Best Campgrounds near Bigfork, MN
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.
