Temperance River State Park
Minnesota DNR- Sites
- Drive-in electric and non-electric; cart-in
- Phone
- 218-663-3102
Best for: Electric and non-electric drive-in sites near the lake.
Watch out: Length not listed.
The short version
Minnesota’s North Shore is a string of state parks along Lake Superior reached by Highway 61. Camping is through the Minnesota DNR, which allows reservations up to 120 days ahead and a maximum of 14 nights for one reservation.
Park pages we read list drive-in sites with electric and non-electric options at Temperance River, 27 drive-in sites at Judge C.R. Magney (open May to October) and non-electric camping at Gooseberry Falls. The pages did not list RV length limits or dump stations, so call the park or use the reservation map for those details.
Best for
- Waterfalls and Lake Superior from a state-park base
- Rigs that can camp with or without electric
- Travelers who can book 120 days out
Think twice if
- You need electric at Gooseberry Falls. The page lists non-electric camping
- You need a confirmed length or dump station from the park page. Call first
- You want to book more than 120 days ahead
Rig fit
- Pages list no maximum RV length. Check the reservation site map
- Quiet hours 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.
- Only registered campers in the campground during quiet hours
Trip at a glance
| Vehicle permit | $7 for one day or overnight; $35 annual |
|---|---|
| Reservations | Up to 120 days ahead. $8 online or $10 by phone, non-refundable; no fee for same-day reservations |
| Max stay | 14 nights per reservation |
| Temperance River | Drive-in sites, electric and non-electric, and cart-in sites |
| Judge C.R. Magney | 27 drive-in sites, May to October |
| Gooseberry Falls | Non-electric campsites and a group camp |
| Reservation line | 866-857-2757 |
Rig check: site types
The DNR pages we read gave site types but no lengths.
- Temperance River
- Drive-in sites near Lake Superior, both electric and non-electric.
- Judge C.R. Magney
- 27 drive-in sites. Electric hookups were not mentioned.
- Gooseberry Falls
- Non-electric campsites. Electric not listed.
- All state parks
- Quiet hours 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.
When to go
Summer is peak. The DNR also lists winter camping.
| Time of year | What to expect |
|---|---|
| May to June | Judge Magney opens in May. |
| July to August | Peak. Book 120 days ahead. |
| September to October | Fall color. Judge Magney closes after October. |
| Winter | See the DNR winter camping page. |
Where to stay with an RV
Three parks give a sense of the options.
Judge C.R. Magney State Park
Minnesota DNR- Sites
- 27 drive-in
- Season
- May to October
- Phone
- 218-387-6301
Best for: A quieter park with a smaller campground.
Watch out: Electric not mentioned.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Minnesota DNR- Sites
- Non-electric and group camp
- Reservations
- 866-857-2757
Best for: The best-known North Shore waterfalls.
Watch out: Non-electric camping.
Other state parks and private RV parks line Highway 61. We did not verify others.
Itineraries that work with a rig
Plans assume one base on Highway 61.
3 days: Falls and lake
First visit.
- Day 1. Set up at Temperance River.
- Day 2. Visit the falls.
- Day 3. Drive Highway 61.
5 days: Add Judge Magney
Quieter park.
- Days 1–3. Follow the three-day plan.
- Day 4. Move to Judge Magney.
- Day 5. Hike the river.
7 days: Slow week
Buffer days.
- Days 1–5. Follow the five-day plan.
- Day 6. Gooseberry Falls.
- Day 7. Buffer day.
What not to miss
Gooseberry Falls
A series of waterfalls near Highway 61.
Temperance River
A river gorge near Lake Superior.
Judge C.R. Magney
A river park with 27 drive-in sites.
Getting around with a big rig
Buy the permit. $7 per day or $35 annual.
Book at 120 days. The window opens that far ahead.
Call for length. Pages don’t list it.
Fuel, groceries, water and repairs
Two Harbors, Silver Bay, Tofte and Grand Marais have fuel and groceries along Highway 61.
Budget snapshot
From the DNR permit and reservation pages. Site fees are on the reservation site.
| Item | What we found | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle permit | $7 day / $35 annual | — |
| Reservation fee | $8 online / $10 phone | Non-refundable. |
| Campsite | See reservation site | Not on park pages. |
Fees are the amounts listed by the managing agency when this guide was checked. Use the budget worksheet to add fuel, groceries and contingency.
Common questions
How far ahead can I book?
Up to 120 days.
How much is the state park vehicle permit?
$7 daily or $35 annual.
Which parks have electric sites?
Temperance River lists electric and non-electric drive-in sites.
How long can I stay?
14 nights per reservation.
Is there a reservation fee?
$8 online or $10 by phone; none for same-day.
Sources and what to recheck
Rules were checked October 15, 2026. Fees, closures and availability will change, so use the official pages below as the source of truth.
- Vehicle permit — Permit prices
- Reservation FAQ — Booking window and fees
- Temperance River map — Site types
- Judge C.R. Magney map — Sites and season
- Gooseberry Falls map — Camping