Cart-In Campground

Welcome, fellow Minnesotans, to an insider's guide to one of our state's most cherished and uniquely designed outdoor havens: Cart-In Campground. Nestled along the breathtaking North Shore of Lake Superior, this campground offers an unparalleled blend of rustic charm and convenient access to the natural wonders of Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. If you're looking to disconnect from the everyday hustle and reconnect with nature without venturing too far from home, Cart-In Campground in Beaver Bay presents an ideal opportunity for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

Unlike traditional drive-in campgrounds, Cart-In Campground provides a more immersive experience, encouraging a short, scenic walk from your vehicle to your campsite. This intentional design fosters a greater sense of tranquility and privacy, allowing you to truly appreciate the sounds of the forest and the lapping waves of Lake Superior. Whether you're a seasoned camper or looking to try something a little different, Cart-In Campground offers a refreshing take on the classic Minnesota camping trip.

Cart-In Campground is located at 5JV9+MM, Beaver Bay, MN 55616, USA, within the magnificent Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. This prime location places you directly on the iconic North Shore, renowned for its dramatic cliffs, pristine forests, and the majestic expanse of Lake Superior. The campground is easily accessible from Highway 61, the main artery that traverses Minnesota's North Shore.

While the campsites themselves are "cart-in," meaning you'll use provided wheeled carts to transport your gear a short distance from the parking area, the overall accessibility to the park and its surrounding attractions is excellent. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park offers well-maintained roads and parking facilities, making the journey to the campground straightforward for most vehicles. This design, which prioritizes a more secluded camping experience, is a hallmark of Cart-In Campground, ensuring a quieter and more intimate connection with the natural environment once you've settled into your site.

• Cart-In Sites: The campground is designed for a "cart-in" experience, with wheeled carts provided for transporting your camping gear from the parking area to your individual site. This ensures a quieter and more natural atmosphere.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, perfect for outdoor dining and meal preparation.
• Fire Rings: Every site includes a fire ring, allowing for cozy campfires and outdoor cooking (check for any burn bans or restrictions before lighting a fire).
• Animal-Proof Food Boxes: To protect your food from local wildlife and ensure a safe camping experience, each site provides an animal-proof food storage locker.
• Tent Pads: Designated tent pads are available at each site, offering a level and clear area for setting up your tent.
• Modern Restrooms: While the campsites are rustic, the campground area near the parking lot features modern shower buildings and flush toilets for your convenience. Note: Reviewers indicate showers are seasonal.
• Vault Toilets: For convenience within the campground loops, vault toilets are also available year-round.
• Drinking Water: Potable water is available for campers. While the park does not have a dump or fill station, you can fill up on water before arrival or at nearby towns like Two Harbors or Silver Bay.
• Firewood for Sale: Firewood can be purchased at the ranger station during its operating hours or through other designated payment methods, helping prevent the spread of tree-killing insects.

• Secluded Lake Superior Views: Many of the cart-in campsites boast spectacular views of Lake Superior, with some even offering direct, though sometimes challenging, access to the rocky shoreline. Imagine waking up to the sound of waves and the fresh scent of the lake!
• Exceptional Privacy: A key highlight of Cart-In Campground is the emphasis on privacy. Sites are generally well-spaced and often nestled among trees and interesting rock formations, offering a sense of seclusion that's highly valued by campers. One customer noted, "So private!"
• Proximity to Split Rock Lighthouse: As part of Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, campers have incredible access to one of Minnesota's most iconic landmarks. Visitors can explore the historic lighthouse, take tours, and capture breathtaking photos.
• Extensive Trail System Access: The campground provides direct access to a vast network of hiking trails within Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, including portions of the renowned Superior Hiking Trail. You can hike to scenic overlooks like Day Hill, explore cobble beaches, or venture further to discover hidden waterfalls and natural beauty.
• Unique "Back-Country" Character: The cart-in design and natural setting give the campground a distinct back-country feel, appealing to those who appreciate a more rugged yet still accessible camping experience.
• Bear-Proof Storage: The inclusion of secure storage for food at each site, as mentioned by a reviewer, offers peace of mind regarding wildlife.

As Cart-In Campground is part of Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, inquiries and reservations are typically managed through the park's channels.

Address: 5JV9+MM, Beaver Bay, MN 55616, USA (This is the approximate location of the campground within the park).

For general park information and reservations, it is best to contact Split Rock Lighthouse State Park directly.

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Phone: (218) 595-7625

For online reservations, visitors can usually book through the Minnesota DNR website or by calling their reservation line (e.g., 866-857-2757). While the user review mentioned "Ain’t no website for us to find or sign up for the camp site smh," it's important to clarify that camping in Minnesota State Parks is typically managed through the Minnesota DNR's official reservation system, which is web-based.

For Minnesota residents seeking an authentic and memorable outdoor experience, Cart-In Campground is an exceptional choice. Its unique cart-in design fosters a sense of privacy and immersion in nature that can be harder to find at more developed campgrounds. This makes it perfect for those looking to truly unplug and enjoy the tranquility of the North Shore.

The campground's location within Split Rock Lighthouse State Park means that campers have immediate access to world-class hiking trails, stunning Lake Superior vistas, and the historical significance of the lighthouse itself. Whether you're an avid hiker, a nature photographer, or simply someone who appreciates a quiet evening by a campfire under a starry sky, Cart-In Campground delivers. The provided animal-proof food storage and well-maintained restroom facilities add a layer of comfort and security to the rustic experience, making it accessible to a wider range of campers.

For locals, the relatively short drive to Beaver Bay makes Cart-In Campground an ideal weekend getaway or a quick escape from city life. It offers a chance to experience the wild beauty of Minnesota's North Shore without the extensive travel often required for more remote destinations. The blend of seclusion and accessibility, coupled with the natural splendor of the surrounding state park, positions Cart-In Campground as a truly suitable and highly recommended destination for Minnesotans eager to explore the diverse landscapes our state has to offer. Pack your bags, grab a cart, and get ready to create lasting memories along the shores of Lake Superior!

Cart-In Campground

5JV9+MM, Beaver Bay, MN 55616, USA