Our Glamping Adventure at North Shore Camping Co: A Must Visit Minnesota Getaway
Max, Cindy, and big Ernie here with another Minnesota adventure to share. We just got back from the most incredible glamping experience at North Shore Camping Co in Beaver Bay, and we're already planning our next trip back! If you've been wondering whether glamping is worth the hype, let's get into it.
⛺What Makes North Shore Camping Co Special
This was mine and Cindy's first time camping together, and we were glamping newbies going into this. The idea of "camping" without actually having to pack a million things and set up our own tent? Sign us up! North Shore Camping Co delivered on every level. This isn't your typical rough it camping experience. Think fancy camping where you actually get to sleep comfortably and have real amenities.
The tent setup blew us away. The tent was a fully equipped space with everything you need: plates, silverware, lanterns that lasted our entire trip, a table perfect for card games (which came in handy when the mosquitoes got a little too friendly outside), and a heater that kept us toasty even though we visited in early August. The two-person tent with Ernie was the perfect size, but any more than that and it would have been a little crammed. We would definitely recommend the four-person tent for a bigger group. The tent itself was well sealed and we didn't get too many bugs inside the tent, other than the ones that snuck in through the front door.
One of our favorite touches? They provide an ATV chauffeur when you first arrive to help transport all your belongings up to your tent. Such a nice touch! It made setup incredibly quick and easy, which meant more time for us to focus on the fun stuff. It would have been difficult for us to lug all of our stuff up to the tent, especially with Ernie.
🏞️Best Activities Near North Shore Camping Co
Iona Beach: A Hidden Gem for Adventure Lovers
About a 10-minute drive from the campground, you'll find Iona Beach and trust us, this spot is absolutely stunning. The red stone rock beach is like something out of a postcard. I couldn't resist taking a swim despite the pretty chilly water. Cindy preferred the shore with Ernie, it was a bit too cold for her to make the plunge. Just be warned, even if you visit during warmer months like we did, Lake Superior stays refreshingly cold!
There were also some trails around here if you were looking for a nice walk close to Lake Superior. We found parking and walked about 5 minutes down a trail to get to the first beach entrance. We spent a few hours here just soaking in the natural beauty, and the colored rocks make for some excellent photography.
Gooseberry Falls: Minnesota's Must See Waterfall
Just 15 minutes from North Shore Camping Co, Gooseberry Falls was absolutely worth the short drive. Another plus is that it's only about a 10 minute walk from the parking area to reach the falls. Perfect for a morning adventure before heading back to camp for breakfast. The falls were gorgeous, and we got some incredible photos. This is definitely one of those spots that makes you fall in love with Minnesota.
🍽️Food and Dining Options
We kept it simple for most meals at camp, since we kept everything on ice. We brought a cooler packed with drinks, hot dogs, brats, and put together an amazing cracker platter with salami and cheese. The Outpost Grill at our tent made cooking super easy, and honestly, there's something special about grilling your own dinner outdoors. It always tastes better.
For one dinner out, we hit up Black Woods Bar and Grille in Two Harbors. The experience was pretty good overall. Cindy absolutely loved the steak in her Chipotle Steak Salad. I got the Walleye Sandwich, which came out a bit overdone and dry, but still enjoyable.
North Shore Camping Co has a restaurant across the street that delivers pizza right to your tent! Super convenient, but unfortunately, we didn't get the chance to try it. Definitely on our list for next time.
✨The Real Glamping Experience
This was Ernie's first camping adventure, and he had the time of his little life (though we had to constantly watch him trying to eat every stick and leaf on the ground, classic puppy behavior). The staff was incredibly helpful with recommendations for things to do around the area, and they really made us feel welcome.
We loved that they provided one bundle of firewood, which was perfect for our two night stay. The fire starters they give you make getting a fire going super simple, even if you don't have much experience. And yes, we absolutely had to make s'mores, it's a requirement!
The tent stayed nice and warm with the heater, and having that table inside was clutch for playing cards when we had to retreat from the mosquitoes in the evening.
💡Things to Keep in Mind
Bathroom Situation:
The bathrooms are a bit of a walk from the tents, so definitely make that late night trip before settling in for bed. There are smaller bathroom locations scattered around, but they can be pretty dark with just small lights. The community showers and bathrooms at the Base Lodge are much nicer, but they can get busy, so plan accordingly if you have early morning plans.
Mosquitos:
They were pretty active in the evening when we visited in August, so bring bug spray! The Base Lodge has everything you might forget, including bug spray and even playing cards.
Ice Runs:
We found ourselves buying ice multiple times from the front office, but it was fairly priced. The walk down to the front office takes about 10 minutes (longer with Ernie stopping to sniff every interesting smell).
Mobility Considerations:
Keep in mind there's some walking involved and the bathroom setup might be challenging for anyone with mobility issues.
🍂Why We're Already Planning Our Return Trip
The staff mentioned that fall is an absolutely amazing time to visit for the changing leaves, and we've got our next trip dates in mind. There's something special about this place that just makes you want to disconnect from everything and enjoy the simple things.
North Shore Camping Co strikes the perfect balance between outdoor adventure and comfort. If you're looking to get out of the Twin Cities and experience camping without all the hassle of packing everything yourself, this is your spot.
They also have saunas near the front office that we didn't get to try this time, another reason we need to go back!
🏕️Ready to Book Your Own Adventure?
Want to experience this amazing glamping spot for yourself? Use this link to book and save $30 on your stay .
Trust us, you're going to want to bookmark this spot for your next Minnesota adventure. Whether you're planning a romantic couples getaway, a fun trip with friends, or even bringing your four legged family member along like we did, North Shore Camping Co delivers an unforgettable experience.