Located high above the rocky shores of Lake Superior, George Crosby Manitou State Park offers 21 backpack campsites along the Manitou River and quiet Benson Lake. The terrain is challenging and campers may have to hike more than four miles to reach their site. Efforts will be rewarded with cascading waterfalls that tumble through a volcanic canyon and the seclusion of the Minnesota Northwoods. Campsites are primitive with fire rings and field latrines provided. Water is available from Benson Lake or the Manitou River. Boil or filter before using. The campground is managed by nearby Tettegouche State Park. Advanced reservations are available for some campsites.
George Crosby Manitou State Park
c/o Tettegouche State Park
5702 Hwy. 61
Silver Bay, MN 55614
218-226-6365
dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/george_crosby_manitou/
Covering more than 1 million acres of river valleys, bluffs and gurgling spring-fed streams in southeastern Minnesota, the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest offers campers seeking remote patches of land plenty of options. Seven primitive campgrounds offering basic amenities lie within the forest. In addition, the entire forest is one big campground. Dispersed camping is allowed anywhere on state land within the forest. Campers can follow one of many quiet streams through the valleys and pitch a tent when they find the perfect clearing. Rainbow, brook and brown trout are abundant. Camping is free and no permit is required for dispersed camping. Self-registration and nominal fees are required for the forests seven campgrounds.
Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest
c/o Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155
651-296-6157
dnr.state.mn.us/state_forests/sft00033/
Campers will need a boat to access the Hinsdale Island Campground on Lake Vermilion. Located in the northwest corner of one of the state’s largest and most picturesque lakes, the campground offers 11 remote sites spread across heavily wooded Hinsdale Island. Fire pits, picnic tables, bear boxes and field latrines are provided with each site. The lake offers quality fishing opportunities and is especially known for its walleye. The campground is located in the Kabetogama State Forest and is managed by the nearby Soudan Underground Mine State Park. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and have a 14-day maximum stay.
Hinsdale Island Campground
c/o Soudan Underground Mine State Park
1302 McKinley Park Road
Soudan, MN 55782
218-753-2245
dnr.state.mn.us/state_forests/facilities/cmp00030/
