The best camping near Gooseberry Falls State Park

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

98% (25 reviews)

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Community favorites near Gooseberry Falls State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Gooseberry Falls State Park

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Twisting Twig Gardens and Orchard

3 sites · Lodging40 acres · Bayfield, WI

My husband Rob and I own a 40 acre property approximately 10 miles from Bayfield, Wi. We have a micro organic farm with hundreds of wild apple trees and believe in leaving the land better than we found it. Rob loves permaculture, managing soils, pruning apple trees and feeding his community nutrient dense food. I work as a hospice nurse and help out on the farm when I am able and we have 2 boys, Arlo and Owen. We keep busy! We offer 3 rustic rentals onsite, but each is very private and secluded. Consider all 3 for a larger gathering! We look forward to hosting you for a farm visit.

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(944)

Balsam Ridge Retreat

8 sites · Lodging5 acres · Duluth, MN

Hey folks! Chris and I are taking a short break during the change of seasons. We're hoping for a big snowfall this winter, and that would be a good reason to open up at least a few of our sites! Keep an eye on our calendar if you'd like to experience a slice of winter in Duluth! Many folks that have visited our place refer to it as 'country living in the city'. We are so blessed to live in this little piece of serenity just inside the city limits of Duluth. It was once an abandoned house that sat for years, until a friend mentioned to us that it might be going up for sale. We loved the location and rolled up our sleeves. Twenty years later we still marvel at the beauty around us and can hardly believe that we LIVE here! Just down the road is a trout stream and just beyond that was a popular farm that attracted many folks to this neighborhood for hay rides and sleigh rides. The farm has since retired it's horses and closed it's doors to make room for new homes, but memories live on in the beauty of the open fields. I often imagine the sound of horses and sleigh bells and people singing carols and then warming up around a toasty fire sipping hot cocoa. Some of those memories live on right here at Balsam Ridge (minus the horses). Over the years many groups of folks have enjoyed a sense of community in these back woods no matter the season. Campfires, kids catching frogs, neighborhood campouts, snow picnics, hair-raising toboggan runs, family campouts, spiritual silent retreats, a take-your-breath-away giant swing, and some tales too daring to mention are all part of the fun. This is why we do what we do. We've been given much, and love to give back. It just wouldn't seem right to keep all this good to ourselves.

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Superior Beach Camp

2 sites · Tents10 acres · South Range, WI

Escape to Superior Beach Camp and immerse yourself in the beauty and privacy of a cleared camping area situated above 500' feet of sand and pebble beach on the world’s greatest lake. Agate campsite is very generously sized and is all yours. Surrounded by a mix of poplar and birch with a few white pine sprinkled in, the main camp area is set back from the lake atop a 70' bluff with peekaboo views of Lake Superior. A short walk down a private path from your campsite gives you access to a beautiful Lake Superior beach to swim, skip rocks, search for agates, or just enjoy the panoramic views of the lake and the town of Duluth on the opposite shore. Agate campsite previously featured a "look out point" that has been altered by the natural erosion of the red clay banks that comprise much of Lake Superior's south shore. While you can still access this area, doing so will require more effort and care, and we no longer allow camping on the point. Superior Beach Camp located is 2.5 hours north of the Twin Cities and perfectly positions you to discover all the wonders of the Twin Ports. Explore this amazing area or stay at camp, set up your chair in the sand and take in the many moods of Mother Superior. Watch the ships come and go to the sparkly backdrop of Duluth’s city lights. The crackle of a driftwood fire on the beach provides the perfect soundtrack as you watch for shooting stars and the aurora. Stock up on supplies and explore the charming industrial town of Superior, WI – 15 minutes from your campsite. Spend a day mountain biking the Duluth Traverse and touring the the wonderful local dining and tap room scenes of Duluth and Superior. Canal Park, downtown Duluth, is a 25 minute drive. If you’d like to venture further, you could meander up the North Shore. Or keep it local and check out Bayfield and the Apostle Islands – only 75 minutes East. Stop through the charming lakeside village of Cornucopia on your way. Or perhaps you’d like to experience world class trout fishing on the Brule River a half hour from Superior Beach Camp. Maybe Parks are your thing: Amnicon Falls, one of Wisconsin’s most beautiful State Parks, is reachable in 10 minutes by car. Drive a half hour further to Pattison State Park and take in Wisconsin’s tallest waterfall. On the Minnesota side, the magic of Jay Cooke State Park is 30 minutes west (and puts you on the doorstep of legit white water rafting). Whether you're looking for solace and relaxation in a blissful [great] lakeside setting or simply seeking a convenient place to rest your head while exploring the many adventures a stone’s throw from your campsite, there is something for everyone who camps here. Superior Beach Camp is a clean, quiet, peaceful, primitive setting. We appreciate that our campers help us keep it this way; remember to pack in any supplies or provisions you need, and leave no trace when you depart so our next guests can enjoy a clean campsite.

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(51)

Trembling Gardens

2 sites · Tents10 acres · Rice Lake, MN

PRIMITIVE - HIKE IN CAMPSITE Wilderness Experience Minutes from Duluth About the campsite: THIS PROPERTY IS RUGGED WITH MINIMAL DEVELOPMENT BEYOND HIKING TRAIL AND CAMP AMENITIES. Camp Palustria is on the edge of a beautiful marsh within 75 feet of a trout stream. It is about 1000ft off of the Superior Hiking Trail. The campsite is primitive which includes fire pit with grill, table, and composting outhouse. The site is about a 600ft hike from the road where you'll park. The first 400ft of the trail is a swamp with a simple elevated boardwalk through most of it. 95% of the time is it passable with hiking boats or street shoes, but there might be some muddy spots. Dispersed winter camping is also available. This campsite was featured on NPR Marketplace Campsite is closed during hunting season. About the property: Trembling Gardens is my 10 acre swamp camp paradise in the rural suburb of Rice Lake. The property is about 20 minutes away from downtown Duluth and Canal Park and has easy access to the North Shore.

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Amnicon Adventures & Retreats

8 sites · Lodging, Tents600 acres · South Range, WI

At Amnicon you'll find the perfect blend of far-enough-away and easy-enough-to-get-to. We're located at the end of a 5-mile-long dirt road, just 30 minutes outside of Duluth, MN. Our site features 600 acres of protected forests along the Amnicon River on the South Shore of Lake Superior. The wildlife is abundant, and we even have an eagle's nest on site. You'll enjoy falling asleep to the sound of the waves on Lake Superior, and waking up to 118+ species of birdsongs. We have an enormous sandy beach on Lake Superior that's a great place to watch the sunset and have a SMALL campfire. You're going to love it here.

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KJ|eventyr

2 sites · Lodging10 acres · Duluth, MN

Located 14 miles outside of Duluth’s Canal Park area, we have the perfect location for privacy, as well as, being close enough to enjoy Duluth’s many tourist attractions. We are also near multiple popular hiking, biking and skiing areas and state parks, such as Jay Cooke State Park and Spirit Mt. Our private apartment offers a deck overlooking our pond and forest area, with all the amenities of home and the natural atmosphere of camping. Our Forest Camper also offers many amenities in a smaller package.

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Eagle's Perch

1 site · RV, Tent4 acres · La Pointe, WI

Secluded island paradise located on lovely Madeline Island with 300 feet of lakeshore and stunning views of the coveted North Channel. Seven of the 22 Apostle Islands are visible on a clear day and not one electric light is visible from the property at night. Enjoy dramatic morning fog while you sip your morning coffee, frequent sailboat regattas during the day, and stunning double sunsets as they reflect across over 5 miles of open water. (ps. this reflective effect is also in play for the northern lights if you're lucky) Amenities: ZERO! (well, other than two fire pits and propane grill) Expect a nicely mowed lawn with space for up to 8 tents located right on top of a 100 foot cliff leading straight down to lake superior. If needed, showers, bathrooms, etc. are located 1.2 miles away at Big Bay Town Park. (no entry fee required) There you can also find the best beach on the island and canoes for rent if you'd like to explore the massive lagoon behind it chalk full of fish. Pack in, pack out. Enjoy!

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Wooded camping in Babbitt MN

5 sites · RVs, Tents36 acres · Babbitt, MN

Visit our rustic property which offers multiple camp sites in a wood-lined area in our very own backyard. Sizable, maintained sites are secluded and away from our home. They include a fire pit, and some have picnic tables available. Guests are welcome to choose any of the available camp sites upon arrival. RV ready. Sites do not include hook-ups/ electricity. Please note that we do not provide bathroom facilities at this time, visitors must provide their own and that sites are near our track, which is not for use. Camp 15 mi. from Ely MN, gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The property is only a minute from popular ATV trail access, and just minutes away from public lake access for fishing, boating and more. Be our guest and please allow us to share our piece of beautiful Northern Minnesota with you!

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(4)

Off-Grid Cabin

1 site · Lodging40 acres · Duluth, MN

A unique, octagon, cedar log cabin, situated on 40 secluded wooded acres. A short hike over the Sucker River on a storybook foot bridge to a generous deck which surrounds the cabin. You will need to be very physically fit to stay here. You must climb a steep ladder to the loft and do a 2ft step to get off the deck to the marshy land below. The cabin has a main room which holds two sofas and an indoor fireplace. There are games, books, binoculars and a telescope available for guest use. To access the sleeping loft, climb a ladder. The sleeping loft holds a Sleep Number bed. Guests are welcome to use any spices, pantry items and cookware that are in the kitchen. There is no running water in the kitchen or bath. There may be well water in the blue/green jerry cans . You could use that for the sauna or washing dishes. Guests need to bring their own potable water. We recommend 1 gallon of water per person each day spent at the cabin. We do usually have a small amount of water in water cooler containers which is from the local grocery, filtered water for you to use in a pinch if needed. ***the sauna DOES NOT get above 120 degrees in the winter, you’re welcome to try a winter sauna, but it’s will not be very hot at all**** ***no running water*** ***no shower, there is a sauna for a sauna bath*** ***do not book this cabin if you need to charge any medical equipment*** ***do not book this cabin if you can not do a 2ft step on and off the deck of the cabin to get down to the ground to build a sauna fire or bonfire. The land is a marsh and it shifts with the season so there are not steps secured to the deck****

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(8)

Old Finnish Homestead

2 sites · RVs, Tents38 acres · Brimson, MN

Looking for a private retreat to get away from it all? This 38 acre property is just the spot! The pine lined driveway guides your way to the homestead or your campsite. Step inside the homestead and you will find turn of the century, farmhouse charm with a large farmhouse table to gather in kitchen, stove, island, hardwood floors and original to the homestead windows. Cozy up by the wood burning fireplace in the living room with salvaged barn wood walls and beamed ceiling details. If camping is more your style you will find an easy to back into site located just at the end of our beautiful driveway. The campsites are gravel and are well marked for easy set up. All campers and guests at the homestead will have access to the outhouse on the property. We take pride in keeping our outhouse very clean. Across the dirt road you will find the Historic Toimi School and Rest Area. At Toimi School you will have access to potable water and pit toilets. We do not have running water at the homestead, so the closest potable water source is Toimi School. Wild raspberries line the homestead and the road, bring your bucket to fill as you walk over to fill your jug of water. We have a stream that runs thru our 38-acre property, if you care to hike along any of the trails that have been cut you may find it! We have Adirondack chairs for lounging and an outdoor play kitchen with toys for the kids. The fire pit on the homestead is shared among the campers and the homestead guests. Feel free to start a fire in the pit and pull up a chair. Enjoy the company of your fellow camper! The homestead is located in the perfect spot for the North Shore explorer! 1 hour 18 minutes to Ely, 30 minutes to Two Harbors and Silver Bay, 1 hour 50 minutes to Grand Marais. Countless other stops along the way including Black Beach, Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse and Iona's (Pink) Beach.

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(9)

Sunset Bay Getaway

3 sites · RVs1 acre · Duluth, MN

Please Note: This is an Adults Only Hipcamp Location. Enjoy your stay at Sunset Bay Getaway in your own self contained RV or camper and enjoy the views of our beautiful lake. Relax in the evening around the firepit. We do offer firewood for sale. Just enjoy being in nature, listening to the sounds of the frogs and birds. Grab a bite to eat at a local bar/restaurant 1 mile away. ATV trails, fishing, hunting and nature walks all available close by. Dogs allowed but must be leashed and cleaned up after. Adults only. We do not have hookups for water, sewer or electric. We do not have restrooms or any facilities for hipcampers to use. All Hipcampers must have self contained RV's/Campers. The driveway to the camping/parking spots is a tad of a slope so keep that in mind when booking. The max length we allow is 34 Feet long due to the road to the camping spots. You might drag your bumper or hitch on your way down the hill to the spot. It's not hard to drive, it just is a bit steep and only gravel. We are always here to help if need be when you arrive. Bring bug dope, the bugs can be very hungry right about dusk time til about 30 min after the sun goes down. If you have kayaks or paddleboards you are welcome to bring them and enjoy the lake. Watercraft (boats/jet ski's) not allowed. This is a primitive camping spot, meaning no hook ups or WiFi. (no water/sewer/electric/wifi)

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Kick Back Tiny Shack

1 site · Lodging6 acres · Duluth, MN

About this space The "Kick Back Tiny Shack" has a queen size bed, small futon bed (for a child) along with two single camp cots. This tiny house can sleep up to four people (2-3 most comfortably) depending on your needs. There is a mini fridge with mini freezer along with a mini gas range/oven, microwave, coffee pot and toaster. There is a TV with only local channels available. Wi-Fi is available at nearby restaurants. AT&T works well here, all others are very sketchy. The cabin has a freestanding gas fireplace to keep you cozy and warm. Come prepared to relax. This is a rustic cabin with all amenities so no need to pack up dishes, bedding, towels, etc. (bring sleeping bag and pillow for anything other than the queen size bed.) The kitchen is fully stocked with your basic cooking and dining essentials. If you don't want to do dishes you are welcome to bring your own paper plates, etc. Coffee, Salt, pepper, dish soap and hand soap, toilet paper and one roll of paper towels provided. There is no running water, but you will be supplied with pump faucet with 10 gallons of water for the kitchen sink for doing dishes, etc. There is also a pump faucet for the outhouse sink. You can heat water on the stove with the camp coffee pot supplied. In addition, 1 gallon of drinking water will be supplied also. There is a heated outhouse next to the cabin which has a shower stall in which you can shower with an electric pump shower and on demand water heater. Towels will be available and if you need more water, you can contact us, and we can refill at our home which is located next door. Please allow notice in case we are not home at the time. The contact information will be provided with your booking confirmation. You have your own private yard on our 6 acres with a screen tent & BBQ pit in the summer months, firepit and grill off of the back deck year-round. If you chose to bring a four-wheeler, canoe, boat or snowmobile there is plenty of parking space depending on the quantity. Come and unwind or explore the many wonders that the Northwoods has to offer! AT&T works well but all other cell services are sketchy. The interior of the cabin is newly refinished. The exterior will be improved as time goes by.

The best camping near Gooseberry Falls State Park guide

Overview

About

Next time you find yourself on Minnesota’s scenic Highway 61, do everything you can to pull over for the stunning views at Gooseberry Falls State Park. The region has been a seat of human activity on the north shore of Lake Superior since at least 1670, and it’s no wonder—the river gorge carved out of ancient rock and five many-tiered waterfalls will literally take your breath away, and developed modern camp sites provide comfort and ease so you can spend more time exploring.

Bike the paved Gitchi-Gami trail, or hike any of the connector paths to the Superior Hiking Trail system. Pack some sammies and enjoy the Picnic Flow area, situated on an ancient lava flow that provides great views of Lake Superior. Check out the historic rustic granite structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, whose design was overseen by Italian stonemasons and is very colorful. With so much to do, it’s worth it to invest in the year pass if you live nearby—for Minnesotans, the first time at Gooseberry is never the last.

Nearby attractions

If paddling under starlit skies and waking up to serene lakeside views sound idyllic, consider camping near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. A journey here offers an unspoiled Boundary Waters camping experience with ample wildlife, fishing, and wilderness exploration.