Campground

Fort Charlotte Backcountry Campgrounds

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Details

Grand Portage National Monument, Grand Portage, MN, 55605

Lat:48.0036880999

Lng:-89.8283403009

Content provided by

National Park Service

Last Updated: August 13, 2026

Campground Overview

Introduction

Two backcountry campsites, accessible to hikers and canoeists, are located at the Pigeon River (Canada/U.S. border) end of Grand Portage National Monument. Each campsite is limited to nine people. Camping permits are required and issued by the park. A permit system allows campers to reserve a campsite in advance. Allow a minimum of two weeks in advance for permit processing.

Campsite Details

Reservable2

First Come First Serve0

Total Sites2

Group9

Horse0

Tent Only2

Electrical Hookups0

RV Only0

Walk/Boat To2

Other0

Operating Hours

The two Fort Charlotte backcountry Campsites are accessible to hikers and canoeists. There is a canoe landing on the Pigeon River and a wayside/information kiosk nearby.

Weather

Short, warm summers and long, cold winters define the climate of northern Minnesota. Average range of summer temperature is from 55°F to 78°F in July and average range of winter temperatures is from –11°F to 12°F in January. In Grand Portage on the shore of Lake Superior, precipitation is typically 26 to 29 inches annually but higher in the interior highlands nearer the Fort Charlotte side of the Grand Portage footpath. For more information go to: http://www.nps.gov/grpo/planyourvisit/weather.htm

Amenities

Toilets

Potable Water

Directions

Fort Charlotte is reached by canoeing down the Pigeon River from South Fowl Lake or hiking up the Grand Portage footpath from the historic depot/heritage center area on Grand Portage Bay of Lake Superior. An alternative entry to the Grand Portage footpath can be accessed by driving up County Road 17 to the trailhead where Old Highway 61 intersects the portage.

Rates & Fees

$0.00

Canoe-in, Walk-in, tent-only sites

There are no fees to use these backcountry campgrounds. Camping permits available from the Grand Portage National Monument Heritage Center are required. You also may reserve a campsite by phone at: 218.475.0123.

Rules & Regulations

Fire/Stove Policy

Campfires must be built in fire rings/grills where provided. Burn only dead, fallen wood. Cutting of standing (living or dead) trees is prohibited. Open fires will be prohibited during times of high fire danger. Any remnants of a fire must be extinguished, cold to the touch, free of litter with no evidience of food remains that could attract animals. The use of portable camp stoves is permitted in designated campsites.

Regulations Overview

Quiet hours - In order to insure a quality camping experience, quiet hours are enforced from 10 P.M. to 6 A.M. Ground Disturbance - Do not dig or disrupt the topsoil. Tent floors - There are two wooden tent platforms in each campsite. Please use them when available. Garbage and Waste - Visitors must be prepared to carry their refuse out of the park. Do not dispose of garbage in toilets, bury it or throw it in the river. Pets - Pets are best left at home. Dogs must be on lease, no longer than 6 feet in length. Pet excrement must be removed if it is within 200 feet of the trail, campsite or water.

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access
These backcountry campsites are not wheelchair accessible.
Cell Phone Information
no cell service
RV Allowed
No
RV Information
These backcountry campsites are not RV & Trailer accessible.
RV Maximum Length
0
Trailer Maximum Length
0
ADA Information
These backcountry campsites are not ADA accessible.
Trailer Allowed
No
Access Roads
No Roads
Classifications
Primitive Camping Areas

Additional Information

Quiet hours - In order to insure a quality camping experience, quiet hours are enforced from 10 P.M. to 6 A.M. Ground Disturbance - Do not dig or disrupt the topsoil. Tent floors - There are two wooden tent platforms in each campsite. Please use them when available. Garbage and Waste - Visitors must be prepared to carry their refuse out of the park. Do not dispose of garbage in toilets, bury it or throw it in the river. Pets - Pets are best left at home. Dogs must be on leash, no longer than 6 feet in length. Pet excrement must be removed if it is within 200 feet of the trail, campsite or water.

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