Sitting just off Interstate 35 near the small town of Willow River, this DNR Forestry-managed campground in General C.C. Andrews State Forest is easy to miss. Look for the sign next to the Squirrel Cage restaurant and bar after taking the Willow River exit. The sites are well-spaced and wooded enough to provide some separation, though highway noise carries through, particularly for light sleepers. That said, multiple visitors report it rarely gets crowded, making it a reliable overnight stop when passing through northeastern Minnesota.
Water access is a consistent theme in reviews, with a lake adjacent to the campground adding to the setting but also contributing to noticeable mosquito pressure. Tall trees throughout the sites give hammock campers plenty of options, and the campground sits within a few miles of the Soo Line Trail for those looking to ride or hike. North Country Campground is located about a mile to the south, and Dago Lake provides another option to the northeast for those exploring camping near General C.C. Andrews State Forest.
Amenities are basic but functional. The campground has pit toilets, potable water, firewood, and cell service. RVs up to 22 feet can be accommodated, and reservations are available. Katherine T. notes the "pit toilets were clean," which is worth knowing for a state forest site. Pets are welcome, though tick checks after walks are worth building into the routine here. At $50 per night with year-round access, it works well as a base for anyone moving between the Twin Cities and Duluth.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsWillow River Campground is located in Minnesota near Moose Lake
Directions
In town of Willow River take North St. (E) to frontage road of I-35; turn left (N) 0.5 mi.
Coordinates
46.32659342 N
92.82702274 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/12/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/12/26
Access
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Alcohol
- Pets
Drive Time
- 41 min from Duluth, MN
- 1 hr 24 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 1 hr 38 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 2 hrs 30 min from Eau Claire, WI
