Temperance River Upper Campground

For Minnesotans seeking the quintessential North Shore experience, where the roar of waterfalls meets the gentle lapping of Lake Superior, Temperance River Upper Campground offers an exceptional blend of natural beauty and modern convenience. Located right in Schroeder, this highly-rated state park campground is a true gem, providing direct access to some of Minnesota’s most spectacular landscapes. If your idea of a perfect getaway involves hiking through a stunning gorge, exploring hidden falls, and falling asleep to the sounds of the greatest of lakes, all from a comfortable and well-maintained base camp, then Temperance River Upper Campground is calling your name.

This campground isn't just a place to park your RV or pitch your tent; it's a gateway to adventure. Reviewers consistently praise the "very good campground" with its "picnic area, trails, waterfalls, and lake right next door." What truly sets it apart is the thoughtful design, with "most of the sites spread out and shaded," ensuring a sense of privacy and connection to nature that can be hard to find in popular areas. The recent updates to facilities, particularly the "newer updated bathroom building" with "very clean" showers and even "bathroom/shower combos," elevate the camping experience significantly. It's a testament to the dedication of Minnesota State Parks to provide comfortable and memorable stays for all who visit, making it a beloved destination for families, hikers, and nature lovers across the state.

Temperance River Upper Campground is located within Temperance River State Park, a cherished natural area situated between the communities of Schroeder and Tofte on Minnesota's iconic North Shore. The official address is Upper Campground, Schroeder, MN 55613, USA. This prime location places it directly along the famed Highway 61, offering convenient access for travelers making their way up and down the scenic Lake Superior coastline.

Accessibility to the campground is straightforward via Highway 61. From the highway, you'll turn inland slightly to reach the park office and the Upper Campground area. The campground roads themselves are typically paved, ensuring easy navigation for RVs and trailers, even larger ones (up to 60 feet in length are accommodated). While some sites are closer to the highway, the overall design ensures a peaceful experience, and the proximity allows for effortless access to the park's main attractions.

Within the campground, access to key features is excellent. Reviewers note that you are "literally next to the lake," meaning easy walks to the Lake Superior shoreline. The park's extensive network of hiking trails, including those leading to the famous Temperance River Gorge, hidden falls, and the larger Superior Hiking Trail, are all accessible directly from the campground. The paved Gitchi-Gami State Trail, popular with bikers, also runs through the park, offering another accessible way to explore the beautiful North Shore landscape.

Temperance River Upper Campground is part of Temperance River State Park, which prides itself on offering a comprehensive range of services and amenities designed to enhance your camping experience. Unlike more rustic campgrounds, this facility provides comforts that make it appealing to a wide variety of campers, from tenters to RV enthusiasts. Here’s a detailed look at what’s offered:

• 60 Single-Family Campsites: The park offers a total of 60 campsites across its Upper and Lower Campgrounds. The Upper Campground specifically features 18 electric sites.
• Electrical Hookups: A significant number of sites in the Upper Campground come with electrical hookups (30/50 AMP), suitable for RVs and trailers.
• Water Hookups: While not explicitly noted for every site, drinking water spigots are available throughout the campground.
• Flush Toilets: The campground boasts newer, updated bathroom buildings with flush toilets, which are consistently praised for being "very clean." These are seasonally accessible but vault toilets are available year-round.
• Hot Showers: Clean and accessible hot showers are available, with some even being "bathroom/shower combos," providing a private and convenient experience. These are seasonal, typically May-October, but with a newer building (Summer 2020), their quality is high.
• Vault Toilets: In addition to flush toilets and showers, primitive vault toilets are located throughout the campground for convenience, and are noted for their cleanliness.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient space for meals and outdoor activities.
• Fire Rings with Grates: Every site includes a fire ring with a grate, allowing for safe and enjoyable campfires and outdoor cooking.
• Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is available for RVs, making waste disposal convenient for those with self-contained units.
• Ice and Firewood for Sale: Firewood and ice are available for purchase seasonally at the park's nature store/office, ensuring you have essentials for your campfire and cooler.
• ADA Accessible Sites and Facilities: Some drive-in sites and the shower/flush toilet facilities are accessible for individuals with disabilities.
• Park Office/Nature Store: The park office serves as a central point for information, vehicle permits, and purchases of firewood, ice, and souvenirs.
• Carts for Cart-in Sites: For the few cart-in sites (3 in Upper, 3 in Lower), carts and bear-proof storage lockers are provided, offering a more secluded experience.
• Pet Friendly: Pets are welcome in the campground but must be kept on a 6-foot leash and attended at all times.

Temperance River Upper Campground is rich with features and highlights that make it a truly memorable destination on Minnesota's North Shore:

• Direct Lake Superior Access: A major draw is being "literally next to the lake." Campers have easy access to the stunning Lake Superior shoreline for walks, rock skipping, or simply enjoying the vastness of the greatest of lakes.
• Proximity to Temperance River Gorge and Waterfalls: The campground offers direct access to the spectacular Temperance River Gorge, known for its unique potholes and multiple waterfalls, including the famous Hidden Falls. Reviewers highlight that "there is so much to do and trails to hike, all from the campground."
• Spacious and Shaded Sites: "Most of the sites are spread out and shaded," providing a sense of privacy and comfort, even during warmer months. Sites 22, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30, 6, and 7 are specifically recommended for their "lake views."
• Modern and Clean Facilities: The "newer updated bathroom building" with "very clean" flush toilets and hot showers (including "bathroom/shower combos") is a consistent highlight, greatly enhancing the comfort of your stay.
• Extensive Hiking Opportunities: Miles of trails lead directly from the campground, connecting to the renowned Superior Hiking Trail. This provides endless options for day hikes or longer backpacking excursions, showcasing diverse forest ecosystems and dramatic river views.
• Paved Gitchi-Gami State Trail Access: The paved Gitchi-Gami State Trail runs through the park, offering excellent opportunities for biking and walking directly from your campsite.
• Scenic Bridges: The park features iconic bridges, including those over the Lower and Upper Falls, providing stunning vantage points of the river and gorge, all within walking distance.
• Wildlife and Bird Watching: The varied habitats around the Temperance River attract a wide array of wildlife and bird species, offering opportunities for observation.
• Beautiful Fall Colors: During autumn, the park is renowned for its vibrant fall foliage, making it a prime destination for leaf-peeping.
• Year-Round Activities: While showers are seasonal, vault toilets and winter camping are available, offering access to cross-country skiing and snowmobiling on designated trails.

For inquiries, reservations, or any information regarding Temperance River Upper Campground and Temperance River State Park, you can reach out directly to the park office.

Address: Upper Campground, Schroeder, MN 55613, USA (This address will lead you to the park entrance and office, where you can then navigate to the Upper Campground.)

Phone: (218) 663-3100

Mobile Phone: +1 218-663-3100

For reservations, it's highly recommended to book well in advance, especially for weekends and peak season (summer and fall), as this is a very popular park. Reservations can typically be made through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website or by calling their central reservation line. Always check with the park for current conditions, fire restrictions, and operating hours for facilities before your visit.

For Minnesotans, Temperance River Upper Campground isn't just another camping spot; it's a quintessential North Shore experience that resonates deeply with our love for the outdoors. Its suitability for locals stems from its perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and direct access to the unparalleled natural beauty that defines our state's most iconic shoreline. This campground truly has it all for the Minnesota adventurer.

The ability to be "literally next to the lake" and have "trails to hike, all from the campground," including access to the dramatic Temperance River gorge and the Gitchi-Gami State Trail, means that outdoor exploration is effortless. Whether you're a family looking for easy access to scenic walks and waterfalls, or an avid hiker eager to tackle segments of the Superior Hiking Trail, this location serves as an ideal base camp. The "newer updated bathroom building" with "very clean" showers significantly enhances the comfort level, making it appealing even for those who prefer a few more amenities than rustic camping offers.

Furthermore, the spacious and shaded sites provide the privacy and natural ambiance that many Minnesotans seek, ensuring a relaxing retreat without feeling overcrowded. The positive reviews highlighting the excellent maintenance and the overall fantastic experience underscore why this campground has become a beloved destination. For locals, Temperance River Upper Campground isn't just a place to visit; it's a return to one of Minnesota's most treasured landscapes, offering endless opportunities to reconnect with nature and create lasting memories right in our own backyard.

Temperance River Upper Campground

Upper Campground, Schroeder, MN 55613, USA