- Grand Portage State Forest
The best camping in Grand Portage State Forest, MN
75% (2)
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Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.Top-rated campgrounds near Grand Portage State Forest
Grand Marais Get-A-Way
Grand Marais Get-A-Way
92%
(33)
18mi from Grand Portage State Forest · 1 site · Tent, RV
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!
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from
$34
/ night
Raven Moon Ridge
Raven Moon Ridge
100%
(1)
12mi from Grand Portage State Forest · 1 site · Lodging
Towering white pines greet you as you arrive at this rustic destination. A short walk along a dirt path takes you to the door of this off-grid yurt. Custom-built by the owners, this cozy yurt offers a simple place to sleep, cook and relax - all less than 20 minutes from the quaint harbor town of Grand Marais.
The single-room yurt has a full-size bed and a very comfortable pull out couch to spaciously sleep 2 or cozily sleep 4. The composting toilet is a short walk (30 feet) from the yurt.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$98
/ night
Basecamp du Nord
Basecamp du Nord
100%
(1)
20mi from Grand Portage State Forest · 1 site · Lodging
Enjoy the peace of the woods just 5 minutes from downtown Grand Marais! Basecamp du Nord is situated in the woods of the Pincushion Trail system, offering over 25 kilometers of cross country skiing opportunities in the winter and hiking opportunities in the warmer seasons. These trails connect to the Superior Hiking Trail so the adventure possibilities are practically endless.
This space does not have running water. A clean and well-lit outhouse is located onsite. Showers are available at the local YMCA for $13 or at the municipal campground in Grand Marais.
We like to compare our experience to camping but with a solid roof over your head and a comfy bed.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$108
/ night
Rustic Sawtooth Retreat
Rustic Sawtooth Retreat
100%
(4)
22mi from Grand Portage State Forest · 1 site · Lodging
🏕 Off-Grid North Shore Escape
Unplug and reconnect with nature at this private, off-grid retreat just minutes from Grand Marais.
Situated on six acres of stunning woodland just northwest of Grand Marais, the Rustic Sawtooth Retreat provides two charming cabins, private trails, and a prime location. This elevated camping experience offers seclusion while maintaining convenient access to Grand Marais, the Superior Hiking Trail, and all the attractions of the north shore. It is an ideal destination for those seeking a tranquil, back-to-basics retreat, where one can slow down, appreciate nature, and uphold environmental stewardship.
________________________________________
🛌 Two Rustic Cabins – Always Rented Together:
• Sleeping Cabin (12x12):
Includes a double bed, wood-burning stove, and a small sleeping loft. The loft sleeps one adult or two children — bring your own sleeping pads or camping mats, as there is no bed or mattress provided in the loft.
• Gathering + Cooking Cabin (12x20):
Features a double futon, wood-burning stove, dining table, and a kitchenette with a propane stove and basin sink for gray water.
• Amenities:
o New private outhouse just steps from both cabins
o Firepit
o Private wooded trails
o Quiet, off-grid setting (no running water, no electricity)
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🧭 Nearby Adventures:
You’re minutes from some of Minnesota’s most breathtaking outdoor attractions:
• Superior Hiking Trail – 2 mile drive toTrailhead
• Pincushion Mountain – 4 miles
• Devil Track Lake Public Access – 8 miles
• George Washington Pines – 5 miles
• Gunflint Hills Golf Course – 2 miles
• Downtown Grand Marais – 6 miles
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🧺 What to Bring:
• Your own linens/sleeping bags and towels
• Sleeping pad(s) for the loft, if using
• All food, extra water, and camp essentials
• Cooler
• Flashlights (we have one lantern in each cabin but they may need USB charge or bring batteries - 6AA and 3D)
• Firewood for the outdoor fire pit (all firewood on site is for the cabin wood stoves only)
• Trash bags - all trash must be packed out
Provided:
4 place settings, coffee/tea press, one pot, one skillet
________________________________________
🌿
This is a Leave No Trace Property
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$153
/ night
Bally Creek Cabins - off grid!
Bally Creek Cabins - off grid!
88%
(4)
26mi from Grand Portage State Forest · 7 sites · Lodging
Year ‘round cabins in the Superior National Forest in Grand Marais, MN where you can hike or ski out the door on groomed wilderness trails. Off the grid, wood-heated rustic cabins…lantern lit for a romantic ambiance. Only 6 miles from downtown and Lake Superior harbor, restaurants and shops. Pets welcome for a fee! Guests provide sleeping bags and pillows or linens (call for bed sizes). Take the Road less Travelled!
Seven cabins (all smoke free) with occupancy from 2 to 10 guests available. A group cookhouse is also available to rent for groups renting multiple cabins. Canoe and sea kayak rentals in summer, skis and snowshoes in winter!
Amenities include wood-fired sauna shared by all cabins. Each cabin has its own outdoor fire-pit and picnic table. A variety of outhouses are throughout the camp. Direct access to Superior Hiking Trail and North Shore Mountains Ski Trail. Cabins are spaced for privacy! We also have canoes and sea kayaks available at our outfitting base in town for rental. A 4 night stay includes free use of an aluminum canoe for a day.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$185
/ night
Private Lutsen Forest Camp
Private Lutsen Forest Camp
100%
(6)
38mi from Grand Portage State Forest · 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!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$105
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
s
sara
October 2025
Tent
We tent camped in this location and had a wonderful experience. It was private, but not completely isolated and close to town and other main roads. Nice tent pad area and fire pit.
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J
Jesse
October 2025
With pets
A great place to reset! They provided wood and fuel for cooking and light. We would love to come back.
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N
Nathan
October 2025
With pets
We had a great time camping at Bally Creeks off grid cabins. The accommodations were great and we were very impressed with the cabin. Also, can't beat the location being only 10 minutes from Grand Marais! Our two golden retrievers had the time of their lives as well.
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Sarah
September 2025
34 ft travel trailer
With pets
It was incredible!!! We loved the deeply wooded lot, privacy, and quiet!
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Steve
September 2025
15 ft toy hauler
With pets
100 foot driveway serves as the campsite. On a quiet road to walk. We headed wesr on the road each day. A Superior Hiking trailhead with a parking lot is down the road to the east, just one mile away. Eady drive to get to Grand Marais for socialnoutings abd stores. The campsite fire ring is field stone, and it sets downslope from the end of the driveway. I would gave liked the firepit area improved by leveling the ground with 4 inches if gravel, circling the pit by 4 feet. I would also remove a 12 feet long pile of lumber and other building material, that is covered by old tarps. Finally, I would replace the plastic picnic table with a wooden one. The plastic one isn't sturdy. We put wood boards under the table legs.
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James
August 2025
With pets
Our family absolutely loved the Rustic Retreat Cabins. The site was well managed, quiet, and exceptionally clean. We’ll definitely book again!
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P
Patrick
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Basecamp du Nord
The cabin strikes a perfect balance between privacy and convenience. Its peaceful, secluded setting offers a quiet retreat, yet it remains only a short drive from shopping and provides quick access to Highway 61. Inside, the space is spotless, well maintained, and efficiently organized. Amenities are thoughtfully provided, including a mini-refrigerator with ample capacity—even large enough for a Sven and Ole’s pizza box. Overall, the property delivers comfort, practicality, and a welcoming atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for travelers.
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M
Madelyn
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Raven Moon Ridge
We had the best experience at Raven Sky Yurt! The yurt was cozy and cute and well set up. It was great to have a propane stove and fridge and water to wash dishes. The yurt was also well set up to keep the bugs at bay. Everything worked perfectly and we felt super comfortable and really enjoyed our stay. We loved how nice and secluded it felt. Best part was the fire pit and a bonus surprise visit from the neighbor’s very friendly dog! We had a great time and can’t wait to come back! Thank you for this perfect escape in Grand Marais.
See moreM
Molly
July 2025
With pets
We love staying here so much. It was very easy to coordinate with Julie and everything was so thoughtful. It was peaceful, magical and restful. Anyone would be very lucky to have time in this special place!
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Donna
July 2025
22 ft campervan
With pets
The site was private so it was peaceful and allowed for the dogs to be off leash. Easily accessible to town as well as the SHT too! We had a schoolie so had the benefit of the niceties that allows which helped offset not having any of that if tent camping only. We did also pitch one tent in the tent pad area which was flat and level. Overall a great site that I’d rent again!
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Sean
June 2025
18 ft campervan
Basic spot, but convenient to town, quiet aside from the forest bird symphony, and easy to find.
See moreJ
Jack
June 2025
With pets
If you're looking for something off grid, cozy, and an authentic outdoor experience this is the place to be in the Grand Marais, Cook County area. Perfect for couples or small groups. Very close to downtown Grand Marais and multiple parks and attractions nearby. 10/10 would recommend!
See moreH
Hannah
June 2025
32 ft campervan
With pets
We enjoyed the location and privacy of this site, and it was great proximity from down town and nearby hiking trails. The firepit was on uneven ground, and we weren't able to get a camp chair near it. We enjoyed the quietness and seclusion of the site. Would recommend anyone with campers to bring leveling blocks as the ground is uneven (we brought some and it worked good), and every one to bring a lot of bugspray as the deep north woods are riddled with insects.
Overall, I think this site is appropriately priced priced for what you get.
See moreA
Arabella
June 2025
Tent
Great home base to explore the North Shore! Private and quiet, with just the occasional car going by on the gravel road.
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Joshua
June 2025
13 ft travel trailer
A nice base camp to explore the Grand Marais area. The site was as described and shown in the photos. Good Verizon coverage.
See moreThe best camping in Grand Portage State Forest, MN guide
Overview
About
To get to Minnesota’s Grand Portage State Forest, just hop in the car and start driving northeast. Keep going. Up, up a little bit further. And then stop right before you hit the Canadian border. You’re there! Now step out of the car and take a deep breath of that refreshing air you can only get in the remote wilderness. While you’re at it, take in the surrounding beauty with your eyeballs. Cliffs, waterfalls, lakes, meadows—Grand Portage is grand indeed.
Along with nine different water accesses, you’ll have easy entry to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The Border Route Trail is an epic 65-mile backpacking and hiking trail through this wilderness. But if you’d rather explore section of forest closer at hand, there are three campgrounds, all excellent options.
Notable campgrounds
- Walter Stark Horse Campground - A serene spot for equestrian lovers, currently undergoing exciting improvements.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- Book early to secure your ideal campsite, especially during peak seasons.
- Check for cancellations regularly as plans can change and spots may open up.
- Consider weekday camping for better availability and a quieter experience.
- Explore nearby camping options for alternative sites when the forest is fully booked.
When to go
The best time to visit Grand Portage State Forest is during the summer and fall when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. Winter offers a snowy wonderland for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, but be prepared for cold temperatures.
Know before you go
- Check the latest park updates for any road or campsite construction that may affect your visit.
- Ensure you have the necessary permits for activities like fishing and off-highway vehicle riding.
- Be mindful of wildlife and practice safe viewing from a distance.
- Remember to pack out all trash and leave no trace to preserve the forest's beauty.
- For any questions, contact the park office between 8:30am to 5pm for assistance.
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