Camper submitted image from George Washington State Forest Owen Lake Campground - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from George Washington State Forest Owen Lake Campground - 2
Signs & Maps
Camper submitted image from George Washington State Forest Owen Lake Campground - 3
Nature
Camper submitted image from George Washington State Forest Owen Lake Campground - 4
Roads
Camper submitted image from George Washington State Forest Owen Lake Campground - 5
Facilities
Unlock Planning Tools in App

Established Camping

George Washington State Forest Owen Lake Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

George Washington State Forest Owen Lake Campground is near Effie, MN, and features forested terrain with access to Owen Lake. The area experiences temperatures ranging from 10°F in winter to 80°F in summer. Visitors can explore nearby attractions such as Scenic State Park and the Lost Forty, both offering hiking and nature observation opportunities.

Fee Info

Individual campsites are $17 per night. No reservations required or available. Equestrian campsites are $22 per night. No reservations required or available. Group campsites are $50 per night. Call the state forest contact for more information.

Suggest an Edit

Location

George Washington State Forest Owen Lake Campground is located in Minnesota

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Bigfork take Scenic Hwy. (Co. Rd. 7) (SE) 10 mi. to Co. Rd. 340; turn left (E) approx. 7 mi. to Co. Rd. 52; turn left (NE) and follow signs 2 mi.

Coordinates

47.68055922 N
93.39758628 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

0%
100%
0%
0%
0%

4.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed Mar. 26, 2025

Amazing Campground

I would highly recommend this campground,it’s clean,great fishing,swimming,walking. We stayed for a week with our dogs,and our girls had a blast. Thank you

Sitenot sure
Month of VisitJune
  • Play button icon
Reviewed Nov. 9, 2018

Owen Lake is ok

This is a state forest campground located a few miles down a back forest road west of McCarthy Beach state park. It is a good back up for overflow from the state park, or an alternative for those who want access to McCarthy Beach but prefer a quieter more rustic camping experience. Water tap and outhouses provided, no showers or hookups. Many sites along a nice little lake shore

  • Review photo of George Washington State Forest Owen Lake Campground by Janet R., November 9, 2018
  • Review photo of George Washington State Forest Owen Lake Campground by Janet R., November 9, 2018
  • Review photo of George Washington State Forest Owen Lake Campground by Janet R., November 9, 2018
  • (9) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What recreational activities can I enjoy at Owen Lake in Minnesota?

Owen Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities with good catches reported by campers. The lake is also perfect for swimming during warmer months. There are walking trails around the area for hiking and nature observation. The peaceful setting makes it ideal for wildlife watching and photography. Dog owners will appreciate that the campground is pet-friendly, with plenty of space for dogs to enjoy the outdoors. The quieter atmosphere compared to nearby state parks creates the perfect environment for relaxation and unwinding in nature.

What amenities are available at Owen Lake Campground?

Owen Lake Campground offers rustic amenities suitable for those seeking a more primitive camping experience. The campground provides a water tap and vault toilets. The sites are well-maintained and clean, making for a comfortable stay despite the minimal facilities. This state forest campground is designed for campers who prefer a simpler outdoor experience without the full range of amenities found at larger, more developed parks. For current information on specific amenities or seasonal availability, contacting the George Washington State Forest management office is recommended.

How do I find Owen Lake Campground in George Washington State Forest?

Owen Lake Campground is located in George Washington State Forest, several miles down a back forest road west of McCarthy Beach State Park in Minnesota. The campground can serve as an alternative or overflow option for McCarthy Beach visitors. To reach the campground, you'll need to navigate forest roads, so having a map of the state forest is advisable. While the roads are accessible, they are more remote than typical state park entrances. For precise directions, it's recommended to check with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website or contact the forest office before your trip.