Cascade River State Park Campground

- Cascade River State Park Campground, 3481 MN-61, Grand Marais, MN 55604

For Minnesotans, the North Shore of Lake Superior is more than just a destination—it’s a sanctuary. Located squarely in the heart of this majestic region, Cascade River State Park Campground provides the quintessential North Woods experience. Situated just a short, scenic drive from the artistic hub of Grand Marais and the resort town of Lutsen, this campground serves as the perfect launchpad for exploring everything the region has to offer. It is a highly sought-after location that beautifully balances the wild, rugged nature of the North Shore with the convenience of modern state park amenities. As one satisfied visitor noted, it is a "Great park for a long weekend," a sentiment echoed by countless local campers drawn to its waterfalls and direct trail access.

The park gets its name from the magnificent Cascade River, which tumbles down five separate waterfalls within a deep, rocky gorge before meeting Lake Superior. The campground allows guests to fall asleep to the distant, soothing sounds of the rushing water, promising a restorative and genuinely immersive outdoor stay. Whether you are seeking a base for a fishing trip, a starting point for an epic hike on the Superior Hiking Trail, or simply a tranquil spot to relax by a campfire, Cascade River State Park Campground is a cherished gem in the Minnesota State Park system.

Cascade River State Park Campground is ideally situated on the iconic Minnesota Highway 61, the main artery of the North Shore. Its official address places it conveniently between the popular destinations of Lutsen and Grand Marais, ensuring that both outdoor recreation and local culture are within easy reach.

Address: Cascade River State Park Campground, 3481 MN-61, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA

The park’s location at mile marker 100.8 on Highway 61 makes it highly visible and accessible year-round for vehicles. While the main campground itself features gravel roads and is nestled on the inland side of the highway, the river's mouth and the Lake Superior shoreline are just a short, safe walk across the road via designated crossings. Access to the main river trails, the Visitor Center, and the campground requires a valid Minnesota State Park vehicle permit, which can be purchased either annually or for a daily fee. The campground's drive-in sites make it suitable for various vehicle types, though RVers with large rigs should note the 35-foot maximum length limit and be prepared for potentially unlevel sites and narrow internal roads.

As a well-established Minnesota State Park facility, Cascade River State Park Campground offers a substantial mix of services designed to enhance the comfort and convenience of all campers, from tenters to RV owners.

• Drive-in Campsites: The campground features 40 single-family, wooded campsites available for both tents and RVs (up to 35 feet), providing a table, fire ring, and grill at each developed site.

• Electric Hookups: Approximately half of the drive-in sites (21 sites) are equipped with electric hookups (30-amp), while the remaining 19 are non-electric, catering to varied camping styles. Four sites are pull-through for easier access.

• Modern Restrooms and Showers: Seasonal comfort stations provide flush toilets and hot water showers. Camper reviews frequently praise the cleanliness and individual privacy offered by the showers, which is a significant comfort after a long day on the trail. Vault toilets are available year-round.

• Sanitary Dump Station: A dump and fill station is available for RV and trailer use, though RVers should note that fresh water fill-up is available near the dump station, not at the individual campsites.

• Firewood and Ice: Firewood is available for purchase at the park office (or from the campground host when the office is closed), and ice is sold seasonally.

• Group Camping: Two tent-only group camps are available for larger gatherings, located a short distance from parking.

• Reservations: Reservations are highly recommended, especially during the peak summer and fall color seasons, as this campground is known to fill up quickly.

The true value of Cascade River State Park Campground lies in its breathtaking natural features and unparalleled access to premier North Shore recreational opportunities:

• Multiple Waterfalls: The park's namesake, the Cascade River, features five cascading falls that can be easily accessed via a short, well-maintained trail system directly from the campground area. Visitors can stand on the footbridge over the river to feel the sheer power of the water.

• Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) Access: The park's 18-mile trail system connects directly with the famed SHT, offering unlimited options for day hiking or extended backpacking trips. This proximity makes the campground a key starting or stopping point for SHT section hikers.

• Lookout Mountain Loop: A favorite hike from the campground, the 3.5-mile Lookout Mountain Loop leads to a spectacular panoramic vista of Lake Superior, the Cascade River Valley, and the Sawtooth Mountains, especially rewarding at sunrise.

• Lake Superior Shoreline Access: A short walk across Highway 61 leads to over a mile of beautiful, rocky Lake Superior shoreline, perfect for rock-picking, quiet contemplation, or enjoying a scenic picnic.

• Backpack Sites and Shelters: For those seeking greater solitude, the park offers five secluded backpack-in sites, some of which are located atop Lookout Mountain and include primitive amenities like a fire ring, picnic table, and bear box.

• Winter Activities: The park is open year-round, with six plowed campsites (three with electric) and an extensive network of groomed trails for cross-country skiing, with a warming shelter available for winter use.

For reservations, current trail conditions, or to inquire about annual permits and programs, visitors should contact the park office directly.

Address: Cascade River State Park Campground, 3481 MN-61, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA (Note: The park entrance is technically closer to Lutsen, but the mailing address often defaults to the general Grand Marais area zip code.)

Phone (Park Office): (218) 387-6000

Alternate Phone (Reservations): (866) 857-2757 (Minnesota State Parks Reservation System)

Cascade River State Park Campground is tailor-made for Minnesotans and is an essential part of the local outdoor heritage. The North Shore is our backyard mountain range, and this park provides accessible, high-quality camping at the doorstep of our state's most dramatic scenery. Its suitability for locals stems from its blend of wildness and convenience—you get the solitude of a rugged, waterfall-filled gorge alongside the comfort of hot showers and electric hookups.

For families, the easy access to the Cascade Falls and the beautiful Lake Superior shoreline make for memorable day trips. For dedicated outdoor enthusiasts, the direct connection to the Superior Hiking Trail and the extensive cross-country ski trails in the winter means the adventure never ends, regardless of the season. Furthermore, the campground's central location on Highway 61 provides a strategic basecamp, allowing Minnesota residents to easily explore nearby attractions like the shops and art galleries of Grand Marais, or the ski hills of Lutsen, all while retaining the authentic experience of camping deep within a Superior National Forest setting. Reserving a spot here is not just booking a campsite; it’s staking your claim to a treasured piece of the Minnesota wilderness.

Cascade River State Park Campground

Cascade River State Park Campground, 3481 MN-61, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA