- Pat Bayle State Forest
The best camping in Pat Bayle State Forest, MN
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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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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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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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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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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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Stay at a public campground in Pat Bayle State Forest
Top-rated campgrounds
The best camping in Pat Bayle State Forest, MN guide
Overview
About
Look out folks, cause the view up here is 100% spectacular! Where are we? We are at the top of Eagle Mountain, Minnesota’s highest point. At the very tippy top it’s a whole 2,301 feet above sea level, rising from the heart of Pat Bayle State Forest.
To get here, you’ll have to travel all the way to the far northeast corner of the state. But boy is it worth it! Besides the hiking and the I-gotta-whip-out-my-camera-right-this-minute views, there’s a smorgasbord of year-round activities to keep you busy all 365 days. Fishing, boating, snowmobiling, dogsledding and ice fishing are all on the rotating seasonal menu, and those are just the starters. So get on up to Pat Bayle and dig in!
Notable campgrounds
- The Walter Stark Horse Campground provides an equestrian-friendly camping experience with road and campsite improvements underway.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- Book early to secure your spot at the popular Walter Stark Horse Campground, especially during peak seasons.
- Check for cancellations regularly as plans change and spots may open up unexpectedly.
- Consider visiting during the weekdays for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
- Explore nearby camping options if the Walter Stark Horse Campground is fully booked.
When to go
The best time to visit Pat Bayle State Forest is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer offers lush greenery but can be busy, while winter may present challenges with snow and cold temperatures.
Know before you go
- Check the latest park updates for any road or campsite improvements that may affect your visit.
- Remember to pack essentials for outdoor activities, including sturdy footwear for hiking and appropriate gear for horseback riding.
- Be aware of local wildlife and practice safe viewing from a distance.
- Ensure you have a valid fishing license if you plan to fish in the forest's waterways.
- For any inquiries, contact the park office between 8:30am to 5pm for assistance.
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