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."
$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."
"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."
$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."
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.
LegendItasca 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!
ScoutThe experience was good but they look down on special breeds of dogs.
TravelerIt’s what camping should be. Wooded between sites. Peaceful. Ahhhhh!
ScoutGreat 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.
GuideThere 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.
GuideThere 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.
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!
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
Is dispersed camping allowed in Chippewa National Forest?
Yes, dispersed camping is allowed in Chippewa National Forest. The Marcell Area offers popular backcountry dispersed camping spots, including Spider Lake, the birch forest of Suomi Hills, and Trout Lake. Birches Landing on Lake Winni, primarily a boat and canoe landing, also serves as a canoe stopover spot on the Mississippi Headwaters Water Trail where camping is permitted. Some areas that were once developed campgrounds, like Tamarack Point, now function effectively as dispersed camping areas due to minimal maintenance. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and check with the Forest Service for current regulations.
What campgrounds are available in Chippewa National Forest?
Chippewa National Forest offers a variety of campgrounds for different experiences. The Norway Beach Recreation Area features three loops: Norway Beach Recreation Area - Chippewa Loop, Norway Beach, and Wanaki, with sites providing trees and foliage for privacy and trails connecting to Cass Lake. O-Ne-Gum-E Campground offers wooded sites adjacent to a serene lake. Other options include Winnie Dam Campground, Leech Lake Recreation Area, Pine Tree Park, and Marcell Area with its backcountry sites at Spider Lake, Suomi Hills, and Trout Lake. The forest also has paddler-specific sites along water trails.
What amenities and visitor experiences can I expect at Chippewa National Forest?
Chippewa National Forest offers diverse outdoor experiences centered around its lakes and forests. At Leech Lake Recreation Area & Campground, visitors enjoy extensive water recreation with opportunities for multiple-day stays. Winnie Dam Campground provides exceptional fishing opportunities near Lake Winnibigoshish. The forest features extensive trail networks for hiking and biking, including connections between campgrounds and lakes. Water enthusiasts can explore the Mississippi River State Water Trail with designated paddler campsites like Crazy James Water Trail. Most developed campgrounds offer basic amenities such as toilets and drinking water, while some provide picnic areas, boat launches, and beach access to complement the forest's natural attractions.
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