You can enjoy your northern Minnesota camping trip in a wide range of areas and terrain. Water, however, is sure to come into play no matter where you go. With thousands of lakes, rivers and streams blanketing the glacial landscape, northern Minnesota lends a heavy dose to the state's well-known moniker. Plenty of outdoors activities can be found around your campsite to enhance any camping experience.
Lake Superior
Minnesota stretches for approximately 150 miles along Lake Superior's north shore. There are seven state parks and numerous public and private campgrounds for you to pitch your tent in along the lake. The Sawtooth Mountains, inland lakes, cascading streams and rocky shore-line cliffs are your playground. Sea-kayak the lake, climb the cliffs or explore the rugged paths of the Superior Hiking Trail through the mountains.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Venture deep into the wilderness in your canoe along a vast network or lakes and streams in this pristine wilderness area. Permit camping is allowed at over 2,000 designated campsites in the U.S. Forest Service-managed area. Commercial outfitters can help you plan a route for overnight or multi-day treks. You can choose from moderate to extremely challenging routes into the wilderness interior. Numerous hiking trails give you backpacking access to a number of camping locations.
Voyageurs National Park
Water is your only option for traveling to your campsite in Voyageurs National Park. Straddling the Canadian border, the park offers 200 campsites which are accessible only boat. Free permits are required for camping. You can ply four major, connected lakes in search of your preferred campsite on the shore. Many sites are located on the thousands of islands that dot the lakes. Numerous hiking trails exist within the park to help you stretch your legs on land.
Lake of the Woods
You can kayak, windsurf, sail, swim and fish on nearly a million acres of clear water on the Lake of the Woods in Minnesota's Northwest Angle. Mountain biking and hiking trails lie along the lake's shores. Numerous state, public and private campgrounds can give you access to the lake. Known for its abundant walleye, fishing on Lake of the Woods is world class. The lake is surrounded by coniferous forest and is shared with Canada.
Northwest Region
Tallgrass aspen parkland and gently-rolling prairies dominate the terrain of Minnesota's northwest region. The Red River stretches the length of Minnesota's border with North Dakota as it makes its way north to Canada. You can camp at Lake Bronson or Old Mill State Park or head to the Red River State Recreation Area for an urban camping experience in East Grand Forks that includes access to multi-purpose paved trails for hiking and biking.
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