Chippewa National Forest is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Chippewa National Forest is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Chippewa National Forest, MN. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
$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."
"- 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."
"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."
$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."
$16 / night
"This campground is off the beaten path, and very quiet and peaceful. You have a choice of lakeside campsites, or sites tucked into the woods away from the lake."
"I’ve never had a nice big campsite on the lake before. The site on the lake allows plenty of space and a beautiful view. No running water, just a spigget."
"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."
"From fishing Lake Winnibigosh (which it's located on) to the pool, playground, or arcade, all three kids love Becker's! We've stayed here three times now. One time in a tent."
"The RV sites are not near the water and to me seem a little crowded, but the RV area is nestled in some nice woods."
$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."
$16 / night
"The Knutson Dam is a recreation access point and campground within the Chippewa National Forest."
"Had a beautiful view of the Knutson Dam, and out onto Cass lake. There was some ATV traffic, but they did most the riding outside the camp area, on forest roads."
$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."
GuideWas able to reserve a nice spot at the last minute. Campground is very well maintained and the facilities/amenities are exceptionally nice.
ScoutThis campground is one of the best in the area, I was very impressed by the community beach, and also the outhouse is located on the north and south side of the campground. Also, the owners were super friendly and accommodating.
I was impressed by the quality of the bundles of firewood that I received, and also at the price of the ice, it seemed very fair overall, really good campground, will be back
ScoutBeen taking our travel trailer here for 10 years, very friendly hosts and great quiet little place for the family.
TravelerI would highly recommend this campground,it’s clean,great fishing,swimming,walking. We stayed for a week with our dogs,and our girls had a blast. Thank you
TravelerI love this place! The sites are almost all amazing especially if you're taking up more than 1 they all have good paths to eachother. Primitive so just a stinky outhouse, but seriously what do you expect in the woods?! Easily one of my favorite spots
ScoutOur family loved the campground, extremely clean and wonderful place to stay
We were amazed by the family feel, the quality of the fishing on trout lake, and the amount of seasonal sites available.
ScoutA hidden gem by the lake! I recently had the pleasure of staying at this charming campground, and I can’t recommend it enough! From the moment I arrived, I was impressed by how clean and well-maintained the entire facility was. The grounds were spotless, and it was clear that the staff takes great pride in keeping everything in tip-top shape. The highlight, of course, was the stunning lake right next to the campground. Whether you’re into kayaking, swimming, or simply enjoying the view, this lake is the perfect backdrop for a relaxing getaway. The water was clear, and I spent hours just soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
ScoutThis is an amazing campground, extremely clean and helpful and friendly staff. Lots of seasonal sites available would recommend.
LegendThis is a small county park and campground off the beaten path. It is located adjacent to the Little American Falls, and alongside the Big Fork River water trail. There are several campsites you can drive into, and if it is not the muddy season you could drive with a trailer or small RV into some of the the camping sites. Although the sites themselves are pretty well kept, campers are advised to pack out their own garbage but it seems some folks don't feel they have to--so there is some litter around, and evidence of campers burning garbage in the firepits. There is little to no cell phone service here, no on site ranger or camp host, but sites have basic picnic tables and fire rings, and there is an outhouse available. You should bring your own water; any RV's should know there are no hookups of any kind, but you are allowed to use a generator here.
The main appeal of this campground is access to the river, which involves going down a steep bank (there are stairs) but worth it for fishing or kayaking or canoeing. The falls are beautiful, and worth a visit. There arent official biking or hiking trails but you could easily walk or bike on the back roads adjacent to the campground. If you want more privacy, there is a canoe campsite on the bank opposite of the county campground, just downstream of the falls, that is maintained by the Minnesota DNR and is water-access only.
There is no cost to camp here, but also no reservations so first come first served. For maps, you can refer to the Koochiching County recreation maps to see location, which are here:
https://www.co.koochiching.mn.us/DocumentCenter/View/135/Outdoor-Recreation-Map-PDF?bidId=
https://www.co.koochiching.mn.us/DocumentCenter/View/994/Koochiching-Recreation-Map-2018-PDF
The Big Fork Water Trail map is here: https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/canoe\_routes/bigfork1.pdf
And for more info you can contact the Koochiching County Lands and Forests office here: https://www.co.koochiching.mn.us/178/Land-Forestry
Camping near Chippewa National Forest, Minnesota, offers a mix of beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, and a chance to unwind in nature. Whether you're looking for a cozy cabin or a spacious RV site, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Camping near Chippewa National Forest, Minnesota, offers a unique blend of nature and community. With a little planning, you can enjoy everything this beautiful area has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Chippewa National Forest offers a wide range of camping options, with 195 campgrounds and RV parks near Chippewa National Forest and 12 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Chippewa National Forest is Leech Lake Recreation Area & Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 14 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 free dispersed camping spots near Chippewa National Forest.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Chippewa National Forest that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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