Top Free Dispersed Camping near Bemidji, MN
Want to go dispersed camping near Bemidji? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Minnesota excursion.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Bemidji, MN (10)
1. Little Gulch Lake canoe campsite
2 Reviews•22 Photos•34 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
3. Halverson Trail Camp on McCarty Lake
1 Review•15 Photos•23 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
4. Waboose Lake - Paul Bunyan SF
2 Reviews•10 Photos•43 SavesFrom 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.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Firewood Available
5. Shingobee Recreation Area
2 Reviews•6 Photos•48 SavesNestled 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.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Toilets
7. Birches Landing on Lake Winni
1 Review•11 Photos•14 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
9. Crazy James Water Trail - Campsite for Paddlers
1 Review•9 Photos•3 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Bemidji
7 Reviews of 10 Bemidji Campgrounds
Kaleigh F.
Traveler
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
- P
Pamela N.Traveler
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.
- Sonny S.
Guide
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!
Janet R.
Legend
Crazy James Water Trail - Campsite for Paddlers
Crazy James landing watercraft campsite
This is a paddle-in only campsite within the Chippewa National Forest, and is an official campsite on the Mississippi River State Water Trail in Minnesota. It is located downstream from the Lake Winnie Dam, and is a good place to stay after portaging the dam if you dont want to stay at the Winnie Dam Campground. It is located near upper River mile 1225, on the left side of the river. The access point appears very overgrown from the river, but look for the brown watercraft campsite sign with the yellow canoe, and if you land at that point you will see a mall trail that leads to wooden timbered steps up to the campsite. There is a nice view over the river here, and a bit of a breeze, which is especially good in early summer when bugs are bad. This is a typical water access only campsite for paddlers on the water trail, and includes the basic such as picnic table, fire ring, and pit toilet. There is no potable water water avaialble here, so be prepared. There is room for several tents, so a small group could camp here.
The next watercraft campsite is downs stream quite a few miles, so if you are passing mid in the afternoon it might be good to stop here. The next recommended campsite is at Gambler's Point, the previous campsites on Lake Winnie include Lake Winnie Dam and Tamarack Point.
If you are a through paddler on an extended trip you may already have maps and water trail info, but if not, check out these links:
Info for camping at watercraft campsites: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/watertrails/watercraft-campsites.html info and maps for all of Minnesota state water trails: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/watertrails/index.html map for Mississippi River State Water Trail: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/watertrails/mississippiriver/index.html section map on which Crazy James landing is located, just upstream from River Mile 1225: https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/canoe\_routes/mississippi2.pdf
- BBrent G.Guide
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.
- Janet R.Legend
Birches Landing on Lake Winni
One night stop for paddlers only the water trail only
This is a US Forest Service Boating area on Lake Winnie in the Chippewa National Forest. It is primarily set up as a boat and canoe landing, with large beautiful group picnic area as well. However, it is also a stop at the Mississippi Headwaters Water Trail, and is a canoe stopover spot. At times, the winds and storms on Lake Winnie are very dangerous, and paddlers are not able to get further up the point to the Tamarack Point campsites, or around the point to the Winnie Dam camground. Under those conitions, it would be dangerous to go further, and paddlers may stay here for the night. Bathrooms, plenty of tent space, easy landing and launching for canoes and kayaks as well as boats, new picnnic shelters, great place for paddlers to shelter.
- Janet R.Legend
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!
Guide to Bemidji
Camping near Bemidji, Minnesota, offers a fantastic escape into nature with a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there's something for everyone in this beautiful region.
What to do:
- Hiking and Biking Trails: Explore the many trails in the area. One camper mentioned, "Many bike and walking/hiking trails. Well maintained park," while enjoying the scenic views at Bear Paw Campground — Itasca State Park.
- Water Activities: Enjoy kayaking or canoeing. A visitor at Big Bog State Recreation Area said, "They had kayaks, canoes and paddle boards available to rent. The price was very reasonable."
- Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One happy camper at Lake Bemidji State Park Campground noted, "We saw Trumpeter Swans, Eagles and Mergansers."
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Pine Ridge Campground — Itasca State Park remarked, "Men’s bathroom is cleaned twice a day! Showers are clean and water is hot!"
- Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Leech Lake Recreation Area & Campground shared, "This campground has large, nicely spaced sites with lots of mature trees."
- Friendly Atmosphere: Campers often mention the welcoming vibe. One reviewer at Campers' Paradise said, "The staff were wonderful. They were helpful, courteous and polite."
What you should know:
- Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in summer. A camper at Stony Point warned, "The mosquitoes were horrible. There was no amount of bug spray to help."
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A visitor at Gulch Lake noted, "There are no actual bathroom facilities, but it does have a group site."
- Seasonal Closures: Check the campground's open dates. For example, Big Bog State Recreation Area is open all year, while others may have specific seasons.
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. A parent at Campers' Paradise mentioned, "There’s a nice beach/play area for the kids."
- Plan for Outdoor Fun: Bring games and outdoor gear. One family at Pine Ridge Campground — Itasca State Park enjoyed, "Great trails to hike. Super nice Visitors Center with great interactive displays."
- Pack Bug Spray: Don’t forget to bring bug spray to keep the little ones comfortable. A camper at Leech Lake Recreation Area & Campground advised, "Need bug spray."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Pine Ridge Campground — Itasca State Park noted, "Some sites would be tough for a rookie to back into."
- Look for Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric hookups, which can be a lifesaver. A visitor at Lake Bemidji State Park Campground appreciated, "30, 50 amp hookups."
- Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump stations are located. A camper at Leech Lake Recreation Area & Campground mentioned, "Only one dump station for Bear Paw and Pine Ridge."
Camping near Bemidji, Minnesota, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With beautiful scenery and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Bemidji, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Bemidji, MN is Little Gulch Lake canoe campsite with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Bemidji, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Bemidji, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.