Judge C. R. Magney Campground

Star4.16
63 reviews
4051 East Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604

Quick Facts

646 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Campground closed an...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

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Judge C. R. Magney Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Reservations are required for all campsites. A non‑refundable reservation fee is charged ($10 for reservations made by phone; $8 for online/web...
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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
218-387-6300
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What Campers Say

4.16

Satisfactory

Based on 63 reviews

1023 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanshowersrestrooms

Some mention

cell service

"Visitor reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the Devil's Kettle waterfall hike, well‑maintained trails, and pleasant wooded campground. Common notes mention steep stairs on the Devil's Kettle trail, occasional crowding, and limited cell coverage."

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Campground Map

4051 East Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604

Judge C. R. Magney Campground

4051 East Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604

Driving directionsLocated on Highway 61 (North Shore Scenic Drive) at 4051 E Highway 61; approximately 14 miles northeast of Grand Marais.
Accessible directly from Minnesota State Highway 61 (North Shore Scenic Drive).
Nearby places
Grand Marais — ~14 miles (for supplies and services).
Nearby supplies
Grand Marais (~14 miles) for groceries, fuel, and other supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Judge C. R. Magney Campground

While trails welcome day hikers year-round, the full campground experience shines from early May through mid-October, when facilities are staffed and services are available. Winter transforms the park into a quiet, minimally-staffed wilderness—beautiful for hardy day visitors, though the entrance road awaits plowing after snowfall. Plan your camping adventure for late spring through early autumn, when the North Shore shows off its finest weather and the park buzzes with seasonal energy.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5
Below Average

Summer supports hiking, paddling and classic camping on the North Shore.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5
Below Average

North Shore fall colors plus waterfalls and trails make autumn attractive.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5
Below Average

Spring offers thawed waterfalls and trails but can be muddy and variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5
Top 18% in MN

Reviews note snowy conditions and winter access but fewer winter‑specific amenities described.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Campground closed and no services are available from mid‑October to early May; trails remain open year‑round for day use. Park is minimally staffed in winter and the entrance road may not be plowed immediately after snow events.

About Judge C. R. Magney Campground

Tucked into Minnesota's forested North Shore, Judge C.R. Magney State Park beckons adventurers with its mesmerizing Devil's Kettle waterfall—a geological wonder where the Brule River dramatically splits around ancient volcanic rock. Whether you're casting for trout, hiking the Superior Hiking Trail, or settling into a quiet campsite beneath towering pines, this seasonal escape offers a peaceful retreat from late spring through mid-October.
Drive‑in campground with a mix of standard sites; both tent and RV camping are offered per visitor reports. The campground is closed and services are unavailable from mid‑October to early May.
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Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
WiFi
Flush toilets
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Primary activities center on hiking to waterfalls and along the Superior Hiking Trail, trout fishing in the Brule River and tributaries, and general wildlife and nature observation.
HikingPopular hike to Devil's Kettle (roughly 1–2 miles round trip from trailhead, with a long stair section/down-and-back), plus park trails and segments of the Superior Hiking Trail.
FishingAnglers can catch brook and rainbow trout in the Brule River and in Gauthier Creek (as noted by Minnesota DNR).
Wildlife viewing
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe Devil's Kettle trail includes steep, rocky sections and many stairs near the falls (visitors report numerous steps). In winter the park is minimally staffed and road/plowing may be limited. Standard river and waterfall hazards (steep drops, slippery rocks) apply. Gathering firewood is prohibited to prevent spread of pests.

Weather at Judge C. R. Magney Campground

Reviews

4.2
63 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Judge C. R. Magney Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Visitor reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the Devil's Kettle waterfall hike, well‑maintained trails, and pleasant wooded campground. Common notes mention steep stairs on the Devil's Kettle trail, occasional crowding, and limited cell coverage.
Review Summaries
Based on 63 reviews

What Campers Love

Iconic Devil's Kettle waterfall and scenic river gorge; excellent day hikes and access to Superior Hiking Trail; generally clean restrooms/showers and a quiet, wooded campground atmosphere.
Based on 63 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Make reservations (required for campsites); wear sturdy shoes for the Devil's Kettle trail and expect many stairs; arrive early for preferred sites; expect campground services to be unavailable...
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Based on 63 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Devil's Kettle is amazing."; "The trail to Devil's Kettle had a sign saying there were 175 steps on it."
Based on 63 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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