Pokegama Dam Campground
Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Sep. 1, 2020

Pleasant camping at Pokegama

Pokegema Dam This is a campground established by the Army Corps of Engineers, adjacent to the Pokegama Dam. Highlights include fishing in the rapids below the dam, or in the still river water above it, camping and relaxing under the tall pines in the campground, canoeing and kayaking on the river, and having a base to explore nearby Grand Rapids and attractions like the Minnesota State Forest History Museum a few miles away. Unless you are here for the fishing on site, though, you will probably use this campground as a base to do day trips in the area, as the campground is not big enough to feature hiking trails and other on-site activities. The campground seems oriented towards RV and trailer camping, with hook-ups and hard packed gravel vehicle access on most sites. A few sites do include sufficient grassy areas for tent camping. Almost all the campsites are located on the shores of the Mississippi River just downstream from the dam, and are sheltered under huge shady pines. The setting is more beautiful and scenic than can be seen from the road when passing by. Unfortunately, that road is the 4-lane highway 2, which provides easy access to the campground, but also adds a bit of road noise to your experience. Plus factors include a thoughtfully designed handicapped accessible campsite, several canoe campsites for paddling the Headwaters Water trail, and easy fishing access via boat landing, the dam itself, and various fishing piers. Everything is sparkling clean and there are bathrooms, showers, potable water, and a kids playground.

SiteCanoe tent site
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Pokegama Dam Campground by Janet R., September 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Pokegama Dam Campground by Janet R., September 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Pokegama Dam Campground by Janet R., September 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Pokegama Dam Campground by Janet R., September 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Pokegama Dam Campground by Janet R., September 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Pokegama Dam Campground by Janet R., September 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Pokegama Dam Campground by Janet R., September 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Pokegama Dam Campground by Janet R., September 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Pokegama Dam Campground by Janet R., September 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Pokegama Dam Campground by Janet R., September 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Pokegama Dam Campground by Janet R., September 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Pokegama Dam Campground by Janet R., September 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Pokegama Dam Campground by Janet R., September 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Pokegama Dam Campground by Janet R., September 1, 2020