Finland Campground

For Minnesotans yearning for a true escape into the Northwoods, Finland Campground offers a serene and authentic camping experience. Located in the charming, unincorporated community of Finland, Minnesota, this state forest campground is a gem for those who appreciate simplicity, natural beauty, and direct access to some of our state's most beloved outdoor activities. Unlike larger, more developed parks, Finland Campground embraces a rustic charm, providing a peaceful retreat where the sounds of the Baptism River and the rustling leaves replace the noise of daily life.

This campground is a prime destination for adventurers seeking a balance between accessibility and a genuine wilderness feel. It's a place where you can pitch your tent or park your RV amidst towering trees, enjoy crackling campfires, and embark on thrilling explorations of the surrounding Finland State Forest. Whether you're a hiker eager to explore nearby trails, an angler hoping to cast a line in the Baptism River, or an ATV enthusiast looking to hit the designated trails, Finland Campground serves as an excellent basecamp for all your North Shore adventures. It’s a testament to Minnesota’s commitment to preserving its natural landscapes, providing a welcoming yet untamed environment for locals to reconnect with the great outdoors.

Finland Campground is ideally situated at State Hwy 1, Finland, MN 55603, USA. This places it deep within the Finland State Forest, a vast expanse of remote boreal forest north of Lake Superior. While nestled in a natural setting, its location off State Highway 1 provides relatively straightforward drive-in access, making it convenient for many Minnesotans traveling from various parts of the state.

The campground is strategically positioned at the confluence of the east and west branches of the Baptism River, adding a picturesque riverside element to many of its campsites. It is approximately 7 miles from the shores of Lake Superior and its associated attractions, including the popular Tettegouche State Park. This proximity allows for day trips to the iconic North Shore, while the campground itself maintains a more secluded and quiet atmosphere away from the busier coastal areas.

Accessibility within the campground itself is designed for both tent and RV camping. Sites are generally drive-in, featuring cleared areas with gravel pads, making setup relatively easy for vehicles of various sizes. However, it's important to note that some areas of the Finland State Forest are more remote and have limited or no vehicle access, reinforcing the natural, undeveloped character of the region. The campground's location also offers direct ingress and egress for ATVs to 15 designated campsites, providing convenient access to the extensive Moose Walk/Moose Run and Red Dot ATV trail systems. This blend of drive-in convenience and proximity to wilderness areas and recreational trails makes Finland Campground a highly accessible and attractive option for a diverse range of outdoor enthusiasts.

Finland Campground, as a state forest campground, provides essential services focused on facilitating a rustic and enjoyable camping experience without excessive frills. The emphasis is on connecting with nature while having basic necessities at hand.

• Drive-in Campsites: The campground offers 39 drive-in campsites, accommodating both tents and RVs. These sites consist of a cleared area, a fire ring, and a picnic table.

• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets (outhouses) are available throughout the campground, ensuring basic sanitation for campers.

• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available at a central location within the campground, often via a hand pump or spigot, ensuring campers have access to safe drinking water.

• Garbage Cans: Designated garbage cans are provided for waste disposal, though campers are always encouraged to minimize waste and practice "pack it in, pack it out" principles.

• Fire Rings and Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a sturdy fire ring for campfires and cooking, along with a picnic table for outdoor dining and meal preparation.

• ATV Access Sites: Uniquely, 15 designated campsites allow for direct ingress/egress with ATVs, providing convenient access to the adjacent Moose Walk/Moose Run and Red Dot ATV trail systems.

• Group Campsite: There is a reservable group campsite available, ideal for larger gatherings of families or friends. Reservations for this site can be made through Tettegouche State Park.

• First-Come, First-Served Basis: Most individual campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, providing flexibility for spontaneous trips, though it's always wise to arrive early during peak season.

It's important to note that Finland Campground does not typically offer electric hookups, showers, or flush toilets, reinforcing its primitive nature. Campers should come prepared for a more self-sufficient experience.

Finland Campground boasts several features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an authentic Minnesota experience:

• Riverside Setting: Situated at the confluence of the east and west branches of the Baptism River, the campground offers a beautiful riverside backdrop. The soothing sounds of the river and potential for riverside activities like fishing add greatly to the ambiance.

• Spacious, Wooded Sites: The 39 campsites are spread out and tucked into the woods, providing a good amount of privacy and a sense of being immersed in nature. The heavily wooded environment offers shade and a classic Northwoods feel.

• ATV Trail Access: A significant highlight for a specific segment of outdoor recreationists is the direct access to ATV trails from 15 designated sites. This makes it an ideal hub for exploring the Moose Walk/Moose Run and Red Dot ATV trail systems, attracting a vibrant community of off-road enthusiasts.

• Proximity to North Shore Attractions: While offering a rustic experience, the campground is conveniently located just about 7 miles from Lake Superior, Tettegouche State Park, and other iconic North Shore destinations. This allows campers to easily combine their serene camping trip with visits to waterfalls, hiking trails, and the stunning Lake Superior shoreline.

• "Primitive" Charm with Essentials: The campground is considered "primitive," focusing on basic needs. This is a highlight for those who prefer a less commercialized camping experience. However, it still provides essential amenities like vault toilets, drinking water, fire rings, and picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable yet authentic stay.

• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Compared to some of the busier state park campgrounds along the North Shore, Finland Campground often offers a quieter and more peaceful environment, particularly outside of peak ATV season, making it perfect for relaxation and enjoying nature's tranquility.

• Hiking and Fishing Opportunities: The surrounding Finland State Forest offers extensive opportunities for hiking, with miles of maintained state forest roads and proximity to parts of the Superior Hiking Trail. The Baptism River and nearby warm-water lakes and trout streams provide excellent fishing opportunities.

• First-Come, First-Served Availability: While a highlight for some, the first-come, first-served system for most sites can be a benefit for spontaneous travelers, allowing for last-minute camping adventures when other reservable campgrounds are full.

These features collectively make Finland Campground a versatile and appealing destination for a wide range of Minnesotan outdoor enthusiasts.

Finland Campground is managed as part of the Finland State Forest by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). While there isn't a direct phone line to the campground itself, you can contact the relevant DNR offices for information, inquiries, or to reserve the group campsite.

For general information and inquiries about Minnesota State Forest Campgrounds, including Finland Campground, you can use the main DNR contact lines:

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) - Information CenterPhone: 651-296-6157 (Twin Cities Area) or 888-MINNDNR (646-6367) (Toll-Free)

For specific information or to reserve the group campsite at Finland Campground, contact Tettegouche State Park, which often oversees the reservations for nearby state forest campgrounds:

Tettegouche State ParkAddress: 5702 Highway 61, Silver Bay, MN 55614 (This is the park office, not the campground itself)Phone: 218-353-8809 (Tettegouche State Park Office) or 866-857-2757 (Reservations for Minnesota State Parks and Forests)

It is always highly recommended to check the official Minnesota DNR website (dnr.state.mn.us) for the most current information regarding camping fees, seasonal operating dates, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and any updates to the first-come, first-served policy for individual sites. The website often provides detailed maps and brochures for the Finland State Forest and its campgrounds.

For Minnesotans, Finland Campground stands out as an exceptional destination that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of our state's diverse outdoor offerings. Its blend of accessible drive-in sites and a genuinely primitive forest setting makes it an ideal choice for a wide array of local adventurers, from families seeking a quiet weekend escape to ATV enthusiasts looking for direct trail access.

Firstly, its location within the Finland State Forest, away from the immediate hustle of the Lake Superior shoreline but still within easy driving distance, provides a more secluded and tranquil experience. This allows locals to truly unwind and immerse themselves in the quiet beauty of the Northwoods without venturing into extremely remote backcountry. The presence of the Baptism River adds a serene soundtrack to your stay and offers opportunities for fishing or simply enjoying the flowing water, a quintessential Minnesota experience.

The campground's rustic nature appeals directly to those Minnesotans who value self-sufficiency and a simpler camping style. While offering essential amenities like vault toilets and drinking water, it encourages campers to rely on their outdoor skills and appreciate the natural environment without the distractions of modern hookups. This fosters a deeper connection to nature, reminding us of the importance of preserving our wild spaces. The first-come, first-served system for most sites also provides flexibility for spontaneous local trips, a convenience often appreciated by those planning last-minute getaways.

Furthermore, Finland Campground's unique ATV access to designated trails is a significant draw for a large segment of the Minnesota outdoor community. For local ATV riders, the ability to launch directly from their campsite onto extensive trail systems is a huge advantage, making it a go-to spot for motorized recreation. This versatility, combined with ample opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring the surrounding state forest, ensures that there’s something for almost every type of outdoor enthusiast.

In conclusion, Finland Campground serves as a quintessential Minnesota outdoor retreat. It offers a peaceful, authentic Northwoods camping experience with the right balance of accessibility and primitive charm. It’s a place where locals can reconnect with nature, engage in their favorite outdoor pursuits, and create cherished memories amidst the stunning landscapes that make our state so special.

Finland Campground

State Hwy 1, Finland, MN 55603, USA