Paul Bunyan State Forest contains numerous primitive camping near Bemidji, Minnesota options across 105,000 acres of mixed hardwood forest and wetlands. The forest's elevation ranges from 1,300 to 1,500 feet above sea level, creating varied terrain with glacial lakes scattered throughout. Winter access requires 4WD vehicles as many forest roads remain unplowed from November through April.
What to do
Fishing small lakes: McCarty Lake at Halverson Trail Camp offers water access for anglers seeking less pressured fishing. "Very nice area with a water access, fire pit and outhouse. About a 10-15 min drive from main road," notes Kaleigh F.
Winter camping options: Many sites remain accessible with proper vehicles during winter months. Camp Cassaway maintains adequate access even in snowy conditions. "It was accessible even in winter. The snow was packed down enough to drive on even with a two wheel drive vehicle," reports Lydia N.
Cross-country skiing trails: Shingobee Recreation Area connects to groomed winter trails that pass directly by campsites. As Amy G. observes, "In the winter, this trail is groomed for Cross Country Skiing, so it would be super accessible as a camp if you were skiing."
What campers like
Hammock-friendly sites: Many campsites feature ample trees for hammock setups. At Shingobee Recreation Area, "A plethora of trees give hammock-ers lots of options," writes Amy G., who also notes the pine needles that "soften the ground below the tent."
Secluded lake views: Waboose Lake offers exceptional wildlife viewing and water access. Brent G. explains: "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."
Water trail stopover points: Birches Landing serves as a critical safety point for Mississippi Headwaters paddlers. "At times, the winds and storms on Lake Winnie are very dangerous... Under those conditions, it would be dangerous to go further, and paddlers may stay here for the night," explains Janet R.
What you should know
Road conditions vary seasonally: Forest access roads deteriorate significantly during wet periods. At D57 Upper Pigeon Lake, "The road off of county Rd 33 (Dixon lake Rd) is short but unmaintained and the end of it has a good bit of uneven, sandy slope. I would not recommend it if you have low clearance," cautions Ruby B.
Cell service limitations: Coverage drops significantly within the forest. Little Gulch Lake canoe campsite has "no cell service at this sight. There were some bars closer to where you drive in but still nothing great," reports Sonny S.
Insect activity: Bugs become problematic during summer months, particularly near water. Sonny S. describes Little Gulch Lake as "extremely buggy and there's a large wasp nest/tunnel system on the ground near the fire pit."
Tips for camping with families
Introductory backpacking site: Shorter hikes from parking areas make wilderness camping accessible for children. Amy G. recommends Shingobee Recreation Area: "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."
Group camping flexibility: Several sites accommodate multiple tents. At Paul Bunyan State Forest Dispersed, Pamela N. found "Very large easy to access camping area. Could easily get 4-5 campers in this one."
Overflow space: Some sites offer adjacent clearing areas for extra tents. Amy G. notes at Shingobee: "Across the trail 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."
Tips from RVers
Smaller trailers only: Most dispersed sites accommodate compact trailers under 25 feet. Ruby B. describes D57 Upper Pigeon Lake as having "a level parking spot that is at least 35ft long," but cautions about access limitations.
Water access points: Several sites offer boat launches suitable for kayaks and canoes. At D29 dispersed site, Ruby B. appreciates that you can "park directly in front of a lake on a beautiful night," though notes "the tent pad is pretty small and uneven."
Highway proximity considerations: Sites closer to main roads have more traffic noise. Alexandra T. explains that at Shingobee Recreation Area, "You can park overnight in the lot by the trailheads in your RV to camp or you can hike in."
