Camping near Chippewa National Forest, MN

Our 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.

A 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.

This is an amazing campground, extremely clean and helpful and friendly staff. Lots of seasonal sites available would recommend.

This 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

I came in late October. 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. There were no hookups at this time of the year. It's a very pleasant lake. A lot of permanent RVs parked here. It's very quiet, although there is a highway that runs right next to the property. For my very small off-season fee, I got a shower included!

This is our second year and starting into our third. This campground has been great for our family. Everyone in the campground is very friendly, pool is amazing and the lake is great for fishing. It is a seasonal campground so it is awesome to be able to leave our camper here year-round.

The coordinates go to bear landing boat ramp culdesac. Nice views and about one good spot there, but may have someone pulling up to check out if the spot is taken or fish or use ramp. But it was a Fri night for me and just one car of two hunters came checking the spot for birds then left after a few minutes. Calm quiet crisp late Aug night. I honestly recommend take the first spot on right after turn in from main road its about 100 yards from main road. Its private there or theres other small dirt openings along road while going toward culdesac. Obviously if you go to far off bear landing rd you may hit on private property though so watch for signs.

A free county camp very well maintained grass with nice toilet, clean well water, firepit, benches all well cared for. I was alone all day mid week in summer until a big rig pulled up at 10pm and took half the other spots about a dozen horses. It seemed cool for one night as a tenter but a clicky type of horse owners environment where they may not want folks without horses. A nice creek near by with space and a interesting place for my dogs to soak in all the smells even if its just one night.

This was an overnight stopover our way west. The site was spacious compared to some state parks. There were plenty of trees and a bit of terrain changes that made them more appealing. The lake was large and inviting (except for current swimmer's itch breakout). The bathrooms and showers were clean and the park staff was pleasant.

Came across this park while looking to put together a four-day trip in our travel trailer. This is a great park with great facilities and a great lake. No big boats allowed no more than 10 mph. No no waterskiing. Makes it ideal for paddling, kayaking, and calm water.

The primitive campsites were very spaces but surrounded by poison ivy. An outhouse was nearby and water accesses well. Shows were clean and staff extremely friendly.

Great campground right on Leech Lake.  A quick drive to Walker if you need any supplies.  Plenty of options for getting firewood near by.

We were on site 23 and it was a huge site (as were most sites)  No issues with neighbors being noisy other than a yapping dog.  Site was nice and level.

There are some sites that are definitely less desirable around the main bathroom / shower house.

With the wind off the lake bugs were well managed - but this is MN in the summer - so there were mosquitoes and flies - but that is expected.

Grass was well maintained

Beach was great albeit shallow. But nice soft sand.

Wouldn't have any qualms about going back

FYI - they don't supply a solo stove - but I love mine so I use it instead of the fire ring

I recently camped at BP4, on Desoto Lake. They have maybe recently added bear boxes to these two sites (3&4), I didn't see that mentioned in any reviews or the MN park website. The trail was a bit swampy and horrible with mosquitoes but the camp sites themselves were not bad at all. A very nice spot, secluded and beautiful.

Absolutely nothing interesting about this place. It’s just a standard issue dirt lot with a slight incline. Open parking, no sites.

I had the entire park to myself. Beautiful view of the Mississippi River, not far from the headwaters. Enjoyed the sounds of nature as I relaxed in site #6. I took advantage of the on-site fire wood via the Yodel Portal app. Amazed that I had the place to myself.

Was here last year also. Great place for older people that have a national parks card. $13.00 a night is unbeatable. Park is always clean and well maintained. And free laundry too. Yes, there are skeeters, but this is summer in Minnesota. You learn to deal. Quiet and not packed at all. Site is large and flat and trees galore.