New guy looking for places to camp and have a fire

[SpecialistMarty]

I'm sure i'm not the first to make a thread like this, but frankly I don't know where I can go within the limits of the law to camp overnight. Preferably not actual campsites/grounds.
I've lived in Duluth for most for most my time. Only recently got into camping after my time in the Army and making friends with a real outdoorsy Tennessee guy. I got most the equipment at least, just looking for a legal place to camp on a primitive basis.

[Mayfly]

Well you are in the right place then! I'm not sure the trail but there is a trail that goes up along the north shore. You can basically hike it all the way up to the BWCA. I have a friend who does it. They may have designated camping areas but from what he told me it sounded like you can just pick a spot. I'll talk to him later this week and ask him the name.

You also aren't far from the Boundary Waters.... You want primitive? There you have it! You could disappear into there your whole life and potentially not run into another person.

As I get more info i'll post. I am sure maybe others on here may know some as well.

[SpecialistMarty]

I had an opportunity to go up to The Boundary Waters with the Outward Bound program, but work got in the way. Certainly not a place for a rookie camper in any case.
I saw a thread on here about Split Rock Lighthouse campsites, looked interesting

[thunderpout]

Split rock and other state parks have those camper cabins for rent, pretty cool....and also have primitive hike in sites.... sounds like you want to camp where others dont though, State forests allow you to camp anywhere (no site needed) and have a fire as long as its 3 feet and smaller... lots of options where to go..... I do it quite a bit.  This time of year state forest and park campgrounds are usually first come first serve, (dont need reservations )and they arent heavily used like in the summer, depending where you go.  When grouse hunting through out northern MN, I often find state forest campgrounds totally empty, except maybe for the small game opener... I stay home that weekend. there are some good ones up near you on the gunflint trail, the arrowhead trail, sawbill trail and others.... all near the BWCA.  Get a Delorme MN atlas/gazetteer from a sporting goods store or gas station.... they show you lots of good spots to go try.

[Tyler Rother]

Here's all the Minnesota State Parks - Can also reserve online from the DNR Site as well.

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/map.html

Bearhead is a great Park, Zippel Bay is great too, and Temperance is a killer time!

[SpecialistMarty]

Thanks a lot for all the information, I certainly need to get out before it gets too cold out.

[Randy Kaar]

If you go near Willow River I Got a few good spots for you.

randy