The best lakeside camping in Minnesota

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Minnesota isn't called the land of 10,000 lakes for nothing―in fact, the midwestern state boasts an incredible 11,842, so you’ll never be far from a lakeside campground, boat launch, or fishing pier. Fish or paddle the four lakes at Bear Head Lake State Park, enjoy waterfall hikes and rock climbing at Tettegouche State Park, or book a cabin, yurt, or RV site near the swimming beach at Afton State Park. Feeling adventurous? Rent a houseboat or cruise out to the island campsites of Voyageurs National Park, paddle to backcountry campsites in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, or pitch a tent right on the beach along Lake Superior. Summertime is the most popular time for lakeside camping, when the weather is ideal for swimming and watersports, but winter campers shouldn’t rule out a lakeside camping trip―the Lake of the Woods is a hotspot for snowmobiling and ice fishing.

96% (1.9K) • 5,404 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Minnesota

North Shore Hermitage

1. North Shore Hermitage

100%
(25)
Duluth, MN · 2 sites
Relax on a secluded and beautiful hobby farm in the North Woods while you spend your days exploring Lake Superior's North Shore or popping into Duluth or Two Harbors for all they have to offer! 20 acres of woods, pasture, and trails greet you as you enjoy one of North Shore Hermitage's comfy accommodations as your basecamp. Walk or bike down the quiet gravel road, breathe in the woods and wildflowers, and feel the cool breeze from the largest freshwater lake in the world just down the hill. You're four minutes to Scenic highway 61, six minutes from the beaches of Lake Superior, ten minutes to the grocery store in Duluth, fifteen minutes to Two Harbors, and zero seconds to the relaxing getaway you're looking for! Our family loves welcoming people to the unending beauty of the North Shore and helping folks experience what we get to live every day! Whether you're here for a week to to take in the shore, hike, bike, swim, fish, sail, rock hunt, cross country ski, snowshoe, run the marathon, birdwatch, surf (yes, that's a thing), shop, watch the sled dog races, enjoy a music festival, see Bentleyville, and relax OR you need a short stopover on your way farther "up the shore," North Shore Hermitage is the perfect place for your trip! We're just far enough "up the shore" to feel on vacation, but close enough to Duluth to have it all. Check out each site for your level of comfort and get ready to enjoy the Hermitage.
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Paul’s Lakeside Cottage

2. Paul’s Lakeside Cottage

99%
(78)
Nevis, MN · 1 site
Very Quiet, Peaceful, Private, Off the Grid, Dark Sky, Wooded 36 acre+ homesteaded property with nice lakeshore guest cottage. Close to Itasca State Park- Headwaters of the Mississippi, Paul Bunyan State Forest, Nevis, Park Rapids, Dorset, Walker or Bemidji for Good Music, Food and Fun! Dock space for smaller fishing boats and close to many area lakes for good fishing. Close to the North Country National Scenic Trail for some great hiking. Or just stay put here in nature amongst its non-human inhabitants. We look forward to meeting YOU! ✌️Paul+Piper🐕
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Sunset Bay Getaway

3. Sunset Bay Getaway

100%
(19)
Duluth, MN · 1 site
Please Note: This is an Adults Only Hipcamp Location. Enjoy your stay at Sunset Bay Getaway in your own self contained RV or camper and enjoy the views of our beautiful lake. Relax in the evening around the firepit. We do offer firewood for sale. Just enjoy being in nature, listening to the sounds of the frogs and birds. Grab a bite to eat at a local bar/restaurant 1 mile away. ATV trails, fishing, hunting and nature walks all available close by. Dogs allowed but must be leashed and cleaned up after. Adults only. We do not have hookups for water, sewer or electric. We do not have restrooms or any facilities for hipcampers to use. All Hipcampers must have self contained RV's/Campers. The driveway to the camping/parking spots is a tad of a slope so keep that in mind when booking. The max length we allow is 34 Feet long due to the road to the camping spots. You might drag your bumper or hitch on your way down the hill to the spot. It's not hard to drive, it just is a bit steep and only gravel. We are always here to help if need be when you arrive. Bring bug dope, the bugs can be very hungry right about dusk time til about 30 min after the sun goes down. If you have kayaks or paddleboards you are welcome to bring them and enjoy the lake. Watercraft (boats/jet ski's) not allowed. This is a primitive camping spot, meaning no hook ups or WiFi. (no water/sewer/electric/wifi)
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Camden State Park

4. Camden State Park

100%
(7)
State park in Minnesota · 93 sites
Discover Camden State Park's natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Tettegouche State Park

5. Tettegouche State Park

100%
(17)
State park in Minnesota · 45 sites
You may not know it by name, but guaranteed if you like nature photography, you’ve seen Shovel Point. Its steep, bridge-like cliff on the shore of Lake Superior attracts photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. Wanna experience the magic? Visit its home: Tettegouche State Park. With cliffs like these, Tettegouche was bound to attract dirtbaggers from all over. Like to climb rock? Come join ‘em! Visit the 60 foot High Falls of the Baptism River and feel the spirit of nature rejoice. Remote hiking through the Sawtooth Mountains offer views made for a life time and lakes made for skinny dipping. This parks nearly 10,000 acres house accommodations from cabins to backpacking and kayaking sites open year-round. Hurry there!
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Wise Woods on Fool Lake

6. Wise Woods on Fool Lake

97%
(96)
MN · 1 site · Tent, RV
Located at the end of a private road on Fool Lake with wooded mature trees that offer privacy. The lake is quiet and calm. Fool Lake is a private, environmental lake, with many varieties of fish. Perfect for kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and swimming. Boating is allowed up to 40 hp via gated private launch (no tubing or skiing). The land slopes to the lake where you will find small dock and a few stairs into the water. Well for water and electricity available including a 30 amp hookup for RV campers. Large outhouse also has electricity. Minutes away from access to Cuyuna trails, Crosby, and Emily, as well as nearby Nisswa and Crosslake. This central location offers access to any and all amenities. After a day on the trails, in town, or on the water, an evening at the fire pit overlooking the lake is a perfect way to end the day. Wind down, relax and enjoy the trees, lake and nature surrounding you. We expect all guests to respect the neighborhood, lake and nature! **November to early spring the water access will be winterized and NOT available for use. Any winter camping is at your own digression and snow removal will only be provided on the neighborhood road(s) up to the entrance of the site. Getting into the site could be difficult depending on the snow conditions.** Note: there is currently a locked camper & small kids house on site not available for use. Things To Do: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/st... Cuyuna Lakes State Trail: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/st... Super Premium Gourmet Cheeses, Artisan Ice-Cream, Wine & Spirits, MN Goodies & More - https://shopvictual.com/ Bike Rental, Sales, Service, Food, Coffee, Etc. - https://www.redraven.bike/ Soo Line Museum - http://www.cuyunahistory.org/m... Milford Mine Memorial Park - https://www.crowwing.us/294/Mi... Serpent Lake and Crosby Memorial Park/Playground Hard Water Lounge - https://www.hardwaterlounge.co... Paul Bunyan Land - https://paulbunyanland.com/ Paul Bunyan Trail: the longest Minnesota bike/hike trail at 120 miles! Dennis Drummond Winery - https://ddwco.com/ 20-min drive from Crosby! Traditions Mini Golf - https://www.traditionsminigolf... Mille Lacs Lake - Minnesota’s second-largest inland lake. Places To Eat: Iron Range Eatery - http://ironrange.3cheersmn.com... Rafferty's Wood Fired Pizza - https://raffertyspizza.com/loc... North Country Cafe - https://north-country-cafe.bus... Cuyuna Brewing Company - http://www.cuyunabrewing.com/ The Bridge Tavern - http://bridgetavernmn.com/ Jack Pine Brewery - https://www.jackpinebrewery.co... is in Baxter, MN. Fire Shack - https://www.facebook.com/profi... Burritos California - https://zmenu.com/burritos-cal... Mixed Company - http://www.enjoymixedcompany.c... Hill City Coffee - https://www.facebook.com/C4Hil...
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Fish Trap Oasis

7. Fish Trap Oasis

82%
(14)
Cushing, MN · 1 site · Tent, RV
Come relax and restore at a quiet lakeside camp spot on Fish Trap Lake! The property is perfect for any small group fishermen, campers or RVers who want private lake views. The property is next to a government nature preserve and located near various cabins. Fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing and swimming can all be enjoyed on Fish Trap Lake. We are less than a mile from the boat launch on Lake Alexander which is great for fishing. A dock is also on the property for lake access.
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Camping on private lake

8. Camping on private lake

99%
(289)
Westbrook, MN · 4 sites
This property has 4 camp spots. Sites 1 and 4 have a boat landing. All sites have shades trees that can hold hammocks. All sites are right next to the lake. Site 3 has a dock that all can use. There is excellent swimming with a sandy bottom at the south end of the lake. The lake is stocked with perch in 2024 but has others as well. It is also close to many lakes that are good for fishing. I have a 14' fishing boat with trolling motor, a paddle boat, 2 kayaks, and canoe for campers to use for free. Firewood is available for $5/day. There is some hiking on the property and much near by. Biking is also good with small lakes nearby to visit. The camping here is very peaceful with wonderful views and the wildlife is awesome! 120 volt power is at all sites and 220 can reach sites 2 and 3. There is warm showers and flushing toilets. Also all sites are drive through on hard ground grass. Grates are provided for cooking over the fire. There is Wi-Fi internet that reaches sites 1-3
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The Hamlet Lake Homestead

9. The Hamlet Lake Homestead

91%
(39)
Deerwood, MN · 1 site
The Hamlet Lake homestead is our 10-acre family home with two unique and private hip-camp sites. We have both lakeshore (in front) and a hobby farm with cows, chickens and goats in our back lawn and woods. The Hamlet Lake Bunkhouse is located to the west of our home in its own secluded parcel next to the lake. The Camp on Hamlet Hill (closed for 2026) is to the north of our home, on a remote flat hill at the top of our property, on a hill over Cedar brook. with 300-acre, (private) Hamlet Lake in front, and the wide portion of the 20-mile Cedar brook in the back. We are a large "homesteading" family, with chickens, ducks, and a garden. The campsite is a private 1/2 acre clearing, surrounded by woods with a firepit, grill, cooking utensils, and an outhouse. (Tents are available for a small additional cost). There is an outdoor water pump below the hill, near which guests can view our fenced-in animals. Guests can also access the waterfront and beach in front, with the use of the swim raft, lily pad, fishing dock, canoe, kayak, and paddle boards included. At nearly 100 feet deep, Hamlet lake also boasts excellent fishing. Our home is located 6 miles from Crosby, with the world-class Cuyuna Lakes 50-mile mountain bike trail system. Crosby is a growing tourist town with many new and unique restaurants, outdoor adventures, and shopping opportunities. The paved bike trail begins 3.5 north of us. Milacs lake is 10 miles to the south.
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Itasca State Park

10. Itasca State Park

100%
(15)
State park in Minnesota · 239 sites
Explore the wild headwaters of the Mississippi River at Minnesota’s oldest state park.
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Cascade River State Park

11. Cascade River State Park

100%
(5)
State park in Minnesota · 47 sites
Discover the rugged beauty of Cascade River State Park.
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Jay Cooke State Park

12. Jay Cooke State Park

100%
(15)
State park in Minnesota · 79 sites
Hiking, rafting, and a swinging bridge provide the fun.
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Moose Lake State Park

13. Moose Lake State Park

100%
(5)
State park in Minnesota · 56 sites
Discover Moose Lake State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
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Tiger lake Ranch

14. Tiger lake Ranch

91%
(17)
Norwood Young America, MN · 1 site · Tent, RV
### Welcome to Tiger Lake Ranch Campsite Discover the ultimate escape at Tiger Lake Ranch, located just 30 minutes from Minneapolis. Nestled near the serene Tiger Lake, our remote campsite is surrounded by majestic generational oak trees, offering a peaceful retreat far from any buildings or other campsites. Enjoy evenings around the fire pit, with natural logs providing cozy seating under a canopy of stars. Whether you’re seeking solitude or a nature-filled adventure, Tiger Lake Ranch is the perfect destination to unwind and reconnect with nature. 40 acres of our own and surrounded by hundreds of preserve acres and hunting. Book your stay and experience tranquility like never before!
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Private Lutsen Forest Camp

15. Private Lutsen Forest Camp

93%
(7)
Lutsen, MN · 1 site · Tent, RV
Property is 5 acres on private shared road. Use of well and wood-burning sauna, and deck and furniture of our tiny home included. Outhouse on site. Centrally located on the North Shore and surrounded by Superior National Forest - - 20 minutes from both Grand Marais and Tofte. Near snowmobile trails, Superior Hiking Trail, Lutsen town, Fika Coffee shop, grocery store, two maple syrup properties, mountain bike and fat bike trails, hiking and xc ski trails. Minutes from Caribou and Ward Lakes. Check out the new world class Jackpot MTB single-track trails!
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Bayberry Acres on Danger Lake

16. Bayberry Acres on Danger Lake

100%
(45)
Braham, MN · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Two campsites or our chalet which sleeps five are available. Campsites are near a fabulous 10 acre deep spring fed lake. One campsite is in the prairie with a expansive view where 5 or 6 tents are possible. 2nd campsite is for one tent and is lakeside. Quiet peaceful trails through the woods. Animals at the home base (outside only). The chalet (in the pictures) , has all the needed amenities; shower, fridge, etc. No food or oil or gas or soap in the lake. Well-behaved dogs are welcome, always on a leash or tether, and never indoors. We do have life jackets available, but no sizes appropriate for small children (bring your own). Contact us for pricing details. This place is perfect.
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Harvest Loon Camp

17. Harvest Loon Camp

100%
(142)
Outing, MN · 1 site
📌Update: Cabin now complete with an indoor shower and toilet. Guests provide their own bedding. There is one queen sized bed, 3 full sized beds total with a trundle. 2 of the 3 beds are bunked one on top of the other. The cabin sleeps 6 comfortably. There are 2 kayaks available to use with paddles campers must provide their own life jackets. There is a steel grate that fits over the fire pit for cooking outside. ❄Cabin is now available year-round. 🌲 Picturesque lakeshore property located on 24 acres, with almost 2,000 feet of lake access right in front of the cabin. ⛵Lake public access is located at the end of the cabin driveway. Little Emily Lake Park is located 10.3 miles away from cabin. This park offers excellent swimming and Hiking Trails has public restrooms and a playground for kids - Address is 21517 Papoose Road, Emily, MN 56447 phone # (218) 824-1010 🏕 Serene, peaceful and unrivaled privacy. Water sports and trails for hiking and quads make Harvest Loon Camp the perfect spot to relaxation and fun. 😊Radiant heat, wood stove, air conditioning and fans. 🔥Wood available for use with woodstove and campfires. 🛌 Campers WILL NEED to provide their own bedding depending on their sleeping needs (pillows, linens, blankets). Accommodations All open concept. Also bring your own towels. 🍳 Kitchen has antique pots, pans, utensils, coffeepot, microwave, toaster, stove and refrigerator for your use. 🌟 Gorgeous furnished porch to watch wildlife. Grocery store within 5 miles. 🦆 This location is also perfect for horseback riding and snowmobiling and ice fishing. George lake is known to have nice sized pan fish.
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Woods and Meadows Farm

18. Woods and Meadows Farm

100%
(161)
Wrenshall, MN · 2 sites
"All are welcome here." We love sharing our beautiful space, and want you to feel safe and secure. Explore woods, trails, meadows. Peaceful, private, close to bike trails, Jay Cooke State Park and Duluth. Both cabins have their own special ambiance. These are comfortable, rustic cabins with NO running water (drinking water supplied). “Not "ADA" *Well-behaved, house-broken, supervised dogs, and older children welcome. *It helps us to know your ETA in advance and to update us so that we can plan our day as well! Once you are in the area, message us a bit before your arrival so we can meet you and set you up properly! If we miss you, follow the arrow on the wheelbarrow down the hill. Park at Dragon Loft at 1st right, and Raven Watch at very end of drive. *We have free range chickens and friendly border collie. Sometimes there's a dog staying at the other cabin. Wildlife is also in the area, so we require that dogs be supervised and leashed, for their safety, and our wild animal neighbors. No dogs may be left unattended in our cabins while you go out! Take your canine pal with you! Quiet hours: dusk to 7am. Also consider your dog's inclination for barking. We keep the peace and quiet of all of our guests in mind. *DRAGON LOFT has one double bed in a loft with steep ladder. Great for two people. Room for dog bed or kennel below the loft. Has a nice reading/coffee room, fridge, oil radiator, hot plate, WiFi, deck with table and chairs, patio with fire ring., grill outside. You have full use of the trails in our woods! *RAVEN WATCH is larger and comfortable for up to four people. Solar power, off grid (no WiFi). Double bed upstairs overlooking the pond, and another downstairs by the cozy wood stove. A cute little kitchen with a nice gas stove and wash area. Fire ring outside. Wood supply. Price based on two adults. Small fee for up to two more people +pets. Next to pond, creek and woods! Private porta-potty, no shower. We raised our children here, and over 45 yrs have planted trees and pollinator acres. We always enjoy meeting other travelers. While living and teaching internationally we looked for adventure, staying in a wide range of hostels in developing countries around the globe. We are now retired but still traveling and exploring off-season.
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Fish Lake Getaway

19. Fish Lake Getaway

95%
(40)
Finlayson, MN · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Learn more about this land: The camper can sleep 4 comfortably so any more would need to sleep on floor or bring a tent. There is a fire pit and firewood,  access to a basicly private lake. 14’ aluminum boat and a canoe is available There is no place to put your own boat in. There is an outhouse and a shed with many yard games.  There is a park model camper available to use with no hook ups other than gas stove. Theirs is a twin bed, a queen bed and a couch. The max for the site would be 8 people and that’s only if a few sleep in tents.
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Ham Lake Resort

20. Ham Lake Resort

91%
(11)
Ham Lake, MN · 4 sites
Ham Lake Resort in Minnesota, just a short drive from the Twin Cities, is an excellent choice for a camping getaway. The resort boasts over 100 RV sites with full hookup options, tent sites, and cabin rentals, providing a range of accommodations to suit different preferences. The amenities at Ham Lake are top-notch, including boat docks, laundry facilities, a picnic area, and a dedicated play area for dogs. For recreation, campers can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, horseshoes, a playground for kids, and numerous planned activities throughout the weekends. The beautiful lake offers opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boating, ensuring that there's never a dull moment. Beyond the resort, there are plenty of exciting activities to explore nearby. Nature lovers can go horseback riding or visit the stunning state parks in the area. Families can have a blast at Bunker Beach Water Park, while those looking for a more relaxed day can visit Willow Tree Winery for some wine tasting. The Mall of America, just a short drive away, offers endless entertainment with dining options, the Crayola Experience, Sea Life Aquarium, and Nickelodeon Universe. For a cultural outing, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden features over 50 unique sculptures perfect for a leisurely stroll and some great photos. The nearby Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is another fantastic spot, offering a chance to see a variety of animals and enjoy an amusement park.
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