North Star
Closed — Closed for the season. Opens May 22, 2025 and operates through September 29, 2025. Sites 1-21 are first-come, first-served. Sites 22-38 will be reservable on Recreation.gov from July 3 through September 6, 2026, with reservations opening January 3, 2026.
Cold Weather Advisory issued January 19 at 1:11AM CST until January 20 at 12:00PM CST by NWS Duluth MN
* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 35 below zero. * WHERE...Crow Wing, Aitkin, Pine, Koochiching, Cass, Itasca, Carlton, St. Louis Counties. This includes the Tribal Lands of the Fond du Lac Band, the Mille Lacs Band, East Lake, Big Sandy Lake, Hinckley and, Lena Lake areas and the Bois Forte Band, Lake Vermilion, Nett Lake and, Deer Creek areas. Other locations including Voyageurs National Park. This also includes the Boundary Waters western area. * WHEN...Until noon CST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 35 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.
From Recreation.gov
**!! New for 2026 !! **Campers will now be able to reserve sites #22-38 from July 3rd, 2026 to September 6th, 2026. Reservations will become available on Recreation.gov on a rolling basis on January 3, 2026.
About
North Star Campground sits on North Star Lake in the Chippewa National Forest, 4 miles south of Marcell and 25 miles north of Grand Rapids on Minnesota State Highway 38. The campground features 38 non-electric campsites, all within easy walking distance of a sandy swimming beach. North Star Lake is known for its many sheltered bays and inlets that create quiet water conditions ideal for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The campground operates seasonally from late May through late September. Starting in 2026, sites 22-38 will be reservable through Recreation.gov from July 3 to September 6, with reservations opening on a rolling basis beginning January 3, 2026. Sites cost $14 per night, with a 50% discount available for Interagency Senior and Access pass holders. Payment is accepted via cash or check at the entrance kiosk. Campers should note that potable water is not available on-site, so visitors must bring their own drinking water. Vault toilets are provided. The campground enforces quiet hours from 10pm to 6am, and pets are welcome but must be leashed. To protect the forest from invasive species, only local firewood from Itasca County is permitted, and chainsaw use is prohibited in the campground.
Directions
Located 4 miles south of Marcell on Minnesota State Highway 38, or 25 miles north of Grand Rapids.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $14 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (218) 246-2123 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
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