1. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

In this article I wanted to highlight three of the best camping spots in Minnesota. For the first one we are going up north.

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is a state park of Minnesota on the North Shore of Lake Superior. It is best known for the picturesque Split Rock Lighthouse, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States. Built by the United States Lighthouse Service in 1910, the lighthouse and some adjacent buildings have been restored and the Minnesota Historical Society operates them as a museum. The 2,200-acre (890 ha) state park offers a unique cart-in campground and scenic trails for hiking, cross-country skiing, and bicycling.

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park offers a distinctive camping experience with 20 secluded cart-in sites and modern facilities. Campers use park-provided carts to transport gear from the parking area to their sites. Four backpack sites, including two for sea kayakers, are available along the shore. Nearby state forests provide traditional drive-in camping options. Plans for a 60-site drive-in campground expansion have been approved.

The park features 14.5 miles of multi-use trails with scenic overlooks of the lighthouse and Lake Superior. A paved section of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail and part of the Superior Hiking Trail run through the park. Visitors can enjoy year-round picnicking facilities, including two shelters.

Water activities include boating, kayaking, and fishing for various trout and salmon species. Scuba divers can explore the historic Madeira wreck and underwater artifacts from former settlements. The park provides access to these dive sites, offering a unique glimpse into the area’s maritime history.

Unique Features:
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is famous for its iconic lighthouse perched on a 130-foot cliff overlooking Lake Superior. The park offers stunning views of the lake, rocky shores, and dense forests. The Superior Hiking Trail runs through the park, providing excellent opportunities for hiking and exploring. The cart-in campsites offer a unique experience, where you can enjoy a secluded camping spot just a short walk from your vehicle.

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

2. Itasca State Park

Itasca State Park, nestled in northwestern Minnesota, provides a rich and diverse camping experience for outdoor enthusiasts. The park boasts multiple campgrounds with over 220 drive-in sites spread across Bear Paw, Pine Ridge, and Elk Lake Campgrounds. These campsites typically come equipped with fire rings and picnic tables, and campers have access to drinking water and modern restroom facilities with showers.

Reservations for campsites can be made up to 120 days in advance through the Minnesota State Parks reservation system, ensuring visitors can plan their trips well ahead of time. The park caters to various camping preferences, from RV camping with electrical hookups to traditional tent camping. For larger groups, dedicated group campsites are available, while those seeking a more secluded experience can opt for backpack camping.

Campers at Itasca State Park can immerse themselves in a wide array of activities. The park features over 50 miles of hiking trails winding through old-growth pine forests, some containing trees over 250 years old. Visitors can also enjoy biking, fishing, and boating on Lake Itasca. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, and no visit is complete without a stop at the Mississippi Headwaters, where America’s iconic river begins its journey.

The main camping season at Itasca State Park runs from spring through fall, offering visitors the chance to experience the park’s beauty across different seasons. Some winter camping options are also available for those who enjoy cold-weather outdoor adventures. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly vacation, a peaceful retreat in nature, or an active outdoor experience, camping at Itasca State Park offers something for everyone.

Unique Features:
Itasca State Park is the headwaters of the Mississippi River, where you can walk across the river’s humble beginnings. The park boasts over 100 lakes and numerous trails for hiking and biking. The historic Douglas Lodge offers a glimpse into the past with its rustic architecture and cozy rooms. The diverse range of campsites, from drive-in sites to camper cabins, caters to all types of campers.

Itasca State Park

3. Voyageurs National Park

Voyageurs National Park, located in northern Minnesota along the Canadian border, offers a unique and immersive camping experience centered around its vast network of interconnected waterways. Unlike many other national parks, the majority of Voyageurs’ campsites are accessible only by boat, creating a truly off-the-grid adventure for visitors.

The park features over 270 front country campsites spread across its four large lakes: Rainy, Kabetogama, Namakan, and Sand Point. These sites are designed to accommodate both tent campers and houseboats, providing a range of options for overnight stays. Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring, picnic table, and bear-proof food locker. Some sites also include tent pads and vault toilets. Visitors must bring their own drinking water or be prepared to treat water from the lakes.

Reservations for these boat-in campsites can be made through the National Park Service reservation system. It’s important to note that campers need to have access to a boat to reach most sites, either by bringing their own, renting from local outfitters, or using water taxi services available in the park. This unique access requirement adds an element of adventure to the camping experience, allowing visitors to explore the park’s numerous islands and shorelines at their own pace.

For those seeking a more rustic experience, Voyageurs also offers backcountry camping opportunities. These sites are typically more remote and may require portaging to access. Additionally, the park has a small number of drive-in campsites at the Woodenfrog State Forest Campground, providing an option for visitors without boats.

Camping at Voyageurs National Park offers a wide range of activities. Visitors can enjoy fishing in the park’s abundant waters, kayaking or canoeing through scenic passages, hiking on island trails, and observing diverse wildlife including bald eagles, moose, and wolves. The park is also known for its dark skies, providing excellent opportunities for stargazing and, in the right conditions, viewing the Northern Lights.

The primary camping season runs from late spring through early fall, with peak times occurring during the summer months. Winter camping is available for experienced cold-weather adventurers, offering unique opportunities for activities like cross-country skiing and ice fishing. Regardless of the season, camping at Voyageurs National Park provides a remarkable chance to experience the untamed beauty of Minnesota’s Northwoods and to connect with the region’s rich history of exploration and trade.

Unique Features:
Voyageurs National Park is a water-based park, best explored by boat. The park features a maze of interconnected waterways, islands, and forests, offering a unique wilderness experience. Campsites are accessible by water, making it an ideal destination for canoeists, kayakers, and houseboaters. The park’s remote location provides excellent opportunities for stargazing, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The serene environment and water-based adventures make Voyageurs a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

Voyageurs National Park

Minnesota’s diverse landscapes and abundant natural beauty make it a camper’s paradise. Whether you prefer the dramatic cliffs of Split Rock Lighthouse, the historic significance of Itasca, or the aquatic adventures in Voyageurs, you’ll find a campsite that suits your needs and offers an unforgettable outdoor experience.