Established Camping
Deer Lake Campground
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.
Description
Overview
Deer Lake campground is located on the west shore of Cut Foot Sioux Lake, next to Lake Winnibigoshish, and is split into two separate loops. North Deer Lake campground has 17 sites; South Deer Lake has 31 campsites. A boat ramp is centrally located between the loops and provides lake access via Biauswah Creek. Visitors come to the area for boating, walleye, northern, sunfish, and crappie fishing, and beautiful scenery. The 26-mile Cut Foot Sioux National Recreation Trail runs through the Deer Lake campgrounds and is designated for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. The Chippewa National Forest and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe work together to co-steward resources - making the Forest a great place to recreate as well as a special place where cultural and traditional resources are protected and preserved and the Bands treaty rights are respected.
Recreation
Boating, swimming, and fishing are popular activities on Cut Foot Sioux Lake. A boat ramp is centrally located between the campground's two loops and provides lake access via Biauswah Creek. A large swimming beach is located at the North Deer Loop and a smaller beach is located at South Deer Loop. Boats may be moored offshore.Miles of trails in the area provide great hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and birding opportunities. The 26-mile Cut Foot Sioux National RecreationTrail runs through the campground and connects with the Simpson Creek Trail. Off-highway vehicles, including ATVs and UTVs, may be brought to the campground. However, OHVs must be trailered to roads legal for riding outside the campground. OHV use is not permitted on Eagle Nest Road.Cut Foot Sioux Lake is located next to Lake Winnibigoshish, which can be accessed from Cut Foot Sioux. Lake Winnie offers excellent fishing opportunities for walleye, northern, panfish, and muskie. It is one of Minnesota's premier fisheries. Boating and water skiing are popular activities.
Facilities
The campground offers several single-unit campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets and handpumps for drinking water are provided.__There are no electric hook ups in the campground. Firewood is available from local vendors.
Natural Features
A sandy swimming beach is located at North Deer Lake campground. North Deer Loop is covered by a hardwood forest of maple and oak, with some mature pine trees scattered throughout the site. South Deer Loop is forested with mature red and white pines. The Cut Foot Sioux area is home to a variety of waterfowl and birds of prey, including loons, osprey, and bald eagles. The much larger Lake Winnibigoshish is accessible by boat and within sight of these two campgrounds.
Nearby Attractions
Down the road, East Seelye Bay offers a large picnic area, boat landing with dock and a swimming beach.
Fee Info
$16.00 per night
Location
Deer Lake Campground is located in Minnesota
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
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 7 min from Duluth
- 2 hrs 55 min from Grand Forks
- 3 hrs from St. Cloud
- 3 hrs 14 min from Fargo
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
