Finland Campground, Finland, MN

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesota locals seeking an authentic Northwoods camping experience away from the often-booked state parks along the busy Lake Superior shoreline,

Finland Campground

offers a fantastic, rustic alternative. Nestled deep within the expansive Finland State Forest, this campground provides a genuine immersion into the quiet solitude of the area. It is a true “primitive” campground, meaning it focuses on providing the basics—a cleared area, a fire ring, and a picnic table—allowing the natural environment to be the main attraction.

This campground is particularly beloved by residents for its

first-come, first-served (FCFS)

availability. When nearby state parks like Tettegouche are completely full, Finland Campground often remains a reliable backup, ensuring that a spontaneous weekend camping trip to the North Shore is still possible. Situated at the confluence of the east and west branches of the scenic

Baptism River

, the campground is a beautiful base for fishing, hiking, and exploring the vast network of state forest trails. Its location not only provides tranquility but also serves as a crucial hub for those looking to connect with the region’s extensive ATV trail systems.

The campground’s charm lies in its simplicity and size. With 39 available sites, it strikes a balance between being large enough to frequently have availability and small enough to maintain a peaceful, community-focused atmosphere. It is a quintessential Minnesota State Forest experience—unstaffed, honor-system fees, and designed for self-sufficient campers who value natural beauty over modern amenities.

Location and Accessibility

Finland Campground

is strategically located just off State Highway 1, a beautiful inland route that connects the North Shore with the interior wilderness of the state. Its official address is

State Hwy 1, Finland, MN 55603, USA

, placing it immediately adjacent to the small, charming village of Finland, MN.

This location offers superb vehicular accessibility. Unlike remote backcountry sites,

Finland Campground

is a

drive-in campground

, meaning most sites are designed for direct access by car, tent, or recreational vehicle (RV), including some large rigs. The accessibility is a significant convenience for local campers, eliminating the need for a long hike with gear. Furthermore, the campground is notable for being one of the few in the region that allows

ingress/egress with All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)

from 15 designated campsites, offering direct connection to the Moose Walk/Moose Run and Red Dot ATV trail systems.

For local explorers, the campground is only about seven miles inland from the dramatic shores of Lake Superior and the popular Tettegouche State Park. This close proximity allows campers to use Finland as a quieter, more economical basecamp for day trips to all the major North Shore attractions, including waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and access points to the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT).

Services Offered

As a State Forest campground,

Finland Campground

adheres to a primitive standard, providing essential services to support self-sufficient camping.

Vault Toilets:
vault toilets
(pit toilets/outhouses) are available for all campers. There are no flush toilets or shower facilities.
Drinking Water:
Potable water
is available, typically from a centralized hand pump or well. Campers are advised to bring containers to fill and transport water to their sites.
Garbage Cans:
Designated garbage cans
or bins are provided, a valuable service that assists campers in adhering to pack-in/pack-out cleanliness standards.
Group Campsite:
reservable group campsite
is available, making it an excellent option for large family gatherings or organizational outings. This site can be reserved by contacting Tettegouche State Park staff.
First-Come, First-Served Sites:
39 individual campsites
are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, with fees collected via a self-registration honor system box at the entrance.

Features / Highlights

Finland Campground

is more than just a place to sleep; its natural features and strategic position make it a destination for adventure.

Baptism River Access:
along the Baptism River
, one of the North Shore’s most scenic waterways. This offers beautiful riverside views, the soothing sound of rushing water, and excellent opportunities for
trout fishing
.
Spacious, Wooded Sites:
large, spacious, and heavily wooded
, providing good natural screening and a feeling of privacy, which is often difficult to find at more heavily developed state park campgrounds.
ATV Trail Hub:
ATV and off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts
. Designated ingress/egress campsites provide direct access to the Moose Run and Red Dot trail systems, perfect for those who want to use their motors to explore the vast state forest.
Basic Site Amenities:
fire ring and a picnic table
, covering the essential needs for a comfortable stay.
Proximity to Attractions:
Superior Hiking Trail
, offering endless opportunities for hiking, climbing, and exploring the magnificent North Shore.

Contact Information

As a State Forest Campground, operations and reservations are managed under the umbrella of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), often coordinated with the local State Park office.

Address:

State Hwy 1, Finland, MN 55603, USA

Phone (General Park Area/Group Reservations):

+1 218-353-8800

(Contact Tettegouche State Park, which oversees operations for this area.)

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

Finland Campground

is an indispensable asset for Minnesota locals, particularly those who embrace spontaneity and self-reliance in their outdoor adventures. It provides a reliable

first-come, first-served

camping option near a major tourist corridor, solving the common local frustration of fully-booked North Shore campgrounds.

It caters perfectly to multiple local user groups: the traditional family camper who enjoys the primitive, wooded setting; the fishing enthusiast who appreciates the river access; and the ATV rider who needs direct trail access. By serving as a quiet, rustic, and accessible basecamp, the campground encourages Minnesotans to venture inland and discover the vast, underutilized beauty of the Finland State Forest, making it a true and valued

"hidden gem"

just a short drive off the scenic Highway 61.