The best camping near McCarthy Beach State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next McCarthy Beach State Park adventure.

Discover the serene beauty of McCarthy Beach State Park.  

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Top-rated campgrounds near McCarthy Beach State Park

99%
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Blue Pony Acres

3 sites · Tents6 acres · Eveleth, MN
Welcome to Blue Pony Acres. Thirty eight years ago we bought the remaining acreage and buildings from a northern Minnesota dairy farm. We have always enjoyed sharing our beautiful piece of the planet with friends. We want to share the beauty we experience every day with you. Leave your cubicle and the city life for a short respite in the north woods and enjoy one of our campsites. Bring your kids, your dog, camera, canoe, kayaks, and bikes. Pitch a tent or swing a hammock in the pines. Enjoy your private campfire while you hear the stars sing, watch the northern lights dance and count the shooting stars. On a clear night you might see satellites pass overhead. Lay your sleeping bag on the ground, snuggle in with hot chocolate and smores and watch the night light show in comfort. After a long day of hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing or photography cook over your private campfire. The firewood is free! Exercise and walk your leashed dog in the state land adjacent to your campsite. A private composting toilet is available at each campsite (we do not have vault toilets), We are 3.5 hours north of Minneapolis, MN., and one hour north of Duluth, MN. The Saint Louis River carry in landing is only 3.2 miles from your site. A 5 mile drive gets you to the Mesabi Trial, over 160 miles of paved hiking and biking trail stretching from the Mississippi River on the west almost to the boundary waters and Ely, MN on the east. Local lakes within a few minute drive have public landings for boat launch and canoe carry in for your boating and fishing enjoyment. The famous Sax-Zim Bog is within a half hour drive and a great place for wildlife photography, and they have an interpretive center and very nice volunteers to help you identify wildlife. We’re about 5 miles south of the United Sates Hockey Hall of Fame; a great day trip for you and your sports minded children. A few miles further and you’re outside the doors of the Natural Harvest Food Co-op; a great shop for organic foods. Get local fresh food for your evening meal. Sneak into Lisa’s raspberry patch for “desert” or pick some hopps from the back fence in September and take them with you for your next home beer batch. I’m told they’re “Cascade Hopps”. They have a grapefruit taste. Mmm good! We invite you to join us. Bring your camping gear, including camp cook stove (sometimes we’re under a fire ban). Ask your dog to bring it’s leash, yes we have a leash law. Warm clothes and light clothing as the weather changes. Rain gear. Your favorite bug repellent. Good hiking boots. Don’t forget bikes, canoes, kayaks, cameras, fishing gear, and maybe some band aids. Come to unplug and unwind and enjoy the clean air and sweet smell of the north woods. Come on up North! Come on up North!
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$38
 / night
100%
(6)

Heitke Acres and Camping

3 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Leonidas, MN
We live on a beautiful 80 acre parcel of land in the Mesabi Iron Range. Our property is a mix of field, forest, swamp, and creek. We also have a beaver pond where numerous beavers, otters, and other animals have been seen. We regularly see wildlife from our window as well. Our property really is a great central location for multiple outdoor activities such as mountain biking, cross country skiing, downhill skiiing, snowshoeing, fishing, off roading, swimming beaches, and the Mesabi Trail. We are only 5 minutes south of Eveleth and about 10-15 minutes south of Virginia. If you want to have a day trip to Duluth, it is just under an hour! We have free range chickens, so you may hear a morning greeting from our rooster! Feel free to bring chicken treats for your kids and they can feed them all day long. If you camp in the spring, there is a good chance you might be able to cuddle some chicks. This spring we even had a couple of goslings! Come in June and you will be able to pick beautiful wildflower bouquets of buttercups, daisies, iris, and more! If you come in the middle of the summer, plan on bringing some berry buckets with you. You can pick wild raspberries and blueberries throughout the property. Wild raspberries are small, but packed with flavor. If you are really lucky, you might find a little patch of wild strawberries! Our woods are an excellent place to forage for wild, edible, plants and mushrooms. We have found numerous varieties of each on our property. If you are brave enough to camp during a Minnesota winter there is a good chance one of us will be around to take you on our snowshoe trails throughout the property. Last year we were able to pack 3 miles of trail and enjoyed hosting several friends and family out for a 'shoe and hot chocolate. We are close to many lakes and the St Louis River. We have ample room for you to park your boats, rec. vehicles and etc! Our little pocket of the Iron Range is paradise and we love to share it with others. We hope to see you soon!
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$25
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94%
(17)

Odessa :.

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Cotton, MN
I restore neglected properties to a natural state, And provide campers with experiences to promote a love for nature. Odessa is named after a large port city in the country of Ukraine and a city in West Texas. USA. The land is located in a commercial zone in the small city of Cotton Minnesota. USA. Learn more about this land: Next to the Wilbert Cafe & El Toro Lounge, and Speedway gas station in Cotton Minnesota USA. Odessa, is located in the Central far East section of the Sax-Zim Bog.  USA. Near by is a Cafe, Two churches, A Community Center, US Post Office complex.  At the Community Center, Post Office complex and Park with child-playground, In the park is a out-house that can be used 24/7,  it is open to the public. All within the commercial district of Cotton Minnesota.  Also the outhouse has electricity and there is a light .... Sax -Zim Bog Welcome Center is 12 miles west. Bog's :   Winterberry Bog,  Yellow-bellied Bog, and Indian Pipe Bog, are just west on Arkola Road.  Fire wood is free, I have been cutting wood, but is still in short supply and fire banned while dangerous dry conditions persist. We have gotten rain so it is better now. For you light sleepers staying in a tent, just know none stop traffic off the highway and then the birds started chirping up a storm at 4:30 in the morning. Odessa is not a commercial campground.
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$16
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(1)

Tamarack Ponds

3 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Deer River, MN
Welcome to Tamarack Ponds Camping, your gateway to the pristine beauty of Itasca County, Minnesota. Nestled on 40 acres of private land adorned with ancient cedar, ash, and black spruce trees, our campground offers a serene nature retreat. Immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance, where the melodies of wildlife fill the air, creating a symphony of natural sounds. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, we have you covered with carefully curated camping spots. Two tenting spots equipped with fire pits and cooking grates provide the perfect setting for a cozy evening under the stars. For RV enthusiasts, we offer 1-2 spacious spots complete with 20, 30, and 50-amp electric hookups, a movable fire pit, ensuring a comfortable stay amid the wilderness. Situated between the charming towns of Cohasset and Deer River, and just minutes from the bustling hub of Grand Rapids, our private property campground offers easy access to a wealth of outdoor adventures. Explore world-class fishing lakes, traverse ATV trails, or embark on scenic hikes through lush forests—there's something for every outdoor enthusiast to enjoy. Fishermen and women are welcome to park here as their base camp, RV style fish houses are welcome. *FYI, this private property has a cabin and outbuildings on it, and the owner may be there while you stay. At Tamarack Ponds Camping, we invite you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with the natural world. Join us for an unforgettable camping experience in the heart of Itasca County.
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$20
 / night
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(4)

Whispering Pines

2 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Cotton, MN
In Northeastern Minnesota's Lake Country experience the tranquility of Whispering Pines, a hidden gem nestled in a picturesque Balsam and Spruce forest. Whether you’re craving the warmth of a crackling fire under the stars or an adventure along its scenic trails, this property offers a nature-filled retreat for all seasons. Settle into one of two well-appointed camping areas, each with its own firepit, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. Located just 40 minutes from Duluth and the Iron Range, Whispering Pines blends the peace of the wilderness with easy access to local attractions. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the property’s proximity to the Cloquet Valley State Forest, just across the road, offering hiking, snowmobiling, and over 20 miles of off-road vehicle trails. Birdwatchers, prepare to be amazed by the variety of species that frequent the property, or head over to the world-renowned Sax Zim Bog, only 20 minutes away. Anglers will appreciate nearby lakes with public access for a great day of fishing. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, Whispering Pines offers the best of Minnesota's lake country. Book your getaway today and immerse yourself in nature’s beauty.
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$12
 / night

The best camping near McCarthy Beach State Park guide

Overview

About

At McCarthy Beach State Park, you’ll never lose sight of the lakes. There’s a chain of ‘em, all connected, making this an adventurer’s playground, especially if you’ve got webbed feet, or like to fish. Paddlers will especially appreciate the hidden coves and peaceful shorelines, and Highways Magazine rated the sandy beach on Sturgeon Lake one of the top beaches in North America. Explore the park’s hiking and biking trails, relax on the shore, and refresh your body and spirit in the cold, clear waters of the beautiful lakes that make this park so special.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early to secure your spot, as campsites fill up quickly during peak seasons.
  • Consider visiting during weekdays for better availability and a quieter experience.
  • Stay flexible with your dates to increase your chances of finding an open site.
  • Explore nearby camping options to ensure you have a backup plan.

When to go

The best time to visit McCarthy Beach State Park is during the summer months when the weather is warm and all park facilities are fully operational. However, autumn also offers a stunning display of fall foliage. Winters can be harsh, with some amenities closed, so it's less ideal for a visit.

Know before you go

  • Highway 67 is closed; follow alternative routes provided by the park for access.
  • Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for seasonal conditions.
  • Be prepared for limited cell service; plan your route and communications in advance.
  • Remember to pack out all trash and respect the park's natural beauty.
  • For any inquiries, contact the park at 651-296-6157.

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