the one at the office was running. Showers were new and very nice. I would definitely stay here again.

One of my favorite places on earth. Hit the trails that run along the south or north sides of the temperance or take an easy (but usually muddy) hike up to Carlton Peak! Wildflowers, butterflies, cliff jumping, and waterfalls. The more remote locations are the best. Avoid cliff jumping at the mouth!