Backpack Campsites Campground

Gooseberry Falls State Park

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3755 Split Rock Lighthouse Road, Two Harbors, MN 55616

Escape into the wilderness without leaving civilization too far behind at Split Rock's remote cart-in and backpack campsites. Pitch your tent in mature North Shore forest or claim a coveted spot along Lake Superior's dramatic rocky shoreline, where you'll fall asleep to waves lapping against ancient bedrock—with iconic Split Rock Lighthouse standing sentinel in the distance. These rustic, reservation-only sites deliver authentic backcountry solitude with just a short walk or cart-roll from your vehicle.

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

Starting in 2026, all forest campgrounds that previously did not charge a camping fee will charge $17 per night ($22 for equestrian). View affected campgroundsClose alert

5702 Highway 61, Silver Bay, MN 55614

Tucked into the forests above Lake Superior's dramatic shoreline, this cart-in campground offers the perfect balance of seclusion and accessibility. You'll enjoy a peaceful, wooded retreat while staying just a short walk from some of Tettegouche's most spectacular coastal trails and overlooks—making it ideal for campers who want to immerse themselves in the North Shore experience without venturing too far from the action.

Tettegouche State Park

Picture your entire group gathered around a crackling fire, surrounded by towering pines and the distant rumble of waterfalls—that's what awaits at this secluded group site. With private wooded surroundings, direct trail access to Baptism River's cascades, and convenient amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, vault toilets, and nearby showers, you've got everything needed for a memorable North Shore escape.

8915 Lake Co. 7 (Cramer Road), Finland, MN 55603

Nestled deep within the Superior National Forest, Ninemile Lake Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness escape. This hidden gem combines the convenience of a boat ramp with the allure of secluded islands scattered across pristine waters. Whether you've secured one of the coveted reservation spots or you're rolling the dice on a first-come, first-served site, you'll find yourself immersed in a rustic paradise where towering boreal hardwoods create a natural cathedral overhead.

7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615

Nestled deep within the forest, Shoe Pack Lake is a hidden gem spanning 41.77 acres of pristine waters. This intimate backcountry retreat features a single, secluded campsite that promises true wilderness immersion. With 1.42 miles of undeveloped shoreline and depths reaching 22 feet, the lake offers excellent opportunities for paddling and fishing in complete solitude. Your adventure begins with a journey by foot or boat to reach this remote sanctuary, where only essential amenities—a fire grate and latrine—await, ensuring an authentic back-to-nature experience.

Superior National Forest

<p>Escape to the pristine wilderness of Dumbell Lake, where two secluded backcountry campsites await adventurous souls seeking an authentic outdoor experience. These thoughtfully designed sites mirror the beloved camping traditions of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, complete with sturdy fire grates for evening campfires and eco-friendly wilderness latrines. As you settle into your lakeside retreat, you'll discover why generations of outdoor enthusiasts have cherished this special place. Each campsite invites you to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature's rhythms. Remember, this treasured landscape thrives because visitors embrace Leave No Trace principles—pack out what you pack in, minimize your impact, and preserve this wilderness sanctuary for future adventurers to discover and enjoy.</p>

Superior National Forest

McDougal Lake Road (Forest Road 106), Isabella, MN 55607

Nestled in the heart of wilderness, McDougal Lake Campground offers 21 thoughtfully positioned sites where the only sounds breaking the silence are loons calling across the water and wind whispering through ancient pines. Eight sites can be reserved for those who plan ahead, while 13 remain available for spontaneous adventurers seeking first-come, first-served spots. Days here unfold with endless possibilities: cast a line into pristine waters, paddle across the mirror-like lake, explore winding forest trails, or simply swim in the refreshing northern waters. Modern conveniences blend seamlessly with rustic charm through solar-powered water pumps and clean vault toilets, ensuring comfort without compromising the authentic wilderness experience.

7355 West Hwy 61, Tofte, MN 55615

Nestled beneath a canopy of towering red pines, Eighteen Lake Rustic Campground is a hidden gem where tranquility meets adventure. This intimate retreat features three secluded campsites, each thoughtfully positioned near the pristine shoreline and equipped with picnic tables for memorable outdoor dining. Visitors consistently praise the campground's "absolutely beautiful" setting and "private quiet sites" that offer a true escape from the everyday. A scenic loop trail winds around the lake, inviting exploration on foot, while the carry-down boat access opens up opportunities for paddling adventures on the crystal-clear waters.

Superior National Forest

9620 MN Hwy 1, Isabella, MN, 55607

Tucked away in the heart of Superior National Forest, Little Isabella River Campground offers an intimate escape beneath a cathedral of towering red and white pines. This hidden gem draws anglers chasing the perfect catch and nature lovers seeking solitude far from the crowds. With its small footprint and remote location, you'll find the kind of peaceful wilderness experience that's becoming increasingly rare in today's connected world.

Harriet Lake Rustic Campground, MN

Discover the serene beauty of Harriet Lake Rustic Campground, where spacious campsites are thoughtfully scattered across what was once productive farmland. This peaceful retreat invites anglers to cast their lines for walleye, northern pike, and crappies in the pristine waters of Harriet Lake. As a rustic campground, visitors embrace a true wilderness experience, carrying out all waste including fish remains to preserve this natural sanctuary for future adventurers.

Superior National Forest

Dragon Lake, Ely, MN

Discover the essence of wilderness camping at these two secluded dispersed sites, where the absence of modern amenities invites you to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in nature's raw beauty. These primitive camping spots offer adventurous souls the opportunity to experience the forest as early explorers once did—self-sufficient and surrounded by nothing but the sounds of the wilderness.

Superior National Forest

7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615

Nestled in the heart of Minnesota's wilderness, Toohey Lake Rustic Campground offers an intimate escape with just seven secluded sites. This hidden gem provides everything you need for a perfect lake getaway – from a convenient boat launch and dock to ample trailer parking, all while maintaining the peaceful charm of a truly rustic camping experience.

Lake County 2 (Sawbill Trail), 12 miles north of Tofte, MN

Tucked into a gentle bend where the Temperance River whispers through the forest, this intimate campground offers a perfect retreat for those seeking solitude and adventure. Pine-scented breezes drift through well-spaced campsites, while the promise of native trout lures anglers to the river's edge. Miles of winding bike trails beckon cyclists to explore the surrounding wilderness, making this hidden gem an ideal basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts who prefer their camping experiences peaceful and uncrowded.

Whitefish Lake Rustic Campground, Superior National Forest, Minnesota

Escape to the untouched wilderness of Whitefish Lake Rustic Campground, where three tranquil lakeside campsites offer a true back-to-basics experience without the crowds or fees. For those seeking deeper solitude, paddle your canoe through pristine portage routes to discover 11 hidden backcountry sites scattered across this remote paradise, each promising your own private slice of northern Minnesota's wild heart.

7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615

Escape to Silver Island Lake Rustic Campground, where eight intimate campsites and three secluded backcountry spots await adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. Nestled along pristine lake shores, this hidden gem invites you to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature's rhythms. Without the distractions of electricity or running water, you'll find yourself immersed in the simple pleasures of campfire conversations, starlit skies, and the gentle lapping of waves against the shore.

7355 West Hwy 61, Tofte, MN 55615

Nestled along the banks of the pristine Poplar River, this rustic campground beckons anglers and nature enthusiasts seeking an authentic wilderness retreat. Wake to the gentle murmur of flowing water and cast your line into prime trout habitat just steps from your tent. While embracing the simplicity of backcountry camping with vault toilets and sturdy picnic tables, visitors should note this off-the-grid destination requires bringing your own water and packing out all waste—a small price for such untouched tranquility.

7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615

Nestled beside the tranquil waters of a pristine northern lake, White Pine Lake Rustic Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience without sacrificing accessibility. This intimate campground invites outdoor enthusiasts to launch their boats from the convenient ramp, cast a line from the fully accessible fishing pier, or simply lose themselves among the towering white pines that give this special place its name. Here, the rustic charm of simple camping meets the grandeur of Minnesota's north woods.

Section 29 Lake Rustic Campground, Section 29 Township, Superior National Forest, MN

Escape to the untouched wilderness at Section 29 Lake Rustic Campground, where just four intimate campsites await along the pristine shoreline. This hidden gem offers the rare opportunity to experience true solitude in nature, with each site providing direct access to the tranquil waters of Section 29 Lake. Far from the crowds and noise of modern life, this remote sanctuary promises an authentic backcountry experience for those seeking genuine connection with the natural world.

1393 Highway 169 Ely, MN 55731

Escape to the pristine wilderness of August Lake, where 228 acres of crystal-clear water stretch across six miles of undeveloped shoreline. This hidden gem offers two distinct backcountry camping experiences: drive right up to your lakeside retreat at the first site, or paddle across serene waters to reach the second, water-access-only sanctuary where true solitude awaits.

Clara Lake Rustic Campground, MN

Tucked away on the pristine shores of Clara Lake, this intimate rustic campground beckons those who yearn for authentic wilderness solitude. With only three thoughtfully spaced campsites nestled beneath towering pine canopies, Clara Lake Rustic Campground promises an escape from the crowds and a return to camping's purest form. Each site comes equipped with a fire ring for evening gatherings under starlit skies, while vault toilets provide basic comfort. True to its rustic nature, campers should come prepared with their own water supplies and pack-out plans, as the campground maintains its wilderness character without potable water or garbage services.

7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615

Escape to the untouched wilderness of Rice Lake, where adventure begins at the water's edge. This remote sanctuary beckons those seeking authentic solitude, accessible only by paddling across pristine waters or hiking forest trails. Two thoughtfully placed dispersed camping sites await, each offering just the essentials—a fire grate for evening gatherings and basic facilities—allowing nature to take center stage. Here, primitive camping reaches its purest form, where every visitor becomes a steward of the land, practicing Leave No Trace principles while creating memories that last a lifetime.

Whitefish Lake Rustic Campground, Superior National Forest, Minnesota

Escape to the untouched wilderness of Whitefish Lake Rustic Campground, where three tranquil lakeside campsites offer a true back-to-basics experience without the crowds or fees. For those seeking deeper solitude, paddle your canoe through pristine portage routes to discover 11 hidden backcountry sites scattered across this remote paradise, each promising your own private slice of northern Minnesota's wild heart.