Best Dispersed Camping near Bagley, MN

Paul Bunyan State Forest provides several dispersed camping options near Bagley, Minnesota. Halverson Trail Camp on McCarty Lake offers water access, fire pits and outhouses about 10-15 minutes from the main road. Little Gulch Lake features a canoe campsite accessible by boat with a pit toilet, picnic table and fire ring. Waboose Lake has hike-in sites with a bench, fire pit, latrine and tent pads, located on a spur off the North Country Trail. According to one visitor, "The campsite was perfect...with the sounds of loons and frogs in the background."

Other primitive options include Shingobee Recreation Area, which offers drive-in and walk-in sites with fire pits, picnic tables and toilets. Some sites accommodate larger vehicles, though most are better suited for tents. Camp Cassaway provides boat-in, drive-in and walk-in tent camping that remains accessible even in winter. Most sites in the area are free with 14-day camping limits. Limited amenities are available, with campers needing to pack in drinking water and pack out trash. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Bagley, Minnesota (6)

    1. Halverson Trail Camp on McCarty Lake

    1 Review
    Laporte, MN
    33 miles

    "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"

    2. Little Gulch Lake canoe campsite

    2 Reviews
    Laporte, MN
    35 miles
    Website

    "dispersed campsites for those who want a back country experience not too far off the beaten path."

    3. Waboose Lake - Paul Bunyan SF

    2 Reviews
    Akeley, MN
    42 miles
    Website

    "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."

    4. Shingobee Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    Walker, MN
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 335-8600

    "You can park overnight in the lot by the trailheads in your RV to camp or you can hike in. There is a campsite directly off the road or more down the trails."

    "The North Country Trail passes by this site and most sites on the NCT are free! (except for some that are in State Parks, etc). This free site is a very short walk from a parking area/trailhead."

    5. Camp Cassaway Dispersed

    1 Review
    Cass Lake, MN
    43 miles
    Website

    "It was accessible even in winter. The snow was packed down enough to drive on even with a two wheel drive vehicle."

    6. Paul Bunyan State Forest Dispersed

    1 Review
    Akeley, MN
    44 miles

    "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."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Bagley, MN

6 Photos of 6 Bagley Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Bagley, MN

7 Reviews of 6 Bagley Campgrounds


  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2018

    Little Gulch Lake canoe campsite

    Little Gulch is great!

    Within 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!

  • Amy G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2017

    Waboose Lake - Paul Bunyan SF

    Ranger Review of Waboose Lake Camp - Pretty view near the NCT

    This 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.

  • Sonny S.
    Aug. 3, 2022

    Little Gulch Lake canoe campsite

    Buggy + No Cell Service

    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!

  • Lydia N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 24, 2025

    Camp Cassaway Dispersed

    Windy but quiet

    Nice quiet spot out of the way. It was accessible even in winter. The snow was packed down enough to drive on even with a two wheel drive vehicle.

  • Kaleigh F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2024

    Halverson Trail Camp on McCarty Lake

    Had an amazing time here!

    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

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2024

    Paul Bunyan State Forest Dispersed

    Large drive in camping spot

    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.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2020

    Waboose Lake - Paul Bunyan SF

    Perfect getaway location.

    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.


Guide to Bagley

Dispersed camping near Bagley, Minnesota features numerous sites scattered throughout Paul Bunyan State Forest, spanning approximately 105,000 acres of mixed hardwood forest and wetlands. Winter temperatures frequently drop below zero, while summer highs typically range from 70-85°F. Most campsites remain open year-round, though forest road conditions deteriorate during spring thaw and after heavy rainfall.

What to do

Paddling and fishing on glacial lakes: Little Gulch Lake chain offers pristine, clear waters ideal for canoes and kayaks. "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 lake to lake, all along a unique glacial moraine with deep quiet forests," notes Janet R. about Little Gulch Lake canoe campsite.

Cross-country skiing in winter: Shingobee Recreation Area maintains groomed ski trails during winter months. "In the winter, this trail is groomed for Cross Country Skiing, so it would be super accessible as a camp if you were skiing," explains Amy G. regarding Shingobee Recreation Area.

ATV trail riding: Forest roads and designated trails accommodate off-road vehicles throughout much of the forest. "ATV trail leads right off camping area," reports Pamela N. about Paul Bunyan State Forest Dispersed camping areas.

What campers like

Secluded sites with water views: Waboose Lake provides peaceful solitude with wildlife viewing opportunities. "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," shares Brent G. about Waboose Lake.

Winter accessibility: Some sites remain accessible during snowy months. "Nice quiet spot out of the way. It was accessible even in winter. The snow was packed down enough to drive on even with a two wheel drive vehicle," explains Lydia N. about Camp Cassaway Dispersed.

Multiple campsite configurations: Many areas accommodate different camping styles. "There is a bench, firepit, latrine and multiple campsites," notes Brent G. about Waboose Lake camping area.

What you should know

Limited cell service: Coverage becomes spotty throughout most of the forest. "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," cautions Sonny S. about Little Gulch Lake.

Insects can be problematic: Many campsites report significant bug activity during summer months. "It is extremely buggy and there's a large wasp nest/tunnel system on the ground near the fire pit," warns Sonny S.

Water access varies significantly: Some sites offer boat launches while others provide more limited shore access. "The entrance to the lake may be nice for a kayak or canoe but definitely not something you would walk into or swim in," explains Sonny S. about Halverson Trail Camp on McCarty Lake.

Tips for camping with families

Start with beginner-friendly sites: Some locations offer shorter hikes ideal for introducing children to backcountry camping. "This free site is a very short walk from a parking area/trailhead. Because it's on the NCT, the trail that passes the camp is extremely well maintained and groomed, not to mention super wide! If you have little ones that you are trying to 'wean' into camping, this would be a great place to take them to get a feel for the woods," advises Amy G. about Shingobee Recreation Area.

Choose sites with overflow capacity: Look for locations with extra space for multiple tents. "Across the trail (directly across from the camp) is a small little meadow type area that would be a perfect spot for 'overflow' tents, if you have more in your group than the site can take," suggests Amy G.

Pack extra bug protection: Mosquitoes and other insects are prevalent during summer months. "It is extremely buggy," reports Sonny S., making insect repellent essential for family comfort.

Tips from RVers

Site terrain considerations: Many dispersed sites have uneven surfaces. "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," notes Pamela N. about Paul Bunyan State Forest Dispersed.

Parking lot overnight options: Some trailheads accommodate overnight RV parking. "You can park overnight in the lot by the trailheads in your RV to camp or you can hike in," explains Alexandra T. about Shingobee Recreation Area.

Road access limitations: Forest service roads may become impassable during certain seasons. "These roads are closed in winter and spring," cautions Janet R. about roads leading to Little Gulch Lake.

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.