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
USDA Forest Service
Chippewa National Forest
Overview
Deer Lake Campground is located on scenic Cut Foot Sioux Lake, next to Lake Winnibigoshish, in the heart of the Chippewa National Forest. Visitors come to the area for boating, walleye, northern, sunfish, and crappie fishing, and beautiful scenery.
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 Recreation Area Trail runs through the campground and connects with the Simpson Creek Trail. People with ATV's can camp in the campground, however, ATV's must be trailered to roads legal for riding outside the campground.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.
Natural Features
Deer Lake Campground is situated on the northwest shore of Cut Foot Sioux Lake and is split into two separate loops. The North Deer Loop is covered by a hardwood forest of maple and oak, with some mature pine trees scattered throughout the area. South Deer Loop is forested with mature red and white pines. Cut Foot Sioux 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
From Deer River, travel northwest on Highway 46. Turn on Eagle Nest Road and continue west for four miles, past East Seelye and West Seelye campgrounds. Deer Lake Campground is on the left. 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, South Deer is another half-mile down the road.
Address
1235 DIVISION ST.
Deer river, MN 56636
Coordinates
47.5141667 N
94.1058333 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiGood
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
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
