Best Tent Camping near Birchdale, MN

Are you planning a tent camping trip to Birchdale? We've got you covered. Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Birchdale, including sites, reviews, and tips. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Birchdale, Minnesota's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Birchdale, MN (7)

    Camper-submitted photo from Arnold's Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Arnold's Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Arnold's Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Namakan Lake Frontcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Namakan Lake Frontcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Namakan Lake Frontcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Namakan Lake Frontcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Namakan Lake Frontcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Namakan Lake Frontcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park

    2. Namakan Lake Frontcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park

    1 Review
    10 Photos
    2 Saves
    Ranier, Minnesota

    ** Voyageurs is a water-based national park **

    All campsite types (except primitive) require a watercraft
    All camping types require a reservation/permit
    Lakes can remain ice-covered until mid-May, but ice-out dates vary greatly
    Lakes typically begin to freeze up in November
    Before winter camping, always check the most recent trails report when venturing onto the ice
    

    The Basics of a Frontcountry Camping Trip in Voyageurs

    Do some research: Frontcountry campsites can be as far as 27 miles away from the nearest boat launch, so be sure to select sites that are within a safe distance to travel for your level of navigation experience and type/size of watercraft.
    Make a reservation: Once you're ready to make a reservation, go to the Voyageurs National Park Camping Permits page on recreation.gov. Here you can view campsite info and photos, search for campsite availability, and build an itinerary. Use these step-by-step instructions to make your reservation. You can also call Recreation.gov's national call center at 1-877-444-6777.
    Print your permit within 5 days of your trip start date by logging into your recreation.gov account and selecting Reservations from the menu. Click on the Print Permit button next to the correct trip. This button is disabled until 5 days before your trip. It can also be helpful to have a digital copy/screenshot on your phone to keep with you.
    Parking: Camping permit holders can park their vehicles overnight at any park visitor center boat launch parking lot for up to 14 days during the dates of their trip, free of charge. Know which visitor center boat launch is closest to your campsite.
    Travel by watercraft to your campsite. Visitors must either use their own boat, rent a vessel, or use a water taxi. The waters of Voyaguers are expansive; be prepared with GPS or navigation charts.
    Post your permit inside the display box that you'll find attached to a bear-proof food locker at your campsite.
    Enjoy your camping trip in Voyageurs National Park!
    
    • Pets
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainy Lake Frontcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainy Lake Frontcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainy Lake Frontcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainy Lake Frontcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainy Lake Frontcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainy Lake Frontcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park

    3. Rainy Lake Frontcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park

    1 Review
    24 Photos
    1 Save
    Ranier, Minnesota

    Overview

    ** All frontcountry and backcountry campsites require travel by private watercraft or water taxi to access. Click on any campsite name when searching sites to view boating distances. **__ Voyageurs National Park has 147 frontcountry, 14 backcountry, and 2 primitive campsites for visitors wanting an authentic northwoods camping experience.____ PRIMITIVE CAMPSITES (Red Pine & Blueberry Ridge) are the only campsites located on the mainland and DO NOT require a boat to access. They are hike-in sites along the Kab-Ash Trail and are equipped only with fire rings and cleared areas for tents. Leave No Trace Principles apply in these areas. FRONTCOUNTRY CAMPSITES are located on the large lakes (Rainy, Kabetogama, Namakan, Sandpoint). You may boat directly to them from any park visitor center boat ramp. They offer fire rings, tent pads, picnic tables, bear lockers for safe food storage, and outdoor privies. Use the Build Itinerary button to plan a frontcountry camping trip.__ BACKCOUNTRY CAMPSITES are located on the park's interior lakes and offer a more remote and secluded camping experience. They have fewer amenities, consisting of fire rings, an outdoor privy, and some have a bear pole for safe food storage. These sites first require travel by private watercraft or local water taxi service to a trailhead and then hiking up to several miles to the backcountry lakes. Some campsites can be hiked to directly while others require the use of a canoe after hiking which is provided by the park and remains stationed at these remote lakes. OVERNIGHT BACKCOUNTRY CANOE RENTALS: Voyageurs offers the ability to rent canoes in association with a camping permit. These canoes stay stationed at the remote inland lakes and require a combination code to access. This information can be found in your confirmation email. Be certain to print your permit within 5 days of your trip start date; it is required to have this with you and it will also contain the necessary code and instructions. Backcountry canoe rentals are available from the Friday before MN Fishing Opener through October 15 annually. This means that the campsites in the Chain of Lakes and Shoepack Lakes (where canoes are required to access the sites) cannot be reached and are closed outside of those dates. Use the Build Itinerary button to plan a backcountry camping trip.____ Ek, Cruiser, Brown, Oslo, Peary, Ryan, Agnes, Jorgens, and Quarter Line Lakes: These backcountry campsites can be hiked to directly after boating to a trailhead and have one optional canoe located at the site which can be added when making a reservation. Chain of Lakes (Locator, War Club, Quill, Loiten): Reservations at these sites automatically include one canoe because a canoe is required to reach them. Up to 2 additional canoes can be added on a first come, first served basis.__ Shoepack & Little Shoepack Lakes: The campsites on these two lakes come reserved together and automatically include canoes because the one canoe on Little Shoepack is required to reach the campsite on Little Shoepack and/or the portage to Shoepack Lake, which also has its own canoe. Please leave the canoes on their respective lakes. DAY USE BACKCOUNTRY CANOE RENTALS: The same canoes available in the backcountry for use with overnight camping can be reserved for day use. This first requires travel by private watercraft or local water taxi service to a trailhead, and then hiking into the backcountry lakes where the rental canoes are stationed. Click on the Reserve Day Use Rentals button or scroll further down on this page to view canoe options and availability. DAY USE & VISITOR DESTINATION SITES: With 27 Day Use sites and 7 Visitor Destination sites, Voyageurs National Park has plenty of areas to enjoy for visitors who are out for a day trip on the lakes. Each Day Use site has picnic tables, fire rings and vault privies, while the Visitor Destination sites offer short trails with wayside exhibits, picnic areas and comfort stations. No reservations are required for Day Use or Destination sites. You can view a map of day use sites here . Keep Voyageurs National Park Wild for Future Generations: The Voyageurs Conservancy is the park's official nonprofit partner representing a community of people who care about the ongoing stewardship of Voyageurs National Park. VNPA works to fund projects and programs that will help sustain the park's waters, wild character, and visitor experience for generations to come. Become a member today , follow them on Facebook and Instagram , or sign up for their e-newsletter .

    Recreation

    From spring through fall, explore Voyageurs National Park on land by stopping in at a visitor center or hiking any of our 52 miles (84 km) of scenic hiking trails. To explore the vastness of the same lakes the Voyageurs and Ojibwe Indians once traversed, leave your car behind and explore park waters by kayak, canoe, sailboat, motorboat, houseboat or tour boat. Public boat launch ramps are available at park visitor centers, the Crane Lake ranger station and the two state forest campgrounds - Woodenfrog and Ash River. With scheduled programs and boat tours, you can paddle a canoe on the Voyageurs Highway, watch wildlife by day and stars by night, and explore historic Kettle Falls Hotel, Hoist Bay and Ellsworth Rock Gardens. Check the Things to Do page on the park website for a current list of these activities and many more, or speak with a park ranger at one of the Voyageurs National Park visitor centers. Many of our programs offer reservations. Visit the Voyageurs National Park Tours or the Voyageurs National Park Special Interpretive Programs pages (reservations are highly recommended for boat tours).__

    Facilities

    From spring through fall, explore Voyageurs National Park on land by stopping in at a visitor center or hiking any of our 52 miles (84 km) of scenic hiking trails. To explore the vastness of the same lakes the Voyageurs and Ojibwe Indians once traversed, leave your car behind and explore park waters by kayak, canoe, sailboat, motorboat, houseboat or tour boat. Public boat launch ramps are available at park visitor centers, the Crane Lake ranger station and the two state forest campgrounds - Woodenfrog and Ash River. With scheduled programs and boat tours, you can paddle a canoe on the Voyageurs Highway, watch wildlife by day and stars by night, and explore historic Kettle Falls Hotel, Hoist Bay and Ellsworth Rock Gardens. Check the Things to Do page on the park website for a current list of these activities and many more, or speak with a park ranger at one of the Voyageurs National Park visitor centers. Many of our programs offer reservations. Visit the Voyageurs National Park Tours or the Voyageurs National Park Special Interpretive Programs pages (reservations are highly recommended for boat tours).__

    Natural Features

    Voyageurs National Park is a land and water environment of great beauty, exceptional natural and cultural resources, and abundant recreational opportunities. Located in the lake-country of northern Minnesota, the park protects 218,054 acres (88,243 ha) that include roughly 134,000 acres (54,227 ha) of forest, 84,000 acres (33,993 ha) of water, 655-miles (1,054 km) of undeveloped shoreline, and hundreds of islands. The park's 55-mile (89 km) northern boundary is the international border between the United States and Canada and includes an important segment of the "transcontinental highway" traversed by French-Canadian voyageurs during the late 1700s and early 1800s. There are four distinct seasons in Voyageur country. The air is mild during June, July, and August when periods of fine, warm weather prevail. The frost-free season averages 120 days from June to mid-September. The average ice-out date is May 3 but varies year to year. Annual precipitation (rain and snow) averages 25-28 inches (63-71 cm) in the park and average snowfall ranges from 55-70 inches (140-180 cm), but is highly variable. The first measurable snowfall occurs in late October and the last in late April or early May.

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (218) 283-6650.

    Nearby Attractions

    Unique attractions near Voyaguers National Park: The City of International Falls sits on the U.S.-Canada borde r, across from Fort Frances, Ontario. You can have a picnic lunch in Smokey Bear Park, and then tour the Bronko Nagurski Museam and Koochiching County Historical Museum, which both sit on site. Don't forget to take a photo with the 26-foot statue of Smokey the Bear himself - a well-known and beloved national symbol of fire prevention and forest conservation. There are many unique businesses and shops along main street, as well as some great coffee shops and restaurants. Heading eastward out of town, you will pass the village of Ranier and numerous resorts where you can find delicious lake-side dining, fishing guides, hotel and cabin accomodations, houseboat rental companies and much more. The Historic Port Village of Ranier is a quaint little community situa ted right where Rainy Lake empties into the Rainy River underneath a cantilever-style train bridge that spans from the U.S. into Canada. Here you will find lodging, an RV park, a park and playground, a public beach, public docks, delicous food, an ice cream parlor and a lakeside brewpub, all packed into one small charming town of about 150 residents. Be sure to take a photo with Big Vic, the 25-foot (8 m) tall statue of a French-Canadian voyageur, who stands at the entrance to this unique little town.__ The communites of Kabetogama , and Ash River , and Crane Lake are located 30 to 60 miles south of International Falls, and serve as gateways to the southern district Voyageurs National Park. Be sure to stop and take a photo of yourself "riding" the walleye statue at the entrance to Kabetogama on Highway 53.__

    Charges & Cancellations

    CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations and/or modifications to an existing reservation can easily be made online via your recreation.gov account. Log in to your account, click on your name in the upper right, and select My Reservations. Click on the "Modify or Cancel" button next to the reservation needing to be changed. The national recreation.gov call center at (877) 444-6777 can also assist. You cannot call a park office to cancel a reservation.______ THE FOLLOWING FEES APPLY: Reservation system fee of $10 charged at time of reservation is non-refundable Any change (i.e. trip dates, campsite) to your reservation more than 3 days prior to your trip: No charge Any change (i.e. trip dates, campsite) to your reservation less than 3 days prior to your trip: $10 service fee per__ Cancel reservation more than 3 days prior to arrival date: additional $10 cancellation fee; receive refund of remaining amenity fees Cancel reservation less than 3 days prior to arrival date: additional $10 cancellation fee + forfeit first night___s fee; receive refund of remaining amenity fees Once permit has been printed: No refund; printing your permit confirms your reservation and must be done within 5 days of your trip start date from the My Reservations section of your recreation.gov account Once trip dates have started: No refund; if you are unable to make your trip, cancel your reservation in the My Reservations section of your recreation.gov account before your trip start date to be eligible for a refund

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table

    $10 - $32 / night

    • No image available

      4. Sand Point Lake Frontcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park

      Be the first to review!
      Ranier, Minnesota

      ** Voyageurs is a water-based national park **

      All campsite types (except primitive) require a watercraft
      All camping types require a reservation/permit
      Lakes can remain ice-covered until mid-May, but ice-out dates vary greatly
      Lakes typically begin to freeze up in November
      Before winter camping, always check the most recent trails report when venturing onto the ice
      

      The Basics of a Frontcountry Camping Trip in Voyageurs

      Do some research: Frontcountry campsites can be as far as 27 miles away from the nearest boat launch, so be sure to select sites that are within a safe distance to travel for your level of navigation experience and type/size of watercraft.
      Make a reservation: Once you're ready to make a reservation, go to the Voyageurs National Park Camping Permits page on recreation.gov. Here you can view campsite info and photos, search for campsite availability, and build an itinerary. Use these step-by-step instructions to make your reservation. You can also call Recreation.gov's national call center at 1-877-444-6777.
      Print your permit within 5 days of your trip start date by logging into your recreation.gov account and selecting Reservations from the menu. Click on the Print Permit button next to the correct trip. This button is disabled until 5 days before your trip. It can also be helpful to have a digital copy/screenshot on your phone to keep with you.
      Parking: Camping permit holders can park their vehicles overnight at any park visitor center boat launch parking lot for up to 14 days during the dates of their trip, free of charge. Know which visitor center boat launch is closest to your campsite.
      Travel by watercraft to your campsite. Visitors must either use their own boat, rent a vessel, or use a water taxi. The waters of Voyaguers are expansive; be prepared with GPS or navigation charts.
      Post your permit inside the display box that you'll find attached to a bear-proof food locker at your campsite.
      Enjoy your camping trip in Voyageurs National Park!
      
      • Pets
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • No image available

        5. Crane Lake Frontcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park

        Be the first to review!
        Ranier, Minnesota

        ** Voyageurs is a water-based national park **

        All campsite types (except primitive) require a watercraft
        All camping types require a reservation/permit
        Lakes can remain ice-covered until mid-May, but ice-out dates vary greatly
        Lakes typically begin to freeze up in November
        Before winter camping, always check the most recent trails report when venturing onto the ice
        

        The Basics of a Frontcountry Camping Trip in Voyageurs

        Do some research: Frontcountry campsites can be as far as 27 miles away from the nearest boat launch, so be sure to select sites that are within a safe distance to travel for your level of navigation experience and type/size of watercraft.
        Make a reservation: Once you're ready to make a reservation, go to the Voyageurs National Park Camping Permits page on recreation.gov. Here you can view campsite info and photos, search for campsite availability, and build an itinerary. Use these step-by-step instructions to make your reservation. You can also call Recreation.gov's national call center at 1-877-444-6777.
        Print your permit within 5 days of your trip start date by logging into your recreation.gov account and selecting Reservations from the menu. Click on the Print Permit button next to the correct trip. This button is disabled until 5 days before your trip. It can also be helpful to have a digital copy/screenshot on your phone to keep with you.
        Parking: Camping permit holders can park their vehicles overnight at any park visitor center boat launch parking lot for up to 14 days during the dates of their trip, free of charge. Know which visitor center boat launch is closest to your campsite.
        Travel by watercraft to your campsite. Visitors must either use their own boat, rent a vessel, or use a water taxi. The waters of Voyaguers are expansive; be prepared with GPS or navigation charts.
        Post your permit inside the display box that you'll find attached to a bear-proof food locker at your campsite.
        Enjoy your camping trip in Voyageurs National Park!
        
        • Pets
        • Reservable
        • Tents
        • No image available

          6. Kabetogama Lake Frontcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park

          Be the first to review!
          Ranier, Minnesota

          ** Voyageurs is a water-based national park **

          All campsite types (except primitive) require a watercraft
          All camping types require a reservation/permit
          Lakes can remain ice-covered until mid-May, but ice-out dates vary greatly
          Lakes typically begin to freeze up in November
          Before winter camping, always check the most recent trails report when venturing onto the ice
          

          The Basics of a Frontcountry Camping Trip in Voyageurs

          Do some research: Frontcountry campsites can be as far as 27 miles away from the nearest boat launch, so be sure to select sites that are within a safe distance to travel for your level of navigation experience and type/size of watercraft.
          Make a reservation: Once you're ready to make a reservation, go to the Voyageurs National Park Camping Permits page on recreation.gov. Here you can view campsite info and photos, search for campsite availability, and build an itinerary. Use these step-by-step instructions to make your reservation. You can also call Recreation.gov's national call center at 1-877-444-6777.
          Print your permit within 5 days of your trip start date by logging into your recreation.gov account and selecting Reservations from the menu. Click on the Print Permit button next to the correct trip. This button is disabled until 5 days before your trip. It can also be helpful to have a digital copy/screenshot on your phone to keep with you.
          Parking: Camping permit holders can park their vehicles overnight at any park visitor center boat launch parking lot for up to 14 days during the dates of their trip, free of charge. Know which visitor center boat launch is closest to your campsite.
          Travel by watercraft to your campsite. Visitors must either use their own boat, rent a vessel, or use a water taxi. The waters of Voyaguers are expansive; be prepared with GPS or navigation charts.
          Post your permit inside the display box that you'll find attached to a bear-proof food locker at your campsite.
          Enjoy your camping trip in Voyageurs National Park!
          
          • Pets
          • Reservable
          • Tents
          • Market
          • No image available
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          Showing results 1-7 of 7 campgrounds

          Recent Tent Reviews in Birchdale

          75 Reviews of 7 Birchdale Campgrounds


          • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Woodenfrog Campground
            Nov. 12, 2024

            Woodenfrog Campground

            Quiet and stunning

            no showers. Outhouses and potable water spickets throughout the campground. All sites are offered on a first come first served basis and the entrance has envelopes to pay by check or you can pay online at your arrival. Sites that are occupied will have a small white card clipped to the site number marker sign, just pick an open one, pay, and fill our your place holder card. Fire ring and picnic table at each site. Most were flat, but some were a little hilly. Might be harder to navigate the roads in the campground and back in if you have a larger rig.

          • Sheila P.
            Camper-submitted photo from Big Bog State Recreation Area
            Oct. 16, 2024

            Big Bog State Recreation Area

            October is best

            Big 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.

          • Amy S.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Woodenfrog Campground
            Oct. 5, 2024

            Woodenfrog Campground

            Beautiful and safe campground

            Stayed here for 2 nights after season in early October. There were plenty of spots and the vault toilets are clean and accessible. There are multiple trails and some beautiful vistas. The water was turned off for the season but there were multiple access points for the time of year when it is turned on. It’s quite close to the southern visitor centers of voyageurs, about 1 hour from rainy lake visitor center. Very easily accessible. As a solo female traveler I felt very safe. Definitely would recommend. No other facilities available other than vault toilets though so come prepared to not shower!

          • ec777 G.
            Camper-submitted photo from Arnold's Campground
            Oct. 1, 2024

            Arnold's Campground

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          • I 8 P.
            Camper-submitted photo from Arnold's Campground
            Aug. 25, 2024

            Arnold's Campground

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          • Emmy H.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Arnold's Campground
            Aug. 21, 2024

            Arnold's Campground

            Poor quality amenities

            There was no public potable water source, the bathrooms were dingy and ill stocked, the showers were so moldy and stinky and clearly hadn’t been cleaned in ages. Campsites close together and no privacy. Small and fellow campers were quiet and it felt safe. Also we checked in online and it was called Voyageurs campground and RV park yet the address took us to Arnold’s and they are the same place.

          • Jessie C.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Arnold's Campground
            Jul. 26, 2024

            Arnold's Campground

            NOT tent friendly

            Despite advertising sites as “tent site” this campground, it is definitely not suitable for tents. We booked a tent site that was in a block of other tent sites. When we arrived, we saw a HUGE RV in the site next to ours that took up our space. We decided to not stay. Maybe great for vans and RVs, but not for tent camping.

          • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Zippel Bay State Park Campground
            Jun. 29, 2024

            Zippel Bay State Park Campground

            I found it disappointing

            I'm primarily a hiker, and there were just very few hiking trails. I have a feeling. It's gorgeous in the fall with the turning of the colors, but the weather was poor cold, very windy. You couldn't do the hike on the beach, even because the waves were too high. So in rough weather, once you've done the hiking trails which took about 2 hours. You were kind of done there was nothing else to do. Even boating would have been questionable and probably not any fun at all. Last, I don't see anybody say it, but the signage was really poor coming into the park. You couldn't really tell which way to turn to get to your campsite. And as evidenced by everybody who drove past me trying to find their camp spot even though I was the only one in that campground I have a feeling others struggled as well. I might come back in the fall. I drove through town before I left. And there were a lot of ice fishing Jacksontown, so my guesses it's more of a winter spot. Or a boating spot than anything else. And last we did see a bear, it's remote. There were probably all of ten people camping there, So not surprising to see wildlife, but the just about walked up on the bear.

          • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Franz Jevne State Park Campground
            Jun. 29, 2024

            Franz Jevne State Park Campground

            Adorable

            I kind of got to talk out of coming to this park and I wish I hadn't. I think it's great. The campsites are private. You have great cell phone service so you could work from here. And there's more trails than it implies if you just look at the maps, online. The river is flowing very, very fast, so no paddling around on it today, but during a lower summer, I think you could paddle across to canada. So yeah, it's a lot more interesting of a park than was implied.

          • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Woodenfrog Campground
            May. 23, 2024

            Woodenfrog Campground

            Primitive Camping in State Forest

            Camped here Oct 18-19, 2023 at site 43. Large primitive state forest campground. There were very few campers here during our stay. Our site, as well as others, was large and wooded. Spacing and privacy between sites were quite good. The site was level with a dirt/gravel surface. Site had metal fire ring and table. A nice patch of woods behind our site. Clean vault toilet a short walk away. Short trail to lake and boat dock nearby. Did not see a camp host. Hiking trail along lake was really nice. Really loved camping here.

          • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Franz Jevne State Park Campground
            May. 22, 2024

            Franz Jevne State Park Campground

            Primitive Camping along the Border

            Camped here on Oct 17, 2023. Small wooded state park campground along the Rainy River and the Canadian border. Sites were back-in and had tent pads. I don't recommend anything larger than a truck camper. Some sites were small and not level. Campground host was friendly and helpful. Some hiking trails. Fished on the Rainy River and caught a northern pike. Hand water pump. Clean vault toilet with tp. Our site had a covered picnic table, lattern pole and metal fire ring. The site was wedged inside the gravel campground loop road. I really liked this campground.

          • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Zippel Bay State Park Campground
            May. 20, 2024

            Zippel Bay State Park Campground

            Ridge Campground Primitive Camping

            Camped at site #31 in the Ridge Campground on Oct 16, 2023. Nice primitive campground in the state park. Wooded and open sites. Beautiful Fall color on birch trees. Spacing between sites is pretty good with limited privacy. Back-in dirt/gravel sites. Trash service. Clean vault toilet. Hand pump for water. Metal fire ring, table and lantern pole. The state park is beautiful with hiking trails & walks along Lake of the Woods. There is no direct access to hiking and the lake from this campground. Enjoyed camping here; would stay here again.

          • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Marina Drive Campground
            Sep. 24, 2023

            Marina Drive Campground

            Peaceful Campground

            The campground (CG) was easy to find, and the regular street address brought us right into the CG. One of our friends had arrived a few days early and let us know that the CG manager was off, so there was no need to stop first at the office at the opposite end of the CG from our site. The sites are set up in a series of cul-de-sacs, but not the traditional cul-de-sac. We had to back in from off the main CG road and then turn slightly to get into back-in site 47 with FHUs. The water and electric were more centered on this very long site, but the sewer was at the back, where we needed around 20’ of sewer hose. The water pressure was around 40 psi. There are a lot of mature trees in this CG, and we actually had to cut down a small tree(with permission) so it wouldn't scratch our rig coming back out. We backed up to a field, so we were able to get a clear shot for Starlink. Our friends had satellite dishes, and they had to move their dishes around mature trees to get a signal. The CG has 25 cable channels that worked well. The CG manager did stop by to see how we were doing and answer any questions we might have, and he let us know where the lawnmower was stored if we wanted to cut the grass around our site during our three-week stay. Our party of four rigs pretty much had the CG to ourselves during our stay. There were six seasonals, but they were mostly only there on the weekends. There were a few campers that came in for a couple of days during our stay. People come to this area for one thing, and that is to fish with a side trip through Canada to Angle Inlet, MN, the farthest point north in the lower 48. The CG has no playground but does have a nice fish-cleaning station. There is a shower and restroom in the little office building. There are two laundry facilities nearby. Baudette has a nice grocery and hardware store. There’s no formal dog park, but we were told the large field adjacent to the park is off-leash, which we took advantage of. We got two bars on Verizon. The CG has WiFi, but we were too far from the antenna to connect. One rig in our party got a signal, but they said it was weak. This CG is about a mile from the Rainy River, so there is no direct water access. Check out Cypress Resort for fishing charters and great food. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this CG.

          • Meredith T.
            Camper-submitted photo from Big Bog State Recreation Area
            Aug. 29, 2023

            Big Bog State Recreation Area

            Park Rangers were extremely helpful

            We 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!

          • Sergio Z.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Arnold's Campground
            Aug. 14, 2023

            Arnold's Campground

            Good people minding their business

            Service was great, Arnold helped me Book a spot for a family gathering nearby. The campsite was clean and hook ups worked great!

          • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Woodenfrog Campground
            Aug. 7, 2023

            Woodenfrog Campground

            Wooded with lake views

            Woodenfrog MN State Forest: (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer) Overall Rating: 4.5 Price 2023: $17 Usage during visit: 50 - 70% Site Privacy: Very private sites are offered Site Spacing: Most are very good Site surface: lightly graveled Reservations: No. First come, first serve Campground Noise: Some inconsiderate groups here during part of our time. I think the hosts were on top of this. Road Noise: None Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: No Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: No Potable Water Available: Yes, scattered spigots . Generators: Allowed Bathroom: Pit toilet, moderately maintained. Showers: Out of luck here . Pull Throughs: Most, if not all are back ins. Cell Service (AT&T): Good Setting: Densely wooded
            Weather: Hot and humid, bearable Dfor with screened shelter Bugs: Mosquitoes. Solar: No, forest is too dense. Host: Yes, but never saw them. Rig size: 25, is about the largest I saw. The sites are large enough for a large RV, but driving through the campground may be the issue. If you have a large rig, check the website. No problem with our 17’ trailer.
            Sites: 30 to 41 contain sites with a lake view. They are less private than others. A short trail between sites 39 and 41 lead to the boat dock pictured below.

          • Scott S.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Woodenfrog Campground
            Jul. 8, 2023

            Woodenfrog Campground

            Another Great State Forest Campground

            This campground is located just outside Voyageurs National Park on Lake Kabatoga. This is a primitive campground with pit toilets and water. Sites are mostly private with some having a view of the lake. Since most of Voyageurs is a water based park this is a great choice is you done have a boat. A lot of mosquitoes in July.

          • Mary D.
            Camper-submitted photo from Big Falls City
            Jul. 1, 2023

            Big Falls City

            Hidden gem

            Wanted a place with hookups close to Voyageurs. This place was great. One of the most beautiful rivers and falls we’ve seen running right beside the campground. New bathhouse with individual showers. Well-maintained and level sites. Really quiet. Camp host was friendly and helpful. Stayed two nights. Bugs are crazy, but then again, where in Northern Minnesota are they not. Super affordable for the location. Just breathtaking.

          • Aliza  N.
            Camper-submitted photo from Woodenfrog Campground
            Aug. 26, 2022

            Woodenfrog Campground

            Great minimal state forest campground

            Firstly know that wooden frog is a pretty minimal campground. It is a very typical state forest campground but there are a few sites in the back of the loop (38, 36, 33) that are really nice with lake views and little paths to the water. All sites have a picnic table and a fire ring. Some are not very level and some are TINY so choose carefully. 17$/night. Put toilets and water are available as well. Great jump off point for getting on the water in Voyageur. Several canoe/kayak rental places in the area as well. Lots of deer around, walking right thru our site.

          • k
            Camper-submitted photo from Franz Jevne State Park Campground
            Aug. 17, 2022

            Franz Jevne State Park Campground

            Beautiful

            Nice, paeceful campground along Rainy River. Small Rvs can navigate also several nice walk in tent sites on river. 2 sites with electric. All sites first come.

          • Farfisa J.
            Camper-submitted photo from Big Bog State Recreation Area
            Jul. 30, 2022

            Big Bog State Recreation Area

            Big Bog For The Win, No Really

            I 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.

          • E
            Camper-submitted photo from Woodenfrog Campground
            Jul. 19, 2022

            Woodenfrog Campground

            Amazing campsite!

            This site is a bit out of the way and private, though a bit of a walk to water and toilet. It has a BEAUTIFUL mossy area behind the campsite that was great to explore with my 8 yo.

          • Duncan G.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Woodenfrog Campground
            Jul. 1, 2022

            Woodenfrog Campground

            Closest to Backpacking Yet!

            This is a primitive campsite nestled into the boreal forest of Voyageurs NP. Great spacing and a lot of privacy. It is June and at most there are 15 campsites occupied. Mother nature also does a wonderful job with landscape architecture as usual. There are potable water sources and vault toilets(outhouses) conveniently dispersed throughout the campground– nice touch. The sites themselves have not been well maintained. They are definitely on the rustic side! 

            I managed to find one(#58) with a view to the northern sky so I could use Starlink. There is also a 3-bar Verizon LTE signal– surprising. As a full-timer, these things are important. There is convenient access to water and a boat ramp in the day use area. There is a lot of damage from floods some weeks ago and some of the roads and sites are not accessible. In general, it does not appear that the state puts much effort into maintenance and repair of this gem.  There was no dumpsite :-(

          • L
            Camper-submitted photo from Big Falls City
            Jun. 20, 2022

            Big Falls City

            Well taken care of place

            We stayed on the equestrian side which is just across the road from the main campground. Many sites to choose from. Not a ton of privacy but there’s breathing room between the sites. The campground is maintained very well. There was a clean vault toilet on our side and two full restrooms on the main side with showers.

          • Daphne D.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Zippel Bay State Park Campground
            Jun. 18, 2022

            Zippel Bay State Park Campground

            Beautiful park, but lots of mosquitoes

            This is a gorgeous park with lots of birds and wildlife. The lake is beautiful and the campsites are all shady and well maintained. The sites vary a lot in size, but most are level and relatively private. There's a shower house and pit toilets that are very nice. The boat launch and beach are awesome.

            However. Have you seen the movie 300? Or any other movie where a small force faces an unthinkably massive foe? Well, that's you and the mosquitoes here, and I regret to inform you that you are the Spartans. You are vastly outnumbered and though you may fight bravely, you will not win this battle. Seriously, there were so many mosquitoes that people were walking around in June in full sweatsuits with netted hats. We were here two nights and went through two entire bottles of bug spray. These things laugh at citronella candles and want you and your whole family dead and drained of blood. If you can hold them off, this park is well worth it. But don't come here thinking you'll just be an efficient swatter and get by.



          Guide to Birchdale

          Tent camping near Birchdale, Minnesota offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying various amenities and activities tailored for outdoor enthusiasts.

          Tent campers appreciate these amenities

          • At Arnold's Campground, you'll find essential features like picnic tables, firewood for campfires, and sanitary dump stations, making your stay comfortable.
          • Rainy Lake Frontcountry Camping provides a unique experience with its private island campsites, complete with picnic tables and in-ground pit toilets.
          • Namakan Lake Frontcountry Camping offers a serene setting with camping pads tucked into the trees, a firepit, and bear boxes for your convenience.

          Tent campers like these nearby activities

          • Enjoy kayaking and canoeing at Rainy Lake Frontcountry Camping, where you can explore the stunning waterways and islands of Voyageurs National Park.
          • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunities at Namakan Lake Frontcountry Camping, known for its beautiful views and abundant wildlife.
          • Hiking trails abound near Arnold's Campground, providing access to scenic landscapes and the chance to spot local flora and fauna.

          Explore these local attractions

          Frequently Asked Questions

          • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Birchdale, MN?

            According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Birchdale, MN is Arnold's Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 7 reviews.

          • What is the best site to find tent camping near Birchdale, MN?

            TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Birchdale, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.