Lake Superior Cart-in Campground

For Minnesotans drawn to the rugged beauty of the North Shore, the Lake Superior Cart-in Campground in Tettegouche State Park offers a unique and memorable camping experience. Nestled along the dramatic coastline near Beaver Bay Township, this campground provides a distinctive "cart-in" approach, allowing campers to transport their gear to secluded sites using provided carts. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the majestic landscapes of Lake Superior, with the convenience of a state park setting, while still enjoying a good degree of privacy and a taste of backcountry feel.

The Lake Superior Cart-in Campground is a distinctive section of Tettegouche State Park, one of Minnesota's most iconic and scenic state parks. Situated in Beaver Bay Township, this campground caters to campers who desire a more private and rustic experience than traditional drive-in sites, but with some amenities that primitive backcountry camping doesn't offer. The "cart-in" concept means that while you can drive your vehicle to a parking area, you then use provided carts to transport your camping gear to your designated site. This creates a buffer zone between the parking lot and the campsites, enhancing the sense of seclusion.

The campground consists of 13 cart-in sites, many of which are noted for their privacy. While some sites offer direct "Lake Superior views" and are "just a few feet from the cliffs overlooking the lake," others are set back from the shore, providing a different experience. Reviewers highlight the "very private campgrounds" and the useful inclusion of "carts to bring in your gear." Essential facilities like "very well kept bathrooms" (vault toilets, though flush toilets and showers are in the main Baptism River campground) and large "bear lockers" capable of fitting "two large coolers" are provided, adding to the convenience for campers. While some sites may experience highway noise, the overall appeal lies in its unique balance of accessibility and a more intimate wilderness feel along the spectacular North Shore.

The Lake Superior Cart-in Campground is located within Tettegouche State Park, near Beaver Bay Township, MN 55614, USA. Tettegouche State Park itself is a prominent feature on Minnesota's North Shore of Lake Superior, approximately 58.7 miles northeast of Duluth, along Highway 61, also known as the North Shore Scenic Drive.

Access to the Lake Superior Cart-in Campground begins at the Tettegouche State Park visitor center or a designated parking area specific to the cart-in sites. From there, campers load their gear onto carts provided by the park. The distance from the parking area to the campsites varies, with the furthest campsite being over half a mile away. This walk, while generally on a wide and well-maintained trail, requires a degree of physical readiness, as you will be pulling a cart with your camping equipment.

The unique cart-in access contributes to the campground's appeal by creating a quieter, more secluded environment compared to typical drive-in sites. While most of Tettegouche State Park is accessible via Highway 61, the cart-in nature adds a layer of adventurous spirit to the camping experience. It’s important for visitors to be prepared for the short trek with their gear and to check park maps for the exact location of their reserved site within the cart-in loop.

Lake Superior Cart-in Campground, part of Tettegouche State Park, offers a blend of rustic charm and essential amenities to ensure a comfortable stay while maintaining a close-to-nature experience.

• Cart Access: The defining service is the availability of carts at the parking area, allowing campers to transport their gear to their secluded sites. This eliminates the need for backpacking while still providing a walk-in feel.
• Bear Lockers: Each cart-in campsite is equipped with robust, bear-proof storage lockers. These are spacious enough to accommodate two large coolers, providing essential protection for food and scented items from wildlife.
• Well-Maintained Bathrooms (Vault Toilets): The campground features "very well kept bathrooms," typically vault toilets, which are maintained regularly. While not flush toilets or showers, their cleanliness is a notable positive for a more rustic setting. (Note: Flush toilets and showers are available at the main Baptism River campground, a short distance away).
• No Water at Campsites: As indicated by a reviewer, there is "no water at the campsites" themselves. Potable drinking water is generally available at central locations within the park, such as the visitor center or nearby pump. Campers should plan to bring their own water or be prepared to collect it from designated sources and transport it to their site.
• Picnic Table: Each campsite typically includes a picnic table for dining and food preparation.
• Fire Ring with Grate: A metal fire ring with a cooking grate is provided at each site for campfires and outdoor cooking, subject to any local fire restrictions.
• Designated Tent Pads: Cleared areas suitable for pitching tents are available at each site.
• Proximity to Park Facilities: While the cart-in sites are secluded, they are still within Tettegouche State Park, meaning visitors have access to the main park office, visitor center, and other amenities like firewood and ice sales (seasonally available).

Lake Superior Cart-in Campground stands out with several key features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for campers along Minnesota's North Shore.

• Unique Cart-in Experience: The distinctive cart-in access method offers a compromise between drive-in convenience and backcountry solitude. It allows for more gear than backpacking while providing a more secluded setting than car camping.
• Exceptional Privacy: Reviewers consistently highlight the "very private campgrounds." The spacing and natural screening of sites contribute to a sense of seclusion, allowing campers to enjoy their natural surroundings without feeling crowded.
• Secure Bear Storage: The inclusion of large, effective "bear lockers" is a significant advantage, providing peace of mind for campers concerned about wildlife and ensuring proper food storage.
• Proximity to Lake Superior: Many sites offer stunning views of Lake Superior, or are within a short walk to access the shoreline, providing opportunities to listen to the waves and enjoy the majestic lake. (Note: some sites are further from the lake or have limited direct access).
• Access to Tettegouche State Park Trails: The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the extensive and rugged trail system within Tettegouche State Park, including access to parts of the Superior Hiking Trail, waterfalls (like High Falls on the Baptism River), and scenic overlooks like Shovel Point.
• Rugged North Shore Beauty: Campers are surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of the North Shore, characterized by rocky cliffs, dense forests, and the vast expanse of Lake Superior.
• Good for Hiking: As one reviewer noted, if rated as a "hiking trail," the access path is "wide and well-maintained," making the journey to the campsite pleasant for those who enjoy a short hike.
• Lakeside Ambience (for some sites): For those fortunate enough to secure a lakeside site, falling asleep to the sound of crashing waves is an unforgettable experience.

The Lake Superior Cart-in Campground is part of Tettegouche State Park. Therefore, all inquiries and reservations should be directed to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) State Parks Division.

Address: Beaver Bay Township, MN 55614, USA (This refers to the general location of Tettegouche State Park.)

For direct contact and reservations, please use the following information:

Tettegouche State Park Office Phone: 218-353-8800

Minnesota State Parks Reservations: Reservations for campsites, including the cart-in sites, can be made online through the Minnesota DNR's reservation system at

www.reservemn.usedirect.com

Physical Address of Tettegouche State Park (for GPS navigation to the main park entrance/visitor center): 5702 Highway 61, Silver Bay, MN 55614.

For the most current information regarding park alerts, trail conditions, or seasonal updates, it is always best to check the official Minnesota DNR website for Tettegouche State Park or call the park office directly.

The Lake Superior Cart-in Campground in Tettegouche State Park is an exceptional destination perfectly suited for Minnesotans seeking a distinctive and rewarding outdoor experience along their beloved North Shore. For locals, this campground strikes a fine balance: it offers more privacy and a more immersive feel than traditional car camping, without the full rigors of a multi-day backcountry trek. The provided carts make it accessible for many, transforming the short hike into an enjoyable part of the adventure rather than a barrier.

Minnesotans will appreciate the robust bear lockers, a practical amenity that speaks to the true wilderness environment while ensuring safety. While some sites might experience highway noise, many North Shore locals are accustomed to the ambient sounds of the region, and for others, the rhythmic crash of Lake Superior's waves can easily become a soothing backdrop. The opportunity to camp in such close proximity to Lake Superior, with the chance to wake up to its vast, ever-changing beauty, is a powerful draw for those who call Minnesota home.

Furthermore, the campground's location within Tettegouche State Park means immediate access to some of Minnesota's most spectacular hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic vistas. It's a prime base for day trips to explore the rugged cliffs, inland bluffs, and the iconic Baptism River. This blend of unique camping style, practical amenities, and unparalleled access to the North Shore's natural wonders makes the Lake Superior Cart-in Campground a compelling and highly suitable choice for Minnesotans eager to create unforgettable memories in their own backyard.

Lake Superior Cart-in Campground

Beaver Bay Township, MN 55614, USA