Accessible only by boat via the Red River, this Minnesota Department of Natural Resources site provides free primitive camping on flat ground near the water. The campground sits between two busy roads on the west and north side of the bridge, creating road noise for overnight visitors. Teresa notes the location lacks designated sites or services, functioning more as a basic staging area for paddlers than a developed campground.
Cell service reaches the area, though campers should expect minimal facilities beyond the open space for tents. The site allows campfires and pets, making it workable for river travelers needing a no-cost overnight stop. Boaters can find additional options at Kidder Recreation Area southeast along the river corridor.
Description
This canoe in campsite is free to use but accessible by canoe/watercraft or the recreation area at mile marker 545.1 on the Red River Water Trail between North Dakota and Minnesota.
Reservation Info
No reservations - canoe campsite - rec area campsite
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBrushvale Bridge Primitive Canoe Campsite is located in Minnesota near Wahpeton
Coordinates
46.368738 N
96.65589 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageLast on 9/7/25- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageLast on 9/7/25
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Brushvale Bridge Primitive Canoe Campsite needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 36 min from Fargo, ND
- 1 hr 36 min from Grand Forks, ND
- 2 hrs 4 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 2 hrs 58 min from Minneapolis, MN
