Big Bog State Recreation Area Campground

We camped here on a weekend when there was going to be a special park event--a lighted lantern tour on the boardwalk into the Big Bog. It was an amazing experience! I would agree with some other campers, fall is the best time because it has no bugs, fewer campers, and the campground is relatively dry. Plus the colors are fantastic!  We stayed in campsite number 1, one of the better ones for tent campers. It is more private, tucked into the woods, and several spots for tents. The campground was relatively quiet and only about half full. Campers should be aware that sites 19-30 back up against the state highway 72, which doesnt have much traffic but is a truck route so there is noise and proximity to that road with a slim buffer zone of vegetation. But sites 1-8 are along the Tamarack River and pretty nice--especially if you have brought a boat or watercraft for fishing or paddling or boating, you have direct access to the water from a number of the sites, plus there is a good dock centrally located. There are also a number of nice camper cabins that are tucked into the woods, and they are avaialble even in winter as ice fishermen like to stay here to get onto Red Lake. The Big Bog campground is not right on Red Lake, but you can get to it via the Tamarack River, or by crossing Hwy 72 to the west side of the park where there is a boat launch and swimming area plus picnicking and hiking trails along Red Lake. The boardwalk into the Big Bog is in a separate parcel of state land just north on 72 a miles. It is one of the longest boardwalks into a bog in the US, and well worth the hike. As tamaracks dominaate, they are at the peak of their golden colors in October, and I think the best time to visit. Being there at twilight was amazing, and the special lantern walk allowed us to stay out after dark to do some sky gazing. Campers should note that there are few amenities at the campground itself, other than the visitor center, bath house and water, but the small towns of Washish and Kelliher are not far away and have food, gas, and fishing supplies

Anxious to get camping after a Covid winter, we headed to Big Bog for a 3 day RV trip. The campground was nearly empty, which is always a bonus.

The campground has numerous sites next to the Tamarack River. Many have small docks where you can park your own or a rented boat. Our site was spacious and a row of shrubs and small trees screened the site on one side. Due to Covid the showers and toilets were not open. The water spigots were still shut off due to weather that is still dipping down to freezing.

Northern Red Lake beach is across the highway from the campground. Still too cold to swim, but there are two short trails that start at the beach parking lot. We saw Trumpeter Swans, Eagles and Mergansers.

The 500 square mile Big Bog is a beautiful and interesting sight. About 7 miles farther north on the highway is the mile long "boardwalk" into the bog. It is actually a cleverly routed aluminum walkway that goes deep into the bog with info stations giving info about the wildlife, biology and history of the area. Too early for many birds and all flowers, we did see hundreds of pitcher plants along the walkway.

We would like to visit again in late May or June to see the other bog wildflowers like Sundew and several bog orchids like the tiny Dragon's Mouth.

The water is high right now so some of the amenities and campsites are water logged. Sites 1-7 were in great spots with waterfront but crammed together. They could use two less sites. I was in site three and it is squeezed in by 2 and 4. Loads of boats and people fishing as the lake is 5 min boat ride away. The river is perfect for trolling and catching. I chose to kayak the river for 5 hours and saw lots of people. Lots of people catching fish. I also saw you can rent kayak or canoes from the main office which is nice for younger kids. The DNR told me on windy days the river gets crowded so beware. The river is a no to low wake zone so easy to kayak around boats. Plenty of nature to look at while you are in the water.

The cabins look like a lot of fun for a family. Cozy but secluded from the rest of the campground.

Bathrooms were closed due to Covid but shower houses were nice and clean.

The beach and marina trail were not much to speak up but they are there. Gas state is close for ice and sodas. Not much else is near tho so make sure you stock up prior to arriving.

This campground is great for fisherman and a great place to stay if you are interested in studying rare bog plants. The campsites are pretty good, some are nicely set right on the Tamarack River with their own dock, but some are set right on the edge of nearby Hwy 72 which would be a real drawback. There are also 6 nice camper cabins set off in a more secluded spot by the river. There is an interesting visitor center and fire tower, and a decent beach across the way on upper Red Lake. For fishermen, this location offers fishing on the big Red Lake, or on the Tamarack River, but otherwise thete is not a whole lot to do here. The Big Bog itself is actually 10 miles north, it features a mile long boardwalk into a very unique bog and muskeg, which is very interesting, there are some associated short trails, this location is good for a day trip. For providing a camping or hiking experience, this park campground is ok, but probably not a good spot for an extended vacation, unless you are coming for the fishing in which case it would be a 5 star opportunity