Cascade River Campground

About

Cascade River State Park Campground sits where the Cascade River plunges through a rocky gorge before reaching Lake Superior. The campground offers 40 drive-in campsites during the main season, including 21 electric sites and 19 non-electric sites, plus 2 group campsites and 5 backpack sites scattered throughout the park. The campground operates year-round, with full facilities available from approximately May through October. During winter, 6 campsites remain plowed and accessible, though without electric hookups. The park features extensive hiking trails, including the popular 3.5-mile Lookout Mountain loop that climbs 600 feet to panoramic views of Lake Superior and the Sawtooth Mountains. The Cascade River itself drops 900 feet in its final three miles, creating the spectacular series of cascades that give the park its name. Anglers can fish for brook trout, rainbow trout, and seasonal runs of Chinook and pink salmon. The park contains 1.5 miles of Lake Superior shoreline accessible via the Lake Trail. Campground hosts are available June through September. Historic rock walls built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s remain visible near the river's mouth. The trail center building near the parking area offers a cozy space with picnic tables and a woodstove, heated by staff on winter weekends.

Directions

From MN 61 at Lutsen: Turn left on Co 4 (Caribou Trail) and drive approximately 15 miles to FR 170. Turn right on FR 170 and drive 3.5 miles to FR 158. Turn right on FR 158 and drive 2 miles. Cascade River Rustic Campground is on the right. From Grand Marais: Drive Co 12 (Gunflint Trail) north to Co 8. Turn left on Co 8 and drive approximately 4.5 miles to a fork with Co 57. Bear left at the fork onto Co 57 and drive approximately 5 miles to a T with FR 158. Turn right on FR 158; Cascade River Rustic Campground is on the left almost immediately.