Gooseberry Multi-group Camp

For those of us who call Minnesota home, the pull of the North Shore is an irresistible siren song, drawing us to its rugged beauty, dramatic bluffs, and the vast expanse of Lake Superior. Among the many treasures along this iconic coastline, Gooseberry Falls State Park stands out as a true gem, offering not just breathtaking waterfalls but also exceptional camping opportunities. If you’re planning an outdoor adventure with a larger crew, whether it's family, friends, or an organized gathering, Gooseberry Multi-group Camp within this renowned state park provides an ideal base. It's a place where you can immerse yourselves in nature, explore world-class trails, and create unforgettable memories against the backdrop of one of Minnesota's most beloved landscapes.

Gooseberry Multi-group Camp is a unique offering within the larger Gooseberry Falls State Park Campground, specifically designed to accommodate larger parties. Unlike individual campsites, these multi-group sites provide ample space for several tents and shared gathering areas, making them perfect for scouting groups, family reunions, or a large gathering of friends seeking a communal outdoor experience. The campground, known as "the gateway to the North Shore," consistently receives praise for its well-maintained facilities and its unparalleled access to the park's natural wonders. While the sites themselves offer a comfortable and functional base, the true magic lies in the surrounding state park – a paradise for outdoor lovers with its five majestic waterfalls, extensive hiking trails, and direct access to the mighty Lake Superior. It offers a rustic yet accessible camping experience, blending the tranquility of the wilderness with the convenience of state park amenities.

Gooseberry Multi-group Camp is ideally situated within Gooseberry Falls State Park, located at Two Harbors, MN 55616, USA. This places it approximately 13 miles northeast of the town of Two Harbors along State Highway 61, the famed scenic route of the North Shore. The park's accessibility is a major advantage for Minnesotans, allowing for relatively easy travel from various parts of the state. Once inside the park, the campground is well-signed, leading you to your group site. The proximity to Lake Superior is a huge draw, with short paths leading directly from the campground to the lake's beautiful rocky beaches. This prime location not only offers stunning views but also serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the entire North Shore region, including other state parks, charming small towns, and countless scenic overlooks. The Gitchi-Gami State Trail, a paved biking path, also runs through the park, providing another fantastic way to experience the area directly from your campsite.

Gooseberry Multi-group Camp, as part of Gooseberry Falls State Park Campground, offers a range of services and facilities designed to make your group camping experience comfortable and convenient. While individual campsites are non-electric, the park provides essential amenities for a well-rounded stay.

• Restrooms and Showers: The campground features well-maintained restrooms and showers (seasonal availability, typically May through late October), ensuring campers can freshen up after a day of activities. Vault toilets are available year-round.

• Drinking Water: Potable water is available at multiple water stations throughout the campground, ensuring access to clean drinking water.

• Sanitary Dump Station: A dump station is conveniently located at the campground entrance (seasonal availability), providing a necessary service for RV and trailer campers.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each group site is equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for shared meals and cozy campfires (firewood typically available for sale at the park office).

• Firewood and Ice Sales: Firewood is available for purchase at the state park office or through the Yodel app, and ice is sold seasonally at the office, making it easy to replenish supplies.

• Three Tent-Only Group Sites: Specifically designed for larger gatherings, these sites can accommodate up to 50 people each, with shared parking and nearby potable water and rustic toilets.

• Visitor Center and Nature Store: The Joseph N. Alexander Visitor Center offers interpretive exhibits, educational programs, a gift shop (Nature Store), restrooms, and valuable information about the park and surrounding area. It also has an EV charging station.

Gooseberry Multi-group Camp offers numerous features and highlights that make it a standout choice for groups seeking an unforgettable North Shore adventure. These attributes leverage the incredible natural beauty and recreational opportunities of Gooseberry Falls State Park.

• Access to Gooseberry Falls: The primary highlight is immediate access to the park's iconic five waterfalls. Campers can easily hike or bike to the Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls, enjoying breathtaking views and the soothing sound of rushing water.

• Lake Superior Access: Short, private paths from the campground lead directly to Lake Superior's rocky beaches. This provides opportunities for rock skipping, agate hunting, swimming (weather permitting), and simply soaking in the panoramic views of the great lake.

• Extensive Hiking Trails: The park boasts over 20 miles of hiking trails, winding through diverse forests of cedar, birch, and spruce. Trails like the Falls Loop, Fifth Falls Trail, and sections of the Superior Hiking Trail offer varying levels of difficulty and stunning scenery.

• Biking on Gitchi-Gami State Trail: The paved Gitchi-Gami State Trail runs through the park, offering excellent biking opportunities. It connects the lower picnic area to the rest of the trail along Highway 61, providing continuous paved trail from Gooseberry to Silver Bay.

• Abundant Wildlife and Birding: The park is a haven for wildlife, with over 225 species of birds and 46 species of mammals recorded. Its location along the North Shore migratory flyway makes it an exceptional birding destination, especially during spring and fall migrations.

• Historic CCC Structures: Visitors can explore beautiful log and stone structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s and 40s, including retaining walls, shelters, and park buildings, adding a layer of historical interest.

• Year-Round Recreation: While some services are seasonal, the park offers year-round activities. In winter, enjoy groomed cross-country ski trails, snowshoeing (including off-trail), and snowmobiling on connector trails. A warming hut is available at the Visitor Center.

• Interpretive Programs: The Visitor Center often hosts naturalist-led interpretive hikes and educational programs, providing deeper insights into the park's ecology, geology, and history.

For reservations, current conditions, or any specific inquiries regarding Gooseberry Multi-group Camp or Gooseberry Falls State Park, it is best to contact the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) directly. They manage the state park system and can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Address: Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors, MN 55616, USA (Note: Specific address for Multi-group Camp is within the park)

Park Office Phone: (218) 595-7100

General Minnesota State Park Reservations: 866-857-2757 (TTY: 952-936-4008)

Email: gooseberryfalls.statepark@state.mn.us

For us Minnesotans, Gooseberry Multi-group Camp offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the iconic North Shore with our chosen group. Its strategic location within Gooseberry Falls State Park means immediate access to some of Minnesota's most stunning natural attractions, making it a perfect hub for adventure. We value our state parks for their beauty and accessibility, and Gooseberry delivers on both fronts, easily reachable from various parts of Minnesota via Highway 61.

The design of the multi-group sites caters directly to our desire for shared experiences. Whether it's a family reunion, a scout troop outing, or a gathering of outdoor-loving friends, these sites provide the space and communal feel needed to truly connect. Knowing that clean restrooms and showers are available (seasonally) is a significant comfort, allowing us to refresh after a day of hiking the park's extensive trails or exploring the Lake Superior shoreline.

The sheer wealth of activities available right from the campground is a major draw. Imagine waking up to the sound of the Gooseberry River, then spending the day hiking to five breathtaking waterfalls, biking the Gitchi-Gami State Trail, or searching for agates on a Lake Superior beach. In winter, the park transforms into a wonderland for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, showcasing Minnesota's diverse seasons. This year-round appeal makes it a versatile choice for locals looking to enjoy the outdoors in any season. Gooseberry Multi-group Camp isn't just a place to stay; it's a gateway to creating enduring memories in the heart of Minnesota's beloved North Shore, solidifying its status as a highly suitable and recommended destination for any Minnesotan group seeking adventure and natural beauty.