Best Campgrounds near Cohasset, MN

Camping near Cohasset, Minnesota encompasses a range of lakeside and riverside options within the pine forests of northern Minnesota. The area is situated between several notable bodies of water including Pokegama Lake and the Mississippi River, with established campgrounds like Pokegama Dam Campground and Trout Lake Campground providing access to water recreation. Tioga Beach in Cohasset offers swimming opportunities for day visitors. The region falls within proximity to Chippewa National Forest lands, where both developed and more primitive camping experiences are available. Many campgrounds serve as convenient bases for fishing, boating, and paddling the Mississippi Headwaters Water Trail, which passes through the area.

Most campgrounds in the Cohasset region operate seasonally from early May through mid-October, with peak season running from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months, particularly for waterfront sites and holiday weekends. Only certified firewood is permitted at most campgrounds to prevent the spread of invasive species. Bug spray is essential, especially in early summer when mosquitoes are abundant near the lakes and bogs. Cell service varies significantly, with better coverage at campgrounds closer to Grand Rapids and more limited or non-existent service in remote forest locations. Winter camping options are extremely limited in this region.

The camping experiences around Cohasset range from fully-developed RV parks with hookups to boat-in only sites for paddlers. Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds like Pokegama Dam offer spacious sites that can accommodate large RVs with boats and trailers. According to reviews, these sites feature "30 amp electric service" and are "sheltered under huge shady pines." For water enthusiasts, specialized paddler campsites exist along the Mississippi River Water Trail, including the unique Grand Rapids Library Park Watercraft Campsite, which is accessible only to paddlers and cyclists. Campers seeking more seclusion can find rustic forest service campgrounds with fewer amenities but greater privacy and natural settings within a short drive of Cohasset.

Best Camping Sites Near Cohasset, Minnesota (172)

    1. Pokegama Dam Campground

    9 Reviews
    Cohasset, MN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 326-6128

    $14 - $35 / night

    "Pokegema Dam This is a campground established by the Army Corps of Engineers, adjacent to the Pokegama Dam."

    "The Pokegama Dam & Recreation Area is a small but comfortable campground just minutes from Grand Rapids, Minnesota."

    2. Schoolcraft State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Cohasset, MN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 247-7215

    "Along the river, there are many "free" sites that are maintained by the DNR in Minnesota."

    "About a 25 minute drive west of Grand Rapids, MN, Schoolcraft State Park is a less-often visited park that makes up for its lack of hiking trails and in-park amenities with cozy, quiet charm."

    3. Trout Lake Campground

    8 Reviews
    Bovey, MN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 969-3493

    $25 - $3000 / night

    "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."

    "Beautiful spot, kind of secluded away from the rest of the campers but not tucked away by any means. Right on the lake. Grills are at all the tent sites but we used the fire."

    4. Prairie Lake Campground

    2 Reviews
    Grand Rapids, MN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 326-8486

    "This park is beautiful and right next to a lake. Very green and full of trees. Park is clean. The only reason I gave 4 stars is because the long-term residence aren't very friendly."

    "Very nice owners and they helped us get situated in our sites making sure we had everything we needed! Very laid back campground with a great area for both boats and swimming! I loved the vibe here!"

    5. Itasca County Fairgrounds

    2 Reviews
    Grand Rapids, MN
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 326-6470

    "Lots of room to walk the dog. Bike trail close and horse shows to watch. Lake with swimming and fishing pier right across the street."

    6. Marcell Area

    1 Review
    Deer River, MN
    7 miles

    $20 / night

    "Popular backcountry sites in the Marcell area of the Chippewa National Forest include Spider Lake, the birch forest of the Suomi Hills and Trout Lake."

    7. Grand Rapids Library Park Watertrail Watercraft Campsite

    1 Review
    Grand Rapids, MN
    5 miles
    Website

    "Since the campsite is right on a path and bike trail in the city library park, safe storage is important if you want to leave the campsite for any reason ."

    8. Moose Lake

    1 Review
    Deer River, MN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 743-3362

    "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"

    9. Blackberry Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Grand Rapids, MN
    14 miles
    Website

    "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."

    10. North Star — Chippewa National Forest

    7 Reviews
    Bigfork, MN
    22 miles

    $14 / night

    "We celebrated the 2017 Minnesota Walleye Fishing Season opener at one of our favorite campgrounds. North Star campground has 38 sites between north and south loops."

    "Good fishing in the lake. Like all good forests it’s primitive and non reservable. Wouldn’t worry about getting a site tho. We stayed in 7 and had nobody around us."

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Recent Reviews near Cohasset, MN

310 Reviews of 172 Cohasset 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.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Wanaki Campground

    Gorgeous

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

  • 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!

  • James R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Greer Lake

    Great rustic camp ground

    This my second time here and I love it. It’s on a lake on state forest trail and 2 toilets and water pumps.

  • Heather T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Sandy Lake

    Nice place to stay

    This campground has 2 parts, the north section and the south section. The south is on a peninsula with just a few campsites. The north is the bigger part of the campground. The sites in the north are large and very well kept, each with a picnic table, fire ring and level sights. Two campground hosts who are very friendly and accommodating. Just a few vault toilets. If there's anywhere to improve, it is the number of toilets in the bigger campground. The south campground has the shower house and laundry, along with flush toilets. All in all, a very nice place to stay.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Thistledew Campground

    Nice little campground

    Nice campground with several lakeside sites. Has all the basics: table, firepit, water and pit toilets. Peaceful campground on a beautiful lake. Loons calling. Only a few other campers, spread out throughout campground.


Guide to Cohasset

Camping near Cohasset, Minnesota, offers a fantastic escape into nature with plenty of options for outdoor fun. Whether you're looking for a cozy cabin or a spacious RV site, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful area.

What to do:

  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Many campgrounds, like Scenic State Park Campground, are perfect for paddling. One reviewer mentioned, “No big boats allowed, makes it ideal for paddling, kayaking, and calm water.”
  • Hiking: Trails abound in the region. A visitor at Savanna Portage State Park Campground said, “There are several trails near the area and some connected to the campsite.”
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Leech Lake Recreation Area & Campground is a great spot. One camper noted, “There are also 2 boat landings and plenty of space to moor your own boat if you wish.”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Lake Bemidji State Park Campground mentioned, “The bathrooms and showers were clean and the park staff was pleasant.”
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Leech Lake Recreation Area & Campground said, “This campground has large, nicely spaced sites with lots of mature trees.”
  • Beautiful Scenery: The natural beauty is a big draw. One camper at McCarthy Beach State Park remarked, “The site was lovely! I stayed at #48 and it was nice and level.”

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the summer. A camper at Savanna Portage State Park Campground warned, “Mosquitoes are brutal here, especially on the hiking club trail.”
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Gulch Lake, are more rustic. A visitor noted, “There is no actual bathroom facilities, but it does have a group site.”
  • Road Noise: Some sites are near busy roads. A reviewer at Pokegama Dam Campground mentioned, “Road noise from Hwy 2 is a downside.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. A camper at Scenic State Park Campground said, “Swimming beach was small but the water was the perfect temperature.”
  • Pack Bug Spray: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance. One family at Savanna Portage State Park Campground emphasized, “We were thankful to have a screen tent for this visit.”
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A visitor at Lake Bemidji State Park Campground mentioned, “The lake was large and inviting.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Leech Lake Recreation Area & Campground noted, “My site was spacious for my 28-foot TT.”
  • Look for Electric Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with electric hookups. A reviewer at Stony Point mentioned, “Some sites are first come first serve and about 10 or so by the water you can reserve.”
  • Be Prepared for Limited Services: Some campgrounds may not have full amenities. A visitor at True North Basecamp said, “There are no electric or sewer hookups, but there are a couple of tent sites that can accommodate small campers.”

Camping near Cohasset, Minnesota, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but it’s good to be prepared. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you’re sure to have a memorable experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Tioga Pit camping located in Cohasset?

Tioga Pit camping is located in the Cohasset area of northern Minnesota. While not directly covered in the available reviews, the area is surrounded by notable campgrounds like Pokegama Dam Campground, which is established by the Army Corps of Engineers adjacent to the Pokegama Dam. Tioga Pit is part of the region's mining heritage and offers rustic camping opportunities. For nearby alternatives, consider Little American Falls County Park and Campground, which is a small county park alongside the Big Fork River water trail with drive-in campsites suitable for trailers or small RVs during dry conditions.

Is a reservation required for camping at Tioga Pit in Cohasset?

Based on general camping knowledge for this type of site, reservations are typically not required for camping at Tioga Pit in Cohasset, as it likely operates on a first-come, first-served basis. However, it's always advisable to check current policies before your trip. For comparison, nearby Leech Lake Recreation Area & Campground does operate with a reservation system, especially during peak fishing seasons. Similarly, Savanna Portage State Park Campground requires reservations to secure a spot, particularly during busy summer months when its proximity to four lakes makes it a popular destination.

What amenities are available at Cohasset campgrounds?

Campgrounds in the Cohasset area offer varying amenities. Winnie Campground provides peaceful lakeside campsites with beautiful views, cool breezes, and exceptionally spacious sites that accommodate larger camping setups. For those seeking more developed facilities, Minnesota National RV Park offers gravel pads with 50-amp electrical hookups, water, and sewer connections. This newer campground is uniquely situated inside a golf course. Most campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities like pit toilets or restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings. Many sites provide access to recreational activities including fishing, hiking, and water sports, though swimming areas vary by location. Cell service can be limited at more remote sites.