Brian R.
Traveler
TravelerOuting BLM camp
Fall colors
Vault toilet. Oak lake level on the lake. Across the road up the hill nice spot overlooking lake.
Tent Camping near Bovey, MN
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State forests and public lands surrounding Bovey, Minnesota offer several tent camping options for those seeking primitive lakeside campsites, ranging from canoe-access sites to walk-in tent campgrounds with sandy shoreline access. Blackberry Campsite, accessible only by canoe on the Mississippi River, provides a secluded tent-only experience with basic amenities. George Washington State Forest features multiple tent campgrounds including Lost Lake and Bear Lake, both offering primitive tent camping experiences within 30-40 miles of Bovey. Moose Lake in Bowstring State Forest provides walk-in tent sites that campers describe as "off the beaten path" and refreshingly quiet.
Most tent-only sites in the region feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Fire rings and pit toilets are standard at established sites, while drinking water availability varies significantly between locations. Blackberry Campsite includes unique features for tent campers such as a bear box and covered firewood storage, but requires paddling access. M44 Big Dick Lake offers tent camping in a "pine forest with large mature trees" and sandy shoreline access, though the road in can be difficult to locate. Seasonal access typically runs May through October, with some sites closing earlier depending on weather conditions. Mosquitoes are frequently mentioned in reviews, particularly during summer months.
The walk-in tent sites at Moose Lake provide a more secluded experience than drive-in areas. According to reviews, these sites offer good swimming access during hot weather and remain relatively uncrowded. One camper noted that Lost Lake campground is "a small, quiet state forest campground, off the beaten path" where fishing is a primary activity. Tent campers at Blackberry Campsite benefit from thoughtful amenities including "a bear box, pit toilet, and equipment to cut wood." The backcountry tent camping experience in this region generally involves lakeside settings with varying levels of tree cover and privacy between sites. Fall visitors often report stunning colors and decreased insect activity, making it an ideal season for primitive tent camping in the area.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Bovey (20)
1. Blackberry Campsite
"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."
2. Sal's Campground
"On a beautiful lake and free beach and paddle boats! Lots of road noise, and lots of permanent campers, otherwise a five star!!"
3. Moose Lake
"The walk-in sites are nice and off-the-beaten path. Hiking is a bit underwhelming, but overall a nice easy trip from the twin cities"
"There is zero trees or brush between you and you neighbors. Great if you are going with friends and want to camp nearby."
4. Jacobson County Campground
"Vaulted toilet and recycling/dumpster close proximity."
5. M44 Big Dick Lake
"Amazing private site right on the lake. It was difficult to find the turn off and the path down to the site was pretty overgrown but once we made it down it was well worth it!"
6. Bear Lake Campground (not Superior Hiking Trail)
"We were lucky enough to get the last 5 sites in the loop, and even though we weren't right on the lake, we were adjacent to a large mowed field area where we could play games and kids could run freely."
7. Cottonwood Lake
8. George Washington State Forest Lost Lake campground
"This is a small, quiet state forest campground, off the beaten path from any direction. The main activities are quiet campig, and fishing!"
"Loved this campground, quiet lake and fishing dock right there."
9. Group Camp — McCarthy Beach State Park
"This review is for the group campsite at McCarthy Beach State Park, which is the only camping spot on Sturgeon lake, and separate from the main state park campground which is located on nearby Side Lake"
Check Availabilityfrom $75 / night
10. Plug Hat Point
Drive Time
- 1 hr 23 min from Duluth, MN
- 2 hrs 41 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 2 hrs 53 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 3 hrs 9 min from Fargo, ND
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Bovey, MN
7 Photos of 20 Bovey Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Bovey, MN
212 Reviews of 20 Bovey Campgrounds
elizabeth B.
GuideLittle American Falls County Park and Campground
Nice secluded campsite
This is free with 5 or maybe 6 back-in sites. There is an outhouse but no fresh water. No hook-ups, either. Dirt road throughout with turn-arounds on both ends. Sites are generally covered by foliage. Quite nice.
- MMelissa B.Guide
Winnie Campground
Beautiful!
What a great find! We arrived on a Monday and were the only ones in the campground for 3 days. Mix of lakefront and wooded sites. Sites are very large and private. We stayed in site 29, perfect lake views from our hammock. Easy walk to the dock for kayaking and fishing was amazing. Highly recommend if you are in the area.
A E.GuideD29 dispersed site
Horrible Smell
I have to say, it smelled so much like a dirty, stagnant fish tank that I couldn't handle it and had to find another spot. It was so lovely upon arriving, I thought I had found a good spot, but the stench was unbearable as soon as I opened my door.
- Janice L.
ScoutGeorge Washington State Forest Larson Lake Campground
Quiet
This place is small and quiet. However there is a week in July that it fills up. Good lake for fishing from shore.
Hugh G.ScoutLake Leander
No campin allowed
The info on Dyrt is wrong. Day use picnic tables only. No overnight camping.
Kayla J.TravelerM44 Big Dick Lake
Great campsite!
Amazing private site right on the lake. It was difficult to find the turn off and the path down to the site was pretty overgrown but once we made it down it was well worth it! Spacious site with a fire pit and picnic table. Close to the shore and has lots of big trees for hammocking! Would recommend to anyone looking for a peaceful, private, and free site!
- LLinda S.Traveler
Side Lake Campground — McCarthy Beach State Park
Wonderful !
Most people know about the sugar sand beaches on both lakes, but the real treasures are the hiking trails! The campsites are generous. Some are tricky for bigger rigs. Plenty of vegetation between sites compared to most campgrounds. Lots t o see and do! Paddle boards, kayaks, boats, swimming, fishing piers…a local shop for necessities…within walking distance. The scenery is lovely.
Jacquie B.GuidePokegama Dam Campground
Small campground
This a small campground on the Mississippi River. Sitting outside you really hear the Hwy noise. It’s a beautiful spot.
Guide to Bovey
Tent campsites near Bovey, Minnesota provide access to the area's lakes and forest landscapes. Walk-in tent areas can be found at several locations, including Blackberry Campsite along the Mississippi River and M44 Big Dick Lake in the northern forest region. George Washington State Forest offers tent camping options at both Lost Lake and Bear Lake campgrounds, with most sites situated within 30 miles of Bovey.
The tent camping experience in this region typically includes basic amenities suited for primitive camping. Most backcountry tent sites feature picnic tables and fire rings, though firewood availability varies by location. Walk-in tent sites at Moose Lake in Bowstring State Forest provide both lake access and toilet facilities, while more remote sites may have minimal infrastructure. Several locations like Blackberry Campsite offer bear lockers for food storage, which is particularly valuable for extended backcountry stays. During summer months, mosquitoes can be prevalent at most tent sites, particularly in wooded areas near water.
Tent campers seeking more secluded experiences will find options throughout the surrounding forests. The boat-in tent site at Blackberry Campsite provides a distinctive camping experience with the added benefit of riverside location. Most walk-in tent sites remain relatively quiet, even during peak summer weekends. Several tent-only areas offer direct water access, allowing campers to paddle or fish directly from their sites. Areas in George Washington State Forest provide both drive-in and walk-in tent options for varying levels of camping accessibility. A review of Bear Lake Campground mentioned that despite having space for RVs, the campground offers excellent accommodations for tent campers with "good areas for tents" and "a covered picnic area available as well as a swimming area."
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bovey, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bovey, MN is Blackberry Campsite with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 20 tent camping locations near Bovey, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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