Northern Minnesota's camping season near Cohasset runs predominantly from April through October due to the region's harsh winter climate. The area sits within the Chippewa National Forest, featuring over 1.6 million acres of woods and more than 1,300 lakes. Unpaved forest roads connect many camping areas, with conditions that can deteriorate quickly after rainfall.
What to do
Fishing on North Star Lake: Access multiple bays for diverse fishing experiences at North Star Campground, located 23 miles north of Cohasset. "We spend many hours fishing the many different bays of North Star Lake with luck catching Muskies," notes a regular visitor. The public boat launch is less than half a mile from the campground.
Mountain biking trails: Utilize the extensive trail networks near Trails Inn Quadna Mountain as your base camp. "Paved walking and biking trails and hundreds of miles of ATV trails connected right to the rv park," writes one visitor. The campground's location offers quick access to both the Redhead Mountain Bike Park and Tioga trails.
Golfing getaways: Play at Minnesota National Golf Course while staying at their onsite RV park. "The 27-hole golf course was in good shape and fun to play," reports one camper. The campground is situated inside the golf course property, with some sites tucked back in wooded areas for added privacy.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Pokegama Dam Campground maintains spotless bathrooms and showers that receive consistent praise. "Super clean bathrooms. Level sites and great views of the Mississippi," notes a recent camper. The campground features "bathrooms, showers, potable water, and a kids playground."
Spacious sites: Trails RV Park offers generously sized camping spots with full hookups. "The sites are large and level," reports one visitor. Another notes, "Sites are level gravel pads," making setup quick and hassle-free for RVers.
Lake access options: Several campgrounds provide direct water access for swimming and boating. At Trout Lake Campground, "There is a nice sandy area by the lake to enjoy," while Prairie Lake Campground offers "a great area for both boats and swimming."
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most rv sites near Cohasset, Minnesota operate within a limited window. "This campground is open seasonally from May 1 to Oct 1," notes a Prairie Lake visitor. Similarly, Trails RV Park lists its season as "May 1 - Oct 6."
Highway noise concerns: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise due to proximity to major roads. At Pokegama Dam Campground, "Highway noise is constant and Trains go by often all hours of the day," cautions one camper. The campground sits just feet off the 4-lane Highway 2.
Reservation systems vary: Policies differ between parks in the area. North Star Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with a camper noting, "The sites are not reservable." Meanwhile, most private RV parks require advance bookings.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and pools: Families appreciate dedicated recreation areas for children. "Great for kids, very nice playground and great pool," writes a Trails RV Park visitor. The park's game barn provides additional entertainment options during inclement weather.
Beach access considerations: When selecting waterfront camping sites around Cohasset, check for swimming areas. At Big Winnie Store RV Park, "there is swimming at a nearby beach but it is not on the premises," requiring a short drive.
Budget-friendly options: Forest Service campgrounds offer economical alternatives to private RV parks. "Camping is $14.00 for a single site, and $28.00 for groups," reports a North Star camper. With a senior access pass, fees drop to $7 per night at some locations.
Tips from RVers
Pad layout challenges: Some RV sites have utility connections positioned awkwardly. At Minnesota National RV Park, "The utilities are in the far back of the site. I needed about 20' of sewer, electric, and water hose to reach my rig."
Cell service coverage: Connectivity varies throughout the Cohasset region. Minnesota National RV Park receives "3 bars LTE on Verizon," while more remote forest service campgrounds may have limited or no service.
Water pressure variations: Be prepared for high pressure at some campgrounds. A Minnesota National visitor advises, "The water pressure is very good at 60+ psi, so suggest a reducer" to protect RV plumbing systems from damage.