Here's what Trippy members say about Fenske Lake Campground:
"Oh boy are you in luck, James! Five hours will get you to some awesome places. I'm going to try to keep my enthusiasm in check here, but we'll see how it goes. Practicalities first: If you want to camp at a state park, particularly along the North ShoreNorth Shore, reservations are a really good idea. And in some cases, they can be hard to come by. I just booked a site at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park for June 2015, and the schedule was already getting tight. There are non-reservable sites, too, but they get snapped up right quick in the busiest months (figure June-September). You can make reservations through the Minnesota DNR's website. Campsites are also abundant in state forests and Superior National Forest. You can make reservations in SNF through recreation.gov. On to the suggestions! Banning State Park — Hike, canoe the Kettle River, rock climb, etc. There's an historic sandstone quarry in the park too. Jay Cooke State Park — Just a little south of Duluth, Jay Cooke has gorgeous, dramatic rock outcroppings that jut out of the St. Louis River. Great hiking, plus an old pioneer cemetery. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park — Be aware, this is one of the most popular parks in the state. But there is a good reason for that, and some of the campsites here are spectacular. Hiking is great all along the North Shore, let's just get that established, and Split Rock is no exception. There are also rocky beaches along the lake where you can dig for agates and other pretty rocks. Split Rock has a particularly nice beach with views of Split Rock Lighthouse (which you can also visit). Tettegouche State Park — Another park with beautiful campsites. I haven't yet camped here, but it's a goal of mine. Check out Palisade Head nearby for huge views. George Crosby Manitou State Park — A wilder sort of North Shore park. If you camp here, the sites are all hike in, and the hikes are more challenging, so be aware and prepared. Cascade River State Park Recreation Site — Gorgeous hikes along the Cascade River to be had here, ranging from short and easy to long and moderately difficult. Crescent Lake Campground — A national forest campground. Sites are relatively close-set, but they sit a wonderful lake that's great for canoeing and kayaking. Kimball Lake Campground — Kimball is up the Gunflint Trail from Grand Marais, and if you like trout fishing, you can get into it here. Kimball Lake sits right next to Trout Lake and Mink Lake, both of which are pretty and fun to fish (we've pulled out browns and brookies). Hiking trails to boot. Finland State Forest — There are a few campgrounds around Finland: Eckbeck, Sullivan Lake and Finland itself. OK, I'll leave the North Shore now. The other big area to set your sights on is Ely (Minnesota) and the surrounding Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. You can really get way out in the wilderness here, or you can car camp. Be aware of the rules and regs if you do plan to go into the BWCA (!" See More