Black Beach Municipal Campground

- 200 W Lakeview Dr, Silver Bay, MN 55614

Introduction / Overview: Your Hub for North Shore Exploration

For Minnesota residents looking to explore the rugged beauty of the North Shore, the Black Beach Municipal Campground in Silver Bay stands out as a supremely convenient and well-equipped basecamp. Situated on 14.5 wooded acres adjacent to the shores of Lake Superior, this municipal campground offers the perfect blend of natural tranquility and urban proximity. Unlike many remote camping spots, Black Beach provides easy access to local amenities and major North Shore landmarks, allowing you to "park your camper and then take trips to many attractions that are close to Silver Bay."

The campground is named for the stunning, unique Black Beach Park—a jewel of the North Shore featuring fine black sand created by taconite tailings. While the campsites themselves are nestled in the woods and are not directly lakefront, the beautiful, wave-lapped shore is just a short, easy walk away. With 49 well-maintained sites, clean facilities, and its central location, Black Beach Municipal Campground is highly rated for convenience and cleanliness, making it an ideal choice for both RV enthusiasts and tent campers seeking a quality Minnesota camping experience.

Location and Accessibility: At the Heart of the North Shore

The Black Beach Municipal Campground boasts a strategic location on the famed North Shore Scenic Byway (Highway 61), making it exceptionally accessible for locals traveling from the Twin Cities or Duluth. The campground is located in Silver Bay, a full-service community that provides necessary amenities like groceries, fuel, and restaurants right in town.

The official address is:

200 W Lakeview Dr, Silver Bay, MN 55614, USA

This central position places campers directly between some of Minnesota's most iconic natural attractions. Travel north a few minutes to Tettegouche State Park (home to High Falls) or south to Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and the ever-popular Gooseberry Falls State Park. Its proximity to Highway 61 means that trips to Two Harbors, the Iron Range cities, or even Grand Marais are easily accomplished, establishing the campground as the perfect launch point for comprehensive North Shore sightseeing. Reviewers often cite the "very convenient" location and proximity "to a lot of attractions and amenities" as a major highlight.

Services Offered (Campground Amenities)

The municipal campground is designed for modern comfort, offering a robust suite of services that cater particularly well to RV and trailer camping, while still accommodating tent users.

• Full Hookup Sites: 34 of the 49 sites offer 20/30/50-amp electric, water, and sewer hookups, accommodating large RVs up to 75 feet in length.
• Electric-Only Sites: 15 sites offer 20/30-amp electric hookups.
• Clean, Modern Restrooms and Showers: Reviewers consistently praise the "clean and easy to use" shower rooms and "well kept" grounds, ensuring a comfortable stay after a day of hiking or agate hunting.
• Free Wi-Fi: Wireless internet access is provided for guests, a valuable convenience for planning local trips or staying connected.
• Individual Site Features: Each site includes a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill grate for cooking.
• RV Dump Station: While full hookup sites offer sewer, a city dump station is available for others in Silver Bay (located on Shop Hill Rd, though water may be shut off seasonally).
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome with a small per-stay fee.
• Lock Site Option: For a small fee, guests can guarantee their chosen site number, a useful option for securing specific locations like the well-regarded Site 28 mentioned by a customer.

Features / Highlights

The unique features of Black Beach and its immediate surroundings are what truly set this campground apart for Minnesota campers.

• The Black Beach Experience: The main highlight is the unique, stunning black sand beach, famous for its geological composition and for being an excellent spot to "Go hunting for agates!" The protected cove here often allows for warmer swimming conditions than other parts of Lake Superior.
• Multiple Trail Access Points: The campground offers direct access to a nexus of trails, including the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT), the paved Gitchi-Gami State Trail for biking and walking, and local ATV trails, making it popular with diverse groups of outdoor enthusiasts.
• Central to State Parks: Campers are within a short driving distance of four major state parks: Tettegouche, Split Rock Lighthouse, Gooseberry Falls, and George Crosby Manitou State Park.
• Local Recreation: The adjacent Silver Bay community provides a scenic 9-hole public golf course, the Silver Bay Marina, and the popular North Shore Adventure Park.
• Well-Maintained Grounds: The campground is noted for its "well-maintained" and "very level" gravel sites, ensuring an easy setup for large vehicles. However, prospective visitors should note that the southeastern portion of the campground has "very young and sparse" trees and "lacks shade trees," particularly in newer sections.
• Municipal Peace of Mind: Maintained by the City of Silver Bay, the facilities and grounds are generally kept in excellent condition, ensuring a clean and reliable camping environment.

Contact Information

For reservations, current rates, or questions about the facilities, locals can easily contact the municipal campground office.

Address: 200 W Lakeview Dr, Silver Bay, MN 55614, USA

Phone: (218) 226-1825

Mailing Address (City Hall): 7 Davis Drive, Silver Bay, MN 55614

Email: blackbeachcampground@silverbay.com

**Note: The campground operates seasonally, typically from May 15 to October 15 (closing date may be extended due to favorable weather).

Conclusion: Why Black Beach Municipal Campground is Suitable for Locals

For Minnesota locals, Black Beach Municipal Campground is the perfect synthesis of a North Shore adventure and modern convenience. It serves as an unparalleled home base that minimizes travel time and maximizes exploration time. You get the incredible, Instagram-worthy experience of the unique Black Beach within a short walk, combined with the full convenience of clean, modern restrooms and desirable full hookups that RV and trailer owners need.

The ease of access to the entire central North Shore—with Gooseberry Falls, Tettegouche, and Split Rock Lighthouse all just a quick drive away—makes planning a multi-day itinerary simple and stress-free. Whether you are an avid hiker looking to hop on the Superior Hiking Trail, a biker ready for the Gitchi-Gami paved trail, or a family hoping to hunt for agates and swim in the cool waters of Lake Superior, this campground puts you in the center of the action. Its professional maintenance and convenient location ensure a "fairly quiet" and pleasant stay, providing the reliable, high-quality camping experience that Minnesota residents deserve when they journey up the beautiful North Shore.

Black Beach Municipal Campground

200 W Lakeview Dr, Silver Bay, MN 55614, USA