Split Rock Lighthouse Camping with a Toddler: The Ultimate Family Guide

Unfortunately, camping with toddlers can be challenging. So much so that some camping families avoid it altogether! However, the modern amenities and privacy of the cart-in campsites make Split Rock Lighthouse camping with a toddler so easy!

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park on the North Shore in Minnesota is full of history, dramatic cliffs and tons of lush foliage. It’s the perfect place for your little camper to explore!

Split Rock Lighthouse has two main campgrounds: the newer Shipwreck Creek Campground for RV’s, or the private cart-in sites. However, we’ll focus on the cart-in campsites. These work so well with a toddler.

This Minnesota State Park offers a hassle-free, memorable family adventure!

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Why Split Rock Works for Little Ones

Unlike drive-up campsites, the cart-in sites at Split Rock Lighthouse are secluded. It also means there aren’t people coming in at 11 pm with their headlights. Nor are there loud RV generators right next to your bed.

For tent campers, the cart-in sites at Split Rock Lighthouse are perfect with toddlers!

Cart-in Campsites: Your Gear Haul Solution

The real draw of camping in Split Rock Lighthouse State Park with toddlers is definitely the cart system. Camping with toddlers usually means extra gear, and the carts are so useful. Plus, your toddler is sure to love a ride in the cart too!

All the sites are within 2,000 feet of the parking lot, so you won’t have to trek too far. Additionally, many campsites have a private walkup, so it’ll be nice and quiet for nap time.

Does Split Rock Lighthouse have showers?

Yes, there are bathrooms and showers right by the parking lot.

However, you’ll want to drive over to the new facilities at Shipwreck Creek. The family shower bathrooms are clean, spacious and have plenty of light.

Actually, using these showers was how we transitioned our 2 year old from baths to showers. It’s been great!

Plus, they have a dishwashing station around back! These large sinks are so convenient when you have toddlers who enjoy scooping dirt into their dedicated milk cup. Or, you know, general food prep cleanup.

Are the cart-in campsites at Split Rock worth it?

Yes, 100%.

What’s the best Split Rock Lighthouse campsite for toddlers? Many of the cart-in sites are perfect with little campers! All of the sites are a reasonable walking distance to the bathrooms.

Additionally, many have long, private walkways. Once you’re at your site, you won’t see anyone, and no one will see you. Although, we did hear a few people walking on the trail behind our site, we didn’t see them.

We stayed in C10 which is back far enough from the trail that our dog could be off his leash without concern. Although, if you have a dog who’s a runner, you’ll know you need him tied up anyways.

Book your campsite on the MN Reserve website. To make sure you get the site you want, book in advance! Reservations can be made up to 120 days in advance.

Which campsites should you avoid at Split Rock with toddlers?

Take note, there are a few campsites I would avoid with a toddler.

For example, C2, C3, C4 and C11 have stunning views of Lake Superior, but they also have a drop-off with a small wooden fence. The type of log-cabin fence that your toddler would just love to climb on.

These 4 sites are also right by the trail, so they’re not ideal for a quiet nap time anyways.

How to Avoid Peak Crowds with Your Toddler

The best part about traveling with toddlers is there’s no school schedule to work around. Therefore, I recommend camping with toddlers in late summer or early fall. Weekdays are especially great for fewer fellow campers.

Specifically, mid-September is great because all the big kids are back in school. Crowds typically thin out in late August with school sports starts, and really drop off after Labor Day.

This time of year, the weather is great during the day.

Although it gets a bit chilly at night (50’s), bring a good sleeping bag, plus all your body heat in the tent will keep you pretty cozy.

Managing Peak Season

However, if summer is your only camping timeframe, make sure you visit the Lighthouse site early in the day.

Although you can hike to it, you can also drive right to the Split Rock Lighthouse parking lot, so it gets busier as the day goes on.

Fortunately, there are TONS of trails in this park, so you’ll still be able to find some seclusion as you wander around.

Beyond the Camp: Kid-Friendly Activities in the Park

Is Split Rock Lighthouse State Park good for kids? Yes! Our toddler had tons of fun.

Of course, the camping itself is fun. We cook all our meals over the fire and she loved getting to help prep the food. She also loved having her own camping chair, picking out sticks for our dog, and playing in the dirt. Naturally.

Besides being at the campsite, we also spent time at the Rocky Beach by Ellingsen Island. She had tons of fun finding big rocks, little rocks and rocks that weren’t black (as most were).

There are also tons of trails. Toddlers will have fun exploring some trails on foot, or even just being in the hiking carrier. Take note there are a lot of trails that climb up to stunning views of Lake Superior, but also have steep drop-offs. Make sure your toddler is safe in the carrier when exploring these lookouts.

If you bring your bikes for the paved Gitchi-Gami State Trail, bring a toddler seat or a Burley bike trailer! This is also a great trail option if you’d like to push your toddler in the stroller for a nap.

Planning & Packing for Toddler Camping Success

Here are a few things you’ll want to bring for a successful camping weekend with a toddler:

• Blankets, stuffed animals and toys that can get dirty
• Plastic grocery bag for each day, as your trash bag
• Bug spray, sunscreen, sanitizing and baby wipes
• A quality hiking carrier

Furthermore, check out our Toddler Camping Gear Checklist for a comprehensive packing list!

Conclusion

Camping with a toddler at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is not only possible, but highly encouraged! Spending time in the great outdoors is a fantastic way to let kids learn and explore. Plus, all the fresh air makes for fantastic naps.

To help you plan even further, check out our Toddler Cart-in Camping Gear Checklist!

If you found this guide useful, please share it with other camping families who want to camp with their toddlers!

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