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Map showing campground location near Deer River, Minnesota
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NatureMap showing campground location near Deer River, Minnesota

Marcell Area

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SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Fishing, paddling, and hiking draw campers to the Marcell area of Chippewa National Forest, where dispersed sites are spread across several distinct locations including Spider Lake, the Suomi Hills birch forest, and Trout Lake. Sites vary considerably in access and amenities: some are a short walk from a small parking area, others require a mile or two on foot, and some are reachable only by canoe or kayak. Amenities range from a basic rock fire pit to a metal fire pit, picnic table, and pit toilet. Sites can fill up, so having a backup location in mind is practical. Many sites sit directly on a lake. This setup works best for anglers, paddlers, and hikers comfortable with primitive conditions and flexible plans, and campgrounds near Deer River can serve as fallback options if the area is at capacity.

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Map & DirectionsMarcell Area is located in Minnesota near Deer River

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

47.31660787 N
93.71911467 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
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    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 7/23/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 7/23/26

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table

Drive Time

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Reviews1 Camper Review - Marcell Area

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1 Review

Reviewed Aug. 20, 2020

Dispersed camping at its finest

Popular backcountry sites in the Marcell area of the Chippewa National Forest include Spider Lake, the birch forest of the Suomi Hills and Trout Lake.

Both my boyfriend and myself grew up visiting the Grand Rapids area so it’s an old favorite. We’ve dispersed camp in a few different spots in the Marcell area and particularity like the Suomi Hills campsites. Some are only a short walk from the (usually small) parking area, some are a mile or two backpack-in and others are only accessed by canoe or kayak. They vary in degree of how “primitive” they are - some have only a rock fire pit while others have a metal fire pit, picnic table and pit toilet. I think some are quite luxurious for being a FREE dispersed campsite. Not only that but they are well traveled and taken care of. It’s nice to see people adhering to LNT principles.

These campsites can be popular so you may need a backup plan or two to keep moving on until you find a vacant spot. Many are located on a lake and you have that entire lake to yourself. There are also hiking trails so you will find plenty to do to keep busy.

If you are looking for complete privacy, great fishing and some amenities, the Marcell area of the Chippewa National Forest is your destination.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/chippewa/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=26780&actid=34

  • Review photo of Marcell Area by Joanna B., August 20, 2020
  • Review photo of Marcell Area by Joanna B., August 20, 2020
  • Review photo of Marcell Area by Joanna B., August 20, 2020
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Showing results 1-1 of 1 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at North Star Campground in Marcell?

North Star Campground in the Marcell area offers a more primitive camping experience within the Chippewa National Forest. While specific amenity details should be verified with the forest service, most campgrounds in this area provide basic facilities such as vault toilets and designated camping spots. The campground is surrounded by natural beauty, with access to nearby lakes and forest trails. For complete information on available water sources, fire rings, and other amenities, contact the Chippewa National Forest office before your visit.

Where is North Star Campground located in Marcell, Minnesota?

North Star Campground is located in the Marcell area of Minnesota, within the Chippewa National Forest. The campground is situated in a region known for its beautiful lakes and forests, including nearby natural features like Spider Lake, Suomi Hills, and Trout Lake. For specific directions and GPS coordinates, it's recommended to contact the Chippewa National Forest ranger station as they can provide the most accurate location information.

Is there dispersed camping available near North Star Campground in the Chippewa National Forest?

Yes, dispersed camping is available in the Marcell area of the Chippewa National Forest near North Star Campground. Popular backcountry sites include Spider Lake, the birch forest of Suomi Hills, and Trout Lake. These dispersed camping locations offer a more secluded experience in beautiful natural settings. When dispersed camping, remember to follow Leave No Trace principles and check with the Chippewa National Forest office for any permits, restrictions, or regulations that may apply to backcountry camping in the area.

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