Fort Charlotte Backcountry Campgrounds

Star4.00
7 reviews
Grand Portage National Monument, P.O. Box 426, Grand Portage, MN, USA, 55605
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

1,273 ft

Price

$8 - $9/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Seasonal availabilit...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Grand Portage National Monument site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Fort Charlotte Backcountry Campgrounds
$8.00 - $9.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation Use Fees apply for activities including camping; additional reservation fees of $8 online, $9 via contact center, and $3 in-person may...
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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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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
(218) 475-0123GRPO_Back_Country@nps.gov
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What Campers Say

4.00

Satisfactory

Based on 7 reviews

5 Google reviews

Most mentioned

water

"User reviews highlight the historical significance and solitude of the campground, as well as its appeal to backcountry enthusiasts. Elevated platforms for tents and shared outhouse facilities are appreciated features."

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Campground Map

Grand Portage National Monument, P.O. Box 426, Grand Portage, MN, USA, 55605

Fort Charlotte Backcountry Campgrounds

Grand Portage National Monument, P.O. Box 426, Grand Portage, MN, USA, 55605

Driving directionsFort Charlotte is reached by canoeing down the Pigeon River from South Fowl Lake or hiking up the Grand Portage footpath from the historic depot/heritage center area on Grand Portage Bay of Lake Superior. An alternative entry to the Grand Portage footpath can be accessed by driving up County Road 17 to the trailhead where Old Highway 61 intersects the portage.
Accessibility requires canoeing or hiking; driving access is only available up to the trailhead along County Road 17.
Nearby places
Grand Portage (exact distance and travel time unavailable)
other population centers not specified.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies information not provided
likely located in Grand Portage.

Best Time to Camp at Fort Charlotte Backcountry Campgrounds

The backcountry here dances to nature's unpredictable rhythms, with conditions that can shift dramatically from week to week. Summer typically brings warm, dry days perfect for exploration, while shoulder seasons offer crisp air and fewer fellow travelers. Winter transforms the landscape into a pristine wonderland, though snow and cold demand proper preparation. Each season paints the wilderness in different hues, from spring's vibrant greens to autumn's fiery palette, ensuring no two visits are quite the same.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Overview: 'Summer typically brings warm, dry days perfect for exploration.'

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Backcountry fall colors likely appealing but weather can be unpredictable.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Spring likely wet and variable; backcountry conditions can be unpredictable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Seasonal availability unspecified; Minnesota winters likely make access and camping difficult.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Seasonal availability is not specified.
  • Current Alerts: No specific active alerts mentioned.

About Fort Charlotte Backcountry Campgrounds

Nestled at the edge of the Pigeon River where the United States meets Canada, Fort Charlotte Backcountry Campgrounds offer two remote wilderness sites within Grand Portage National Monument. These secluded havens welcome intrepid hikers and paddlers seeking an authentic backcountry experience steeped in centuries of trading history. Here, where the whisper of the river mingles with the rustle of ancient forests, modern adventurers can find the same sense of solitude and discovery that once drew voyageurs to these storied waters.
Fort Charlotte Backcountry Campgrounds cater to backcountry camping enthusiasts, offering minimalist facilities intended for hikers and canoeists.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
  • Check-in policies are tied to permits
  • specific check-in time not stated.
Check-out
  • Check-out policies are tied to permits
  • specific check-out time not stated.
Stay Limit
  • Permit system allows reservations up to two weeks in advance
  • maximum number of consecutive nights not specified.


Activities you can enjoy

The campground is tailored for hikers and canoeists. Visitors can enjoy hiking the Grand Portage footpath and canoeing along the Pigeon River. Wildlife viewing is likely given the backcountry nature of the site.
HikingVisitors can hike the Grand Portage footpath, which connects the historic depot and heritage center area on Grand Portage Bay of Lake Superior with the campground. It is an 8.5-mile hike, offering a workout in a scenic and historical landscape.
BoatingCanoeing along the Pigeon River is a primary means of accessing the campground, making it a featured activity.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsReviews mention the need for securing tents on elevated platforms and avoiding stakes. Backcountry setting may include wildlife risks and challenging terrain.
Active AlertsNo specific active alerts mentioned.

Weather at Fort Charlotte Backcountry Campgrounds

Reviews

4.0
7 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Fort Charlotte Backcountry Campgrounds is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the historical significance and solitude of the campground, as well as its appeal to backcountry enthusiasts. Elevated platforms for tents and shared outhouse facilities are appreciated features.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

Historical setting, backcountry appeal, elevated platforms for tents, and proximity to natural water sources like the Pigeon River are praised.
Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

No significant complaints are noted, but the minimal amenities and challenging access (8.5-mile hike) may not be suitable for all.
Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Ensure you reserve a backcountry permit in advance. - Bring rope for setting up tents as stakes may not work on elevated platforms.
Based on 7 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No specific trends tied to the season are mentioned in the user reviews.
Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'History and solitude are what make this worth a visit. Two sites, with elevated platforms and a shared outhouse. Bring rope to secure your tent, not stakes.' – Robert C. 2. 'Tent pads and River...
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Based on 7 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific sites are not numbered, but both sites are described as having uniform amenities, such as elevated platforms.
Based on 7 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility are available.
Based on 7 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews or insights related to pets are provided.
Based on 7 reviews

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Last updated February 17, 2026
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