If you’re staying at North Shore Camping Co., you’re basically a neighbor to one of Minnesota’s most epic playgrounds. Tettegouche State Park is just up the road, waiting with wild trails, big cliffs, and enough waterfalls to keep your camera busy and your legs satisfied.
As soon as you drive north from camp, the landscape starts to shift. The trees get taller, the rocks get steeper, and in the spring, the whole place feels like it’s shaking off the last bit of winter and stretching toward Lake Superior. Tettegouche is where the North Shore really shows off — and you’re close enough to take full advantage.

The showstopper here is High Falls on the Baptism River. This isn’t just any waterfall; at nearly 60 feet high, it’s the tallest one that sits entirely within Minnesota’s borders. In the spring, all that melting snow turns the river into a roaring, foaming force that crashes through the gorge. Stand at the overlook and you’ll feel the spray on your face and the rumble in your bones. If you’re up for more, follow the trails along the river — there are smaller falls, secret swimming holes, and plenty of spots to just sit and watch the water do its thing.

But don’t stop there!Before or after your waterfall hike, take a detour to the mouth of the Baptism River where it spills into Lake Superior. The shoreline here is a mix of smooth rock, churning water, and endless blue horizon. On a sunny day, it’s the perfect place to skip stones, snap photos, and enjoy nature’s flow.
Want a different angle? Hike out to Shovel Point. It’s a quick trail but packs a punch, winding through the woods and out onto cliffs that rise straight up from the water. Bring your ice cleats for slippery spots in the spring.

The views are wild — you’ll see the lake stretching out forever, with the North Shore’s rugged coastline curving away in both directions. It’s one of those spots where you can just stand, breathe, and feel very, very small in the best possible way.

And…if you’re still chasing waterfalls, don’t miss Illgen Falls. Just inland from Highway 61, a few minutes from the Tettegouche State Park Visitor’s Center, the Baptism River squeezes through a narrow gorge and plunges into a deep pool, sending up a constant spray and making the air smell fresh and alive. It’s less crowded than High Falls and can feel like your own private nature escape. Wander the river! There’s lots to see.

Getting There from Camp:
Couldn’t be easier — just turn left onto Highway 61 and head north. In about 8.5 miles, you’ll spot the entrance to Tettegouche State Park. Park at the Visitor Center, grab a map, and let your adventure begin.

So if you’re looking for wild beauty, roaring waterfalls, and a bit of North Shore magic just minutes from your tent, Tettegouche should be at the top of your list. Happy exploring!