Is there any free campgrounds?

[Huntin&Fishin]

Is there any free campgrounds? that are scenic but not too scenic(like packing in) able to drive up but still somewhat away from other campers? and also some decent lakes or trails near by?? thanks a TON ive searched on the dnr HSOforum but limited, if anyone knows anything its greatly appreciated

[delcecchi]

There are campsites on lake Vermilion that are free, like the ones on Hinsdale Island. Not drive up but boat up. There might be others outside the bwca. Supposedly the superior national forest has 16 rustic campgrounds that are free.

http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/superior/recreation/camping/rustic_camp.php

also look at

http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/chippewa/recreation/camping/ in particular the "back country sites"

[JBMasterAngler]

There's a campground on esther lake (grand marais area, off the arrowhead trail) that is free. Lake Saganaga also has numerous campsites on islands.

Also, there a tons of campsites on the st. croix. I think some of them above taylors falls you might be able to drive to, but most of them are boat in.

[upnorth]

Lake County has some federal campgrounds that are free, but be prepared there is nothing there other than a few sites and an outhouse, no water, no garbage. You need to be prepared to have everything you will need and also take it out with you. Not a big deal for some, but if you are used to a more full service campground it will take a little more planning.

[Redlantern]

Vex, check out the DNR site for the rules but they do allow "dispersed camping" in state forests. Same goes with the Superior National forest. Check out their site and look for dispersed camping, backcountry camping and rustic camping. Since there is private land in state and national forests, I suggest getting a plat map of the area you're interested in so you can be sure you're not camping on someone's private land.

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

The entire Voyageurs National Park system is free, but they boat-in sites. Try it once, and you will be hooked.

[traveler]

Theres lots of free camping...many state lands up north and most of the Nat. forests. But free campgrounds....well, it costs money for toilets, lights, etc...thats why you can expect to pay for most of them. Learn to primitive camp and there are tons of options...

[woodsmanmn]

The town of Duquette has a nice little park with free camping about a block west of Hwy 23. The camping area has mature pines, the park has a picnic shelter, baseball field, playground equipment. The Willow River runs along the north end of the park. There is a general store and restaurant on highway 23. The public access to Oak Lake is about three miles west of the park. If you've got atv's, you can ride to the trails in the Nemadji forest from the park.

[Powerstroke]

I would make sure any sites on Saganaga are not within the BWCA. I'm pretty sure all campsites on Sag are managed by the US forest service and therefore require an overnight BWCA permit.

[BucksnDucks]

I would make sure any sites on Saganaga are not within the BWCA. I'm pretty sure all campsites on Sag are managed by the US forest service and therefore require an overnight BWCA permit.

Correct! I just returned from Sag, I know our campsites we were required to have a permit from the DNR. $16 a person per trip plus $4 a day for truck parking.