Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Camping

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, located on Minnesota’s scenic North Shore of Lake Superior, offers a truly unique camping experience with breathtaking views, rich history, and a variety of outdoor adventures. Best known for the iconic Split Rock Lighthouse, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States, the park is a top destination for campers seeking lakeside tranquility, rugged trails, and striking natural features.

The park features a range of camping options, from drive-in RV sites with electric hookups to remote backpacking campsites accessible only by trail or kayak. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful tent site near the rocky shoreline or a family-friendly RV pad with easy access to trails and restrooms, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park provides exceptional camping accommodations in a historic and picturesque setting.

Shipwreck Creek Campground

The newly developed Shipwreck Creek Campground opened in 2022 and features 46 spacious seasonal drive-in campsites, most of which offer electric hookups and 70-foot-long parking pads ideal for RVs, trailers, and large vehicles. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Five of the sites are ADA-accessible. While designed primarily for RVs, tents are welcome. The campground is situated across Highway 61 from the lighthouse, with a convenient shower and restroom building featuring accessible individual shower rooms, flush toilets, and a dishwashing station.

There is no water fill or dump station at Shipwreck Creek Campground, so campers are advised to fill tanks before arrival. Nearby dump stations are located in Two Harbors and Silver Bay. Firewood is available year-round at the park office, and ice is sold seasonally.

Cart-In Campsites

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is known for its unique cart-in camping experience. Twenty secluded cart-in sites are located between Day Hill and Lake Superior, providing a quiet and immersive outdoor stay. Campers park in a nearby lot and use wheeled carts provided by the park to haul gear to their sites, which range from a half mile to two miles away. In winter, sleds or packs are recommended. Each site includes a tent pad, picnic table, fire ring, and animal-proof food storage locker. Some cart-in sites are located directly on the rocky shoreline, offering unmatched views of Lake Superior. Two of these sites are ADA-accessible.

Modern restrooms and showers are available near the cart-in campground parking area. While these sites provide seclusion and a natural atmosphere, they remain close to basic amenities for convenience and comfort.

Backpack and Kayak-In Sites

For those seeking a more remote and rugged camping adventure, the park also features four backpack/kayak-in campsites. Located along the Lake Superior shoreline, two of the sites are accessible via the Lake Superior Water Trail, making them popular with sea kayakers. These primitive sites include a picnic table, fire ring, animal-proof food storage box, and rustic latrines. The area is ideal for experienced campers who want solitude and stunning waterfront views.

Recreation and Activities

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is a top-tier destination for outdoor recreation. The park offers access to over 14 miles of hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing trails. Campers can explore segments of the Superior Hiking Trail, including views of the Split Rock River and its hidden waterfalls. The paved Gitchi-Gami State Trail runs through the park, perfect for biking and inline skating.

Boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding are popular on Lake Superior, and the park provides access points for watercraft. Anglers can fish for lake trout, salmon, and brown trout, with fishing spots along the lake and rivers. A scuba diving access point allows divers to explore the wreck of the Madeira, a historic shipwreck just offshore.

The park is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors often spot moose, deer, black bears, red foxes, and snowshoe hares. Peregrine falcons nest along the cliffs, and the park supports a wide variety of songbirds, waterfowl, and other bird species.

Lighthouse and Historic Sites

The historic Split Rock Lighthouse, built in 1910 after a series of devastating Lake Superior storms, is the centerpiece of the park. Operated by the Minnesota Historical Society, the lighthouse and surrounding buildings have been restored and are open to visitors from May 15 through October 15. Tours and interpretive programs offer insights into the lighthouse’s history and the lives of its keepers.

In addition to the lighthouse, remnants of early 20th-century settlements and industries, such as fishing villages, mining operations, and logging camps, can still be seen throughout the park. Features like the stone fireplace on Day Hill and the abandoned corundum mine at Corundum Point provide intriguing glimpses into the region’s past.

Facilities and Accessibility

Restroom and shower facilities are modern and well-maintained during the camping season. Vault toilets are available year-round. The park also offers an electric-powered all-terrain track chair at no cost for visitors with mobility disabilities, allowing access to trails and viewpoints that would otherwise be inaccessible.

Cell service in the park is generally reliable, especially near the Shipwreck Creek Campground. Pets are welcome but must be leashed and are not permitted on beaches or inside buildings. Only approved firewood is allowed to help prevent the spread of invasive species.

Reservations and Fees

Reservations for all campsites are strongly recommended and can be made online up to 120 days in advance. A valid Minnesota State Park vehicle permit is required: $35 annually, $26 for a second vehicle, $12 for individuals with disabilities, or $7 for a daily pass. Camping fees vary by site type, with Shipwreck Creek sites typically costing around $35 per night.

Conclusion

Camping at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park offers an unforgettable combination of stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and well-developed facilities. Whether you're seeking an RV-friendly site with electric hookups, a peaceful cart-in site along the lakeshore, or a remote backcountry camping experience, the park has something for every type of camper. With access to hiking trails, kayaking, historical sites, and beautiful views of Lake Superior, this North Shore gem remains one of Minnesota's premier state park camping destinations.