1 campground with availability this weekend
Several cabin camping options exist within driving distance of Birchdale, Minnesota, with Big Bog State Recreation Area offering six camper cabins tucked into wooded areas along the Tamarack River. These furnished cabins include propane stoves and sleeping space for 5-6 people, with access to clean bathrooms and shower facilities at the visitor center. "I stayed here one New Year's in a camper cabin equipped with space to sleep 5 or 6, a propane stove, and warm, clean bathrooms and showers at the visitor center," notes one visitor. Lake of the Woods Campground & Marina in Baudette provides additional cabin rentals with convenient access to fishing opportunities, while Birchview Resort and Birch Grove Resort feature waterfront cabin accommodations on Lake Kabetogama with boat docks and swimming areas.
Rustic cabins and more modern options are available depending on the location, with some properties operating year-round while others close seasonally. Big Bog's cabins remain open through winter, making them popular with ice fishermen accessing Red Lake. Most cabins are pet-friendly, though policies vary by property. According to one reviewer, "The cabins look like a lot of fun for a family. Cozy but secluded from the rest of the campground." Families often book the same cabins year after year, with some Birch Grove Resort guests returning for over 30 years. Reservations are particularly important during summer months when cabin availability becomes limited, especially for waterfront units.
Most cabin rentals provide basic furnishings but require guests to bring their own bedding, towels, and personal items. Kitchen facilities vary widely, from simple fire pits with picnic tables to cabins with propane cooking equipment. Red Lake Ice Cabins offers specialized winter accommodations with electric hookups and toilet facilities specifically for ice fishing. Small camp stores at some locations stock limited supplies, but visitors should plan to bring most provisions. The towns of Waskish and Kelliher near Big Bog State Recreation Area offer food, gas, and fishing supplies, while more extensive shopping is available in International Falls, approximately 30 minutes from some cabin locations.
"We camped here on a weekend when there was going to be a special park event--a lighted lantern tour on the boardwalk into the Big Bog. It was an amazing experience!"
"Loads of boats and people fishing as the lake is 5 min boat ride away. The river is perfect for trolling and catching. I chose to kayak the river for 5 hours and saw lots of people."
Available this weekend
from $24 - $85 / night
"Such a nice campground with a nice playground and pool for the kids. And can’t forget the ice cream! Cozy little shop has anything you might have forgot. Will definitely be returning!"
from $40 - $50 / night
from $39 / night
from $48 / night
from $130 - $360 / night
ScoutSuch a nice campground with a nice playground and pool for the kids. And can’t forget the ice cream! Cozy little shop has anything you might have forgot. Will definitely be returning!
LegendWe camped here on a weekend when there was going to be a special park event--a lighted lantern tour on the boardwalk into the Big Bog. It was an amazing experience! I would agree with some other campers, fall is the best time because it has no bugs, fewer campers, and the campground is relatively dry. Plus the colors are fantastic! We stayed in campsite number 1, one of the better ones for tent campers. It is more private, tucked into the woods, and several spots for tents. The campground was relatively quiet and only about half full. Campers should be aware that sites 19-30 back up against the state highway 72, which doesnt have much traffic but is a truck route so there is noise and proximity to that road with a slim buffer zone of vegetation. But sites 1-8 are along the Tamarack River and pretty nice--especially if you have brought a boat or watercraft for fishing or paddling or boating, you have direct access to the water from a number of the sites, plus there is a good dock centrally located. There are also a number of nice camper cabins that are tucked into the woods, and they are avaialble even in winter as ice fishermen like to stay here to get onto Red Lake. The Big Bog campground is not right on Red Lake, but you can get to it via the Tamarack River, or by crossing Hwy 72 to the west side of the park where there is a boat launch and swimming area plus picnicking and hiking trails along Red Lake. The boardwalk into the Big Bog is in a separate parcel of state land just north on 72 a miles. It is one of the longest boardwalks into a bog in the US, and well worth the hike. As tamaracks dominaate, they are at the peak of their golden colors in October, and I think the best time to visit. Being there at twilight was amazing, and the special lantern walk allowed us to stay out after dark to do some sky gazing. Campers should note that there are few amenities at the campground itself, other than the visitor center, bath house and water, but the small towns of Washish and Kelliher are not far away and have food, gas, and fishing supplies
ScoutBig Bog is a beautiful state park and the facilities are great. In October, campers are few. There are flush toilets and hot showers (and they keep their water turned on longer than most state parks in Minnesota who usually close the shower houses on Oct 7). Serene. The rent boats. Red Lake is beautiful. The Big Bog is fascinating. In October there are no mosquitos or annoying insects.
ScoutWe decided last minute to see if Big Bog had camping spots available during a busy month and on the weekend. They did! And quite a few available. The campsites are very close together so you will have interactions with your neighboring campers. This was fine with us but if you want more privacy this is NOT your spot. They had kayaks, canoes and paddle boards available to rent. The price was very reasonable. We loved kayaking on the water and even found a little peaceful inlet to kayak. It was very peaceful. Excellent place to visit. The Big Bog Boardwalk feels like you are walking amongst the treetops. Don't miss it!
GuideNice grassy site with some shade. Bathrooms were clean but dated. Reasonable rates. Has a lot full time and seasonal.
GuideI came across BB by accident a few years ago - last minute camping trip in the summer in MN is never going to work out well. The main campground was booked but there was a weird site between the ranger station and the loop so I took a shot. BINGO. They have a site - 31 - that is perfect. About 5x the size of a normal site (perhaps a group site?). No neighbors. Primitive but the campground only has 31 sites so you’re never far away from water, showers, or the ranger station. Cannot recommend highly enough. The main campground backs up to the Tamarack River which flows to Red Lake. Across the road from the camp is Red Lake recreation area. You can w a l k out into the lake for what seems like miles. Very family friendly. There are sites with docks into the river and there is boat access in the campground. Cabins are available as is firewood and an electric charge port for e-vehicles.
GuideGreat Campground, we were 1 of only 2 campers there. We went to the Upper Red Lake Beach, right across the street from the Cabins. We also drive to the upper unit and hiked the Big Bog Boardwalk, which was actually light filtering metal - no boards. The bog land was fascinating and the carnivorous plants were beautiful. Bog walk was about 1 mile, one way.
RangerAnxious to get camping after a Covid winter, we headed to Big Bog for a 3 day RV trip. The campground was nearly empty, which is always a bonus.
The campground has numerous sites next to the Tamarack River. Many have small docks where you can park your own or a rented boat. Our site was spacious and a row of shrubs and small trees screened the site on one side. Due to Covid the showers and toilets were not open. The water spigots were still shut off due to weather that is still dipping down to freezing.
Northern Red Lake beach is across the highway from the campground. Still too cold to swim, but there are two short trails that start at the beach parking lot. We saw Trumpeter Swans, Eagles and Mergansers.
The 500 square mile Big Bog is a beautiful and interesting sight. About 7 miles farther north on the highway is the mile long "boardwalk" into the bog. It is actually a cleverly routed aluminum walkway that goes deep into the bog with info stations giving info about the wildlife, biology and history of the area. Too early for many birds and all flowers, we did see hundreds of pitcher plants along the walkway.
We would like to visit again in late May or June to see the other bog wildflowers like Sundew and several bog orchids like the tiny Dragon's Mouth.
LegendWE stayed here a week it has 3 or 4 sites for Rv's or tents. Check or cash only no credit card. The cabins look nice and the deck on the water is nice, boat dock and swim beach on a calm cove on Lake Kabetogama. We were staying close by so we stopped to see where our site was & we were shown a spot that was big & open. When we pulled in 2 days later the spot had someone new in it & we were put up near the cabins. We had to back up a hill in a tight spot to get into. It was where they keep all the extra parts and supplies to maintain the place along with a bit of old junk. We had to use 2 sewer hoses & just got them to stretch to the limits. We hooked up to a hose that was from the fish cleaning house and we had 2 hoses to reach our camper. The electric box was on a different side than the sewer & the water it also was stretched to reach. We weren't happy & complained. She would have refunded my deposit yet you can't just find campgrounds at the last minute I did look for some.
There is one waterfront site with a view lucky if you can book that minus the poo.
The worst part is every cabin had at least one big dog and none were ever on a leash. They pooped in our site along with pooping next to our Kayak that was down near the water. One dog came over & got in our empty garbage (the garbage was tied to a fish cleaning table we have) it got tangled & pulled over my entire table & everything on it. We love dogs but they should be on a leash. After a week of them a new family came in renting all the cabins and the same thing, lots of dogs no leashes.
I'm sure this is a nice place if you stay in a cabin and don't mind dog poo. The owner Elaine has had the place for 48 years and works hard, very nice person but she should enforce the dog leash & pick up poop rule. The families that booked all the cabins have come back for 40 years so they love it. The 2nd group of families have been coming 30 some years.
We did catch a few nice fish that we couldn't keep they were in the throw back slot. We got a 36" northern Pike & a 20" Walleye. Voyager National Park is for people who like being on the water, boating, kayaking, canoeing and fishing. It is a pretty area not much to do other than boat.
This is next to Wooden Frog National Forest so you can launch a boat or kayak there too and watch sunset from there.
I'm sorry to write this bad review but it wasn't pleasant. We were up the street from here in Voyagers national park so we decided to stay another week since we couldn't find openings when they notified us Chippewa won't open. I try to research good places to camp this was a last minute booking since Chippewa Stony Point campground closed for Covid then needed updated & closed till sept. I would not stay here again.
Cabin camping options near Birchdale, Minnesota center around the Rainy River and Lake Kabetogama region. Winter accommodations remain popular for ice fishing access, particularly at Big Bog where cabins maintain heat during Minnesota's coldest months. Most properties require advance reservations, with many locations booking 3-6 months ahead for summer weekends. The standard cabin rental period runs mid-May through early October, though select properties operate year-round.
Kayaking the Tamarack River: Big Bog State Recreation Area provides direct water access from many riverside sites. "We loved kayaking on the water and even found a little peaceful inlet to kayak. It was very peaceful," notes a visitor at Big Bog State Recreation Area.
Boardwalk exploration: The mile-long boardwalk at Big Bog extends into rare peatland habitat. "The Big Bog Boardwalk feels like you are walking amongst the treetops. Don't miss it," recommends a camper who visited during summer.
Fall color viewing: October offers unique advantages with reduced crowds and minimal insects. A camper at Lake of the Woods Campground & Marina shares: "Such a nice campground with a nice playground and pool for the kids. And can't forget the ice cream!"
Secluded waterfront sites: Riverside cabins provide direct water access. "About 5x the size of a normal site (perhaps a group site?). No neighbors. Primitive but the campground only has 31 sites so you're never far away from water, showers, or the ranger station," reports a camper who discovered site 31 at Birch Grove Resort.
Seasonal advantages: Fall camping offers fewer bugs and quieter surroundings. "In October, campers are few. There are flush toilets and hot showers (and they keep their water turned on longer than most state parks in Minnesota who usually close the shower houses on Oct 7)."
Equipment rentals: Several locations offer boat and recreation equipment. "They had kayaks, canoes and paddle boards available to rent. The price was very reasonable," mentions a visitor who appreciated not having to transport their own equipment.
Seasonal challenges: Some sites experience flooding during spring. "The water is high right now so some of the amenities and campsites are water logged," explains a summer visitor at Big Bog. Another notes: "Site 15 was a complete bog. Swamp all around the camper."
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some sites. "Campers should be aware that sites 19-30 back up against the state highway 72, which doesn't have much traffic but is a truck route so there is noise."
Limited amenities: Most cabin locations require bringing supplies. "Not much else is near tho so make sure you stock up prior to arriving," advises a visitor at Arrowhead Lodge, where limited services require planning ahead.
Pool access: Select campgrounds feature swimming facilities. "Such a nice campground with a nice playground and pool for the kids," mentions a visitor to Lake of the Woods Campground.
Site selection strategy: Choose sites away from highways. "Site 1 is one of the better ones for tent campers. It is more private, tucked into the woods, and several spots for tents," recommends a family who visited Birchview Resort.
Educational opportunities: Seasonal park events create memorable experiences. "We camped here on a weekend when there was going to be a special park event--a lighted lantern tour on the boardwalk into the Big Bog. It was an amazing experience!"
Site proximity considerations: RV sites often lack privacy between units. "The campground has numerous sites next to the Tamarack River. Many have small docks where you can park your own or a rented boat. Our site was spacious and a row of shrubs and small trees screened the site on one side."
Hookup limitations: Full hookups remain limited in the region. "They are close together yet was a place to stay in Voyagers National park with Full hook up," notes an RV camper who stayed near Lake Kabetogama.
Shoulder season advantages: Early and late season camping provides better availability. "Anxious to get camping after a Covid winter, we headed to Big Bog for a 3 day RV trip. The campground was nearly empty, which is always a bonus."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Birchdale, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Birchdale, MN is Big Bog State Recreation Area Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 12 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 6 cabin camping locations near Birchdale, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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