How much does camping cost at North Star?

Camping fees at North Star are $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 to September 08. 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.

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. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

North Star

Q: Can I have a campfire at North Star?

Fire policies at North Star: Some important campground rules: - Quiet hours are from 10pm – 6am. Generators cannot be run during this time . If you have a medical condition that requires powered equipment, please plan accordingly with battery backup. - Pets are welcome but must remain on a leash 6' or shorter in length at all times. Pets are not allowed in beach areas. - Campfires cannot be left unattended . They must be extinguished before the campsite is vacated. - Fireworks, including sparklers, are not allowed. - Cuttin. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.28

40 reviews

Top 17% in MNSummer

SwimmingSummer Destination

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

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

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 / night

Campsite Fees

ScanPay 1: $14.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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I manage this campground

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Campground Map

North Star

47.5569, -93.6523

Nearby places

Marcell: 4 miles, Grand Rapids: 25 miles

Weather at North Star

Current alerts(6)

!! NEW FOR 2026 !! Sites 22-38 will be reservable through recreation.gov from 7/3/2026 to the evening of 9/6/26. Sites 1-21 will remain first-come first-served. When there is no reservation for a site, the site is considered first-come first-served.
!! New for 2026 !! Campers will now be able to reserve sites #22-38 from July 3rd, 2026 to September 6th, 2026. Reservations will become available on Recreation.gov on a rolling basis on January 3, 2026.
Bundled firewood is no longer available in Chippewa National Forest campgrounds. Firewood may be available for sale at local vendors, or may be brought from home if within Itasca County.
Click here for more information on the Chippewa National Forest.

Best Time to Camp at North Star

Best season: summer. Summer delivers the warmest, most reliable weather and full campground services—daytime highs commonly range from the low 70s to low 80s°F with cool nights in the 50s—making lakes ideal for swimming, boating, and long evening campfires. Fishing and boating are at their peak as waters are clear and access to sandy beaches is open; biking and wildlife viewing are also easiest when trails and boat launches are maintained. Expect the campground to be busiest in July and on holiday weekends, so plan/ Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 17% in MN

Open May 22–Sept 8; summer visitors praise the swimming beach and water activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 08. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 22nd to September 8th.

About North Star

North Star sits in the Chippewa National Forest foothills, offering mid-sized US Forest Service camping with direct lake access and a sandy swim beach. The campground balances privacy through generous site spacing and vegetation with budget-friendly rates and seasonal operation during summer months. Campers fish, swim, and enjoy quiet hours enforced by attentive hosts.

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 SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer delivers the warmest, most reliable weather and full campground services—daytime highs commonly range from the low 70s to low 80s°F with cool nights in the 50s—making lakes ideal for swimming, boating, and long evening campfires. Fishing and boating are at their peak as waters are clear and access to sandy beaches is open; biking and wildlife viewing are also easiest when trails and boat launches are maintained. Expect the campground to be busiest in July and on holiday weekends, so plan/ Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation1414 ft above sea level

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.

Lodging & AccommodationsOnly camping facilities are available; there are no hotel-style lodgings or cabins at this site.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.

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.

Best Campsitesnull

Need help booking North Star ?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

North Star Campground offers a range of amenities suitable for those looking for a rustic camping experience. "There are 38 campsites located within easy walking distance of the sandy swimming beach." Amenities include drinking water from two hand pumps, fire pits, picnic tables, trash collection, and vault toilets. Vault toilets are described as "appeared brand new and were clean," providing a satisfactory experience. However, there are no shower facilities available, as noted by a reviewer: "No showers tho :(". The campground also features lake access, making it ideal for water-based activities.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at the campground. Vault toilets are offered instead and are described as clean and new.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicySome important campground rules: - Quiet hours are from 10pm – 6am. Generators cannot be run during this time . If you have a medical condition that requires powered equipment, please plan accordingly with battery backup. - Pets are welcome but must remain on a leash 6' or shorter in length at all times. Pets are not allowed in beach areas. - Campfires cannot be left unattended . They must be extinguished before the campsite is vacated. - Fireworks, including sparklers, are not allowed. - Cuttin

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10pm to 6am

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

Trip Planning Tools

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

Questions & answers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

40 reviews

Satisfactory

North Star is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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

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

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

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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North Star

$14.00 / night

Campsite Fees

ScanPay 1: $14.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

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Provider

N/AN/A

Nearby Campgrounds

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North Star

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

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Campground Map

Weather at North Star

Current alerts(6)

Best Time to Camp at North Star

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About North Star

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking North Star ?

Amenities available

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Activities you can enjoy

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Get Notified When Available

Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about North Star

Current alerts(6)

Best Time to Camp at North Star

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking North Star ?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews