Fort Charlotte Backcountry Campgrounds
02 reviewsGrand Portage National Monument, P.O. Box 426, Grand Portage, MN, USA, 55605
Fort Charlotte Backcountry Campgrounds
$8.00 - $9.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Recreation Use Fees apply for activities including camping; additional reservation fees of $8 online, $9 via contact center, and $3 in-person may apply.
About this campground
Nestled at the edge of the Pigeon River where the United States meets Canada, Fort Charlotte Backcountry Campgrounds offer two remote wilderness sites within Grand Portage National Monument. These secluded havens welcome intrepid hikers and paddlers seeking an authentic backcountry experience steeped in centuries of trading history. Here, where the whisper of the river mingles with the rustle of ancient forests, modern adventurers can find the same sense of solitude and discovery that once drew voyageurs to these storied waters.
Fort Charlotte Backcountry Campgrounds cater to backcountry camping enthusiasts, offering minimalist facilities intended for hikers and canoeists.
Historical SignificanceThese campgrounds rest at the legendary terminus of the Grand Portage, a vital 8.5-mile lifeline that once connected the Great Lakes to the northern wilderness. For centuries, this route served as the beating heart of the North American fur trade, where Ojibwe guides, French voyageurs, and British traders converged to exchange goods and stories. Today's campers sleep where history was made, following in the footsteps of those who paddled these waters with birchbark canoes laden with beaver pelts and trade goods bound for distant markets.
Weather and SeasonsThe backcountry here dances to nature's unpredictable rhythms, with conditions that can shift dramatically from week to week. Summer typically brings warm, dry days perfect for exploration, while shoulder seasons offer crisp air and fewer fellow travelers. Winter transforms the landscape into a pristine wonderland, though snow and cold demand proper preparation. Each season paints the wilderness in different hues, from spring's vibrant greens to autumn's fiery palette, ensuring no two visits are quite the same.
ElevationThe backcountry terrain here rolls and rises through a landscape sculpted by ancient glaciers and carved by countless seasons. While specific elevations remain part of the wilderness mystery, campers will discover a varied topography that challenges legs and rewards eyes, from riverside lowlands to modest ridges that offer glimpses through the forest canopy. The changing elevations create diverse microclimates and ecosystems, adding layers of discovery to every hike.
Natural Features and SceneryThe wilderness embraces these campsites with the raw beauty of the North Woods, where the international boundary dissolves into pristine forests and the Pigeon River flows with timeless purpose. Thoughtfully designed elevated tent platforms rise above the forest floor, offering both protection from seasonal flooding and a unique vantage point for wildlife watching. Ancient pines tower overhead while the understory bursts with ferns and wildflowers, creating a living cathedral where eagles soar and moose may wander past at dawn.
Geological RegionPerched within the rugged borderlands of Grand Portage National Monument, these campgrounds occupy a fascinating geological crossroads where billion-year-old volcanic rocks meet the ever-changing riverine environment of the Pigeon River. This dynamic landscape tells the story of fire and ice, from ancient lava flows to the glacial forces that carved today's waterways. The river itself serves as both an international boundary and a natural highway, its waters carrying the echoes of geological time and human history through a wilderness that remains remarkably unchanged since the days of the fur trade.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo details regarding accessibility features have been provided.
Sites SizeThe campsites include tent pads and elevated platforms, but specific measurements are not included.
Sites PrivacyThe site arrangement and privacy details are not explicitly mentioned.
Total Campsites2 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring rope to secure tents on elevated platforms; avoid stakes. Prepare for a physically demanding journey to the campground.
Best CampsitesBoth campsites offer elevated tent platforms and shared outhouse facilities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Check-in policies are tied to permits
- specific check-in time not stated.
Check-out
- Check-out policies are tied to permits
- specific check-out time not stated.
Stay Limit
- Permit system allows reservations up to two weeks in advance
- maximum number of consecutive nights not specified.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each campsite is limited to nine people.
Groups
Each site accommodates up to nine people, but there is no indication of designated group-specific sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutTwo backcountry campsites with elevated tent platforms and shared facilities.
Open and Closed SeasonSeasonal availability is not specified.
Reservation PlatformsPermit system requires processing at least two weeks in advance; no indication of Recreation.gov availability for this campground.
Walk-in AvailabilityNot available; all sites require advance permit processing.
Cancellation PolicyA late cancellation will incur a $10.00 fee and forfeiture of the first night's fees. Modifications and cancellations are restricted after permit issuance.
Activities you can enjoy
The campground is tailored for hikers and canoeists. Visitors can enjoy hiking the Grand Portage footpath and canoeing along the Pigeon River. Wildlife viewing is likely given the backcountry nature of the site.
Hiking
Visitors can hike the Grand Portage footpath, which connects the historic depot and heritage center area on Grand Portage Bay of Lake Superior with the campground. It is an 8.5-mile hike, offering a workout in a scenic and historical landscape.Boating
Canoeing along the Pigeon River is a primary means of accessing the campground, making it a featured activity.Winter Activities
There is no mention of specific winter activities, though the backcountry setting could make snowshoeing or similar activities possible.Water Sports
Canoeing is a primary water-related activity given the site's accessibility via the Pigeon River.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Specific fire policies are not detailed; assume standard backcountry rules apply, including restrictions during dry seasons.
- Quiet hours are not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsReviews mention the need for securing tents on elevated platforms and avoiding stakes. Backcountry setting may include wildlife risks and challenging terrain.
Active alertsNo specific active alerts mentioned.
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 41%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 9.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services information not provided; likely located in Grand Portage.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo information about refuse management, trash, or recycling facilities is provided.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near the Pigeon River, a major water feature along the Canada/U.S. border.
Common complaintsPermit system requires advanced planning; access to the site may be physically demanding due to the hike or canoeing requirement.
Campground Map
Grand Portage National Monument, P.O. Box 426, Grand Portage, MN, USA, 55605
Driving directionsFort Charlotte is reached by canoeing down the Pigeon River from South Fowl Lake or hiking up the Grand Portage footpath from the historic depot/heritage center area on Grand Portage Bay of Lake Superior. An alternative entry to the Grand Portage footpath can be accessed by driving up County Road 17 to the trailhead where Old Highway 61 intersects the portage.
Accessibility requires canoeing or hiking; driving access is only available up to the trailhead along County Road 17.Nearby places
Grand Portage (exact distance and travel time unavailable)
other population centers not specified.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies information not provided
likely located in Grand Portage.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Fort Charlotte Backcountry Campgrounds has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the historical significance and solitude of the campground, as well as its appeal to backcountry enthusiasts. Elevated platforms for tents and shared outhouse facilities are appreciated features.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Historical setting, backcountry appeal, elevated platforms for tents, and proximity to natural water sources like the Pigeon River are praised.
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
No significant complaints are noted, but the minimal amenities and challenging access (8.5-mile hike) may not be suitable for all.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
- Ensure you reserve a backcountry permit in advance.
- Bring rope for setting up tents as stakes may not work on elevated platforms.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No specific trends tied to the season are mentioned in the user reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'History and solitude are what make this worth a visit. Two sites, with elevated platforms and a shared outhouse. Bring rope to secure your tent, not stakes.' – Robert C.
2. 'Tent pads and River...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific sites are not numbered, but both sites are described as having uniform amenities, such as elevated platforms.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility are available.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews or insights related to pets are provided.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025