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Best Campgrounds near Cass Lake, MN

424 Reviews

Camping near Cass Lake spreads across several good spots in northern Minnesota. Itasca State Park has two main camping areas - Bear Paw Campground works well for families since it sits close to many trails for hiking and biking. Pine Ridge Campground, the other option in Itasca, gives campers more space between sites and tends to be quieter. Norway Beach - Chippewa Campground Loop sits about four miles from Cass Lake itself, with sites that come with picnic tables and fire rings for campers who want to be near water. Summer brings the most reliable weather for camping in this area, though many people enjoy the fall colors that show up later in the season. Some of the back roads to these camping areas get pretty soft during spring thaw, so trucks or SUVs handle the conditions better than cars. It's smart to call ahead about road status if you're planning a trip during wet periods. The natural setting around Cass Lake makes for good camping regardless of whether you're in a tent or driving an RV.

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Best Camping Sites Near Cass Lake, Minnesota (209)

    1. Lake Bemidji State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    Bemidji, MN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 755-3843

    "- Campsite near the beach is recommended. There is a private rocky section away from the crowded beach. Our pup loved running out here and taking a swim by himself.

    • The bog walk is a great hike!"

    "The park is an oasis of well preserved old growth northwoods forest, which you can experience on foot or by bike on miles of trails along the lake, into the woods, and on boardwalks into the bogs."

    2. Norway Beach - Chippewa Campground Loop

    5 Reviews
    Cass Lake, MN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 335-8600

    $26 / night

    "I camped at this location with my siblings and cousins in early August a few years ago. We had 2 tents for sleeping and a canopy shelter near the picnic table."

    "This campground is close to Bemidji which is a nice town to tour. No sewage dump on site."

    3. Norway Beach - Wanaki Campground Loop

    4 Reviews
    Cass Lake, MN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 335-8600

    "A friendly visitor center and quite the trail along the beach and we found a site. 

    Sites with beach access were taken so we chose one away from the crowd. We had half the campground to ourselves."

    "Those on the Cass Lakeside have access to really nice beach areas."

    4. Stony Pt Resort and Campground

    3 Reviews
    Cass Lake, MN
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (218) 335-6311

    "The tent area is limited they do have electricity and close to bathrooms (with showers) They have many RV spots, cabins and tent grounds."

    "It is 13 miles NE of Walker, MN on Leech Lake. Very nice campground. Electricity, dump station, nice showers, water, boat landing and fish cleaning shed."

    5. Cass Lake Loop

    3 Reviews
    Cass Lake, MN
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 835-4291

    $14 / night

    "Some campsites are next to the lake which gives you views of beautiful sunsets."

    "Lake right there for recreating, bike trail. Campground Host on site. Firewood and ice for sale nearby."

    6. Norway Beach Loop

    2 Reviews
    Cass Lake, MN
    3 miles
    Website

    $21 / night

    "Has all the amenities of the state park in town (minus the big walk) and none of the crowds. It was quiet and peaceful and had great access to Cass Lake."

    "We were pleasantly surprised by our family trip to Cass Lake. The Norway Loop was quiet, sites were spaces out pretty well and had lots of tall trees for shade."

    7. Wanaki Campground

    2 Reviews
    Cass Lake, MN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 335-8600

    8. Leech Lake Recreation Area & Campground

    14 Reviews
    Longville, MN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 654-3145

    $14 - $50 / night

    "Our family just returned from a 9 day stay at Leech Lake Receeation Area, and wish we could have stayed 9 more!!"

    "We were able to go and take a walk to the lake which is super short walk from pretty much any of the sites but really close from our site."

    9. Stony Point

    11 Reviews
    Walker, MN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 547-1044

    $26 / night

    "Good spot close to Walker MN. Site location does matter. Waterfront sites are amazing we stay on the back side away from the beach. Well maintained and quiet."

    "There are two different locations within walking distance to beach your boat overnight within the campsite. Will definitely be going back!"

    10. Star Island Campground

    1 Review
    Cass Lake, MN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 335-8600

    "There are several sites available along the south side of the island otherwise it is privately owned cabins all around the rest of the island. You do need a boat to get over to it."

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Recent Camping Photos near Cass Lake, MN

119 Photos of 209 Cass Lake Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Cass Lake, MN

424 Reviews of 209 Cass Lake Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • Cynthia K.
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Bear Paw Campground — Itasca State Park

    Gem of a state park!

    Itasca State Park Minnesota

     This park is a gem in Minnesota State Parks! Just beautiful. Although we only had 1 day we managed to pack a lot into it. My advise is to start your day as early as possible. We went to the Mississippi Headwaters at around 8:15 am & had the place to ourselves. The gift shop isn't open yet, but when we went later for ice cream the place was hopping! The Wilderness Drive is a must see as well. There's some short hikes & a lot of wild beauty. They have a fire tower you can climb.

    Biking is very popular & there's a dedicated bike path on the Wilderness Drive which is about 10 miles.

    There's a lodge & restaurant. 

    Two visitor centers.

     There are 2 campgrounds- Pine Ridge& Bear Paw. Electric sites only. I think it was$35 a night. There is a dump.

      We were in Bear Paw site 37E. Frankly, I liked Bear Paw campground better, even though it's smaller. By the lake, but no sites are ON the lake.

    Lakeview sites are 63, 67, 68, 69,& 70. There's good access to the bike trail. There's a path down to the lake, so if you have a kayak you can drag it down.

     We were across from the bath house. It's very nice & clean! Showers are push button. Not too hot.

    Pine Ridge we did a short drive thru. The campground registration office is there. We were told we didn't have to register if we we had an on line registration. No tags.

     Pine Ridge had several loops, but we just went down the Spruce Loop. The sites looked flat & shaded. I didn't note any particular site. 

    We really enjoyed our stay & wished we could have added a couple more nights!

  • Bri H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Pine Tree Park

    Pine tree grounds

    The experience was good but they look down on special breeds of dogs.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Wanaki Campground

    Gorgeous

    It’s what camping should be. Wooded between sites. Peaceful. Ahhhhh!

  • Tony L.
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Mantrap Lake Campground and Day-Use Area

    Loved it

    Great campground. Very quiet during the week. Most sites are separated by trees and vegetation. Out of 39 sites, 4 are currently occupied and none can see each other. Loving it here.

  • Levi S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Wanaki Campground

    Great non reservable sites.

    There are 5 or 6 nonreservables sites here. Great for biking the Migizi and Paul Bunyan. Sites are spacious enougha and provate for the most part. 1 of 3 bathrooms were open and only 2 showers.

  • Levi S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Norway Beach - Chippewa Campground Loop

    Homeless live here.

    There are several obvious homeless sites here. People from the local tribe can stay here for free with no time limit. It wouldn't be a problem, but several sites look like homeless encampments. If you've seen a homeless encampment you know what I mean. If they were clean I wouldn't complain. This loop has electric, so this is where they stay.

  • 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!

Guide to Cass Lake

Camping near Cass Lake, Minnesota, offers a fantastic escape into nature with plenty of options for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakes to scenic trails, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful area.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the many trails available in the area. One camper mentioned, “Many bike and walking/hiking trails. Well maintained park,” while enjoying the trails at Bear Paw Campground — Itasca State Park.
  • Kayaking and Canoeing: The calm waters are perfect for paddling. A visitor at Scenic State Park Campground noted, “This is a great park with great facilities and a great lake. No big boats allowed... Makes it ideal for paddling, kayaking, and calm water.”
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One happy camper at Big Bog State Recreation Area shared, “We saw Trumpeter Swans, Eagles and Mergansers.”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Lake Bemidji State Park Campground said, “The bathrooms and showers were clean and the park staff was pleasant.”
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One visitor at Leech Lake Recreation Area & Campground remarked, “This campground has large, nicely spaced sites with lots of mature trees.”
  • Beautiful Scenery: The natural beauty is a big draw. A camper at Pine Ridge Campground — Itasca State Park noted, “The park has awesome hiking, lots of things to do, and great rentals for fun on the lake.”

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in summer. A camper at Stony Point mentioned, “With the wind off the lake bugs were well managed - but this is MN in the summer - so there were mosquitoes and flies.”
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have full amenities. A visitor at Pokegama Dam Campground pointed out, “Highway noise is constant and trains go by often all hours of the day.”
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A camper at Gulch Lake advised, “This campsite might become my go-to for a peaceful last-minute escape.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. A reviewer at Lake Bemidji State Park Campground noted, “There’s a great play area for kids.”
  • Pack Bug Spray: Protect your family from mosquitoes. A camper at Big Bog State Recreation Area warned, “The mosquitoes were horrid.”
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor gear. A visitor at Schoolcraft State Park Campground mentioned, “I had the entire park to myself... Enjoyed the sounds of nature.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Pine Ridge Campground — Itasca State Park said, “Great ambiance and real friendly people, dog friendly too.”
  • Use Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric hookups. A reviewer at Leech Lake Recreation Area & Campground appreciated, “Clean bathrooms, hot showers, manicured grass - this place has it all.”
  • Be Mindful of Road Noise: Some sites are near busy roads. A camper at Pokegama Dam Campground noted, “Road noise from Hwy 2 is a downside.”

Camping near Cass Lake, Minnesota, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of options for families and RVers alike. Just remember to plan ahead and be prepared for the natural elements!

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available at Cass Lake in Minnesota?

Cass Lake offers several campground options within the Chippewa National Forest. The Norway Beach Recreation Area - Chippewa Loop features wooded sites with trails leading to Cass Lake and is divided into sections with electricity and non-electric options. Norway Beach Loop provides quiet, peaceful camping with great lake access. Other options include Wanaki Loop (designed for tent campers), South Pike Bay (known for excellent fishing), and Bimijiwan Recreation Area at Knutson Dam on the northeast side of the lake. Most campgrounds offer amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to water, with varying levels of services from primitive to more developed facilities.

Are there alternative camping options near Cass Lake if the main campgrounds are full?

If Cass Lake's main campgrounds are full, several excellent alternatives exist nearby. Winnie Campground offers a quiet, peaceful setting off the beaten path with both lakeside and wooded sites. Deer Park Lake Backcountry Campsite in Itasca State Park provides a wilderness experience for those seeking solitude. Other options include Lake Bemidji State Park Campground (about 20 miles away), Star Island Campground (accessible by boat), and Stony Point Resort and Campground. For those willing to travel a bit farther, Leech Lake Recreation Area & Campground offers additional camping opportunities. Reservations are recommended during peak summer season as the Cass Lake area is popular with families and fishing enthusiasts.

What activities can I enjoy while camping at Cass Lake, MN?

Cass Lake offers abundant recreation opportunities for campers. Water activities dominate with swimming along sandy beaches, fishing for northern pike and muskie, and boating opportunities. South Pike Bay is renowned for excellent fishing. The area features numerous paved and unpaved trails perfect for hiking and biking through the tall pines of Chippewa National Forest. Bimijiwan Recreation Area provides beautiful views of Knutson Dam and access to ATV trails on forest roads. Wildlife watching is excellent throughout the region. Family-friendly activities include creating private beach areas along the sandy shoreline, exploring interpretive trails, and enjoying the peaceful, wooded environment.

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