Hiking Campgrounds in Minnesota

Hiking Campgrounds in Minnesota

Discover the best hiking campgrounds across Minnesota. Experience the best of both worlds with camping that puts you right at the heart of incredible hiking opportunities. Direct trail access and stunning mountain vistas.

20+ Campgrounds4.7★ AverageBest: Late Spring through Fall (May-October)
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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

1
Fall Lake
Star
4.8
(597)
Fall Lake
Ely
Superior National Forest

Trailheads launch directly from camp, including a gentle 1.5-mile loop where families spot wildlife, plus quick access to Kawishiwi Falls and Stub Lake's rugged backcountry routes.

Tents
RVs
2
Gull Lake Recreation Area
Star
4.7
(539)
Gull Lake Recreation Area
Brainerd
Mississippi River Headwaters - Gull Lake

A self-guided interpretive trail winds through the landscape, revealing scenic overlooks and hidden geocaches that reward curious explorers. Trailheads begin steps from your campsite, though the path shows signs of wear and could use more regular upkeep.

Tents
RVs
3
Whiteface Reservoir
Star
4.7
(275)
Whiteface Reservoir
Aurora
Superior National Forest

Trails wind 2.5 miles through towering pines and along shoreline overlooks where morning mist rises off glassy waters and golden sunsets paint the reservoir.

Tents
RVs

About Hiking Campgrounds in Minnesota

Hiking camping Minnesota offers an extraordinary diversity of trail experiences, from the pristine wilderness of the Boundary Waters to the dramatic river gorges of the North Shore and the rolling bluff country of the southeast. Minnesota's landscape transitions from boreal forests and glacial lakes in the north to hardwood valleys and limestone bluffs in the south, creating hiking opportunities that range from easy interpretive trails to challenging backcountry routes.

Best Time

Late May through early October offers the best hiking camping conditions in Minnesota, with peak season running from mid-June through Labor Day when all facilities are fully operational and trails are dry and well-maintained. September and early October deliver spectacular fall colors, especially in the North Shore and Boundary Waters regions where birch, aspen, and maple create brilliant displays, though nights turn cold and reservations become easier to secure.

Activity Highlights

  • Direct trail access
  • Mountain and forest settings
  • Backpacking base camps
  • Scenic wilderness views

Campground Locations

Showing top 15 campgrounds near Hiking Campgrounds in Minnesota

Map of campgrounds near Hiking Campgrounds in Minnesota
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Map Key
1
Fall Lake
2
Gull Lake Recreation Area
3
Whiteface Reservoir
4
Group Campground
5
Ninemile Lake Campground
6
Fenske Lake Campground
7
Birch Lake Campground
8
Backpack Campsites Campground
9
Crescent Lake (Mn)
10
Camper Cabins And Yurts Campground
11
Clubhouse Lake
12
Camper Cabins Campground
13
Group Campground
14
Wall Tent Campground
15
Remote Campsites Campground
View all 189 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Day hiking on wilderness and state park trailsBackpacking multi-day routes in Superior National ForestWaterfall viewing along North Shore river gorgesWildlife watching for moose, black bears, and eaglesFishing in pristine lakes and trout streamsCanoeing and kayaking wilderness waterways

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Reserve popular North Shore and Boundary Waters campgrounds at least three to six months in advance for summer weekends, using Minnesota State Parks' reservation system or Recreation.gov for federal sites.
  • 2Bring comprehensive insect protection including head nets and permethrin-treated clothing for trips before mid-July, when mosquitoes and black flies are most aggressive in northern forests.
  • 3Pack layered clothing even in summer, as temperatures can drop 30-40 degrees between afternoon and night, especially in wilderness areas.
  • 4Bear-resistant food storage is mandatory in Boundary Waters regions and highly recommended throughout northern Minnesota—use provided bear boxes or hang food properly using the PCT method.
15 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Hiking Campgrounds in Minnesota

Hiking Campgrounds in Minnesota FAQ

We've ranked 20+ hiking campgrounds in Minnesota based on trail access, hiking variety, scenery, and user reviews. Top options are near national forests, state parks, and wilderness areas.
Permit requirements vary by location in Minnesota. Many wilderness areas and popular trails require day-use or backcountry permits. Check with the managing agency (National Forest, National Park, or State Park) before your trip.
Late Spring through Fall (May-October) is generally best for hiking camping in Minnesota. High-elevation trails may have shorter seasons due to snow. Always check current trail conditions before heading out.
Availability Alerts

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