Best Glamping near Akeley, MN

Recent Glamping Reviews near Akeley, MN

112 Reviews of 19 Akeley Campgrounds

• 

  Janet R.

  Legend

  

  Apr. 12, 2019

  Deer Park Lake Backcountry Campsite — Itasca State Park

  Ranger Review: Mountain House Hash at Itasca's Deer Park Lake

  CAMPGROUND REVIEW

  Itasca State Park is a primo destination in northern Minnesota for folks interested in exploring the headwaters of the Mississippi River. There are several campgrounds, group camps, cabins and lodge accomodations in the park that suit most visitors. But for folks who want a wilderness experience while at the headwaters, there are miles of wilderness trails in the backcountry area on the southern end of the park—and there are campsites and Adirondack shelters scattered throughout the myriad glacial lakes of this backcountry, enough so that you could backpack by foot or on snowshoes or cross country skis for a week through the territory, staying at a different lakes every night. April in Minnesota means we are still winter camping—but despite the snow, the sun is bright and warm, and it is great to get out into it. The park is at its peak of solitude in the winter, but if you can find a way to get to a campsite, they are open and reservable. This review is for Remote Campsite 11, located on an isthmus between Coffee Break Lake and Deer Park Lake. It is a several mile hike in from the nearest parking areas, either via Mary Kake and the Ozawindib Trail, or via the Deer Park Trail from Douglas Lodge. The trail is rolling and maintained for cross country skiers, snowshoers and snowhikers in the winter. This campsite is located just past the Ozawindib Adirondack Shelter, which is a good backup if its too windy or cold at the campsite. The campsite itself is down a hill by the lakeshore, between two lakes actually, on a rise that overlooks both. There is an additional campsite nearby on the south end of Deer Park Lake, campsite 10. There is a tent pad sheltered under the tall pines (and currently under the snow!) as well as a fire ring and an outhouse. There is no water provided, but a large bucket is available, so you can get lake water and filter it, or melt snow or bring your own. This is a great location for folks who like winter camping as the trek in is only a few miles, I was able to do it easily carrying a backpack of gear on my back, and a front pack with my dog when she got tired if trudging through the snow. And of course it is an easy hike in during the milder snow-free seasons. The site is scenic, pristine, and largely sheltered from the wind. The vista north over Coffee Break Lake would be awesome for viewing northern lights, this is a dark sky part of the park. It can get a little muddy in the transition season, including around the campfire area, so we hung out at the Adirondack shelter nearby and did our cooking there.

  To see a map and reserve a back country campsite at Itasca, check this link:

  https://reservemn.usedirect.com/MinnesotaWeb/Facilities/AdvanceSearch.aspx

  For more info on Remote Camping in Minnesota State Parks, see this link: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/remote_camping.html

  For general info on Itasca State Park, go to the homepage: www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00181#homepage

  PRODUCT REVIEW

  As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I ocasionally get camping products to test out. Today I am testing Mountain House Southwest Breakfast Hash https://www.mountainhouse.com/m/product/spicy-southwest-breakfast-hash.html

  Mountain House makes lightwieght, freeze-dried trail meals that are "cooked" in their own pouches using only boiling water. The sealed pouches are durable and lightwieght to carry, and the no-fuss no-muss prep of adding boiling water and letting it stand for 4 minutes in the re-sealable pouch is really easy. Since I was carrying my gear on my back, and carrying my tired little dog in a front pack carrier, I certainly didnt want to have extra weight! But these meal pouches are so light you hardly know you are carrying them. This pouch of SW breakfast hash had more than enough for two people plus some leftover for the dog, we served it up on tortillas that we had also packed, but you could eat it straight up. The hash featured beans, corn, potatoes, veggies and shredded beef for a well rounded complete meal as is, but you could extend the servings by scrambling it with eggs to dish up for a larger group. The taste and texture were surprisingly good, tasty without being too spicy, and I would defintiely buy this again. See our video review at https://youtu.be/nB9lBmjUsqU

• 

  Janet R.

  Legend

  

  Feb. 23, 2019

  Pine Ridge Campground — Itasca State Park

  Winter camping at Itasca? Why not!

  Itasca State Park is a jewel in the state park system of Minnesota, and the park’s Pine Ridge campground is where hordes and crowds of visitors stay when visiting it in summer. The park is very quiet and lightly used in winter, but wow, its the best time of year! The paths to famous spots like the headwaters of the Mississippi River and the visitor centers are plowed and maintained, and there are myriad groomed trails from cross country skiing and snow shoeing. A lot of people go ice fishing too. There is not a big demand for camping so mist if the campsites are closed, but Pine Ridge does maintain a selection of campsites with hookups for those who do want to venture forth. The campground bath houses are closed for the winter and water is shut off, but you can car camp and rv with hookups if you want, or tent camp if you know how to do so comfortably in winter and dint mind using outhouses in the campground. There is running water and regular bathrooms at the main visitor’s center so that is an option, but several miles drive from the winter campsites. So, bottom line, come prepared with all your own supplies, and make sure you know how to stay warm if car or tent camping. A winter visit to the park is well worth it!

• 

  Lee A.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 20, 2020

  Campers' Paradise

  One of the best spots I’ve stayed at so far!!

  We spent 5 days there and it was not enough!! This place has beautiful scenery whether you are in an inside lot or on the lake. Staff was very kind and accommodating and shower/bathhouse were well maintained and setup very nice. I highly recommend this place and have already booked for next year and many more to come!!

• 

  Melissa H.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 28, 2020

  Campers' Paradise

  Private Lake Side Camping

  Campers' Paradise is island camping that you get to by driving across a 1 lane road to get to the island.  There are lakefront sites or interior sites but this is as close to beach front camping as you will get in MN!  The lake front sites have their own sandy walk in to the water.  The sites are separated by trees/brush so you feel that they are really private.  There's a nice beach/play area for the kids and the bathrooms are really clean.

• l

  lexie

  Scout

  

  Jul. 8, 2021

  Campers' Paradise

  Favorite Place on Earth

  Grew up going here and now take my kids here. Beautiful island with great sites and a crystal clear lake surrounding.

• K

  Kathleen D.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 24, 2022

  Campers' Paradise

  Awesome

  Lots of biking and hiking trails. Really nice bathrooms. Nice beach with water trampolines. Sites are big.

  So much fun.

• 

  Andy R.

  Traveler

  

  May. 28, 2019

  Campers' Paradise

  Love it

  On an island private sites some electric No water hook up fill before parking

• 

  Jesse E.

  Guide

  

  Mar. 20, 2020

  Campers' Paradise

  So good we're making it a tradition

  My wife and a number of her friends have raved about this place so we booked a site for a week over the 4th of July.

  First off, every member of the staff we worked with from reservations to the store were wonderful. They were helpful, courteous and polite but you could tell that they were no nonsense. Personally I appreciate that. It signaled to me that we were dealing with professionals and gave me confidence in the campground.

  We got there and I knew we were in for a treat. There is a causeway that leads from mainland to the island and it's such a fun and unique way to get to camp. Check in was smooth and went off without a hitch. The facilities were so very clean and well maintained. There was even easy access to a potable water station to fill out camper.

  They were very clear from the get go that campers over a certain size weren't allowed and while ours isn't huge, maybe 30 foot hitch to bumper, I could see why they were so up front. We fit into our site and were able to get around when we needed to but it was certainly snug at times and some sites would be tough for a rookie to back into I think. If you're tenting it you've got no issues.

  The facilities were amazing! That isn't hyperbole, they were so very clean and modern that we used them instead of our own camper most of the time. The bathhouse is easily the best I've seen at a campground, there are pit toilets scattered about for convenience and we would see staff stop by a few times a day to clean and stock up.

  The beach area is great and nice sand. There are tables with umbrellas and volleyball slides in the water.

  They offer various things to rent. We didn't use any of them but I remember the rates were very reasonable and what I could see things looked very well maintained.

  The two things that stick out in my mind are the lack of bugs and how reasonably priced firewood was. I don't know if they actively control bugs or if it's just a natural byproduct of their unique location but in the week we were there we never applied bug spray.

  We loved our one week there so much that we've asked to be put onto a permanent renewal because we will be going back over and over.

• a

  amber

  Scout

  

  Aug. 24, 2024

  Vagabond Village Campground

  Clean, lots to do

  Lots of amenities, $60+ /night, guest fees. More open with less “trees and camping” feel so not for everyone but we liked it.

• J

  James M.

  Scout

  

  Mar. 26, 2019

  Vagabond Village Campground

  Wonderful family environment!

  The owners go above and beyond to make your stay as comfortable, enjoyable, and safe!

• M

  Madison F.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 12, 2019

  Vagabond Village Campground

  Love love love

  Have been going to this campground every summer since I was very little. Many amenities, very friendly and helpful staff. My absolute favorite!!!

• 

  Brenda N.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 21, 2019

  Vagabond Village Campground

  Great place for families

  We camp here every summer. It’s very clean. There’s camping for Tents, trailers and motor homes. Plenty of activities for kids. They have a swimming beach, pool, play ground, game room, it’s safe for kids to ride their bikes. Very well managed and friendly. Bathrooms are clean and there’s a laundry room.

• 

  Roni J.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 21, 2020

  Sunset Pines Campground

  Nice place

  Clean bathrooms, nice ppl....sites right on the lake & a little beach to sit at...seems small but a lot of big rigs fit just fine

• 

  Emilie V.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 27, 2023

  Sunset Pines Campground

  Wow! Great management, beautiful place!

  One of the best campgrounds I’ve ever been to. The only negative for us was the fact that we had to go to a laundromat in town.

• 

  Jeremy W.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 5, 2023

  Sunset Pines Campground

  Loved every minute of this trip!

  Lots to do here, very fun, very friendly staff. If you are looking for a good vacation, come here you won’t be disappointed!

• 

  JOSEPH D.

  Scout

  

  May. 17, 2022

  Sunset Pines Campground

  Great Rv/Cabin rentals.

  Really reasonable rates. Clean and detailed bathroom and showers. Laundry available. 30, 50 amp hookups. Back in trailer sites. Nice cabins, very reasonable rates. Everything REALLY CLEAN. beautiful swimming pool. Owners, Bill and Candy Ruttger are GREAT people, very helpful. This property offers great value! See their website.

• B

  Brent G.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 23, 2019

  Sunset Pines Campground

  Great campground

  The staff is friendly, and go above and beyond to make sure your stay is good. The sites are clean and level. They have a pool and playground for kids among other activities. We go here every year and will continue to do so.

• S

  Sarah G.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 6, 2019

  Sunset Pines Campground

  Fun family destination

  Had a great time. Kids loved the heated pool and tether ball! We all had a great time riding 4 wheelers on the Spider Lake trails a few miles away. Great sites, great time!

• S

  Seth J.

  Traveler

  

  May. 6, 2021

  Hungryman Lake Campground

  State Forest Camping Near Itasca

  A nice small campground about half way between Park Rapids and Itasca State Park. Got there on a Friday afternoon when Itasca State Park was completely booked up and we were the first ones there with just a few other campers coming throughout the weekend. Large and mostly shaded sites with several being right on the lake. Only downsides were there were no trash cans and no toilet paper in the pit toilets but that may change once it gets later in the season. Would definitely recommend it to anyone wanting to explore Itasca State Park but also wanting a more quiet camping experience.

• E

  Emma

  Scout

  

  Aug. 15, 2021

  Hungryman Lake Campground

  Nice Family Friendly Camping

  got here on a saturday and was too late to go home, there was one spot left, it gets really quiet around 10 pm. did a little shore fishing, they have some nice bluegill here.

• B

  Brent G.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 23, 2019

  Tuck-a-way Resort and Campground

  Decent place for the price

  We had a decent time at this campground. The seasonal sites are much nicer than the regular ones. We kept catching smells from the septic throughout the weekend. There is also a pretty decent hill you have to go down to get to your site so if you’re nervous or new to pulling a camper just be aware. Other than that it was a decent time.

• 

  Lisa P.

  Ranger

  

  Jul. 8, 2019

  Tuck-a-way Resort and Campground

  Family owned & operated

  Peaceful and serene, at the end of the road. Family camping RV sites have playground right there. Paddle Boats available and swimming beach. Right on the lake so kids spent a lot of time in the lake and on the lake fishing. Shower house has bathroom and washer & dryer.

• S

  Stephen L.

  Scout

  

  May. 16, 2021

  Andersons Crossing

  Great Place along the river

  I stayed here with my family over the weekend. It was located right on the river. This was a great campsite for the 7 of us! Planning on going back a few times this summer!

• 

  Janet R.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 9, 2019

  Andersons Crossing

  Canoe campsite on the Crow Wing

  This is yet another canoe campsite and canoe launch on the state—designated Crow Wing River Water Trail https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/watertrails/crowwingriver/index.html This is a good paddle-in stop or primitive camping destination. Though some if the campsite picnic tables have seen better days, the campsites themselves are in good shape, as is the canoe landing. The outhouses are decent and seem relatively new. Plenty of firewood provided. Scenic location and vistas along the river

• 

  Diane R.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 14, 2024

  Deer Park Lake Backcountry Campsite — Itasca State Park

  Remote, beautiful, trumpeter swans, loons and beavers!

  I stayed for 2 nights.  it was beautiful and serene.  There is a bear box which was helpful to store food and supplies since I was Hammocking.  Great trees for Hammock.  I was also able to get internet so I was able to see a big storm coming.  The birds and insects were suddenly silent and the clouds came in fast.  I was able to check weather apps and go to the shelter a mile toward the parking lot and wait out the storm.

• B

  Brent G.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 15, 2021

  Deer Park Lake Backcountry Campsite — Itasca State Park

  A quiet place to rest

  The trail is a beginner level trail. A couple uphills, but nothing too bad. The campsite is basic. A log to sit on, a fire ring, and spots for 2 or 3 tents. The campsite overlooks a lake. Water is weedy. There is a little trail that brings you down to the lake.

• B

  Brent G.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 15, 2021

  Deer Park Lake Backcountry Campsite — Itasca State Park

  A quiet place to rest

  The trail is a beginner level trail. A couple uphills, but nothing too bad. The campsite is basic. A log to sit on, a fire ring, and spots for 2 or 3 tents. The campsite overlooks a lake. Water is weedy, but is filterable for boiling water. Woke up to trumpeter swans each day. Loved it. There is a little trail that brings you down to the lake to view the bird life. Overall the site is maintained well. Pretty flat and no issues putting in stakes.