Camping in Minnesota with surfing
Four seasons of outdoor adventures await campers in the Land o' Lakes.
95% (700 reviews)
- Minnesota
95% (700 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Minnesota
5 top campgrounds in Minnesota with surfing
100%
(817)
Balsam Ridge Retreat
8 sites · Lodging5 acres · Duluth, MN
Many folks that have visited our place refer to it as 'country living in the city'. We are so blessed to live in this little piece of serenity just inside the city limits of Duluth. It was once an abandoned house that sat for years, until a friend mentioned to us that it might be going up for sale. We loved the location and rolled up our sleeves. Twenty years later we still marvel at the beauty around us and can hardly believe that we LIVE here! Just down the road is a trout stream and just beyond that was a popular farm that attracted many folks to this neighborhood for hay rides and sleigh rides. The farm has since retired it's horses and closed it's doors to make room for new homes, but memories live on in the beauty of the open fields. I often imagine the sound of horses and sleigh bells and people singing carols and then warming up around a toasty fire sipping hot cocoa. Some of those memories live on right here at Balsam Ridge (minus the horses). Over the years many groups of folks have enjoyed a sense of community in these back woods no matter the season. Campfires, kids catching frogs, neighborhood campouts, snow picnics, hair-raising toboggan runs, family campouts, spiritual silent retreats, a take-your-breath-away giant swing, and some tales too daring to mention are all part of the fun. This is why we do what we do. We've been given much, and love to give back. It just wouldn't seem right to keep all this good to ourselves.
Potable water
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from
$69
/ night
88%
(8)
Grand Marais Get-A-Way
1 site · RV, Tent10 acres · Grand Marais, MN
Site:
***2024 Update - The hillside campsite is now cleared and available for tent camping. Driveway has been extended (now 115 feet long) , two firepits have been constructed (one at end of driveway & one on hillside campsite) and picnic table on site. We are currently accepting bookings for Spring/Summer/Fall of 2024.
A 10 acre secluded forest site nestled between Lake Superior and the Sawtooth Mountains. This is a single site property; enjoy complete privacy during your booking dates. Property is primitive and dense with trees/ground cover. 115 feet of cleared driveway is best spot for RV set up; levers likely needed as driveway is gravel is uneven in spots. Tent camping with firepit on hillside campsite. Second firepit at the end of the driveway.
Hiking/Biking Options:
There are no marked trails on the property. For guests interested in hiking we recommend:
1) The 310 mile Superior Hiking Trail easily accessible at multiple locations throughout Grand Marais OR
2) The Woods Creek Superior Hiking trailhead approximately 1 mile from property; parking lot at trailhead.
Biking not possible on site but nearby gravel roads are an option for advanced riders or bikers looking for a challenging ride. For other biking options, including family friendly routes, check out: www.visitcookcounty.com.
Site is a private 10 acres forest plot. A perfect primitive home base for laid back families and seasoned adventurers. Tired of the outdoors? A 10 minute drive takes you to downtown Grand Marais with restaurants, shops and Artists Point.
Come enjoy the picturesque Minnesota North Shore!
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from
$40
/ night
100%
(15)
Allure Of The Woods Rustic Retreat
1 site · Lodging5 acres · Carlton, MN
When we purchased the parcels over twenty years ago from a family member it had been vacant for over 60 years. The first time we walked the acreage was on snowshoes and we spotted a porcupine snacking on a poplar tree. I thought, what a great name, Porcupine Trail. I knew then we were meant to share this with others. Over the years many friends and family have walked these woods saying the same, that we need to share this great spot. Once the City of Thomson, our little community is now Carlton and known as “The Gateway to Jay Cooke State Park”. We just call it home and look forward to sharing it with you.
Learn more about this land:
John Muir said everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul alike. Allure of the Woods Rustic Retreat invites you into the possibilities of experiencing this kind of rest and play. We are located just 20 miles south of Duluth MN nestled between Jay Cooke State Park and the Willard Munger State Trail. Close yet private, this 12x14 wall tent for two is perfect for those who appreciate privacy with the assurance that we're close by just in case. Your tent doors will open to a covered porch and five acres of mixed woods.
The off grid tent is something between glamping and roughing it. The site includes a cart to transport your gear and supplies, privy, personal fire ring, picnic table, brick rocket stove and first bundle of firewood. You can bring your own MDA or USDA certified firewood or extra firewood is available for a reasonable cash purchase. Bundle includes wood, kindling and fire-starter. Or gather it on the forest floor for free. Inside your wall tent you'll find simple furnishings; a full size futon with linens, (you may prefer to bring your own pillow) rocker, table, chairs, a few basics for cooking over a campfire or your own camp stove and a wood stove for heat in cooler/cold seasons. There is no electricity or running water so come prepared. Artesian well water is tested every three months and provided for drinking and cooking.
This is a ready to hit the woods or stay put campsite for adventurous or contemplative souls. Although welcome and open to anyone, this may not be for everyone. Keep in mind you'll be sharing the woods with a wide variety of wildlife including mice, skunks, coyotes and insects, including ticks and mosquitoes, so bring appropriate repellent and an adventurous soul. Our northern MN woods weather can vary from one day to the next. It’s a good idea to check the forecast and bring appropriate gear.
Attractions Close By:
A few minutes walk will put you on The Willard Munger State Trail. A short walk to an access trail or drive down the road will put you in Jay Cooke State Park. There you may enjoy 50 miles of historical and recreational trails of all kinds during all seasons. Some are designated for specific activities. An entrance fee applies if driving in. A few minutes drive in the opposite direction you'll see Swiftwater Adventures. Check out their website for offerings and online booking. Or, bring your own kayak, canoe or paddle board and a brief drive brings you to UMD's Kayak and Canoe Center Outpost. A short uphill portage to the access point and you'll be on the 339 acre Thomson Reservoir. A mile and a half away, downtown Carlton has The Street Car Kitchen and Pub, Red Dog drive thru coffee, Magnolia Cafe, Third Base Sports Bar, Carlton Meats and Grocery and a gas station with an ATM.
Come and immerse yourself in what the north woods has to offer! A beautiful night sky, bird songs, coyote yips, and even the rumbling sounds and horn of a distant train that says Welcome to Carlton "The Gateway to Jay Cooke State Park". We just call it home and we’ll be happy to see you!
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from
$70
/ night
Booked 1 time
Zenith Basecamp
3 sites · Lodging1 acre · Duluth, MN
Zenith Basecamp is a place for the adventure inspired community to gather with other like-minded explorers. We provide indoor glamping for outdoor enthusiasts. The property also has an elevated cocktail bar, unique retail, indoor and outdoor community space, and unique retail. Recharge amidst your adventures or launch your North Shore excursions directly from Basecamp in the Lincoln Park Craft District in Duluth, Minnesota!
The outdoor activities surrounding Duluth are endless! Book a guided hike or paddle tour directly on-site with the help of Zenith Adventure. All rooms include a full cooler and camping chairs that you can take with you on your daily excursions. While we call ourselves a hostel, all rooms are private.
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from
$75
/ night
Patagonia Cabin: Lake Superior View
1 site · Lodging3 acres · East Cook, MN
A 2020 build, this dovetail log cabin overlooks Lake Superior from a hilltop, a perfect vantage point to see the Aurora.
Whether you are catching the sunset on the deck, exploring the endless surrounding woods, or playing a card game by the fire, this space offers the ultimate cabin experience.
⋇Lake Superior Views
⋇2 min Walk to The Lake Superior Beach
⋇9 miles from Downtown Grand Marais
⋇Backyard Access to Superior Hiking Trail
⋇Backs Superior National Forest
The space
This primitive build has a natural way of connecting its guests to the simple pleasures of simpler times. Enjoy first-hand the awe-inspiring vistas, sunrises and long lingering sunsets, relaxation, and unpretentious hospitality of this cabin retreat.
Patagonia Cabin was crafted by local polar explorer Lonnie Dupre and us, the owners.
At just over 300 sq ft this the cabin is both quaint and spacious boasting an open floor plan and cathedral ceiling.
Built for travelers seeking a retreat in a sustainable stay, we designed this cabin to offer all the necessities one would need in thoughtfulness of nature: solar power for lighting and charging electronics, gas fireplace and stove, A-frame outhouse and rain barrels for wash water.
The inspiration for Patagonia Cabin came from our time spent living in Argentina, which is where our story together began. Our hope is that travelers can enjoy the same serenity from nature in this rustic refuge that our journey’s brought us.
The interior has been thoughtfully curated with unique decor from Patagonia, Argentina and local Grand Marais artists.
Inside
+ Dishes, pots, pans, cutlery, kettle & all basic necessities for cooking.
+ Linens & Towels
+ Gas Fireplace
+ 2 Burner Gas Stove
+Drinking water in jugs
+Ground Coffee, tea & hot cocoa
+ Premium Memory Foam Mattress
Outside
+ 2 Pairs of Snowshoes
+ Fire Pit
+ Propane Grill (summer only)
+ Hammock
+Lake Kits - Please enjoy our complimentary packable lake kits which include two packable fold out chairs, a cooler tote and weatherproof picnic blanket.
*Some of the above supplies are seasonal. Please see our FAQ regarding these items.
**Special occasion? Enjoy our concierge services such as laundry, mid-stay cleans, celebration packages, fresh flowers and more! Guests will have access to our store and services upon booking.
Cook County Rental License: 2024-045-VR
Guest access
Guests have access to the entire cabin, grill, fire pit, deck, private parking, and large wooded yard backing the Superior National Forest.
The recreational activities: beach combing, hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, fatbiking, snowmobile...
Other things to note
FAQ:
Is this cabin for everyone? — Not exactly… We want to be clear that this is an off-grid cabin that was meant to be used as a rustic retreat. We know that not everyone digs an outhouse.
Is the bed upstairs? — Yes. The bed is located in the high loft which can only be accessed by a steep ladder. Guests use at their own risk.
Is there Wifi or cell network service? — There is some cell signal. Verizon tends to have much better reception than At&t or T-Mobile.
There is no wifi… some say for an even better connection :)
What is a “dry” cabin? — This means you will be completely off-grid: solar-powered lighting & charging, plumbing free, outhouse, etc.
What about water? — We provide drinking water in larger jugs May-October. Guests will need to bring any drinking or wash water November - April. We have rain barrels in summer months for collecting wash water. In winter snow can be melted for wash water.
What is your bathroom situation? — We have an A-frame outhouse just next to the cabin.
For showering, guests can consider visiting the Grand Marais Rec park for a $4 shower, Sauna at Sisu & Loli in town, or buy a $10 day-pass to the Grand Marais YMCA to take advantage of the gym, workout facility, showers, hot tub, sauna, and pool.
Do you have a coffee maker? — We have a pour over and filters for your use.
Do you have a grill or fire pit? — Yes, May through Oct. We have a propane BBQ. We supply the propane and utensils. There is a fire pit. Wood bundles can be bought in town. Guests are free to use fire pit year round but are responsible for snow removal to use it if they wish to do so.
How remote is the cabin? — The cabin is easily accessed (approx. 300 ft) just off Hwy 61 on a maintained driveway. Your views are woods, nature & Lake Superior. While this cabin is completely private, there are neighbors several hundred feet through the woods. However, just as most cabins close to Lake Superior, you could have some road noise.
Winter Conditions:
We recommend AWD/4WD vehicle from Nov 1 to April 30. 2 wheel drive vehicles are free to use the parking at the bottom of the driveway (300ft from cabin). Due to plowing shortages we cannot guarantee that the road will be plowed on a daily basis.
We have 2 parking spots available at the bottom of the driveway in the case that guests are uncomfortable with driving the steep hill or that the conditions are unfavorable to do so. It is approximately a 300ft walk up to the cabin from the bottom of the driveway.
Pets:
We do not make exceptions to our Airbnb no-pet policy other than service animals. Any pet hair will result in a minimum $250 fine regardless of any circumstances and any additional billing that the cleaners require for excess cleaning due to pet residue.
Potable water
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from
$288
/ night
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Camping in Minnesota with surfing guide
Overview
Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for camping in the United States! Whether you're a seasoned surfer or just looking to catch some waves, we've got you covered in Minnesota. With 17 options specifically tailored to surfing in Minnesota, you're sure to find the perfect spot to hang ten. From beachfront campsites to cozy cabins, we have a range of accommodations to suit your needs. Check out our top campsites, like Balsam Ridge Retreat (506 reviews), Abbott Acres (15 reviews), and Allure Of The Woods Rustic Retreat (8 reviews), to see what fellow campers have to say. Plus, enjoy popular amenities such as pet-friendly sites, trash disposal, and potable water. And with prices starting as low as $40 per night and an average price of $89 per night, camping in Minnesota has never been more affordable. So grab your board and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!
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