The Black Lantern Resort & Campground

For Minnesota families seeking a true “up north” experience where they can genuinely unplug and get away from the daily grind, The Black Lantern Resort & Campground in Shevlin, MN, offers an absolutely stunning retreat. Far from the crowded, bustling feel of typical tourist resorts, this destination is nestled on hundreds of acres of secluded forest land, providing a unique blend of private camping and cozy lodging options. It’s designed to be a quiet haven, where the peace and beauty of the Northwoods are the main attractions.

The resort and campground is situated on a large, sprawling property that features a mix of towering pines, extensive trails, and the tranquil setting of a small, beautiful lake. Unlike many campgrounds where sites are packed closely together, The Black Lantern prioritizes space and privacy, ensuring that guests can truly spread out and enjoy their surroundings. Whether you're pulling in a large RV, pitching a tent, or staying in one of their unique cabins, the owners/hosts of The Black Lantern have cultivated an inviting environment with excellent communication and dedication, working hard to make every visit fun and memorable. Customers consistently highlight the peaceful nature of the property and the exceptionally kind owners, making it a highly recommended choice for your next Minnesota family adventure or quiet getaway.

The Black Lantern Resort & Campground is ideally situated in Shevlin, MN, placing it in a prime location for accessing some of the most famous and beloved natural attractions in the state.

The official address is 26844 320th St, Shevlin, MN 56676, USA.

This forest getaway is conveniently located approximately 25 minutes from two major Northern Minnesota hubs: **Itasca State Park** and **Bemidji**. Being just a short drive to Itasca State Park is a significant draw, as it offers easy access to the majestic Headwaters of the Mississippi River, an iconic stop for any Minnesota traveler. Similarly, the close proximity to Bemidji ensures that guests are never far from major amenities like hospitals, restaurants, extensive shopping, and family attractions such as the Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues. Despite its secluded nature, the resort is only about a 4-hour drive north of the Twin Cities, making it a feasible weekend retreat or an essential part of a longer Northern Minnesota tour. The resort is tucked far from other lodging, providing the sense of a deep-woods escape while remaining perfectly accessible for modern campers.

The resort offers a variety of services to ensure maximum comfort and convenience for both RV campers and cabin guests, reflecting the hosts' commitment to a seamless and enjoyable stay.

• Full RV Hookups: The dedicated RV sites feature 50/30/20 Amp electric hookups and water, with a central sanitary RV dump station available for free use upon departure.
• Spacious Sites: RV sites are intentionally designed to be large, allowing for plenty of room to spread out, accommodating large rigs, and ensuring distance from neighboring campers.
• Diverse Lodging Options: In addition to RV and tent camping, the resort offers several cabin options, including custom-built, secluded look-out cabins with full kitchens and amenities, perfect for family members who prefer a non-camping experience.
• Free Recreational Gear: Guests have free use of the resort's boats, including kayaks, canoes, oar boats, and a paddle boat, complete with life jackets and fishing gear to borrow.
• Free Firewood: Complimentary firewood is provided to all guests, making campfire gatherings easy and affordable.
• Pet & ATV Friendly: Pets are welcome on a leash in the campground and on the property, and the resort is friendly to ATVs and snowmobiles, with trail access available from the property.
• Year-Round Appeal: Cabins are open in the winter, and winter stays include complimentary use of snowshoes, sleds, stocked cocoa/coffee, board games, and festive decorations.

The Black Lantern Resort is characterized by its unique features that cater to both relaxation and outdoor activity across its extensive property. It is truly a multi-season destination for any Minnesota outdoor enthusiast.

• 200+ Acres of Secluded Trails: The resort sits on over 200 acres of private forest land, featuring extensive trails perfect for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, or accessing the local ATV and snowmobile networks.
• Berg Lake Access: The property includes access to the small, clear **Berg Lake** (sometimes noted as a tiny lake), which is ideal for quiet paddling, canoeing, and fishing with the provided boats. The water is noted for its clarity, offering a refreshing contrast to some other area lakes.
• Family-Friendly Environment: In addition to the large sites, the campground offers a dedicated playground for children and is designed to accommodate family reunions and large groups.
• Premier Outdoor Venue Space: The property features a stunning, boulder-walled, terraced event venue with a pavilion and stage overlooking a bonfire/BBQ area, making it a unique location for outdoor weddings, family reunions, and large gatherings.
• Proximity to Mississippi Headwaters: Being just a short, 25-minute drive from Itasca State Park means guests can easily spend a day exploring the headwaters, visiting the beach, and enjoying the park’s hiking and history center.
• Owner Hospitality and Communication: Repeatedly cited in reviews, the "extremely nice" owners are dedicated to great communication and ensuring a fun, inviting environment, which includes providing thoughtful touches like flexible check-in/out times for cabin guests and a Romance Package add-on.
• Wildlife and Star-Gazing: The secluded nature of the property and its vast acreage makes it excellent for wildlife viewing and fantastic stargazing away from city lights.

The Black Lantern Resort & Campground strongly encourages guests to call to check availability and make a reservation for both RV sites and cabin rentals.

• Address: 26844 320th St, Shevlin, MN 56676, USA
• Phone: (612) 812-7309
• Mobile Phone: +1 612-812-7309
• Email: theblacklanterninc@gmail.com (as publicly listed)

For Minnesota campers, The Black Lantern Resort & Campground offers a compelling argument for choosing a private, owner-operated retreat over a large, commercial park. What makes it worth choosing is the **commitment to spacious privacy** and the **easy access to world-class natural attractions**.

First, the scale of the resort—200 acres with limited sites—translates directly to a quiet, relaxing experience. You are not just renting a patch of pavement; you are gaining access to a massive private forest where you can truly "unplug." The spacious RV sites are a huge benefit, especially for those accustomed to the tight quarters of other parks, giving families room to spread out and enjoy the outdoors without feeling crowded by neighbors.

Second, the location is unbeatable for the adventurous family. Being just 25 minutes from the iconic Mississippi Headwaters at Itasca State Park and the full amenities of Bemidji means you can balance secluded relaxation with exploration and convenience. The on-site availability of free kayaks, canoes, and fishing gear, combined with direct access to extensive trails for ATVs, hiking, and snowmobiling, means there's a year-round activity for everyone, from quiet contemplation by the lake to high-energy outdoor sport. The dedication of the owners to creating a fun, inviting, and quiet environment is the final, compelling reason to choose this resort for a memorable Northwoods escape.