Carlton Peak Road or Forest Service Road 1201 has been severely washed out with the spring melt. This includes the park's day use area at the peaks. The road remains open but drive with extreme caution.
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Campground Drinking Water There is no potable water available in the lower campground. Drinking water can be obtained via the spigot outside the ranger station or at the shower building. Updated July 13, 2026
Swirling gravel has drilled potholes and a slot gorge through lava a billion years old on the way down to Lake Superior. Follow the rim past the falls to Hidden Falls, pitch camp beside the big lake, and climb at Carlton Peak.
Things to do
🥾 Hiking
🛶 Paddling
🎣 Fishing
⛵ Boating
Amenities & facilities
🏕️ Campsites
🚿 Showers
🚻 Restrooms
🚤 Boat Ramp
♿ Accessible Facilities
RV / campsite hookups
⛺ Primitive / No Hookups
Camping options
Drive-in Sites (52 sites)
Pull-Through Sites (2 Sites)
Electric Sites (18 Sites)
Accessible Sites
Cart-in Sites (6 Sites)
Entrance fee
$7 per vehicle — One-day vehicle permit $7; year-round permit $35 ($26 for an additional vehicle, $30 motorcycle, $12 with a disability permit). Free year-round permits for disabled veterans, active-duty military and members of Minnesota’s 11 federally recognized tribes.
Hours
Daily from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Hours as published by Minnesota DNR. Check the official page before a long drive.