South Pike Bay

Many people assume that Pike Bay is so named because of the plentiful fishing here for northern pike and their cousins the muskies. The fishing reputation is well earned, but the bay also has historical significance because it is the furthest north and west that explorer Zebulon Pike managed to travel on his fateful February expedition in search of the Mississippi Headwaters in 1805. After visiting what was later named Pike Bay in his honor, Zebulon Pike decided that Leech Lake was instead the source of the Mighty River; neither option was quite right!

The National Forest Service campground at this location is really terrific. Like its larger neighbor to the north at Norway Beach, it is resplendent with old growth pine forest, and you can camp on large expansive shaded campsites right on the water and have your own hard sand beach to swim at plus a place to pull up your boat or canoe after launching from the nearby public access. There are bathroom facilities and a water supply here, and the Migizi Bike Trail runs right through the campground for those who want to bike up to Norway Beach for park naturalist programs, or to loop around all of Pike Bay, or join up with the northern spur of the Heartland Trail which will carry you south to the quaint town of Walker where you can spend a great day out, or continue on bike paths towards Bemidji, Park Rapids or Brainerd.

This campground has all the advantages of the the Norway Beach campgrounds, but is smaller, quieter, and more off the beaten path. If given a choice between Norway Beach, Knutson Dam, or Pike Bay, hands down I would choose this one!

Remember: Pike Bay does connect on its north end into Cass lake, where invasive exotic zebra mussels have been found, so be sure to check and clean your watercraft if out on the water!