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Best Campgrounds near Bovey, MN

238 Reviews

The Itasca County region surrounding Bovey, Minnesota provides a range of camping experiences from developed campgrounds to waterfront sites. Trout Lake Campground, about 10 miles southwest of Bovey, offers tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with lakeside access and full hookups. Several mixed-use campgrounds populate the area, including Pokegama Dam Campground near Grand Rapids and Prairie Lake Campground, which accommodate both tent and RV camping. Most established campgrounds in the area maintain proximity to lakes and rivers, with fishing access being a common amenity.

Seasonal considerations impact camping availability, with most campgrounds operating from May through October. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends when waterfront locations fill quickly. The Mississippi River and numerous lakes provide water recreation opportunities, though road noise can be a factor at some locations situated near Highway 2. Electrical hookups are available at most developed campgrounds, though water and sewer connections vary by location. A visitor noted, "This campground is next to a busy road so if you're looking for peace and quiet you will not get it here. However, we loved that we were able to pull right onto the gravel pad and it was level."

Campers report high satisfaction with fishing opportunities throughout the area, particularly at Trout Lake and Pokegama Dam. The region's campgrounds typically feature a mix of seasonal occupants and transient campers, creating distinct community atmospheres. Facilities range from basic tent sites with pit toilets to more developed campgrounds with showers and electric hookups. One camper shared, "The campground is beautiful and right next to a lake. Very green and full of trees." Noise from nearby highways and occasional train traffic is mentioned in several reviews as a consideration when selecting campsites. Most tent and RV sites provide fire rings and picnic tables, with firewood often available for purchase on-site. Several campgrounds feature swimming beaches, boat launches, and fishing piers for water recreation.

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Best Camping Sites Near Bovey, Minnesota (128)

    1. Trout Lake Campground

    8 Reviews
    Bovey, MN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 969-3493

    $25 - $3000 / night

    "As are most of the campsites in upper Minnesota this time of year, the owner told me they were closed. But he was happy to let me stay overnight for a reduced off-season fee."

    "Beautiful spot, kind of secluded away from the rest of the campers but not tucked away by any means. Right on the lake. Grills are at all the tent sites but we used the fire."

    2. Pokegama Dam Campground

    9 Reviews
    Cohasset, MN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 326-6128

    $14 - $35 / night

    "Pokegema Dam This is a campground established by the Army Corps of Engineers, adjacent to the Pokegama Dam."

    "The Pokegama Dam & Recreation Area is a small but comfortable campground just minutes from Grand Rapids, Minnesota."

    3. Prairie Lake Campground

    2 Reviews
    Grand Rapids, MN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 326-8486

    "This park is beautiful and right next to a lake. Very green and full of trees. Park is clean. The only reason I gave 4 stars is because the long-term residence aren't very friendly."

    "Very nice owners and they helped us get situated in our sites making sure we had everything we needed! Very laid back campground with a great area for both boats and swimming! I loved the vibe here!"

    4. Itasca County Fairgrounds

    2 Reviews
    Grand Rapids, MN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 326-6470

    "Lots of room to walk the dog. Bike trail close and horse shows to watch. Lake with swimming and fishing pier right across the street."

    5. Grand Rapids Library Park Watertrail Watercraft Campsite

    1 Review
    Grand Rapids, MN
    7 miles
    Website

    "Since the campsite is right on a path and bike trail in the city library park, safe storage is important if you want to leave the campsite for any reason ."

    6. Blackberry Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Grand Rapids, MN
    12 miles
    Website

    "That said, this one is a canoe campsite, so in order to get to this one, you have to be on the Mississippi River in Minnesota."

    7. American Legion Park

    2 Reviews
    Bovey, MN
    12 miles

    "They take good care of the park, which includes playground and picnic shelter for day use, a campground with hookups and large grassy drive-in campsites , and an area of walk-in tent sites right by the"

    8. Schoolcraft State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Cohasset, MN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 247-7215

    "Along the river, there are many "free" sites that are maintained by the DNR in Minnesota."

    "About a 25 minute drive west of Grand Rapids, MN, Schoolcraft State Park is a less-often visited park that makes up for its lack of hiking trails and in-park amenities with cozy, quiet charm."

    9. Sal's Campground

    1 Review
    Bovey, MN
    12 miles
    +1 (218) 492-4297

    "On a beautiful lake and free beach and paddle boats! Lots of road noise, and lots of permanent campers, otherwise a five star!!"

    10. North Star — Chippewa National Forest

    7 Reviews
    Bigfork, MN
    21 miles

    $14 / night

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Bovey, MN

86 Photos of 128 Bovey Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Bovey, MN

238 Reviews of 128 Bovey Campgrounds

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Sherwood Forest Campground

    Great spot right on the Mesabi trail and OHV trail

    Can be a bit loud during the day on the weekends with the OHV vehicles pulling through but quiet at night and incredible views of the lake. Clean. Large spots not stacked on top of each other. Lake offers swimming and a small water park. Great little town nearby (Gilbert) with an amazing Caribbean themed restaurant that features outstanding food and cocktails taking you from the Iron Range of Minnesota to the sunny sandy beaches of the ocean

  • Ryan T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Tamarack Point Campground

    Forgotten campground

    Perhaps this was a Chippewa national Forest campground in the past, but it has not been upkeep at all. It would be good for dispersed camping but none of the sites are cleared, and the roads are overgrown.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    High Banks Resort

    High Banks Resort

    The owners and staff are very friendly. This place is dog friendly, great for kids. They have small splash pad, kayaks, paddle boards and baffles boats to use. Boat rental available.

  • Hans E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    North Star — Chippewa National Forest

    Alone with the Loons and Osprey

    I stayed in the campground while volunteering for Smokey Bear's 81st birthday celebration at the Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center in Marcell. Much to my surprise, the campground was almost empty. Only one other of the 38 sites was occupied. We've stayed in this campground previously, but in 26 years as a volunteer on the Chippewa, I've never seen any campground this quiet at the height of summer. Needless to say, other than an occasional motorboat on North Star Lake, the only noise was the cry of the loons and the call of an Osprey. I had a nice staircase down to the lakeshore with a bench so I could sit and look out at the lake.

    Latrines were immaculate. The three sites I looked at before choosing #33 were all clean as well. The cost per night is a reasonable $14.00, or only $7.00 if you have a access pass. As of 2025, the campground does not accept reservations. This may change in the future.

    Before and after the Smokey event, I had the opportunity to visit and fish some backcountry designated trout lakes. Ironically, although I caught was a bass.

    A lot of visitors never get beyond fishing and being in the campground, but as a former volunteer Backcountry Ranger on the Chippewa, I would encourage campers to seek out new opportunities and adventures. Discover the forest, and find where you come alive!

  • Heather T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Sandy Lake

    Nice place to stay

    This campground has 2 parts, the north section and the south section. The south is on a peninsula with just a few campsites. The north is the bigger part of the campground. The sites in the north are large and very well kept, each with a picnic table, fire ring and level sights. Two campground hosts who are very friendly and accommodating. Just a few vault toilets. If there's anywhere to improve, it is the number of toilets in the bigger campground. The south campground has the shower house and laundry, along with flush toilets. All in all, a very nice place to stay.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Thistledew Campground

    Nice little campground

    Nice campground with several lakeside sites. Has all the basics: table, firepit, water and pit toilets. Peaceful campground on a beautiful lake. Loons calling. Only a few other campers, spread out throughout campground.

  • Jessica P.
    Jul. 18, 2025

    Hay Lake

    Solitude and Service

    We arrived on a Thursday with only one other group here, today is Friday and at 2:30pm, we are now the only ones here. The pit toilets are clean and well stocked, the day use area is beautiful!!! Access to moor your boat at a few sites, though it is down the hill from your actual campsite, which is no problem as they have stairs/paths down to them. This beautiful park seems to be very underutilized as it is July, going into a weekend, and all we hear are the birds and critters!!! PERFECT

  • Joni Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2025

    Mabel Lake State Dispersed

    Beautiful on the lake

    What a gem! I was able to back to the water to have a gorgeous view from bed! It was so quiet last night, although the beaked neighbors get pretty chatty early.

    There is a large puddle and so many mosquitos.

    Is say there's comfortly room for eight campers or a small group.

    My signal rating may be higher than normal as it's on an Intsy Connect antenna. My phone is getting 1 bar ATT.

  • Joni Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Mabel Lake State Dispersed

    Large clearing in the woods

    This is a free dispersed camping site in the state forest with lake access. Large enough for multiple campers or a small group. There are four rings and a picnic table as well as a sandy boat launch.

    ATT is usable enough that I probably won't try Starlink, but there may be enough clear sky.

    The road in is good, but gets narrow after you turn off for the spot.

Guide to Bovey

Camping near Bovey, Minnesota, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Many campers enjoy paddling on the calm waters. One visitor at Scenic State Park Campground mentioned, "No big boats allowed... Makes it ideal for paddling, kayaking, and calm water."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the campgrounds. A reviewer from Savanna Portage State Park Campground said, "There are several trails near the area and some connected to the campsite."
  • Fishing: The lakes are great for fishing. A camper at Pokegama Dam Campground noted, "Fishing in the rapids below the dam... camping and relaxing under the tall pines."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Leech Lake Recreation Area & Campground said, "Clean bathrooms, hot showers, manicured grass - this place has it all."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One reviewer at Cuyuna Range Campground mentioned, "The sites were amazingly large with nice privacy between the lots."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. A camper at Red Rider Resort shared, "Staff was very friendly and helpful."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the summer. A camper at Savanna Portage State Park Campground warned, "Mosquitoes are brutal here, especially on the hiking club trail."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have showers or markets. A visitor at Pokegama Dam Campground noted, "No showers... but clean bathrooms."
  • Road Noise: Some sites are near busy roads, which can be noisy. A camper at Stony Point mentioned, "Highway noise is constant and trains go by often."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Play Areas: Look for campgrounds that have playgrounds or kid-friendly activities. A reviewer at Leech Lake Recreation Area & Campground said, "For the kids, there’s a great play area."
  • Bring Bug Spray: Protect your family from mosquitoes. A camper at Savanna Portage State Park Campground advised, "Mosquitoes are terrible - come prepared!"
  • Plan for Day Trips: Explore nearby attractions. A visitor at Pokegama Dam Campground suggested, "You can walk over the dam to a short walking path along the river."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Red Rider Resort mentioned, "The sites are rustic but have fire rings."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups. A visitor at Cuyuna Range Campground said, "Each pad is super wide... with full hook-ups."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Choose sites away from busy roads for a quieter experience. A camper at Stony Point noted, "Some sites are definitely less desirable around the main bathroom."

Camping near Bovey, Minnesota, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to pack your bug spray and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best camping spots near Bovey, Minnesota?

Some excellent camping options near Bovey include Savanna Portage State Park Campground, which offers sites situated near four lakes with plenty of biking and hiking opportunities. Families particularly enjoy Loon Lake's beach area. Another great option is McCarthy Beach State Park with its Side Lake Campground, where you can enjoy water sports on either Sturgeon or Side Lake and fall asleep to the iconic call of Minnesota loons. Both parks provide peaceful environments with water access and recreational activities that showcase northern Minnesota's natural beauty.

What amenities are available at campgrounds in Bovey?

Campgrounds around Bovey offer varying amenities. Winnie Campground provides peaceful lakeside sites with beautiful views of Lake Winnie and spacious campsites. For RV travelers, Minnesota National RV Park offers 50 amp electrical hookups, water, and sewer connections on gravel pads adjacent to a golf course. Many public campgrounds in the area like Pokegama Dam Campground feature fishing access, picnic areas, and basic facilities under tall pines. Amenities at state parks typically include restrooms, drinking water, and recreational opportunities like hiking trails, swimming beaches, and boat launches.

Is there free dispersed camping available around Bovey?

While true dispersed camping options are limited near Bovey, paddlers can access free water trail campsites like Grand Rapids Library Park Watertrail Watercraft Campsite, which was developed specifically for through-paddlers on the Mississippi Headwaters Water Trail. Another paddle-in option is Crazy James Water Trail, which offers free camping for canoeists and kayakers. For vehicle-accessible camping, you'll generally need to use established campgrounds in the area, which typically charge fees. Always check with the local ranger district for current dispersed camping regulations.

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