138 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Bigfork, Minnesota contains several established campgrounds surrounded by northern Minnesota lakes and forests. Scenic State Park represents the largest developed camping area with two distinct campgrounds - Chase Point and The Lodge - offering tent sites, RV sites with electric hookups, and cabin accommodations. Additional options include primitive sites at George Washington State Forest with campgrounds at Lost Lake and Owen Lake, and more remote opportunities at North Star in Chippewa National Forest. Water-based camping dominates the region with several campgrounds positioned directly on Coon Lake, Sandwick Lake, and Big Dick Lake.
Camping in the Bigfork area typically operates from May through October, with limited year-round access at select sites like Owen Lake Campground in George Washington State Forest. Many campgrounds require reservations through the Minnesota DNR reservation system, particularly for weekend stays during peak summer months. Showers, drinking water, and firewood availability vary significantly between campgrounds, with Scenic State Park offering the most developed amenities while forest service sites provide more basic facilities. Cell service can be limited throughout the region, particularly at more remote sites. According to one visitor, "The sites are close together and more suited to RVs than tents. Even over a busy weekend, it was quiet overnight except for the loons calling across the water."
Water recreation serves as the primary draw for most campers in the Bigfork area. Scenic State Park offers boat, canoe, and kayak rentals with launch access to Coon Lake, which maintains a 10 mph speed limit with no waterskiing allowed. Fishing opportunities abound, with several campers reporting successful catches directly from fishing piers or shorelines. The Chase Point peninsula provides popular hiking opportunities with an esker formation and scenic lake views. Backcountry and boat-in campsites receive particularly strong reviews for their seclusion. One camper noted that the remote backcountry campsites "are absolutely exquisite and peaceful and quiet and off by themselves," with amenities including bear boxes, fire rings, and pit toilets. Many sites feature three-sided log shelters that provide additional weather protection.
"Really cool walking path around the fishing docks. Ventured into town (bigfork) so cute. Ate at both the pizza parlor and parks & rec. Got a giant ice cream at the local gas station."
"We camped for Minnesota Grouse Hunting Season. The sites are roomy (boat in, drive in, or backpack available) The Chase Point Trail is gorgeous for hiking!!"
from $24 - $34 / night
Check Availability"Nice, remote Campground in the woods of northern Minnesota. We spent 5 days there where we enjoyed plenty of hikes and time on the water."
"After walking around and kayaking around I’ve come to realize this place is always full for a reason. The hiking and lake provide something to do for everyone."
from $24 - $34 / night
Check Availability"North loop has more reservable campsites but we chose to got it he south loop to get away from the families who stayed near the beach. Very primitive campground with excellent fishing!"
"We had 4 groups taking 4 spots adjacent to each other. Children loved the swimming, canoeing and hiking. The sites were spacious enough for a large tent and screen tent."
from $16 / night
Check Availability"We celebrated the 2017 Minnesota Walleye Fishing Season opener at one of our favorite campgrounds. North Star campground has 38 sites between north and south loops."
"Good fishing in the lake. Like all good forests it’s primitive and non reservable. Wouldn’t worry about getting a site tho. We stayed in 7 and had nobody around us."
from $14 / night
Check Availability"Sandwick Lake is located to the south and east of Coon Lake and is reached by boat or canoe by launching from the main boat landing, passing through Coon Lake , and then down a channel into Sandwick Lake"
"The park has two backpack campsites along small pine lake. It's an easy 1.5 mile hike to the camp site along flat trails. "
from $22 / night
Check Availability"Amazing private site right on the lake. It was difficult to find the turn off and the path down to the site was pretty overgrown but once we made it down it was well worth it!"
"This is a small, quiet state forest campground, off the beaten path from any direction. The main activities are quiet campig, and fishing!"
"Loved this campground, quiet lake and fishing dock right there."
"This is a state forest campground located a few miles down a back forest road west of McCarthy Beach state park."
"I would highly recommend this campground,it’s clean,great fishing,swimming,walking. We stayed for a week with our dogs,and our girls had a blast. Thank you"
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability"This is a small county park and campground off the beaten path. It is located adjacent to the Little American Falls, and alongside the Big Fork River water trail."
TravelerAmazing private site right on the lake. It was difficult to find the turn off and the path down to the site was pretty overgrown but once we made it down it was well worth it! Spacious site with a fire pit and picnic table. Close to the shore and has lots of big trees for hammocking! Would recommend to anyone looking for a peaceful, private, and free site!
TravelerMost people know about the sugar sand beaches on both lakes, but the real treasures are the hiking trails! The campsites are generous. Some are tricky for bigger rigs. Plenty of vegetation between sites compared to most campgrounds. Lots t o see and do! Paddle boards, kayaks, boats, swimming, fishing piers…a local shop for necessities…within walking distance. The scenery is lovely.
GuideThe campground is a spacious wooded area right beside one of many channels leading to the lake. The sites are well spread out. The sunsets here are breathtaking.
ScoutTami and Rob are great hosts and they have a beautiful campground. They have a heated pool and spa. It’s mostly seasonal campers but they are a friendly bunch. We loved our time there and hated to leave, but we’ll be back!
GuideThis a small campground on the Mississippi River. Sitting outside you really hear the Hwy noise. It’s a beautiful spot.
TravelerCamping here has been so peaceful. Our lot we picked had a subtle view of the lake with easy access to the lake. Also near the well and the toilets. No electricity which was fine for us. Could hear the loons throughout the night. Deer and horseflies were gnarly, be prepared for that.
ScoutThe grounds were nice, bathroom clean and stocked. The sites are very open. There is zero trees or brush between you and you neighbors. Great if you are going with friends and want to camp nearby. The boat landing is clean and sandy but unfortunately is very shallow so you will need a flat bottom boat or kayak/canoe. Wasn't what I was looking for but still a nice area.
TravelerIf you go on mn dnr we found this spot for FREE! We’re staying a couple nights lots of hiking to do around here and lots of boating and fishing as well! They have a well maintained area and the free sites are secluded by trees but still easily accessible!
ScoutTook 38, took a left on 2153 and drove until we saw a path to the right. Drove in with a van, low clearance but we made it. Lead to a large space with dug out fire pit. Lots of trees for hammock.
Camping near Bigfork, Minnesota centers around the dense pine forests and glacial lakes of northern Minnesota's Itasca County. The region sits at approximately 1,300 feet elevation with summer temperatures averaging 75-80°F during peak camping season. Winter camping opportunities exist at select sites like Owen Lake Campground, where temperatures can drop well below zero with significant snowfall from November through March.
Fishing from shore: At Scenic State Park's Coon Lake, fishing piers provide easy lake access with abundant catches. "I caught my first largemouth bass here too!" noted one visitor at Scenic State Park Campground.
Family hiking: The Chase Point Trail is rated easy and suitable for young children, making it a perfect family-friendly option. "Hiking out to chase point is a nice easy hike that is great for a family hike with kids of all ages," according to a camper at Scenic State Park.
Backpacking: For more adventurous campers, the park offers remote sites requiring short hikes. "The park has two backpack campsites along small pine lake. It's an easy 1.5 mile hike to the camp site along flat trails," explained a visitor at The Lodge Campground.
Water activities: Paddling options abound on the region's lakes, with rentals available in season. "We rented boats - canoe, two kayaks, and a paddle board - from the park office, which was very fun! Our kids had a blast trying them all out," shared a camper who stayed at The Lodge Campground.
Watercraft-access sites: Remote campsites accessible only by boat offer exceptional privacy. "We camped at campsite #6 on Sandwick, you would have to backpack into it by hiking about 3 miles, or you have the option to boat in which we did," described a visitor to Scenic State Park.
Primitive camping amenities: Many backcountry sites include unexpected comforts. "Our site had a three sided log lean-to as well as a bear box, picnic table, and fire ring with grate," reported a camper at Scenic State Park.
Fishing opportunities: Clubhouse Lake provides excellent conditions for teaching beginners. "Great beach and fishing Peer is awesome as well. Catch lots of Sunny's right next to the dock. Great place to teach kiddos how to fish," noted a visitor at Clubhouse Lake.
Quiet atmospheres: Even during peak season, many campgrounds maintain peaceful settings. "The sites are nice, very dog friendly and lots of family's. Nice big fire pits. Just an over all nice place," shared a visitor at Chase Point Campground.
Seasonality limitations: Many campgrounds operate only during warmer months. "We stayed at Scenic State Park Lodge Campground in July, 2018, with two other families, for three nights, on our annual camping trip," explained a visitor, highlighting the summer camping window.
Cell service challenges: Connectivity is extremely limited throughout the area. "North loop has more reservable campsites but we chose to go to the south loop to get away from the families who stayed near the beach. Very primitive campground with excellent fishing! No cell service so come here to get away!" mentioned a camper at Clubhouse Lake.
Reservation systems: Campgrounds operate with different booking requirements. "All the campsites are currently reservable online, and you must use that system because the main park office is closed to visitors at this time due to covid," shared a visitor at Scenic State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Bigfork, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Bigfork, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 138 campgrounds and RV parks near Bigfork, MN and 8 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Bigfork, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bigfork, MN is Chase Point Campground — Scenic State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 14 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bigfork, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Bigfork, MN.
What parks are near Bigfork, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Bigfork, MN that allow camping, notably Chippewa National Forest and Mississippi River Headwaters - Leech Lake.
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