Judge C.R. Magney Campground

Hello, fellow Minnesotans! Are you yearning for a North Shore escape that blends the tranquility of nature with convenient access to some of our state's most breathtaking natural wonders? Look no further than Judge C.R. Magney Campground. Nestled within Judge C.R. Magney State Park, just a stone's throw from the charming town of Grand Marais, this campground offers a unique and often quieter alternative for your next outdoor adventure along Lake Superior's magnificent coastline.

Judge C.R. Magney State Park is a tribute to a fervent advocate for Minnesota's state parks, and its campground reflects a commitment to preserving the rugged beauty of the North Shore. Unlike some larger, bustling campgrounds, Judge C.R. Magney Campground is described as a "smaller campground," providing a more intimate and less crowded experience for visitors. While some sites might feel "a little cramped and close to the road," particularly for larger RVs, the "outer ring areas are a little better and there are nice tall trees above you," offering that quintessential Northwoods ambiance.

This campground is a fantastic base camp for exploring the park's famous geological features, most notably the captivating Devil's Kettle waterfall on the Brule River. It's a place where you can unwind, unplug, and reconnect with the natural world, all while being within a short drive of Grand Marais' unique shops and eateries. For many Minnesotans, a trip up the North Shore is a cherished tradition, and Judge C.R. Magney Campground offers a authentic slice of that experience.

Judge C.R. Magney Campground is conveniently located within Judge C.R. Magney State Park at 4051 MN-61, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA. This prime North Shore location places it approximately 14 miles northeast of the picturesque harbor town of Grand Marais, making it easily accessible via Highway 61, the scenic byway that hugs the Lake Superior coastline.

Being a drive-in campground, accessing your campsite is straightforward by vehicle. The park generally operates from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, with quiet hours for registered campers from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. While the campground offers "easy access from the highway," some larger rigs, particularly those over 45 feet, might find the roads "narrow and the sites are both narrow and short," as noted by some RV campers. However, for tents and medium-sized trailers, the sites are generally manageable.

The true accessibility highlight of Judge C.R. Magney Campground lies in its immediate proximity to the park's popular hiking trails. The renowned Devil's Kettle Trail, leading to the mysterious waterfall where half the Brule River disappears, is directly accessible from the campground. Other trails, including sections of the expansive Superior Hiking Trail, also traverse the park, allowing campers to embark on scenic hikes right from their doorstep. This convenient access to a variety of recreational opportunities, combined with its North Shore location, makes Judge C.R. Magney a desirable spot for Minnesotans seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Judge C.R. Magney Campground, as part of the Minnesota State Park system, offers a range of essential services designed to provide a comfortable yet rustic camping experience. While some facilities are older, they provide fundamental amenities for a pleasant stay.

• 27 Drive-In Campsites: The campground features a total of 27 seasonal drive-in campsites. These sites are "semi-secluded," offering a balance of convenience and a sense of being in nature. They are suitable for tents and medium-sized trailers or RVs (with a 45' RV length limit and 30-50 foot parking spurs).
• Flush Toilets: The campground provides flush toilets, which are a welcome convenience in a state park setting. While one review noted the "bathroom building is older and needs to be redone," others describe the bathhouse as "very clean and centrally located" and "well maintained."
• Showers: Seasonal showers are available for campers, providing a refreshing amenity after a day of hiking or exploring. It's important to note that showers may be "off due to drought" or close early in the season due to freezing temperatures, so checking with park staff is advised. These facilities are generally "wheelchair accessible."
• Potable Water: Potable (drinking) water is available at the campground, ensuring campers have access to safe drinking water.
• Fire Rings and Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring for campfires and a picnic table, perfect for outdoor meals and gathering around a warm blaze.
• Vault Toilets: In addition to the main shower building, vault toilets are available throughout the park, including in the campground, and are typically open year-round.
• Firewood for Sale: Firewood approved for the park is available for purchase seasonally at the park office/ranger station. This helps prevent the spread of tree-killing insects.
• Trash Dumpsters: Designated trash dumpsters are available for waste disposal, making it easy for campers to keep their sites clean.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome in the campground but must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and attended at all times. Pet owners are responsible for picking up after their animals.
• Reservations Available: Campsites can be reserved well in advance through the Minnesota DNR's reservation system (mndnr.gov/reservations), which is highly recommended due to the popularity of North Shore parks.

While some reviews mention minor issues like an older bathroom building or occasional noise from other campers/dogs (common in any campground), the presence of essential services like flush toilets and showers significantly enhances the camping experience compared to more primitive backcountry sites.

Judge C.R. Magney Campground, situated within its namesake State Park, offers a compelling array of features and highlights that draw in visitors, especially locals looking for a memorable North Shore experience.

• Devil's Kettle Waterfall: The park's most famous attraction is the mysterious Devil's Kettle waterfall on the Brule River, where half the river plunges into a pothole of unknown destination. The hike to Devil's Kettle is directly accessible from the campground, offering an iconic and intriguing natural wonder.
• Scenic Hiking Trails: Beyond Devil's Kettle, the park boasts 9 miles of trails, including connections to the Superior Hiking Trail. These trails offer diverse terrain, scenic vistas of Lake Superior and surrounding forests, and opportunities for spotting wildlife.
• Brule River Access: The powerful Brule River flows through the park, offering scenic whitewater rapids and excellent opportunities for brook and rainbow trout fishing. The campground is located near where the river flows into Lake Superior.
• Quiet and Secluded Atmosphere (for a State Park): Despite being accessible from Highway 61 and having sites that can be close, many campers note the campground is "very quiet at night" and "isolated from the other parts of the park," providing a good level of solitude for a State Park.
• Tall Trees and Natural Surroundings: The campground features "nice tall trees above you" and "big trees throughout," contributing to a peaceful, natural ambiance and offering shade.
• Proximity to Grand Marais: Located just 15 minutes from Grand Marais, campers have easy access to the charming town's unique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and amenities, providing a blend of wilderness and small-town charm.
• Clean Facilities (Generally): Despite some comments about older buildings, many reviews praise the cleanliness and maintenance of the bathhouse and restrooms.
• Wildlife Observation: The park's wooded setting provides opportunities for birdwatching and spotting various wildlife, adding to the natural immersion.
• Accessible Features: The park provides some accessible features, including wheelchair-accessible showers and flush toilets, making it more welcoming for diverse visitors.

While some campers have noted issues with bugs (common in northern Minnesota's wilderness) or close site proximity, the overall draw remains the direct access to Devil's Kettle, the beauty of the Brule River, and the unique North Shore setting, offering a truly special camping experience.

Judge C.R. Magney Campground is an integral part of Judge C.R. Magney State Park, which is managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR). As a state park campground, there is a dedicated park office and standard contact channels.

Address: 4051 MN-61, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA

For reservations, general inquiries, and current park conditions, the following contact information is available:

Park Office Phone: 218-387-3039 (This is the direct phone number for Judge C.R. Magney State Park)

MN DNR General Information: 888-MINNDNR (888-646-6367)

Reservations: For campsite reservations, it is highly recommended to use the Minnesota DNR's online reservation system. You can book your site at mndnr.gov/reservations. Reservations can also be made by phone at 866-857-2757.

Park Office Location: The park office/ranger station is located on the road into the campground, on the west side of the Brule River. This is where you can check in, purchase park permits (required for all vehicles entering a state park), and buy approved firewood.

Website: For the most up-to-date information on park hours, seasonal updates, trail conditions, and amenities, please visit the official Minnesota DNR website for Judge C.R. Magney State Park (mndnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00193).

It is always advisable to check the park's official website or call the park office directly before your visit, especially for updates on shower availability (due to drought or seasonal closures), fire restrictions, or any other important advisories.

For us Minnesotans, Judge C.R. Magney Campground offers a quintessential North Shore experience that resonates deeply with our love for the outdoors and our pride in our state's natural treasures. It's perfectly suited for locals because it provides an accessible yet authentically wild escape along one of Minnesota's most iconic scenic drives.

While it might be a "smaller campground" with some sites "close to the road," these characteristics are often part of the charm of a well-located state park. The convenience of driving directly to your site, combined with the presence of essential amenities like flush toilets and showers, offers a comfortable balance that appeals to a wide range of campers, from families to solo adventurers. The trade-off of potentially hearing some road noise is far outweighed by the immediate access to the park's crown jewel: the mysterious Devil's Kettle waterfall and the pristine Brule River. For many of us, the chance to hike directly to this geological wonder, or cast a line for trout in the river, is precisely why we venture up the North Shore.

The "nice tall trees above you" create that classic Northwoods feel, and the relatively quieter atmosphere compared to some larger parks allows for a genuine sense of peace. It's a place where you can disconnect, gaze at the stars, and truly immerse yourself in the natural beauty that defines Minnesota. Whether you're a seasoned hiker looking for trails that connect to the Superior Hiking Trail, an angler seeking prime fishing spots, or simply a Minnesotan yearning for a refreshing break from the everyday, Judge C.R. Magney Campground provides an ideal base for creating lasting memories along our magnificent North Shore. It’s our state park, waiting for us to explore and cherish.

Judge C.R. Magney Campground

4051 MN-61, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA