Baptism River Campground

This state campground offers some great diversity, easy access to trails as well as offering solid amenities -- yet retains a quiet and private campground vibe. A notable bridge connecting trails collapses recently. Consider that they plan construction and work through the rest of 2025 .. and as I understand it, will impact things this season. Great spot, but probably best avoid the upcoming const... This state campground offers some great diversity, easy access to trails as well as offering solid amenities -- yet retains a quiet and private campground vibe. A notable bridge connecting trails collapses recently. Consider that they plan construction and work through the rest of 2025 .. and as I understand it, will impact things this season. Great spot, but probably best avoid the upcoming construction work. Only practical complaint is poor water pressure and maintenance on the bathroom public site. It's great to hear it's year-round heated, one of the only ones in MN.

We recently stayed for three nights at site 19E in the Baptism River Campground, and it was an unforgettable experience. The main loop sites are narrow and deep, with some elevation changes leading to the fire pit and table areas. I was pleasantly surprised by how secluded the sites felt; the spacing and natural growth ensure privacy and you can’t see your neighbors on either side, and generally,... We recently stayed for three nights at site 19E in the Baptism River Campground, and it was an unforgettable experience. The main loop sites are narrow and deep, with some elevation changes leading to the fire pit and table areas. I was pleasantly surprised by how secluded the sites felt; the spacing and natural growth ensure privacy and you can’t see your neighbors on either side, and generally, there isn’t a neighbor directly across from you. Most sites require some leveling before settling in, and it took us a few passes to get our rig level, but we managed. I particularly liked 19E for its layout. The park recently cleared brush near the fire pit to create more room, and the site is conveniently located right by the trail entrance to the shower house/bathroom and the falls. Wire fencing discretely installed around the sites and along the trails likely helps keep wandering wildlife at bay. The bathrooms were exceptionally clean. The men’s room had two urinals, two stalls, and two large shower stalls with warm water and good pressure—all well maintained. We brought our bicycles, expecting bike trails, but there weren’t any within the immediate area. There is a mountain bike trail, but it starts further away and wasn't what we were looking for. We did ride to the Visitor Center, about 1.5 miles from the campground, but the hilly and steep terrain made it a challenging trip, especially the ride back, which nearly broke us. After that, we decided to leave the bikes unused. The hikes to the falls are absolutely worth it. The high falls are just 0.5 miles away, and the two-step falls are only 0.1 mile. Even after a full day of rain, the trail remained walkable and well-maintained. To reach the falls, you must navigate some steps (over 180 to two-step falls), but there’s plenty of room to take breaks. The stairs at two-step falls lead right to the water's edge, offering a majestic and humbling close-up view of the powerful waters. We saw a couple fishing in the small pools, and several campers hit the trail with their rods in hand. The campground is a breezy five-minute walk to the main trailhead, where you can access major trails if desired. There's also a hidden gem—a nature discovery play zone with cool play features and picnic areas. Cell service at the site was consistently one to two bars. Checking email, making calls, or slowly browsing the web was manageable, but if you plan on working remotely, don’t rely on your phone as a hotspot for video calls. The Visitor Center, however, offers free guest Wi-Fi with reliably good speed. Overall, I highly recommend the Baptism River Campground for its serene atmosphere, excellent facilities, and beautiful surroundings.

I absolutely adored Tettegouche State Park in general, and we will definitely be back. Five stars for the campground for sure, if you have a trailer or RV. Many of the spots would be merely "okay" for tent camping. The one we got was absolutely awful for tent camping. There wasn't really a "tent pad", more of a packed down dirt spot on the other side of the fire ring interlaced with roots and rand... I absolutely adored Tettegouche State Park in general, and we will definitely be back. Five stars for the campground for sure, if you have a trailer or RV. Many of the spots would be merely "okay" for tent camping. The one we got was absolutely awful for tent camping. There wasn't really a "tent pad", more of a packed down dirt spot on the other side of the fire ring interlaced with roots and random large rocks sticking up (at least the rocks were mainly the flat side showing?). So, I'd say 5 stars for the campgrounds and facilities (especially including the hiking paths), but at best 3 stars for the spot we got. *Don't* camp in site #18 in a tent! The trails are moderately difficult just because they go up and down so very much (hills, winding around, etc.). But the trail maintenance is excellent, and the many many steps you need to go down and then back up (*puff puff*) to go to the waterfalls are in very good shape: not shallow or overly tall, mainly. If you absolutely could not handle going back up 183 steps in about 500 paces' space, do not hike to the waterfalls. But if you can do it - even if you need breaks - they are 100% worth it. There are good trout streams nearby and at spots along each of the local rivers if you fish - although they may not have been good this year. It has been very dry all over Minnesota this year, and the streams and waterfalls here show it. But still gorgeous and peaceful.

Super well maintained campsite, with nice, clean bathrooms and showers. There are electric hook ups at the RV sites, and each site is pretty big and secluded, and comes with a fire pit. There are pretty birch and pine trees everywhere. The trailhead to hike to Two Falls and also to High Falls is in this campsite, which gives you easy access, and the hikes are super quick (about half a mile), easy,... Super well maintained campsite, with nice, clean bathrooms and showers. There are electric hook ups at the RV sites, and each site is pretty big and secluded, and comes with a fire pit. There are pretty birch and pine trees everywhere. The trailhead to hike to Two Falls and also to High Falls is in this campsite, which gives you easy access, and the hikes are super quick (about half a mile), easy, and well maintained. The hike to the waterfalls have stairs and walkways, so you can easily bring kids and anyone who has a hard time on a dirt trail. It's a really pretty spot to camp:)