North Shore MN

[ToddF]

Between Duluth and the Canadian border is the famous Minnesota North Shore. Lots of camping options and readily available boondocking.  Here are some tips for anyone interested in camping up here....

May 15-Sept 15 best weather.

MN state parks are all online now for reservations. Same day=no reservation fee. Jay Cooke is a great way to begin your trip. Black Bear Casino on nearby 35 allows ONP.

In Duluth across the famous lift bridge,you find Lake head Boat basin and marina which turns their pier into an RV Park in the summer.$35/night. Great fun watching the ships come and go.

Boondockers can continue out in the point and park on the street legally overnight. There is a small preserve on the right, park there free out of sightline of nearby homes. Very quiet and safe.

Two Harbors has a large campground on the lake, Burlington Bay with good sites for big rigs and FHU. You may boondock downtown in the parking area next to the railroad museum.

Further up the shore, Gooseberry falls has a nice campground (No HU but has a DS). There is lots of parking at the visitor center (no fee) and if you pull in late, could ONP.

Tetegouche SP also has camping with electricity sites. The visitor center has a large parking area and allows ONP.

The town of Silver Bay has a very small RV parking area (free) with a DS. (free will offering).

Lutsen Ski resort has a gravel overflow parking area about 1-2 miles off Hwy 61 that allows ONP.

Cascade SP is a gem with easy access to the shoreline, beautiful falls and a variety of hiking options.Smaller rigs could ONP in wayside rest area near Cascade Lodge.

In the city of Grand Marais there is a very large municipal CG with FHU and DS right on the harbor. Park free in town next to Cook County Whole Foods coop after 8PM.

At the end of the US portion of Hwy 61 there is Grand Portage SP with a large rest area, ONP allowed.

Avoid the city of Grand Marais during Fisherman's picnic, first week in Aug. Too crowded. Town is more fun without it.

Grand Portage Casino near border has a small RV park with FHU.

Off Hwy 61 up "1", Eckbeck State Forest CG is rustic, low cost on the beautiful baptism River only 3 miles off 61.

There are also Forest Service CG up the Gunflint Trail and other routes.

Even during peak season, can usually get into most CG midweek. If you are ok with boondocking, lots of options. Reservations accepted at most of the paid CG.

Stock up on groceries at Super One Foods in Duluth or Two Harbors.

Portions of the shore have paved bike trail...between Gooseberry and Split Rock SP is a nice 8 mile leg.

 

 

[ToddF]

All of the MN state parks have day use areas where you can park during the day and take advantage of the various amenities...then move to one of the boondocking areas mentioned in my OP for ONP. Each vehicle must have an annual sticker on it or you can buy daily vehicle permits as well.