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Best Dispersed Camping near Blackduck, MN

11 Reviews

The forested landscape surrounding Blackduck, Minnesota features numerous dispersed camping opportunities within the Chippewa National Forest and Paul Bunyan State Forest. Sites like D57 Upper Pigeon Lake and Camp Cassaway offer primitive camping experiences with basic amenities such as fire rings and picnic tables. Lake Winnibigoshish serves as a focal point for several water-accessible campsites, including Birches Landing and Crazy James Water Trail campsite, which form part of the Mississippi Headwaters Water Trail system. Most dispersed sites in the region maintain a rustic character with minimal development, though many include established fire rings, pit toilets, and occasionally picnic tables.

Road conditions to many dispersed sites require careful navigation, particularly after rain or during spring thaw. As one camper noted about D57 Upper Pigeon Lake: "The road off of County Rd 33 is short but unmaintained and the end has a good bit of uneven, sandy slope. I would not recommend it if you have low clearance." Cell service remains limited or nonexistent at most remote sites, with several reviewers mentioning complete lack of coverage. Summer brings significant insect activity, with multiple reviews mentioning mosquitoes and biting flies as concerns from June through August. Winter camping remains possible at some locations, with one visitor reporting Camp Cassaway was "accessible even in winter. The snow was packed down enough to drive on even with a two wheel drive vehicle."

Waterfront sites consistently receive positive reviews for their scenic qualities and wildlife viewing opportunities. The North Country Trail passes near several campsites, including Shingobee Recreation Area and Waboose Lake in Paul Bunyan State Forest, providing hiking access and winter cross-country skiing options. Paddlers particularly benefit from the network of water-accessible sites along Lake Winnibigoshish and the Mississippi River. According to one reviewer, "At times, the winds and storms on Lake Winnie are very dangerous, and paddlers are not able to get further up the point. Under those conditions, it would be dangerous to go further, and paddlers may stay here for the night." Most sites accommodate small groups only, with limited space for tents and parking, creating a more secluded camping experience.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Blackduck, Minnesota (12)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Blackduck, MN

6 Photos of 12 Blackduck Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Blackduck, MN

11 Reviews of 12 Blackduck Campgrounds

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2018

    Little Gulch Lake canoe campsite

    Little Gulch is great!

    Within the Paul Bunyan State Forest, there are several official state forest campgrounds, individual hike-in primitive campsites (such as along the North Country Scenic Trail) and also various official dispersed campsites for those who want a back country experience not too far off the beaten path.

    Just north and west of the official Group campsite at Lake 21 is a lovely chain of lakes called the Little Gulch Lakes that are perfect for paddling. See this link for a state forest map of the area: the campsite is located by the canoe landing symbol off West Gulch Road:

    https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_forests/sft00038.pdf

    The lakes are clear and pristine, and far from crowds although within an easy drive of Akely, Bemidji, Itasca and Park Rapids. This is a great destination for canoeing or kayaking from ale to lake, all along a unique glacial moraine with deep quiet forests, plenty of wildlife, and crystal clear water in narrow but very deep glacial lakes. The canoe landing at Second Little Gulch has not only a nice access for non motorized craft, but also has a little known but really lovely primitive campsite that could accomodate several small groups. Best for camping, it would have room for a small trailer or two to drive in, but of course there are no hook ups of any kind as this is a backcountry location. There is a pit toilet, many good tent sites, and a picnic area, all on a lovely peninsula on the north side of the lake. You can easily drive to this location on back forest roads, though note that these roads are closed in winter and spring.

    There is no well or pump or other water source at this campsite, and though the water is basically clear and clean you should either bring your own water jus or plan to boil or filter the nearby lake water as there is a lot of beaver activity in the area.

    You can do some hiking along the quiet forest service roads nearby, paddle the chain of lakes, or go fishing. The lakes are not heavily fished, but they are not regularly stocked by the DNR either. It may be of interest for those fishing that the substrate of these lakes favors small mouth bass, which are fun to angle for but are fairly uncommon for this neck of the woods!

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2020

    Birches Landing on Lake Winni

    One night stop for paddlers only the water trail only

    This is a US Forest Service Boating area on Lake Winnie in the Chippewa National Forest. It is primarily set up as a boat and canoe landing, with large beautiful group picnic area as well. However, it is also a stop at the Mississippi Headwaters Water Trail, and is a canoe stopover spot. At times, the winds and storms on Lake Winnie are very dangerous, and paddlers are not able to get further up the point to the Tamarack Point campsites, or around the point to the Winnie Dam camground. Under those conitions, it would be dangerous to go further, and paddlers may stay here for the night. Bathrooms, plenty of tent space, easy landing and launching for canoes and kayaks as well as boats, new picnnic shelters, great place for paddlers to shelter.

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 14, 2021

    Crazy James Water Trail - Campsite for Paddlers

    Crazy James landing watercraft campsite

    This is a paddle-in only campsite within the Chippewa National Forest, and is an official campsite on the Mississippi River State Water Trail in Minnesota. It is located downstream from the Lake Winnie Dam, and is a good place to stay after portaging the dam if you dont want to stay at the Winnie Dam Campground. It is located near upper River mile 1225, on the left side of the river. The access point appears very overgrown from the river, but look for the brown watercraft campsite sign with the yellow canoe, and if you land at that point you will see a mall trail that leads to wooden timbered steps up to the campsite. There is a nice view over the river here, and a bit of a breeze, which is especially good in early summer when bugs are bad. This is a typical water access only campsite for paddlers on the water trail, and includes the basic such as picnic table, fire ring, and pit toilet. There is no potable water water avaialble here, so be prepared. There is room for several tents, so a small group could camp here. 

    The next watercraft campsite is downs stream quite a few miles, so if you are passing mid in the afternoon it might be good to stop here. The next recommended campsite is at Gambler's Point, the previous campsites on Lake Winnie include Lake Winnie Dam and Tamarack Point.

    If you are a through paddler on an extended trip you may already have maps and water trail info, but if not, check out these links: 

    Info for camping at watercraft campsites: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/watertrails/watercraft-campsites.html info and maps for all of Minnesota state water trails: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/watertrails/index.html map for Mississippi River State Water Trail: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/watertrails/mississippiriver/index.html section map on which Crazy James landing is located, just upstream from River Mile 1225: https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/canoe\_routes/mississippi2.pdf

  • Amy G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2017

    Waboose Lake - Paul Bunyan SF

    Ranger Review of Waboose Lake Camp - Pretty view near the NCT

    This super hidden little gem is fairly new in the last several years. While it's not the fanciest campsite, it's lovely for a quick overnight. It's on a loop around Waboose Lake in Nevis MN, but it's actually a spur off of the North Country Trail. If you care to use it while hiking on the NCT, it's not far off the main NCT trail. Or, if you just want a short overnight experience, there is a parking lot next to the lake. Head out on the white-blazed trail to the LEFT of the parking area and this will get you to the camp the quickest. You can still get there from the right (since the Waboose Trail is a loop), but it will take a little longer to get there. If you head to the right, it's down by the boat landing on the other side of the parking lot.

    The campsite is on a little spur off the main trail. Maybe a hundred yards. The trail is well marked if you watch for the camp sign. There is a lovely little bench (as is typical in this area of campsites on the NCT) with an attached table that sits next to the first fire grate. Then, a bit further up the trail, there is the main fire ring, bench and tent pad. Not even 30 feet down a short slope is super easy access to the water. The tent pad isn't huge, but could easily accommodate a 2 or 3 person tent. Maybe larger if you wanted to try. And there are some great hammock trees too!

    Just down a short trail to the right (before you get to the actual campsite and bench) is a sign that shows you where the pit toilet is. This one is a bit more modest, with a 2 sided fence to shelter you from the trail and anyone passing by.

    As for the trail, since Waboose Lake Loop and the NCT cross over each other, you want to follow the WHITE blazes to stay on the Waboose Loop. Occasionally you will see blue and white blazes on the same tree. That's because the NCT is marked in blue, and again, the two trails join together for a bit before the NCT heads in another direction again. Just keep your eyes open.

  • Sonny S.
    Aug. 3, 2022

    Little Gulch Lake canoe campsite

    Buggy + No Cell Service

    This camp site is a few miles away from the rest of the campgrounds and the picnic area as well as a forrest trail. It is extremely buggy and there’s a large wasp nest/ tunnel system on the ground near the fire pit. The fire pit is a classic rock ring. There is also a vault toilet and a picnic table. There’s only room for one group to camp here so if you get there early it’s pretty secluded except for a few drivers who come by to see if the spot is open. The entrance to the lake may be nice for a kayak or canoe but definitely not something you would walk into or swim in. I have verizon and there is no cell service at this sight. There were some bars closer to where you drive in but still nothing great. It was okay for the night but not the best dispersed campsite i’ve been too!

  • Lydia N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 24, 2025

    Camp Cassaway Dispersed

    Windy but quiet

    Nice quiet spot out of the way. It was accessible even in winter. The snow was packed down enough to drive on even with a two wheel drive vehicle.

  • Kaleigh F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2024

    Halverson Trail Camp on McCarty Lake

    Had an amazing time here!

    Very nice area with a water access, fire pit and outhouse. About a 10-15 min drive from main road and there are more campsites to find further in

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2024

    Paul Bunyan State Forest Dispersed

    Large drive in camping spot

    Very large easy to access camping area. Could easily get 4-5 campers in this one. It is a bit rocky and not extremely level but open and better for less bugs. ATV trail leads right off camping area.

  • Michael K.
    Jun. 5, 2022

    Koochiching State Forest Johnson Landing Campsite

    Swarms of mosquitos

    The road getting back to the diapered sites had 5+ branches reaching out into the road (one of us had to get out and pull them back to avoid roof damage to the camper). Once we were near the first site we were swarmed with mosquitos. We had to discuss whether we wanted to sacrifice not spending anytime outside during our stay (use the site for free) or go look somewhere else. We chose the ladder. The mosquitos are probably intense right now because 1. It’s June and 2. Flooding. We might try it here again in the fall.

Guide to Blackduck

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Blackduck, Minnesota, where nature enthusiasts can find secluded spots to unwind and explore the great outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Scenic Lakes for Dispersed Campers

  • The Camp Cassaway Dispersed area features stunning views of clear, cool waters, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and fishing.
  • Just a short distance from the main road, this location offers a secluded experience with a few sites right next to the lake, perfect for those seeking tranquility.
  • Visitors can enjoy rustic trails around the lake, providing opportunities for exploration and adventure.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Blackduck

  • At Birches Landing on Lake Winni, paddlers can take advantage of the boat-in access, making it a great stop for canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts.
  • This area is known for its picnic facilities and restroom access, ensuring a comfortable experience for those enjoying a day on the water.
  • The site serves as a crucial stop along the Mississippi Headwaters Water Trail, making it a popular choice for those on extended paddling trips.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Crazy James Water Trail

  • The Crazy James Water Trail - Campsite for Paddlers is a paddle-in only site that offers a peaceful retreat along the Mississippi River.
  • This campsite features essential amenities like a picnic table and fire ring, making it suitable for small groups looking to enjoy a night under the stars.
  • With no potable water available, campers should come prepared, but the scenic views and breezy atmosphere make it a worthwhile destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Blackduck, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Blackduck, MN is D57 Upper Pigeon Lake with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Blackduck, MN?

TheDyrt.com has all 12 dispersed camping locations near Blackduck, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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