(Northern MN)
For much of July, I was roaming around northern Minnesota in the Lakes Region. Every few days, a new camp was found in the woods by the water. All were drycamping sites, and most not really suitable for big rigs. I had no problem finding spots without reservations.
(Cass Lake MN)
Chippewa NF-South Pike Bay CG was on the south end of Cass Lake at the end of a long gravel road. Luckily I got a site by the lake. However, it mostly rained while there. I did manage to get in a hike on a bike trail through the woods.
Lakes Region – Cass Lake
(Inger MN)
The next stop was on the north side of Lake Winnibigoshish at Chippewa NF-Mosomo Point CG. The campground was small and quiet, and it only rained one day. I noticed that everyone seemed to be into fishing.
Ducks at Mosomo Point
Dock at Mosomo Point
(Angora MN)
Superior NF-Pfeiffer Lake CG was several miles in on a decent gravel road. My spot was facing the lake, but it was obscured by dense trees. An easy trail went down to the lake where there was a swimming area.
Pfeiffer Lake
Tardis at Pfeiffer Lake CG
(Ely MN)
After my hike to Kawishiwi Falls I went to Superior NF-South Kawishiwi River CG. Again, the campground was in dense forest and sites had no view of the river; although those by the water had a path down to it. I hiked the trail along the riverbank.
Kawishiwi River
Cove at South Kawishiwi CG
(Isabella MN)
I returned to Ely in order to visit the Wolf Center, as they were promoting the new pups they just received from Canada. It was disappointing to not get photos of any wolves; except for the stuffed ones in the museum. Afterward, I headed south again and found a boondock spot all by myself next to Lake Gegoka.
Wolf Center Museum
Lake Gegoka
(Finland MN)
On the way to my next camp, I stopped along the roadway to get photos of the Baptism River. Didn’t realize I had driven so far!
Baptism River
(Grand Marais MN)
My last camp was on the hills west of Lake Superior at Superior NF-Devil Track Lake CG. I had a pleasant spot overlooking the lake with sufficient sun for my solar panels. The other side of the lake had summer homes, so there was a lot of boating, swimming, and water skiing on the lake.
Devil Track Lake from my Campsite
Tardis at Devil Track Lake CG
Despite rain every couple of days, voracious mosquitoes, and dense woods, I enjoyed my time camping across Minnesota. While the humidity was high, the temperatures were near perfect with 75-80 highs most days, and 55-60 lows overnight.
Camps: Chippewa & Superior NF
Scene: Lakes, rivers, forest
What cool pictures! Iowa has had similar temps – highs in the 70s, lows around 52-54 recently. It’s terrific camping weather. I would have been fishing there, too, along with the many people enjoying angling.
Thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures. Minnesota is a huge state and I am sure there are almost limitless places to dry camp!
Thanks Brad. I was there in July, so the temps reflect that period. I’m way behind on my posts.
I have taken many different routes across Minnesota, and liked them all. I wasn’t feeling well and didn’t do much camping though. I’d like to try it again.
If you take a northern route, like I did, you will find much to like. Just be sure to go when the weather is agreeable.