- Silver Bay
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Reviews
87% Recommend31 ratings · 24 reviews
Probably, the best camping experience that we have ever had! We booked this beautiful campsite almost the last minute and the experience that we had was above and beyond. Cole communicated with us before our trip. We had to arrive late as we all worked but Cole was very understanding. He drove to meet us, took us to our campsite and gave us very clear directions. He provided us with firewood which was super affordable and quality of the firewood was just perfect. When we woke up in the morning we all were amazed with the stunning view of beautiful colorful trees, nice view to Lake Superior. It was very quite and peaceful. We loved the privacy a lot! Singed songs, laughed loud with no worries at all. I want to mention how friendly, polite and helpful Cole was! He took us to Bean and Bear lake which saved us at least 5 hours. He also took us to very beautiful spots that we had never been. He knows area very well and is very knowledgeable about the plants and animals living there. You can feel how much he respects the nature. He has very cute dog named Tucker and he is such smart, fun boy with full of energy! Added so much fun to our trip. During our stay Cole also shared his experiences, gave useful information about hiking trails, showed us the best spots to see sunsets/sunrise and northern lights. He has very nice plans/ideas about the area which already makes us exciting about our next trip there. Thank you, Cole! You are fantastic! People, don’t even think, just book it!
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Gunay K.
3 reviews
We enjoyed our stay here! Cole was very helpful with suggestions for great hikes/ places to visit. Our trip was short, so we didn't get to check everything out, but maybe next year. :) The location was beautiful and quiet - heard a lot of thunder the first night, though! There was plenty of room to set up the tent, and there was a fire pit and a couple chairs for us to use. Plus, firewood is offered for sale - very convenient.
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Kristin H.
5 years on Hipcamp
Great off-the-grid stay on Cole's property, centered perfectly between Tettegouche State Park visitor's center and Split Rock Lighthouse State Park (10-15 mins drive).
Cole was a very responsive host and easy to communicate with (text/call). He met us on a 4-wheeler once we arrived at the provided address and guided us to the campsite. This was a primitive site on his property located about one mile up a mountainside on a dirt/gravel road. There's no access to water/electricity and about a 15-yard walk from the parking spot/area into a wooded campsite. Provided was a couple of chairs surrounding a fire pit, some firewood, and tarps just in case it rained.
At the base of the mountain and less than 10 minutes away is the Black Beach Campground in Silver Bay, MN where you can access toilets/freshwater.
Note: We had about 1-bar of cell service throughout the area (Verizon). Calls in/out were okay, but the internet was way slow.
Laine D.
3 reviews
I messaged Cole to let him know that we were running a bit late and would not make it for the first night we had reserved. I received no answer but thought nothing of it. When we arrived the following day, the address brought us to a property that had a sign posted addressing the land as someone named Steve. We drove back until the road wouldn't support a vehicle of our nature. There was no area clear for pitching a tent or having a fire. Tall grass and trees throughout. I called Cole to make sure we were at the right spot, but received no answer and no call back. I would like to be refunded or at least one night as we left and had to make other arrangements. Because we were late to arrive I understand if both nights cannot be refundable.
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Kate S.
2 reviews
Great private spot for a backcountry camping family get together! This location fit our family perfectly. We had a larger group of 8 people which included 3 tents, a 13'x9' bug screen tent and a pop up changing room tent/makeshift potty and we still had plenty of room to sit around the fire together! Cole had excellent communication skills (if he hasn't given you his number directly make sure to message through Hipcamp, he answers quickly!). To get to the spot you take some bumpy and small uphill rocky roads but they were no problem for our Subaru and Jeep. We even had a car make it up and down several times but wouldn't recommend if it's wet. There's an address on Hipcamp that will bring you about halfway to the spot but make sure to meet with Cole to follow him the rest of the way because the address doesn't bring you to the exact spot. One of the best parts about the location was how close it was to lots of amenities like Black Sand Beach and Tettagouche State Park. Really amazing spot. Bugs were not bad first day but we came back fro a hike pretty sweaty and icky in the evening day 2 and the mosquitos weren't super friendly (to be expected) so our bug tent was very useful! No bathroom but a jug of water, pop up changing tent, and a bucket with kitty litter worked great! If you love a good off grid backcountry camping experience this is the place for you! Look no further! Cole was very friendly and made us feel welcome!
Samantha G.
4 reviews
Not recommend
· July 2021
We arrived a day late. When I reached out to Cole on the update I got no response. When we arrived to the location there was no visible area to camp, tall grass and no clearings. I called cole to make sure we were at the correct location. I got no answer and no call back. I would like for my trip to be refunded as we did not stay and could not contact the host
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Kate S.
2 reviews
We really enjoyed our stay here! The campsite is very private and in an awesome location (excellent cell service with Verizon, btw). We had a massive tent and had a ton of space for it, hammocks, a campfire, chairs and a table, etc. I loved how secluded it was while also being close enough to other people/places that I didn’t feel too afraid (I’m a chicken haha). Cole was beyond helpful during our stay and is very quick to respond if you need anything. He’s very knowledgeable and kind! We were met on arrival and he helped us set up (even in a dense fog/rain!). Their home is a tiny house just up the mountain. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to meet their cute dog, too!
We took a RAV4 and had no issues getting to the place. I think any car would be completely fine if you take it slow. It’s a pretty standard dirt road with some bumps but nothing a decent vehicle can’t handle. Super close to Tettegouche State Park (best views/never really crowded!) and not too far from Gooseberry Falls. The town of Silver Bay has a gas station and a few places to eat/drink if that’s your jam. The Black Beach (5 min drive) is really beautiful with rocks you can climb around and great views. There’s also a nice picnic area there, too! Ask Cole about the app you can download for maps of hiking trails. We didn’t explore their property much (we were pretty busy!) but it butts up against the Tettegouche State Park and has access to the Superior Hiking Trail. The bike trail is also very close and stretches on for ever! Next time, I would probably want to bring my bike and just cruise on the trail along the lake.
Overall, 10/10 and I would (and will!) absolutely return!
Samantha K.
2 reviews
Recommends
· May 2021
Cole was very welcoming and communicative. He showed us the way up to the camp site and made sure we had everything we needed. The site was beautiful with a good view!
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Riga M.
6 reviews
Recommends
· October 2020
The site was better than advertised! Very secluded spot in the hills with a beautiful view, the drive up to the spot was a very steep dirt road that was a blast to drive up and added to the feel of seclusion and ruggedness of the site (Whether on purpose or not). There was plenty of firewood available and hiking trails throughout the land, but I didn't get the chance to check them out.
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Joseph D.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2020
Group trip ·
Off grid camping site
Funny Farm was awesome!!! Cole was a super cool host and the whole trip was so much better than expected.
We went during the fall and staying here was totally worth the cold night. The views were way better expected, Cole and his puppy took us around the property showing the cliffs with views I didn’t even know we had in Minnesota, let alone something I could find on hipcamp. The whole experience was way better than I could’ve expected and I’d recommend it to anyone.
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Ben C.
5 years on Hipcamp
What a fantastic stay we had here! Cole was great with communicating and him, his wife and his adorable puppy were welcoming, gracious hosts. The site was remote but felt very safe and Cole even took us on a nice walk to close out the evening. Incredible views!! Highly recommend. We hope to come back soon!
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Brittney B.
5 years on Hipcamp
It was really cool! Totally private on the north shore. Private tree canopy overlook just a few steps away. Go when there are no leaves and you can see lake superior!
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Jessica C.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2020
Super cool land with a nice spot to put your gear. Lots to explore!
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Garret T.
5 years on Hipcamp
This was a beautiful site and very private but also felt safe. The owner is so nice and gives you a lot of direction in where to go. He showed us how to get on the gorgeous hiking trails just down the road from the site.
Emily C.
3 reviews
Recommends
· August 2020
Group trip ·
Off grid camping site
Cole and his wife were very friendly and helpful. They gave us a lot of suggestions for places to go and see and actually offered to show us some of the trails. Since we didn’t have a 4 wheel drive vehicle, he helped us haul our gear. But one note, the hike up the mountain is exhausting! Our site was clean and private and the area is gorgeous with so many things to see and do! Would definitely recommend if you want to get off the grid!!
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Kari G.
5 years on Hipcamp
Cole and his wife were great hosts & the site was beautiful! We were able to make it up with a 2WD when the road was dry, but after rain (which we had) you’ll need a 4WD. Cole was super accommodating and helped us haul our stuff down before we left.
One thing that might be helpful to know - the mini shelter pictured in the listing is not part of the campsite you rent. It was a little deceiving as we intended to store our food in there over night, but it ended up being no problem! This is the perfect place to stay if you want to explore the nearby parks while avoiding the large crowds. Highly recommend!
Haley G.
5 years on Hipcamp
Thank you, Cole! What an awesome piece of land in an amazing area. You were super helpful and you had an awesome camp set up for us. We had an amazing camp. We can’t wait to come back up to silver mountain.
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Jake A.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2020
Camp site as described and we had an excellent experience. Will definitely recommend.
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Bree M.
5 years on Hipcamp
Cole is an awesome host, the property has absolutely excellent backcountry skiing opportunities and also snowmobiling trails basically right out the door. Great views of the surrounding mountains and lake Superior. Easy access to Tettegouche State Park (I think Cole said the property abuts the State Park) and all the services or Silver Bay are only about a mile by trail or two miles by road. By Snowmobile or ATV, the cabin is easily accessible, but the driveway up to the cabin is very steep so don't plan to drive a 2wd vehicle all the way up there (or at least not in winter). I mostly just skied but there is direct access to snowmobile trails that connect to all the trails up and down the whole North Shore. The cabin is simple, warm and cozy. You probably want to bring a propane camp stove or trail stove for cooking or just zip over to Silver Bay, Beaver Bay or Finland and go out to eat. Highly recommended to any winter adventurers!
Steven G.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2019
Group trip ·
Off grid camping site
Great experience! Went up with friends to explore the North Shore with our ATVs. We didn’t want to be at a campsite with a bunch of people; we wanted more privacy and that is exactly what we got. The owner even went with us on a ride and showed us around the area.
Adam P.
6 years on Hipcamp
Cole was a fantastic host and even helped us trailer in our heavy gear on his ATV! He also provided detailed directions that made the very secluded site easy to find and had two tents set up for us to use. The property is beautiful and close to the Superior Hiking Trail. There are a few awesome lookout spots for sunsets and stargazing that are amazing too. My only recommendation would be to clear out some more flat space at the site and make the trails on the property easier to find. Overall we enjoyed our stay and I would recommend The Funny Farm to anyone who is looking to have a private, secluded camping experience close to some great hiking trails.
Connor N.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2018
Cole's camping space was great! It was very private and back in the woods. You do have to ATV back to the site though (or walk) as i'm not sure how a vehicle would get back to it which I wasn't aware of when booking.
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Jenna N.
7 years on Hipcamp
Not recommend
· July 2018
Mr. Cole was a very nice and generous person. Offered to help me with all the questions I had. However the camp site was nothing according to what was posted on here. Getting to the camp site was a challenged and area was filled with tall grass. My friend and I ended up not using the site due to the conditions of the site.
John T.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2018
My wife and I stayed at this camp for 9 nights 10 days, and by far was the best camping experience we have ever had. The property is in a great location, everywhere we went there was always an amazing view. The ATV/OHV trails are directly next to the camp sites and are the best i have rode on. Cole and his wife Tara are very kind, they where very helpful, they are amazing people. We most definitely will be staying again!
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Jordan W.
8 years on Hipcamp
Location
Silver Bay, Lake, Minnesota, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Cole B.
Joined in July 2017Things to do nearby
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