🌲 Introduction / Overview
For Minnesotans looking to experience the iconic beauty of the Northwoods, Avay Up Nort Campground offers a friendly, affordable, and incredibly well-positioned option near one of the state’s most beloved natural treasures. Located in Laporte, this campground is a perfect basecamp for exploring the headwaters of the Mississippi River and the vast recreational opportunities of the surrounding region. It is recognized by local users for its peaceful, quiet atmosphere, often described as a genuine escape from the hustle and bustle of more commercialized tourist spots, especially during the week.
The core value proposition of Avay Up Nort is its combination of affordability and unbeatable proximity to Itasca State Park. Local users consistently praise the friendly, accommodating nature of the camp host and staff, noting their willingness to assist campers, offer local tips, and ensure a pleasant stay. The campground features sites suitable for both RVs and tent campers, all nestled in a natural, well-kept setting. While it provides essential amenities, its true charm lies in the seclusion and the easy, straightforward access to world-class Minnesota wilderness. If your priority is finding a budget-friendly spot with a focus on peace and convenience for regional exploration, Avay Up Nort is a highly recommended local gem.
🗺️ Location and Accessibility
The location of Avay Up Nort Campground is one of its most significant selling points for Minnesotans planning a northern getaway. Situated at 11090 Norway Dr, Laporte, MN 56461, USA, the campground places you directly in the heart of the lakes and forests of Hubbard County.
Its accessibility to Itasca State Park is outstanding. According to local user reviews, the park's entrances are "literally up the road," placing visitors just minutes from the site where the great Mississippi River begins its journey. This makes Avay Up Nort an ideal lodging choice, allowing campers to spend less time driving and more time exploring the park's scenic trails, historic sites, and the famous headwaters crossing.
Laporte itself is a small, quiet town, ensuring that the surrounding area is tranquil. The campground is easily reachable via well-maintained county roads off major state highways (such as US-71), making the final leg of the drive simple for both RVs and vehicles towing trailers. This proximity to major nature attractions, combined with the camp's tucked-away feel, allows for quick access to outdoor adventures like hiking, wildlife watching, and fishing, solidifying its status as a premier location for the serious Minnesota explorer.
🛠️ Services Offered
Avay Up Nort Campground provides essential services and amenities designed to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay in the Northwoods.
✨ Features / Highlights
The true highlights of Avay Up Nort are deeply intertwined with its secluded character and unbeatable location near major Minnesota attractions.
📞 Contact Information
To secure your quiet, affordable spot near the headwaters of the Mississippi, here is the essential contact information for Avay Up Nort Campground:
Address:
11090 Norway Dr, Laporte, MN 56461, USA
Primary Phone Number:
(218) 266-0093
Mobile Phone Number (for text inquiries):
+1 218-266-0093
⭐ What is Worth Choosing Avay Up Nort
Minnesotans choose Avay Up Nort Campground for two compelling reasons: location and genuine Northwoods peace. If your primary goal is to spend the maximum amount of time exploring Itasca State Park—hiking the trails, crossing the headwaters, and taking in the stunning old-growth forests—you will not find a more convenient or more affordable private campground base. The fact that the park entrances are "literally up the road" saves precious vacation time and fuel, making day trips effortless.
Beyond location, the campground offers a rare sense of quiet solitude. Unlike some larger, resort-style campgrounds that can be loud and overcrowded, Avay Up Nort is consistently praised for being peaceful, especially during the week. This tranquility, combined with the low nightly rate, offers an unbeatable value for the budget-conscious traveler. The owner and camp host, Ms. Amanda, embody classic Minnesota hospitality, providing personalized service, helpful local advice, and ensuring every guest feels welcome and informed. Choosing Avay Up Nort is choosing a quiet, friendly, and practical spot to anchor your most memorable Northern Minnesota adventure.
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
RV camping
Picnic tables
Public shower
Restroom
Debit cards
Credit cards
Good for kids
On-site parking
Dogs allowed
We were here during the week and we were the only ones here. A few more showed up on the weekend. The owner is very responsive to text msgs. The showers are horrible; so many spiders and other bugs. Come on.
This was a great camping experience! We called rather late needing an emergency spot to sleep and shower (we have a stealth camper van, so no facilities in it). Even though she was at work, the camp host Ms. Amanda took our call and helped us make arrangements for our stay. The price was very affordable. For little more than the amount of money we would've spent on showers, we got to use the bathhouse AND got a place to have a great, peaceful night's sleep after enjoying the quiet and watching a beautiful sunset in such a well-kept and clean campground. Also, since we would be going to Itasca State Park, it's proximity could not be beat (2 park entrances are literally up the road). She was very accommodating and friendly, also patient and informative with our questions (we are new to the area). Later, even though she had just gotten off from work, Ms. Amanda took her time to explain to us a lot of key pieces of interest and things to avoid, seasonal interests, etc. Would highly recommend a visit to Avay Up Nort and will definitely be going back again!
Very quiet.well maintained with nice playground for kids .the host was amazing. She bent over backwards to make sure we were comfortable during our stay.great bathhouse with showers that have water hotter than tepid and not on a45second ti mer.we will return
Campground was nice. Owner was very friendly. We later found out it is super over priced for the area and the amenities offered. The owner is not motivated. She co-owns with her parents and things tend to get done when her parents are around, which is not often. Basic campground rules (leash and clean up after your dogs) are not enforced. Trash near campsite will not be emptied until late Sunday Night. Also the flies and mosquitoes are terrible. Owner has tons of dogs, chickens, ducks, geese so between all of the animals and the overflowing trash there are a lot of bugs. Could be a really nice campground if someone took care of the place.
Very convenient location for folks exploring Itasca State Park, about 2 miles from entrance. Good little campground w/o a lot of frills. Large camp sites at a reasonable rate. Camped with a medium sized class C RV. We would stay again.