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

Opens US Forest Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

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February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
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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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

Driving directionsNorth Star Campground is located 4 miles south of Marcell and 25 miles north of Grand Rapids on MN State Highway 38.
The campground is accessible directly from MN State Highway 38, which is paved. There is no mention of seasonal closures or challenging terrain.
Nearby places
Marcell: 4 miles, Grand Rapids: 25 miles
Nearby supplies
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Best Time to Camp at North Star

Summer transforms North Star into a camper's paradise, with moderate temperatures and crystal-clear skies creating ideal conditions for outdoor adventures. While the region experiences dry conditions throughout much of the year, occasional light snowfall adds a touch of winter magic to the landscape. The warm summer months shine as the prime camping season, when long days invite swimming, hiking, and evenings spent watching the sun dip below the treeline.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Summer praised for beach, swimming and water activities; peak season for the site.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
2.5 / 5

Campground closes Sept 8; visitors noted disappointment at missing fall season.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 22 (late spring); pleasant but limited spring window.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed outside May 22 - Sept 8; winter season not available.

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

Discover your perfect lakeside retreat at North Star Campground, where 38 thoughtfully positioned campsites await just a short stroll from pristine sandy shores. Here, the gentle lapping of quiet waters creates an ideal backdrop for anglers seeking their next catch, while adventure enthusiasts find endless opportunities to explore the great outdoors. Whether you're casting a line at dawn or gathering around the campfire under starlit skies, North Star offers an authentic wilderness experience without sacrificing accessibility.
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.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

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Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay limit is 14 nights.

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.
FishingFishing is well-supported, with the lake described as having many sheltered bays and inlets that provide quiet waters. One review highlights that the lake is stocked with muskie.
SwimmingSwimming is a key feature at the campground, with an "excellent swimming area with a sand lake bottom" located near the campsites.
BikingBiking is listed as one of the activities available but lacks detailed trail descriptions.
BoatingBoating, including canoeing and kayaking, is popular, with easy lake access. One user noted issues with boats being left near the beach, suggesting a need for better organization.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is available, with Northern Minnesota being known for its rich biodiversity.
Beach activitiesThe sandy swimming beach is a major highlight of the campground, described as "nice little swimming beach" by users.
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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.

Weather at North Star

Reviews

4.5
40 reviews
Recommended
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...
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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...
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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...
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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 February 23, 2026
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