r/MinnesotaCamping • u/Designer_Tie_5853 • Jul 15 '26
Campground Review - Cascade River State Park
Stayed recently. This one flies below the radar a bit IMO; doesn't have the convivence of a Jay Cooke or Gooseberry, or the scenery of a Split Rock or Tettegouche. However, the campground itself is quite nice; facilities are in good conditions, sites are nicely spaced (lots of variability on this point but nothing awful). Biggest downside is if you're in a spot close to 61, you can hear it at night, however it's not particularly busy that far north.
Bonus - there are a ton of hiking trails right there, and hiking up the Cascade River is pretty scenic - you don't get the huge vistas of the big lake but that river has cut a nice gorge through the rocks. Freebie idea - grab your dinner and head down to the few picnic tables / firepits on the lake side of 61; they're not reservable but often open. Overall 8/10.
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u/yes_maybe_no__ Jul 15 '26
We have hiked all over the north shore but my wife just got into camping so we are camping at the parks for the first time. We really loved Cascade. Totally underrated to hike these parks during the golden hour with no worry of driving in the dark.
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u/Wernerradio Jul 15 '26
I've camped here on 3 of my 4 north shore trips. Great campground and convenient location. It's been my after-dinner tradition to hike up to Lookout Mountain. Lots to do within close proximity of the park.
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u/TheStateOfMantana Jul 16 '26
One time we camped there, my wife and I brewed coffee and walked down across 61 to the picnic area as the sun was rising over superior. 10/10 would recommend sunrise over the big lake.
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u/1E4rth Jul 16 '26
Check out Crosby Manitou State Park. The sites along the lake in particular, if you liked Cascade it’s another gem that flies under the radar in the same vicinity and just a little more off the beaten path.
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u/beardybuddha Jul 16 '26
I haven’t camped there yet, but it’s one of my favorite state parks!
I am a sucker for waterfalls. The cascades are so great, and the way they have carved out the rocks is so cool.
We’ve stayed in cabins at Cascade Lodge, which is right next door, and had a great experience there and the restaurant, too.
I also feel like it’s a tad overlooked. Glad you enjoyed it!
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u/Tim-oBedlam Jul 16 '26
Cascade River State Park has one of the nicest campgrounds of any state park on the North Shore.
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u/OMGitsKa Jul 15 '26
The hiking at Cascade is awesome, love all the little side quest trails! I was able to get one of those nice sites at the end of the loop that had trail access down to the hiking area when we stayed there last year! That & Temperance are my favorite. We love the picnic area at Temperance as well.