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Established Camping

Deer Lake Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Deer Lake Campground, near Deer River, Minnesota, is a lively spot that offers a taste of the great outdoors with a bit of a social vibe. This place is perfect for those who enjoy a more primitive camping experience, with no electric hookups and a focus on nature.

The campground is known for its spacious sites, which provide a sense of privacy despite being quite busy. Many visitors have noted the abundance of wildlife, so keep your food secured at night to avoid unexpected guests like bears. As one camper mentioned, “Things are primitive and this is close to the water and trails, so you do get the best of both worlds.”

For those who love to fish or just want to kick back by the water, Deer Lake is a great spot to unwind. The nearby trails offer opportunities for hiking and exploring the beautiful Chippewa National Forest. While the campground doesn’t have showers or water hookups, the clean bathrooms and good cell reception make it a comfortable choice for a weekend getaway.

If you’re looking for a place that balances activity with a touch of seclusion, Deer Lake Campground is worth checking out. Just be prepared for some noise from the nearby highway, especially during the day, but things tend to quiet down at night, allowing you to enjoy the sounds of nature.

Fee Info

$16.00 per night

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Location

Deer Lake Campground is located in Minnesota

Detail location of campground

Directions

Take Highway 46 northwest from Deer River, MN. Turn on Eagle Nest Road (Old CR 33) and travel 4 miles west. You will pass East Seelye and West Seelye Campgrounds. Deer Lake Campground is on the left. North Deer is first and South Deer is another half-mile down the road.

Address

1235 DIVISION ST.
Deer river, MN 56636

Coordinates

47.5141667 N
94.1058333 W

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Connectivity

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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

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Detours Nearby

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Drive Time

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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
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations


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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

5 Reviews

Reviewed Mar. 20, 2025

Grew up camping in the area

I love this place! The sites are almost all amazing especially if you're taking up more than 1 they all have good paths to eachother. Primitive so just a stinky outhouse, but seriously what do you expect in the woods?! Easily one of my favorite spots

SiteI think it was like 6 or 7 but 4 5 6 where amazing looking ((might be vise versa)
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Deer Lake Campground by Elizabeth S., March 20, 2025
  • Review photo of Deer Lake Campground by Elizabeth S., March 20, 2025
  • Review photo of Deer Lake Campground by Elizabeth S., March 20, 2025
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Jun. 21, 2021

Primitive, but very busy

We were bouncing around the area and found this one. They had a lot of people occupied so it is a busy place. The north campground is smaller but has very private sites with loads of options. Mostly for smaller res to tents. It is close to the road so you do hear the highway noise. Things were pretty active here so be prepared for some activity but don't fret things did calm down later at night. The hosts were great about keeping things going. Things are primitive and this is close to the water and trails so you do get best of both worlds. Watch out for ticks and black flies tho.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Deer Lake Campground by Scott M., June 21, 2021
  • Review photo of Deer Lake Campground by Scott M., June 21, 2021
  • Review photo of Deer Lake Campground by Scott M., June 21, 2021
  • (13) View All
Reviewed Jun. 13, 2020

I blame myself

While we did not have a good time, I'm still giving it 4 stars because we just were in the wrong spot. We were looking to escape for the weekend into the wilderness. This is not that.

If you're looking for a place to take your camper for a weekend fishing trip, it would be the perfect spot.

  • Photos from spot 8
  • Cell reception was good
  • Bathrooms were clean and had TP
  • Town w/ gas, liquor store, etc. 40 mins away
  • Review photo of Deer Lake Campground by Alex M., June 13, 2020
  • Review photo of Deer Lake Campground by Alex M., June 13, 2020
  • Review photo of Deer Lake Campground by Alex M., June 13, 2020
  • (17) View All
Reviewed May. 29, 2019

Very busy but secluded

If you are looking to truly rough it this is a great place. Lots of wildlife, but make sure you clean up at night or you may find a bear wander into your site. Sites are secluded from one to the next but still feels very tight as there are a lot of sites with tree lines separating.

Reviewed Jul. 30, 2016

Huge

This campsite is actually pretty big. i usually solo camp but this time I brought my girlfriend. She said this was the biggest she has been to. The site was really clean and had no insects at night because we came in the fall. On the trees there is a lot of carvings which can hurt the trees. The site is a trek from the restroom and takes a while to get there. We stayed at site 8 and it was perfect. This site does not electric hook ups which is a bummer. There is a pump for drinking water and the water had pieces of dirt in it so it is best to purify it or boil it before drinking. There is a lot of deer's out here and you can see a few throughout the day. Some times you can see hawks and ospreys. You have to make a reservation 4 days ahead to get a campsite.

  • Review photo of Deer Lake Campground by phillip L., July 30, 2016
  • Review photo of Deer Lake Campground by phillip L., July 30, 2016
  • Review photo of Deer Lake Campground by phillip L., July 30, 2016
  • (6) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make reservations for camping at Deer Lake in Minnesota?

Deer Lake Campground in Minnesota operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservation system. The campground is primitive in nature, so be prepared to arrive early, especially during busy weekends, to secure a spot. Since it's a popular fishing destination, competition for sites can be high during peak seasons. For the most current reservation information, contact the local forest service or park management office before your trip.

What amenities are available at Deer Lake Campground in Minnesota?

Deer Lake Campground is a primitive camping experience with minimal amenities. The campground features basic pit toilets (described as "stinky outhouses" by regulars) and no running water. Sites are relatively spacious and secluded from each other with tree lines providing privacy. There are no electric hookups, shower facilities, or garbage service, so campers need to pack out all trash. The rustic nature makes it ideal for those seeking a more authentic outdoor experience rather than a developed campground setting.

Are there photos available of Deer Lake Campground sites?

Photos of Deer Lake Campground sites can be found on various camping websites and social media platforms. The sites are known for being spacious and wooded, with good separation between neighboring campers. Many campsites feature distinctive natural settings that make for great photography opportunities. To view the most current and comprehensive collection of site photos, check the official Minnesota DNR website or popular camping apps where users frequently share their camping experiences and site photos.

Is there a map of Deer Lake Campground showing the layout and campsites?

Yes, maps of Deer Lake Campground are available. The campground has two distinct areas with the north campground being smaller but offering very private sites suitable for smaller RVs and tents. The layout features multiple sites with good paths connecting them, making it convenient if you're reserving adjacent sites for group camping. For the most detailed and up-to-date map showing the layout and specific campsites, check with the Minnesota DNR website or stop by the ranger station upon arrival to get an official campground map.