Portsmouth Campground

Star4.15
116 reviews
Portsmouth Campground
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,247 ft

Price

$17 - $22/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

33 campsites

Season

Typically open late ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

ElectricShowers

Opens Minnesota State Parks (Minnesota DNR) site

Official Website
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Portsmouth Campground
$17.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Starting in 2026, all forest campgrounds that previously did not charge a camping fee will charge $17 per night ($22 for equestrian). Campsite fees...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
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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Minnesota State Parks
Provider
888-646-6367; 651-296-6157
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What Campers Say

4.15

Satisfactory

Based on 116 reviews

114 Google reviews

Most mentioned

lakebeach

Some mention

bugs

"Reviews are largely positive about mountain biking, trail access and proximity to the lake and beach. Common criticisms cite limited shade, close-set sites, and restroom/shower facilities needing upgrades; a few reviewers also report bugs and occasional odors from a nearby wastewater treatment plant."

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Campground Map

Portsmouth Campground

Portsmouth Campground

46.4917, -93.9733


Best Time to Camp at Portsmouth Campground

The campground welcomes visitors from late April through October, with shower facilities typically operating mid-May to early October. Summer brings warm days perfect for swimming and trail riding, while fall transforms the regenerated forests into vibrant displays of color. When snow blankets the trails, the campground closes for the season, but Cuyuna's adventure doesn't stop—the trail system becomes a winter playground for fat biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Check current year dates before planning your visit, as seasonal schedules can vary.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in MN

Swimming beach, kayaking, fishing, and prime biking trails make summer excellent.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5
Below Average

Trails and lakeside views should be strong in fall; foliage likely enhances scenery.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5
Average

Spring offers fishing and reopening trails, but potential mud/seasonal limits not described.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5
Below Average

No winter operations or activities described; Minnesota winters possible but undocumented here.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Typically open late April through October; exact spring opening and fall closing dates vary by campground and year (showers often available mid-May through early October). Check the campground webpage for current dates.

About Portsmouth Campground

Perched on the northwest shore of Portsmouth Mine Lake, this campground puts you at the heart of Cuyuna's legendary mountain biking scene and crystal-clear mine lakes. Choose from electric or non-electric sites, then spend your days exploring miles of trails, cooling off at the swimming beach, or simply soaking in views of Minnesota's deepest inland lake from your campsite.
Campground offers a mix of electric and non-electric individual sites and a reservable group campsite.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Limited to a total of 14 days in any one forest campground between the first Saturday in May through the second Sunday in September, or 21 days the rest of the year.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

A hub for mountain biking with direct trail access; other common recreational activities include hiking, fishing, swimming and boating on connected mine lakes.
HikingTrail access nearby including multiuse trails and overlooks in the Cuyuna Lakes area.
FishingFishing for trout and pike reported in Portsmouth Mine Lake and nearby mine lakes.
SwimmingSwimming beach located close to the campground on Portsmouth Mine Lake.
Biking
Boating
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCommon reported issues include heavy black flies/mosquitoes in season and limited shade at many sites. Some reviewers note close site spacing and aged restroom/shower facilities. There are occasional odor issues reported from a wastewater treatment plant located north of the campground when winds blow south. There are no utility hookups or dump station onsite.

Weather at Portsmouth Campground

Reviews

4.2
116 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Portsmouth Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are largely positive about mountain biking, trail access and proximity to the lake and beach. Common criticisms cite limited shade, close-set sites, and restroom/shower facilities needing upgrades; a few reviewers also report bugs and occasional odors from a nearby wastewater treatment plant.
Review Summaries
Based on 116 reviews

What Campers Love

Excellent ride-in/ride-out mountain biking access and extensive trails; clear lakes suitable for fishing, kayaking and swimming; convenient access to a beach and nearby trailheads; reservable group...
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Based on 116 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve sites online in advance; choose edge sites for more shade/privacy when possible; expect showers to be open seasonally (mid‑May through early October); be aware of wind direction which can...
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Based on 116 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Fantastic place for mountain biking.” — “Showers and toilets are on site, but not the nicest.” — “Sites are very close together.”
Based on 116 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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