Map showing campground location near Holyoke, Minnesota

Garfvert

Within Nemadji State Forest, Garfvert serves as a DNR Forestry-managed campground that caters primarily to off-highway vehicle enthusiasts. The facility operates on a first-come, first-served basis, which can make securing a site challenging during peak riding seasons.

The campground provides direct access to hundreds of miles of ATV, dirt bike, and UTV trails that range from easy to intermediate difficulty levels. Sites sit closely spaced together, with flat terrain that accommodates various camping setups. A water pump and outhouses handle basic needs, while abundant fallen wood supplies campfire fuel. The shallow boat launch includes a dock for watercraft access to the adjacent lake.

Noise from motorized recreation defines much of the camping experience here. Josh M. notes the area is "all nicely secluded with nemedji Forrest and beyond," though the seclusion doesn't extend to sound levels during active trail use. Campers not participating in OHV activities may find the engine noise disruptive, even at lakeside sites that otherwise offer water access and day-use picnic areas.

For those seeking additional overnight options in the region, Oak Lake Campground & RV Sales lies about eight miles west. Garfvert works best for groups planning to spend their days exploring the extensive trail system that connects throughout the state forest.

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Location

Public Campground

Garfvert is located in Minnesota

Directions

From Nickerson take St Hwy 23 NE 0.5ml Rt (S) across RR tracks 5ml turn L (E) about 5ml

Address

4252 County Road #137
Holyoke, MN 55749

Coordinates

46.40500016 N
92.44000082 W

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General Info

Drive Time

44 min from Duluth, MN
1 hr 49 min from Minneapolis, MN
2 hrs 3 min from St. Cloud, MN
2 hrs 48 min from Eau Claire, WI

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4 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the excellent trail access for ATVs and dirt bikes with hundreds of miles available. Sites offer good space and basic amenities, though noise from motorized recreation is notable for non-trail users.

Josh M.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 6, 2019

Nemedji st forrest

Excellent campground if your into ATV use camping. Offers hundreds of miles of 4 wheeling and snowmobiling. Cand forget dirtbiles and UTV as well.l. capsites are closely placed. Offers a water pu.p and outhouses. A shallow boat launch with a dock. Additionally a picnic area for day use. All nicely secluded with nemedji Forrest and beyond.

Elisha C.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 15, 2017

Great for dirt bike and atv trails

My family has stayed here many times to use the dirt bike and atv trails. There is a lot of variety for different levels of difficulty. It can get busy. I don't think I would like to stay here if I wasn't using the trails due to the noise even though there are sites on a nice lake.

if you are staying here, there is a lot of wood that is available to pick up for fire wood.

Month of VisitSeptember

Casie S.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 27, 2016

Fantastic Camping and fun dirt bike trails

It was hard to find a campsite because it's first-come-first-serve, but we were able to find a spot closer to the trails. There was a beautiful lake near the campgrounds and miles and miles of easy/intermediate OHV/ATV trails. A little sandy, but still fun! Would definitely go back.

Kraig E.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 30, 2016

Gafvert good for low people pressure

I'd recommend Gafvert if you want a deeper woods experience without many people. Accessible trails, good, flat sizeable spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Gafvert Campground located within Nemadji State Forest?

Gafvert Campground is nestled deep within Nemadji State Forest, offering a secluded woods experience. It's situated near a beautiful lake with convenient access to the forest's extensive trail system. The location provides a perfect balance of lakeside recreation and forest immersion. The campground can be somewhat challenging to find as it's tucked away in a more remote section of the forest, so it's advisable to bring detailed maps or directions when visiting.

Can you ride ATVs at or near Gafvert Campground in Nemadji State Forest?

Yes! Gafvert Campground is an excellent destination for ATV enthusiasts, with hundreds of miles of trails available directly from the campground. The area offers diverse terrain with varying difficulty levels from easy to intermediate, making it suitable for different riding abilities. The trails accommodate ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, and snowmobiles seasonally. The campground is particularly popular among ATV users, and many visitors specifically choose this location for its outstanding trail access. Be aware that the campground can get busy during peak riding seasons, and the ATV activity does create some ambient noise throughout the area.

What facilities and amenities are available at Gafvert Campground?

Gafvert Campground offers basic facilities for a true outdoor experience. The campground provides water from a pump, outhouses for restroom facilities, and a shallow boat launch with a dock for water access. There's also a designated picnic area for day use visitors. Campsites are relatively close to each other but are flat, sizeable, and can accommodate various camping setups. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations available.

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