Cascade River Campground

Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis with no fees. Winter camping is allowed, but roads are not plowed and vault toilets may be locked or inaccessible due to snow.

About

Cascade River Rustic Campground is a small, primitive camping area operated by the Superior National Forest, featuring just 4 first-come, first-served campsites situated along the Cascade River. This remote location is particularly popular with anglers seeking to fish the Cascade River for trout and other species. The campground provides basic amenities including vault toilets and fire rings, but lacks many typical campground facilities. Unlike developed campgrounds, there are no picnic tables at the campsites, so visitors should come prepared to set up and eat meals as they would while backpacking. No potable water is available on-site, so campers must bring their own drinking water. The campground also has no garbage service, so visitors must pack out all trash. Fishing in the Cascade River requires a valid Minnesota Department of Natural Resources fishing license, with an additional stamp required for trout fishing. The campground is located in Cook County, accessed via the Gunflint Trail and a series of county and forest roads. Winter camping is permitted, though roads are not plowed and vault toilets may be locked or inaccessible due to snow conditions. No fees are charged for camping at this rustic site, making it an affordable option for self-sufficient campers seeking a remote wilderness experience in the Superior National Forest.

Directions

From Grand Marais, drive County Road 12 (Gunflint Trail) north to County Road 8. Turn left on County Road 8 and drive approximately 4.5 miles to a fork with County Road 57. Bear left at the fork onto County Road 57 and drive approximately 5 miles to a T-intersection with Forest Road 158. Turn right on Forest Road 158 and Cascade River Rustic Campground is on the left almost immediately.

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