Schoolcraft Campground

For Minnesota locals yearning for a truly authentic Northwoods camping experience, Schoolcraft Campground, nestled within Schoolcraft State Park in Days High Landing, offers a unique and serene escape. This rustic campground is a hidden gem for those who prioritize peace and quiet over extensive amenities, allowing campers to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region. It's a place where the majestic "tall pines and quiet atmosphere make this rustic campground" a perfect retreat.

Schoolcraft State Park holds historical significance as the namesake for Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, who, guided by the Anishinabe, charted the headwaters of the Mississippi River. As the Mississippi River flows gracefully along the campground, it provides a tranquil backdrop for your outdoor adventures. Unlike busier, more developed campgrounds, Schoolcraft offers a sense of solitude, with "chances are few others spots will be booked," creating an intimate connection with nature. Whether you're a seasoned tent camper, have a smaller RV, or enjoy the simplicity of car camping, this campground provides a clean and welcoming environment to unwind and explore the wilderness that Minnesota is so famous for.

Schoolcraft Campground is located in Days High Landing, MN 56636, USA, within the beautiful Schoolcraft State Park. This positioning places it strategically along the Mississippi River, offering direct access to one of the nation's most iconic waterways. Days High Landing is a quiet area in Itasca County, known for its pristine natural landscapes and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities.

Access to Schoolcraft State Park and its campground is typically via paved roads leading into this northern Minnesota region. While the address "65FX+66" is a Plus Code for a specific location, general navigation would involve heading towards Deer River, MN, and then following signs for Schoolcraft State Park. The park itself is nestled deep in the Minnesota North Woods, providing a secluded feel while still being relatively accessible. For those coming from larger towns in Northern Minnesota like Grand Rapids (about 20 miles away), access is straightforward, with smaller selections of restaurants and gas stations found closer to the park along US-2. The campground's location along the Mississippi River means easy access for paddlers and anglers, making it a prime spot for those looking to explore the river's serene waters. The quiet nature of its location, combined with reasonable accessibility, makes it a desirable destination for Minnesota locals seeking a genuine wilderness experience without being entirely off-grid.

• Rustic Campsites: Schoolcraft Campground offers 28 drive-in campsites. These sites are designed to be rustic, providing a back-to-basics camping experience. They can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs up to 40 feet in length.
• No Electric Hookups: It's important to note that these are non-electric campsites. Campers should be prepared for an unplugged experience, relying on their own power sources if needed.
• Potable (Drinking) Water: Potable water stations are available within the campground, ensuring campers have access to fresh drinking water.
• Vault Toilets: The campground is equipped with vault toilets (also known as "biffies" or outhouses), which are non-flush restrooms. These facilities are maintained for cleanliness.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings/Grills: Each campsite comes with a picnic table for outdoor dining and a fire ring with a grate, perfect for campfires and cooking over an open flame.
• Boat Access/Ramp: The campground provides a boat access point and ramp directly onto the Mississippi River, making it convenient for those bringing canoes, kayaks, or small fishing boats.
• Group Camping: A canoe and group camp is available, suitable for tents only and accommodating up to 50 people. This area also has vault toilets and running water nearby.
• Self-Check-in Kiosk: As there isn't a traditional visitor center with regular office hours, Schoolcraft State Park typically operates with a self-check-in kiosk, requiring visitors to arrive prepared with necessary permits or reservation details.
• No Shower Facilities: In keeping with its rustic nature, there are no shower facilities at this campground. Campers should plan accordingly.
• No Dump Station: There are no sewer hookups or a dump station on-site, so RV/trailer campers must plan to use off-site facilities if needed.

• Mississippi River Frontage: A standout feature is the campground's location directly along the Mississippi River, offering beautiful views and direct access for water-based activities like canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
• Tall Pines and Quiet Atmosphere: The campground is characterized by its "tall pines and quiet atmosphere," providing a peaceful and serene environment ideal for relaxation and connecting with nature.
• Secluded and Uncrowded: Reviewers note that "chances are few others spots will be booked," suggesting a less crowded and more private camping experience compared to busier parks.
• Virgin Pine Forest: The surrounding Schoolcraft State Park is home to a magnificent virgin pine forest, including a "300 year old pine" tree, offering unique opportunities for hiking and nature appreciation.
• Excellent Fishing: The Mississippi River in this area is known for good fishing, particularly for walleye and northern pike, making it a prime spot for anglers.
• Hiking Trails: The park features nearly two miles of hiking trails, including the Hiking Club Trail, which winds through the beautiful forest and offers views of the river.
• Wildlife Viewing: The diverse natural environment provides opportunities for observing local wildlife, including abundant waterfowl along the river.
• Picnic Areas: In addition to campsite picnic tables, the park offers pleasant picnic areas, some surrounded by mature red and white pines, near the river and hiking trails.
• Historical Significance: The park is named after Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, adding a layer of historical interest related to the charting of the Mississippi River headwaters.
• Basic and Authentic Camping: For those who appreciate a less commercialized, more "back to basics" camping experience, the rustic nature of Schoolcraft Campground is a significant draw.

Address: 65FX+66, Days High Landing, MN 56636, USA (This is a Plus Code; for mailing or more general inquiries, refer to the Schoolcraft State Park information).

General Park Contact (Grand Rapids Area Office, which manages Schoolcraft State Park):

Phone: (218) 328-8984 (Grand Rapids Area Office)

Alternative Phone Numbers sometimes associated with Schoolcraft State Park: (218) 247-7215 or (866) 857-2757 (Toll Free)

Mailing address: Schoolcraft State Park, C/O Grand Rapids Area Office, 1201 East Highway 2, Grand Rapids, MN 55744

For reservations, current conditions, or specific questions about the campground, it is highly recommended to visit the official Minnesota DNR website for Schoolcraft State Park or contact the Grand Rapids Area Office directly.

For Minnesota locals, Schoolcraft Campground offers a refreshingly unadulterated opportunity to experience the state's renowned natural beauty. It stands as an antidote to overly developed campgrounds, providing a genuine "rustic campground" experience that many Minnesotans cherish. The ability to camp among "tall pines" in a "quiet atmosphere" along the iconic Mississippi River is a distinct draw, offering a deep connection to the land that is central to the state's identity.

Its relatively uncrowded nature means that locals have a better chance of finding a peaceful spot, even on popular weekends, allowing for truly relaxing and uninterrupted time in nature. The access to the Mississippi River is a significant advantage for those who enjoy canoeing, kayaking, or fishing for walleye and northern pike right from their doorstep. For local hikers, the trails through the virgin pine forest provide an immersive journey into ancient woodlands. Schoolcraft Campground is ideal for self-sufficient campers, motorcycle campers, and families who are eager to introduce their children to a more traditional, unplugged outdoor adventure. It’s a place where the simplicity of camping allows the natural wonders of Minnesota's Northwoods to take center stage, making it a perfect, affordable, and authentic local getaway.

Schoolcraft Campground

65FX+66, Days High Landing, MN 56636, USA