Fishing enthusiasts and paddlers will find direct access to the Mississippi River at Pokegama Dam Campground, where the Army Corps of Engineers maintains 19 spacious sites along the water. The campground sits adjacent to the Pokegama Dam, offering fishing opportunities both in the rapids below the dam and the calmer waters above it. Large RVs up to 79 feet can navigate the gravel access roads, and most sites include 30-amp electric hookups with water available at central stations.
The campground operates under tall pines that provide shade for the level gravel sites. Two sites sit directly on the riverbank among cattails, while others face the water from slightly elevated positions. Janet R. notes that "everything is sparkling clean and there are bathrooms, showers, potable water, and a kids playground." The facility includes a fish cleaning station, boat launch, and several fishing piers for varied angling access.
Highway 2 runs close to the campground, creating consistent road noise that multiple reviewers mention alongside occasional train sounds. The location serves as a convenient base for exploring Grand Rapids, just minutes away, and the Forest History Center. Campers can walk across the dam to access short riverside trails or launch kayaks for downstream paddling.
Reservations open up to six months in advance through Recreation.gov, with sites ranging from $14-35 per night depending on hookups and season.
Description
Overview
Pokegama Dam Campground (USACE) is situated in the heart of northern Minnesota's lake country next to the Mississippi River. Popular activities include boating, fishing, picnicking and wildlife viewing.
Recreation
The Mississippi River offers great opportunities for boating and fishing. Anglers will find Walleye, Northern Pike, Blue gills, sunfish, Large and Small mouth Bass among other species. Birders enjoy viewing Bald eagles, loons, ducks, geese and many other species from the banks of the park.
Facilities
The campground, pronounced "po-KEG-uh-muh," offers 19 electric back in sites, two primitive tent-only sites (non-electric) and one day-use picnic shealter with electric. Amenities include flush toilets, showers, drinking water, a dump station, boat ramp, playground and a fish cleaning station.
Natural Features
A forest of mixed hardwoods and towering red pines cover the area, housing an abundance of wildlife including bald eagles, porcupines, black bears chipmunks and many others. Wild blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries grow seasonally on the forest floor.
Nearby Attractions
Judy Garland Museum, Forest History Center, Itasca County historical Society, Childerns Discovery Museum, Tioga Beach, Mesabi Bike Trail
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPokegama Dam Campground is located in Minnesota near Cohasset
Directions
From Grand Rapids, Minnesota, take Highway 2 west for 2 miles, turn left at signs and follow to campground.
Address
34385 US HWY 2
Grand rapids, MN 55744-9663
Coordinates
47.25 N
93.5833333 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/30/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/30/26
AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/30/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/30/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 26 min from Duluth, MN
- 2 hrs 33 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 2 hrs 55 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 2 hrs 58 min from Fargo, ND
