Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Cart-in Campground
Open year-round with reservations available. Wheeled carts provided seasonally for hauling gear; bring sleds or backpacks in winter.
Flood Warning issued May 1 at 7:52PM CDT until May 6 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Minnesota... South Kawishiwi River near Ely affecting northwestern Lake County. .High water continues on the Kawishiwi River due to the effects of recent heavy rains and the last of ongoing snowmelt. Expect high, fast moving water through the Kawishiwi River, Isabella River, and Basswood River. Lake levels across the Boundary Waters Wilderness Area will be high. * WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring and remains forecast. * WHERE...South Kawishiwi River near Ely. * WHEN...Until early Wednesday afternoon. * IMPACTS...At 7.0 feet, Several BWCA camp sites may be submerged. Portages may have flowing water difficult to identify. Areas with swift currents may be hazardous to recreationalists. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 7:30 PM CDT Friday the stage was 6.9 feet. - Bankfull stage is 5.5 feet. - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 7:30 PM CDT Friday was 6.9 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise to a crest of 7.0 feet just after midnight tonight. It will then fall below flood stage Wednesday morning. - Flood stage is 6.5 feet. - Flood History...This crest is higher than the crest of 6.9 feet on 05/17/2022. - Flood safety information can be found at www.weather.gov/safety/flood.
Flood Advisory issued May 1 at 9:54AM CDT until May 2 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
High water continues across portions of the far eastern Rainy River watershed due to the effects of runoff from heavy rains and snowmelt from earlier this week. Expect high, fast moving water on area rivers and elevated lake levels. Water levels are near or just surpassed those seen during flood events in Spring 2022 and June 2024. Further water level increases are possible through this weekend after which slow declines should begin. * WHAT...Flooding caused by runoff from rain and snowmelt continues. * WHERE...In Minnesota, Cook and Lake Counties. * WHEN...Until 700 PM CDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Some low-water crossings may become impassable. River or stream flows are elevated. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 948 AM CDT Friday, automated river gages and the public reported flooding in the advisory area. Minor flooding is occurring. - Expect high, fast moving water on area rivers and elevated lake levels. Water levels are near or just surpassed those seen during flood events in Spring 2022 and June 2024. Further water level increases are possible through this weekend after which slow declines should begin. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Gunflint Lake, Forest Center, Little Saganaga Lake, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Snowbank Lake, Alpine Lake, Sea Gull Lake, Isabella, Saganaga Lake, Basswood Lake, Fall Lake, White Iron Lake, Birch Lake, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness North of the Gunflint Trail, Pine Lake, Alice Lake, Malberg Lake, Lake Polly and Thomas Lake. - Flood safety information can be found at www.weather.gov/safety/flood.
About
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park's cart-in campground offers a unique semi-primitive camping experience along the dramatic North Shore of Lake Superior. The campground features 20 secluded tent-only sites, all located within 2,000 feet of the parking area, making gear transport manageable for most campers. During the warmer months, the park provides wheeled carts to help transport camping equipment, while winter campers are advised to bring sleds or backpacks for hauling gear through the snow. Each campsite is thoughtfully equipped with a picnic table, fire pit, and bear-resistant food storage box, essential for this region where black bears are present. Many sites offer views of Lake Superior or the iconic Split Rock Lighthouse perched on the cliffs above. The campground's design preserves the natural beauty and seclusion of the North Shore landscape while keeping amenities within reasonable walking distance. The cart-in campground operates year-round, with seasonal flush toilets and showers available during the warmer months and vault toilets accessible throughout winter. The campground connects to the park's 14 miles of scenic hiking trails along the lakeshore and through northern forests, providing access to cobblestone beaches, wildlife viewing, and stunning overlooks. Two of the 20 sites are wheelchair accessible, making this unique camping experience available to a wider range of visitors.
Directions
From Highway 61, turn onto Split Rock Lighthouse Road and follow signs to the park entrance. Park in the designated lot near the Trail Center; carts are available to transport gear to your campsite.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $25 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (866) 857-2757 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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