Hiking into Gardner Lake Campsite puts campers directly on the North Country Trail, with the site running in a long, narrow strip from the trail down to the water's edge. The lake is accessible from the site itself, and the water runs notably clear. A fire ring with a log bench sits at the site, but tent space is limited. The layout works best for solo hikers or pairs; larger groups will find the tent pad too small. Hammock camping is limited by sparse tree coverage. Campers who want more developed options in the region can browse places to camp near Park Rapids, or consider the nearby DeSoto Lake Backpacking Sites — Itasca State Park for a comparable backcountry experience.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsGardner Lake Campsite is located in Minnesota near Park Rapids
Coordinates
47.15810000000221 N
95.33876000001283 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
For Campers
- Toilets
- 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 Gardner Lake Campsite needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 30 min from Fargo, ND
- 2 hrs 2 min from Grand Forks, ND
- 2 hrs 34 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 3 hrs 3 min from Duluth, MN










