How much does camping cost at North Star ?

Camping fees at North Star range from $14/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is North Star first-come first-served or reservation?

North Star accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit North Star ?

North Star is open May 22, 2025 - September 08, 2025.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at North Star ?

North Star does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at North Star ?

Fire policies at North Star : Campfires must be extinguished before leaving the site. Fireworks are prohibited.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does North Star have?

North Star has 38 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at North Star ?

Yes, pets are allowed at North Star . Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at North Star ?

North Star offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at North Star ?

Popular activities at North Star include Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

North Star

4.50

40 reviews

Peace & QuietSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Minnesota Boating Camping Minnesota Swimming Camping Minnesota +4 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

1,414 ft

Price

$14/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

38 campsites

Season

Open from May 22nd t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

1,414 ft

Price

$14/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

38 campsites

Season

Open from May 22nd t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

North Star

$14.00 - $14.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The nightly rate for camping during peak season is $14. Additional fees may apply for reservations, changes, and cancellations.

Standard Site Fee$14.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

N/AN/A

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What Campers Say

4.50

Recommended

Based on 40 reviews

34 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacycleanlakefriendly

Some mention

noise

"User reviews consistently praise the campground's quiet atmosphere, cleanliness, and natural beauty. The sandy swimming beach and spacious sites are popular highlights. Some concerns include generator noise near waterfront sites and the lack of shower facilities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

North Star

47.5569, -93.6523

Nearby places

Marcell: 4 miles, Grand Rapids: 25 miles

Nearby supplies

null

Best Time to Camp at North Star

Summer brings the most reliable conditions, with daytime highs in the low 70s to low 80s and cool nights in the 50s. Lakes warm enough for swimming, and all facilities operate during peak season. July sees the heaviest use, especially on holiday weekends. The campground gets busiest when water access is open and trails are maintained. Winter brings occasional light snow to the area.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 18% in MN

Summer called a 'camper's paradise'—prime time for swimming and water activities; peak season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22, 2025 - September 08, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 22nd to September 8th.
Current Alerts: Firewood is no longer sold at Chippewa National Forest campgrounds; visitors must source firewood locally.

About North Star

North Star Campground sits in Chippewa National Forest with 38 sites priced at $14 per night. The campground has a sandy swimming beach, vault toilets, and water from hand pumps. Sites accommodate both tents and RVs, with roomy lakeside spots and well-spaced inland options. It's quiet, clean, and maintains a 4.5-star rating from 40 reviews.

North Star Campground offers primarily tent and RV camping. It features 38 sites suitable for standard non-electric setups. Sites are diverse, including lakeside options.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable conditions, with daytime highs in the low 70s to low 80s and cool nights in the 50s. Lakes warm enough for swimming, and all facilities operate during peak season. July sees the heaviest use, especially on holiday weekends. The campground gets busiest when water access is open and trails are maintained. Winter brings occasional light snow to the area.

Elevationnull

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies glacially shaped terrain at 1,414 feet elevation, where boreal forest meets clear lake water. Lakeside sites front the water directly, while inland sites sit among dense vegetation that provides natural screening. The shoreline features protected bays and a sandy swimming beach with a soft lake bottom. Trees create canopy cover throughout the campground, and the surrounding forest supports black bear populations and other wildlife typical of northern Minnesota's lake country.

Geological RegionSet in the heart of Northern Minnesota's legendary lake country, North Star Campground exemplifies the region's stunning natural tapestry. This landscape, sculpted by ancient glaciers, showcases the area's signature features: pristine lakes cradled by dense forests, peaceful bays protected from winds, and the rolling terrain that makes Minnesota's wilderness so captivating. It's a place where the boreal forest meets crystal waters, creating an ecosystem rich with wildlife and natural beauty.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay limit is 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

No group camping facilities are explicitly mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutnull

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilitySome reviews state that all sites are first-come, first-serve, but authoritative content indicates reservable sites starting June 21, 2025.

Cancellation PolicyYou can cancel any time before the scheduled arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with applicable reservation fees. Late cancellations will also forfeit the first night's recreation fee.

AccessibilityAccessible sites are available. One review mentions that stairs to the boat site were manageable for handicap users with a cane.

Site SizeSites are described as "big roomy" with several lakeside options available, offering generous space.

PrivacyCampsites provide good privacy between off-lake sites due to ample vegetation. One review specifically notes, "The campground offers generous spacing and ample vegetation providing good privacy.

Total Campsites38 campsites

Recommended SitesLakeside sites offer scenic views; off-lake sites are quieter and provide more privacy.

Need help booking North Star ?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

This campground offers a variety of activities, making it an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts. A sandy swimming beach and a lake with sheltered bays make it popular for "swimming" and "fishing." Other activities include "biking," "canoeing," "kayaking," "wildlife viewing," "paddling," and "berry picking." Mushroom picking and star gazing are also listed as attractions.

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Beach activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPresence of black bears in the area necessitates secure storage of food and attractants in vehicles or hard-sided campers. Cutting live vegetation is prohibited, and chainsaw use is not allowed.

Active AlertsFirewood is no longer sold at Chippewa National Forest campgrounds; visitors must source firewood locally.

Fire PolicyCampfires must be extinguished before leaving the site. Fireworks are prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10pm to 6am.

Emergency Servicesnull

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available, but recycling facilities are not mentioned. One reviewer noted issues with trash at the beach.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located next to a lake with a sandy swimming beach and bays ideal for fishing.

Camp HostMultiple reviews mention friendly and accommodating hosts.

Weather at North Star

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

40 reviews

Recommended

North Star is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews consistently praise the campground's quiet atmosphere, cleanliness, and natural beauty. The sandy swimming beach and spacious sites are popular highlights. Some concerns include generator noise near waterfront sites and the lack of shower facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 40 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive feedback includes "excellent swimming area with a sand lake bottom," "generous spacing and ample vegetation providing good privacy," and the "clean bathrooms." Many users appreciate the...

Based on 40 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative aspects include generator noise in waterfront sites, the lack of showers, and trash issues near the beach. One reviewer expressed disappointment with the campground's closure after Labor Day.

Based on 40 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggest aiming for inland sites to avoid generator noise and bringing personal drinking water despite the hand pumps. Visitors also recommend preparing for potential black bear encounters by...

Based on 40 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer visitors highlight the swimming beach and water activities as major advantages. One reviewer noted disappointment about the campground closing after Labor Day, missing the fall season.

Based on 40 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice big roomy sites with several lakeside available." "This is a beautiful campground. Wish you could make reservations." "Clean bathrooms nice camping spot it was nice and quiet." "Generator noise...

Based on 40 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Waterfront sites are noted for their great views but are also reported to experience generator noise. Inland sites are quieter and less populated, even on busy weekends.

Based on 40 reviews

Accessibility Features

One review highlights the site's accessibility for individuals with mobility issues, noting that "stairs at this site not too bad for handicap with cane."

Based on 40 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed on leashes, but they are not permitted in beach areas. There is limited information on additional pet-specific amenities or experiences.

Based on 40 reviews

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Last updated April 4, 2026

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