Gooseberry Falls State Park Camping

Gooseberry Falls State Park is one of Minnesota’s most popular camping destinations, located just 13 miles northeast of Two Harbors along the scenic North Shore of Lake Superior. As the gateway to a string of state parks stretching from Duluth to the Canadian border, Gooseberry Falls offers stunning views, cascading waterfalls, and year-round outdoor adventure, making it an ideal stop for campers, hikers, RV travelers, and nature lovers.

Gooseberry Falls Campground Overview

The Gooseberry Falls State Park campground offers a rustic yet accessible camping experience with 70 non-electric drive-in sites, including three pull-through spots and several sites suited for RVs up to 40 feet in length. While there are no electric, water, or sewer hookups at individual campsites, the campground provides convenient access to seasonal amenities like flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station, typically available from May through late October.

Campers can enjoy multiple water stations, picnic areas, and seasonal firewood and ice sales. Four accessible sites are located near ADA-compliant restrooms, and during the off-season, vault toilets remain open even when other services close. The campground is open year-round, but after heavy snowfalls, most sites become walk-in only as interior roads are not plowed in winter.

Specialty and Group Campsites

In addition to individual sites, the park includes:

• Three tent-only group campsites accommodating up to 50 people each, with shared parking, potable water, and rustic toilets.

• One kayak-in campsite available on a first-come, first-served basis for paddlers traveling the Lake Superior State Water Trail.

Reservations for all campsites can be made online up to one year in advance through the Minnesota State Parks reservation system. Due to its popularity, it’s recommended to book early, especially for summer weekends and fall foliage season.

Seasonal Highlights and Activities

Camping at Gooseberry Falls means access to an array of year-round outdoor activities:

Hiking and Waterfalls: The park features 20 miles of hiking trails that pass through cedar, birch, and spruce forests, along the Gooseberry River, and past five breathtaking waterfalls. Trails like the Fifth Falls Trail and River View Trail are popular for their scenic beauty and accessibility.

Biking: Cyclists can ride over 15 miles of paved trails within the park, including a segment of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail, which connects Gooseberry Falls to other North Shore parks and towns like Silver Bay, Tettegouche, and Grand Marais. The trail can be accessed near the lower picnic area.

Wildlife Watching: Nature lovers can spot over 225 species of birds and 46 species of mammals within the park, including white-tailed deer, black bears, martens, and ravens. The park lies along the North Shore migratory flyway, making it a great birding destination during spring and fall.

Winter Recreation: In colder months, the park transforms into a snowy retreat. Campers and day visitors can enjoy 12 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails and designated snowshoe trails like the Gitchi-Gami and Fifth Falls routes. Snowmobilers can access 2 miles of in-park trail that connects to the extensive C.J. Ramstad/North Shore Trail, which runs from Duluth to Grand Marais. A warming hut in the Visitor Center provides shelter, restrooms, and vending machines. Snowshoe and ski rentals are available from local outfitters in nearby towns.

Visitor Amenities and Accessibility

The Joseph N. Alexander Visitor Center is open daily, offering interpretive exhibits, educational programs, a gift shop, restrooms, and an EV charging station. The park also features multiple parking areas, some of which can accommodate RVs. Roads within the campground are narrow and can have tight turns, so larger RVs should drive cautiously.

For those needing additional supplies or services, the town of Two Harbors is just a 20-minute drive away and has grocery stores, restaurants, and shops. Gooseberry Falls is well-positioned as a home base for exploring other nearby parks, such as Tettegouche, Temperance River, and Cascade River State Parks—all offering additional camping options with electric hookups.

Historic Significance

Visitors can explore the historic log and stone structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) between 1934 and 1941. These include the Castle in the Park retaining wall, picnic grounds, shelters, and trail infrastructure, offering a glimpse into the park’s early development and its longstanding commitment to conservation and accessibility.

Tips for a Great Camping Experience at Gooseberry Falls State Park

• Reserve your site early, especially for summer weekends and fall foliage season.

• Bring bikes, binoculars, and hiking boots to fully enjoy the park’s trails and wildlife.

• Winter campers should prepare for walk-in access and cold-weather conditions.

• Stop by the Visitor Center for maps, updates, and to learn about local events.

• Purchase only approved firewood to prevent the spread of invasive pests.

Camping at Gooseberry Falls State Park offers a true North Shore experience—combining scenic beauty, outdoor recreation, and historic charm. Whether you're camping in a tent, bringing an RV, or just looking to explore the waterfalls and forested trails, this Minnesota state park has something for every adventurer.