Are you in need of a campground near Bovey, MN? Bovey is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Minnesota camping adventure.
$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."
$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."
"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!"
"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."
"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 ."
"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."
"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"
"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."
"On a beautiful lake and free beach and paddle boats! Lots of road noise, and lots of permanent campers, otherwise a five star!!"
$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."
TravelerPerhaps 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.
GuideThe 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.
GuideI 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!
ScoutThis 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.
GuideNice 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.
ScoutWe 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
GuideWhat 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.
GuideThis 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.
GuideThis campground is on a fairgrounds by a race track. Thursday nights and sometimes Saturday nights if there are races it's noisy and dirty. Sites are nice with gravel pads and grass. 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.
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.
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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