Want to go dispersed camping near Bagley? Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Bagley's most popular destinations.
From the trailhead at the Waboose Public Boat access (located off of Inner Forest Rd north of CR-2 north of Nevis, MN) head in either direction on the white-blazed trail. The loop features some rolling hills with gentle climbs and many views out onto the scenic lake. The Waboose Lake Loop includes a portion of the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT for short), which continues northwest toward CR-91 and east toward State Hwy 64. The NCT portion of the loop is both blue-blazed and white blazed. A spur trail from the loop leads to the primitive campsite on the end of the peninsula with water access, tent pads, fire ring, and a privy. On the southeast side of the lake, you'll find an old-growth pine stand. To see it in its full glory, venture out and back a short ways heading southeast on the two-track road. This road leads out to Akeley Cutoff Forest Rd.
Nestled along the rolling hills of the Shingobee River Valley, the Shingobee Recreation Area provides a variety of summer and winter activities. The area offers 6 miles of trails for hiking, hunting, birdwatching, primitive camping, and cross-country skiing in the heart of Minnesota's Northwoods. A sliding hill and a weekend warming chalet are also available for winter fun.
Traveler
Very nice area with a water access, fire pit and outhouse. About a 10-15 min drive from main road and there are more campsites to find further in
Traveler
Very large easy to access camping area. Could easily get 4-5 campers in this one. It is a bit rocky and not extremely level but open and better for less bugs. ATV trail leads right off camping area.
Guide
This camp site is a few miles away from the rest of the campgrounds and the picnic area as well as a forrest trail. It is extremely buggy and there’s a large wasp nest/ tunnel system on the ground near the fire pit. The fire pit is a classic rock ring. There is also a vault toilet and a picnic table. There’s only room for one group to camp here so if you get there early it’s pretty secluded except for a few drivers who come by to see if the spot is open. The entrance to the lake may be nice for a kayak or canoe but definitely not something you would walk into or swim in. I have verizon and there is no cell service at this sight. There were some bars closer to where you drive in but still nothing great. It was okay for the night but not the best dispersed campsite i’ve been too!
Guide
The campsite was perfect. There is a bench, firepit, latrine and multiple campsites. Very scenic view with the sounds of loons and frogs in the background. I have camped there twice and have never come across another hiker. The hike is fairly short to get there.
LegendWithin the Paul Bunyan State Forest, there are several official state forest campgrounds, individual hike-in primitive campsites (such as along the North Country Scenic Trail) and also various official dispersed campsites for those who want a back country experience not too far off the beaten path.
Just north and west of the official Group campsite at Lake 21 is a lovely chain of lakes called the Little Gulch Lakes that are perfect for paddling. See this link for a state forest map of the area: the campsite is located by the canoe landing symbol off West Gulch Road:
https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_forests/sft00038.pdf
The lakes are clear and pristine, and far from crowds although within an easy drive of Akely, Bemidji, Itasca and Park Rapids. This is a great destination for canoeing or kayaking from ale to lake, all along a unique glacial moraine with deep quiet forests, plenty of wildlife, and crystal clear water in narrow but very deep glacial lakes. The canoe landing at Second Little Gulch has not only a nice access for non motorized craft, but also has a little known but really lovely primitive campsite that could accomodate several small groups. Best for camping, it would have room for a small trailer or two to drive in, but of course there are no hook ups of any kind as this is a backcountry location. There is a pit toilet, many good tent sites, and a picnic area, all on a lovely peninsula on the north side of the lake. You can easily drive to this location on back forest roads, though note that these roads are closed in winter and spring.
There is no well or pump or other water source at this campsite, and though the water is basically clear and clean you should either bring your own water jus or plan to boil or filter the nearby lake water as there is a lot of beaver activity in the area.
You can do some hiking along the quiet forest service roads nearby, paddle the chain of lakes, or go fishing. The lakes are not heavily fished, but they are not regularly stocked by the DNR either. It may be of interest for those fishing that the substrate of these lakes favors small mouth bass, which are fun to angle for but are fairly uncommon for this neck of the woods!
LegendThis super hidden little gem is fairly new in the last several years. While it's not the fanciest campsite, it's lovely for a quick overnight. It's on a loop around Waboose Lake in Nevis MN, but it's actually a spur off of the North Country Trail. If you care to use it while hiking on the NCT, it's not far off the main NCT trail. Or, if you just want a short overnight experience, there is a parking lot next to the lake. Head out on the white-blazed trail to the LEFT of the parking area and this will get you to the camp the quickest. You can still get there from the right (since the Waboose Trail is a loop), but it will take a little longer to get there. If you head to the right, it's down by the boat landing on the other side of the parking lot.
The campsite is on a little spur off the main trail. Maybe a hundred yards. The trail is well marked if you watch for the camp sign. There is a lovely little bench (as is typical in this area of campsites on the NCT) with an attached table that sits next to the first fire grate. Then, a bit further up the trail, there is the main fire ring, bench and tent pad. Not even 30 feet down a short slope is super easy access to the water. The tent pad isn't huge, but could easily accommodate a 2 or 3 person tent. Maybe larger if you wanted to try. And there are some great hammock trees too!
Just down a short trail to the right (before you get to the actual campsite and bench) is a sign that shows you where the pit toilet is. This one is a bit more modest, with a 2 sided fence to shelter you from the trail and anyone passing by.
As for the trail, since Waboose Lake Loop and the NCT cross over each other, you want to follow the WHITE blazes to stay on the Waboose Loop. Occasionally you will see blue and white blazes on the same tree. That's because the NCT is marked in blue, and again, the two trails join together for a bit before the NCT heads in another direction again. Just keep your eyes open.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Bagley, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Bagley, MN is Halverson Trail Camp on McCarty Lake with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Bagley, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Bagley, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
