Gooseberry Falls: The Best Basecamp To Explore Lake Superior’s North Shore
- Eric Beuning
- Dec 29, 2025
- 6 min read
When most people think of the North Shore of Lake Superior, it usually conjures up mental images of Duluth, Canal Park, and the Aerial Lift Bridge. Yet just to the north, Two Harbors, Gooseberry Falls, and Grand Marais offer some of the best Great Lakes adventures.
Gooseberry Falls in particular offers great camping and hiking, while getting you closer to tons of amazing state parks. You can stay at Gooseberry Falls or one of the nearby resorts and easily make day trips to state parks like Tettegouche, Grand Portage, and other North Shore of Lake Superior hot spots.
To help you dial in your next North Shore of Lake Superior experience, I thought I'd take a deeper dive into Gooseberry Falls and what I think makes it a great base camp for up north adventures.
How to Get to Gooseberry Falls State Park
Gooseberry Falls State Park, Minnesota, is about an hour north of Duluth on MN-61. The drive takes you through the town of Two Harbors, two tunnels, and some sweeping views of Lake Superior’s North Shore.
If you don’t want to camp or you can’t find camping reservations near Gooseberry Falls, there are plenty of great Hotels in Two Harbors, MN to choose from.
How to Get Camping Reservations for Gooseberry Falls
You can reserve a Gooseberry Falls campsite 120 days in advance through the Minnesota DNR’s website at https://reservemn.usedirect.com/MinnesotaWeb/
Campsite reservations are modestly competitive, and chances are low that you can just show up without reservations and find an available site.
PRO TIP: If you want a popular site, such as one by the lakeside cliffs, you need to apply 120 days in advance (Not 4 months).
The reservation system opens at 8:00 am 120 days earlier and you shouldn’t be surprised if a popular site is reserved by 8:01.
What Are The Best Campsites At Gooseberry Falls
While there are no bad campsites at Gooseberry Falls Campground, some of my personal favorites are:
Campsites 58 to 70: Because they’re near the lakeside cliffs, and the Gitchee-Gami State Trail and within walking distance of the shower house.
Campsites 36 & 37: Because they’re at the end of the loop with privacy, and there are trails through the woods to quickly get to the lake.
Campsites 52 & 53: Because they’re at the end of the loop, with privacy, and there are trails through the woods to quickly get to the lake.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Gooseberry Falls
I think the best time to experience Gooseberry Falls is in the late summer. The water level is generally low, which lets you get up close to the falls, and it is generally safe for kids to splash around. The river is within its banks, leaving trails reasonably dry. This also allows you to fully hike all the trails and get much closer to the geological formations, as well as see the water-washed root structures of the trees.
The local tourism industry will tell you that spring is “Waterfall Season.” Seeing Gooseberry Falls and the rest of the North Shore at full force is truly a visual spectacle.
Unfortunately, you can only stare at the raging torrent for so long, and a lot of the really great hiking trails are muddy or flooded out. Camping at Gooseberry Falls can also be uncomfortably cold and humid.
Early summer is a nice time to visit Gooseberry Falls, but June rain can still leave the area flooded. However, you could camp at Gooseberry State Park as a home base to explore other parts of the North Shore.
Fall is an excellent time to explore Gooseberry Falls, as the water level is low, and the trails are accessible. Mid-September to the first week of October is also peak fall foliage along Lake Superior’s North Shore.
Gooseberry Falls Campground Amenities
The Gooseberry Falls campground is what I would call “semi-primitive.” In that there aren’t full RV hookups or electrical service, but there are shower houses, access to drinking water and access to RV dump stations.
Campsites & Site Features
69 drive-in sites (non-electric) suitable for tents, pop-ups, and RVs up to 40 ft
3 pull-through sites for easier RV access
Picnic table and fire ring/grill at every campsite
Shaded, wooded sites for more privacy
3 tent-only group campsites (can host ~50 people each)
Electrical & Utilities
No electrical hookups at standard sites
RV dump station available (seasonal) near the campground entrance
Drinking-water spigots located throughout campground loops
Restrooms & Showers
Flush-toilet shower buildings available May to mid-October
Hot showers included with camping fee
Vault toilets open year-round (when seasonal facilities close)
Convenience & Supplies
Firewood and ice sold seasonally at the Visitor Center or from camp hosts
Trash and recycling dumpsters located on-site
Water refill stations near restroom buildings
Visitor Center offers vending machines, restrooms, maps, trail info, and interpretive exhibits
No real grocery supplies
Picnic pavilions and grills located near waterfall overlooks and lakeshore areas
Best Places to Get Supplies Near Gooseberry Falls
The best place for groceries, ice, and gear at a reasonable price is Two Harbor, MN, about 10-15 minutes away. There’s a Super One Foods for Groceries, and a full-service Kwik Trip, as well as other convenience stores and fast-food places. Prices in Two Harbors are reasonable, and the cost of supplies farther up the North Shore in towns like Grand Marais will be higher with less selection.
You can even pick up pizza from the North Shore Café or Dominoes pizza if the kids are getting restless or you just want some comfort food at camp.
Hotels Near Gooseberry Falls
If camping isn’t your thing, but you want to experience the North Shore without staying in Duluth, there are tons of great hotels in the area. The following are some of my favorites for certain occasions.
Grand Superior Lodge — Best for Families & Comfort
A popular North Shore lodge just minutes from Gooseberry Falls with indoor pool and hot tub, on-site restaurant, and beautiful lake views — perfect for families and outdoor adventurers alike. Offers spacious rooms and easy access to hiking, fishing, and winter activities.
Larsmont Cottages on Lake Superior — Best for Romantic Getaways
Charming cottage-style resort with Lake Superior views, cozy interiors, and private balconies. A quintessential escape for couples or anyone looking to unwind with stunning sunsets and quiet shoreline ambiance.
Island View Resort — Best for Lakeside Views
Highly reviewed resort with spectacular Lake Superior panoramas, making it a great choice for photographers, couples, or anyone chasing sunrise views over the Lake Superior
Country Inn of Two Harbors — Best Budget-Friendly Choice
Comfortable and welcoming inn with complimentary breakfast and modern amenities, ideal for families and road trippers. Conveniently located in Two Harbors with easy access to local dining, shopping, and scenic trails.
Superior Shores Resort — Most Relaxed Stay
A comfortable resort option near Two Harbors with a relaxed vibe and plenty of space to unwind after a day of exploring Gooseberry Falls and the North Shore trails.
AmericInn by Wyndham Two Harbors Near Lake Superior – Best Economy Limited Budget
A classic budget-friendly hotel option in Two Harbors that offers clean, comfortable rooms and essential amenities without a high price tag, making it ideal for travelers on a tighter budget.
Voyageur Hotel — Best Hotel For Pets
The Voyageur Hotel in Two Harbors, MN is close to Gooseberry Falls is dog-friendly, and easy on your budget. It’s not fancy, but the rooms are recently renovated, and there are restaurants and supermarkets nearby. You can also take your dog across the road to the cemetery for easy evening and morning walks.
Final Thoughts on Exploring Minnesota’s Gooseberry Falls
Gooseberry State Park is an icon of Lake Superior’s North Shore, offering great camping and hiking experiences. Located an hour north of Duluth on Highway 61, it’s a great base camp to explore other state parks like Tettegouche, Split Rock Lighthouse, and Grand Portage.
Even if you’re not big into tent camping, there are plenty of great hotels and resorts near Gooseberry Falls. They let you enjoy the area, with the feel of the great outdoors, while still offering you the comforts of indoor living.
If you want to learn more about the Great Lakes and other outdoor adventures, you should follow Eric Beuning's Author Page.
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