Grand Portage State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Nestled on the northwestern tip of Minnesota next to the Canadian border, Grand Portage State Park is a wild and remote escape. The star of the park is High Falls, the tallest waterfall in Minnesota. You can hike through the hardwood forest along the Pigeon River to watch the falls as it thunders over a rocky cliff. A short drive away, the cold, clear waters of Lake Superior offer spectacular sunsets. The rugged landscape isn't the only thing that sets this park apart; it's run jointly by the state of Minnesota and the Grand Portage Band of Ojibwe, making it the only state-Native American partnership of its kind in the United States. Getting to Grand Portage State Park requires a bit of a drive — Duluth is 150 miles south — but a 40-mile drive brings you to the small town of Grand Marais, where you can find supplies and restaurants.
Spring 15-55 F
Summer 50-70 F
Fall 40-65 F
Winter 0-25 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Grand Portage State Park
Since Lake Superior is less than a mile from Grand Portage State Park, local weather can change in an instant. An RV makes for a warm, dry home base, whether you're visiting in the summer or in the middle of a winter blizzard. If you don't have an RV, an RV rental is the ideal compromise. You can even search for models that offer delivery for complete convenience.
Grand Portage RV Park
Located just 7 miles south of Grand Portage State Park, Grand Portage RV Park is one of the closest camping options. Set up your RV in a site overlooking Lake Superior and fall asleep to the sound of the water. In the cooler months, this park offers fantastic views of the waves on the lake. The park sits right next to the Grand Portage marina, so it's a breeze to launch a kayak or motorboat just steps from your RV. Every site offers full hookups and access to the large, clean restrooms. Rates for waterfront sites start at $47 per night, while other sites are $42 per night. Discounts are available for weekly and monthly stays.
Devilfish Lake Campground
Enjoy a vacation off the grid at Devilfish Lake Campground. With just five campsites, this spot offers peace and quiet. You won't find hookups here, but you will enjoy easy lake access, fishing from the dock, and gorgeous campsites among the trees. Keep in mind that the road to get into the campground can be rough, so it's a good idea to drive ahead in a passenger vehicle to check the condition before taking your RV. This campground is particularly beautiful in the fall. If all of the sites are full, the similarly primitive Esther Lake Campground is minutes away.
Two Island Lake Campground
Save money when you set up camp at Two Island Lake Campground, which is free year-round. This spot, which is tucked deep in the forest, is very peaceful. Inside the campground, you'll find water and vault toilets for convenience. Bring your canoe or kayak since there's a boat launch in the park, so you can paddle out to explore the islands in Two Island Lake.
What to Do at
Grand Portage State Park
Inside Grand Portage State Park
Start your trip to Grand Portage State Park at the stunning welcome center, which gives a well-curated introduction to the local Ojibwe people. Then, head to the viewing platforms to see High Falls in all its glory, keeping an eye out for wildlife as you go. If you have time, don't miss the fantastic five-mile round-trip hike to Middle Falls. It's particularly spectacular in the fall when the forest blazes with the colors of the changing leaves. The winters are exceptionally cold, snowy and beautiful, so stop by the park office to rent snowshoes for a silent trek through the forest.
How to Get to
Grand Portage State Park
There's only one way to get to Grand Portage State Park from within Minnesota: take Highway 61 north from Duluth. This road runs along Lake Superior, offering beautiful views and reasonably paced traffic for your RV.
Entering Grand Portage State Park
Grand Portage State Park is open all year from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The visitor center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Grand Portage State Park Per vehicle : $7.0
Are you heading north to Grand Portage State Park sometime soon? The team at RVshare would love to hear what you think of this remote and beautiful park. If you post photos from your RV trip on Facebook or Instagram, tag RVshare so everyone can follow along on your adventures. Alternatively, you can send photos and your best tips for the local area to [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions About Grand Portage State Park
Thanks to its location near Lake Superior, Grand Portage State Park stays relatively cool all year. Winters are snowy with subzero temperatures, while the average summer day tops out in the 70s. Spring and fall bring heavy rain and temps in the 60s.
Grand Portage State Park welcomes dogs on the trails and in picnic areas. Unless they're certified service dogs, they can't enter public structures. Keep your pets leashed at all times, and be sure to clean up any messes.
This is a day-use-only park, meaning there are no camping spots. However, Grand Portage State Forest is only around 23 miles away, and it has multiple campgrounds where you can spend the night.
Disabled visitors can enjoy their time at Grand Portage State Park thanks to the ADA-compliant welcome center. The High Falls Trail, which leads to a breathtaking waterfall, is paved and perfect for wheelchairs and walkers.
While hiking the trails near the Canadian border, expect to spot beavers, deer, otters, and possibly even black bears. Bird watchers will enjoy looking for bald eagles, great blue herons, ospreys, warblers, black-capped chickadees, and many more.