North Star
4.6514 reviewsNorth Star
$14.00 - $14.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for camping during peak season is $14. Additional fees may apply for reservations, changes, and cancellations.
Standard Site Fee$14.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$14.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
ProviderN/AN/A
About this campground
Discover your perfect lakeside retreat at North Star Campground, where 38 thoughtfully positioned campsites await just a short stroll from pristine sandy shores. Here, the gentle lapping of quiet waters creates an ideal backdrop for anglers seeking their next catch, while adventure enthusiasts find endless opportunities to explore the great outdoors. Whether you're casting a line at dawn or gathering around the campfire under starlit skies, North Star offers an authentic wilderness experience without sacrificing accessibility.
North Star Campground offers primarily tent and RV camping. It features 38 sites suitable for standard non-electric setups. Sites are diverse, including lakeside options.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms North Star into a camper's paradise, with moderate temperatures and crystal-clear skies creating ideal conditions for outdoor adventures. While the region experiences dry conditions throughout much of the year, occasional light snowfall adds a touch of winter magic to the landscape. The warm summer months shine as the prime camping season, when long days invite swimming, hiking, and evenings spent watching the sun dip below the treeline.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of North Star's forest-embraced setting, where towering trees frame spectacular lake views from carefully chosen vantage points. The campground's crown jewels are its coveted lakeside sites, offering front-row seats to nature's daily performance of sunrise reflections and evening mist. Sheltered bays and hidden inlets dot the shoreline, creating intimate coves perfect for quiet contemplation or launching your next paddling adventure. The surrounding forest provides a living cathedral of greenery, alive with birdsong and dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy.
Geological RegionSet in the heart of Northern Minnesota's legendary lake country, North Star Campground exemplifies the region's stunning natural tapestry. This landscape, sculpted by ancient glaciers, showcases the area's signature features: pristine lakes cradled by dense forests, peaceful bays protected from winds, and the rolling terrain that makes Minnesota's wilderness so captivating. It's a place where the boreal forest meets crystal waters, creating an ecosystem rich with wildlife and natural beauty.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible sites are available. One review mentions that stairs to the boat site were manageable for handicap users with a cane.
Sites SizeSites are described as "big roomy" with several lakeside options available, offering generous space.
Sites PrivacyCampsites provide good privacy between off-lake sites due to ample vegetation. One review specifically notes, "The campground offers generous spacing and ample vegetation providing good privacy."
Total Campsites38 campsites
Recommended CampsitesLakeside sites offer scenic views; off-lake sites are quieter and provide more privacy.
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay limit is 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
No group camping facilities are explicitly mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutnull
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 22nd to September 8th.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome reviews state that all sites are first-come, first-serve, but authoritative content indicates reservable sites starting June 21, 2025.
Cancellation PolicyYou can cancel any time before the scheduled arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with applicable reservation fees. Late cancellations will also forfeit the first night's recreation fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
This campground offers a variety of activities, making it an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts. A sandy swimming beach and a lake with sheltered bays make it popular for "swimming" and "fishing." Other activities include "biking," "canoeing," "kayaking," "wildlife viewing," "paddling," and "berry picking." Mushroom picking and star gazing are also listed as attractions.
Fishing
Fishing is well-supported, with the lake described as having many sheltered bays and inlets that provide quiet waters. One review highlights that the lake is stocked with muskie.Swimming
Swimming is a key feature at the campground, with an "excellent swimming area with a sand lake bottom" located near the campsites.Biking
Biking is listed as one of the activities available but lacks detailed trail descriptions.Boating
Boating, including canoeing and kayaking, is popular, with easy lake access. One user noted issues with boats being left near the beach, suggesting a need for better organization.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is available, with Northern Minnesota being known for its rich biodiversity.Beach activities
The sandy swimming beach is a major highlight of the campground, described as "nice little swimming beach" by users.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not applicable as the campground closes on September 8th and does not operate during winter months.Water Sports
Water-based activities, including canoeing, kayaking, and paddling, are popular due to the lake's easy access and calm waters.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires must be extinguished before leaving the site. Fireworks are prohibited.
- Quiet hours are 10pm to 6am.
Hazards
General hazardsPresence of black bears in the area necessitates secure storage of food and attractants in vehicles or hard-sided campers. Cutting live vegetation is prohibited, and chainsaw use is not allowed.
Active alertsFirewood is no longer sold at Chippewa National Forest campgrounds; visitors must source firewood locally.
Weather forecast
33
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 83%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 9.6 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesMay 22, 2025 - September 08, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available, but recycling facilities are not mentioned. One reviewer noted issues with trash at the beach.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located next to a lake with a sandy swimming beach and bays ideal for fishing.
Common complaintsNoise from generators near waterfront sites mentioned in user reviews.
HostMultiple reviews mention friendly and accommodating hosts.
Campground Map
Driving directionsNorth Star Campground is located 4 miles south of Marcell and 25 miles north of Grand Rapids on MN State Highway 38.
The campground is accessible directly from MN State Highway 38, which is paved. There is no mention of seasonal closures or challenging terrain.Nearby places
Marcell: 4 miles, Grand Rapids: 25 miles
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
4.7
14 reviews
North Star is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews consistently praise the campground's quiet atmosphere, cleanliness, and natural beauty. The sandy swimming beach and spacious sites are popular highlights. Some concerns include generator noise near waterfront sites and the lack of shower facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback includes "excellent swimming area with a sand lake bottom," "generous spacing and ample vegetation providing good privacy," and the "clean bathrooms." Many users appreciate the...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Negative aspects include generator noise in waterfront sites, the lack of showers, and trash issues near the beach. One reviewer expressed disappointment with the campground's closure after Labor Day.
Based on 14 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers suggest aiming for inland sites to avoid generator noise and bringing personal drinking water despite the hand pumps. Visitors also recommend preparing for potential black bear encounters by...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer visitors highlight the swimming beach and water activities as major advantages. One reviewer noted disappointment about the campground closing after Labor Day, missing the fall season.
Based on 14 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Nice big roomy sites with several lakeside available." "This is a beautiful campground. Wish you could make reservations." "Clean bathrooms nice camping spot it was nice and quiet." "Generator noise...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Waterfront sites are noted for their great views but are also reported to experience generator noise. Inland sites are quieter and less populated, even on busy weekends.
Based on 14 reviewsAccessibility Features
One review highlights the site's accessibility for individuals with mobility issues, noting that "stairs at this site not too bad for handicap with cane."
Based on 14 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed on leashes, but they are not permitted in beach areas. There is limited information on additional pet-specific amenities or experiences.
Based on 14 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
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