Tent camping near Cohasset, Minnesota centers primarily around state forest lands with varying levels of development. Located in Itasca County, the area sits at approximately 1,300 feet elevation with a northern continental climate featuring warm summers and cold winters. Camping season typically runs May through October, though some dispersed sites remain accessible year-round depending on snow conditions and forest road maintenance.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: Blackberry Campsite provides excellent water access for canoeing adventures along the Mississippi River. According to one visitor, "To date, this is the best campsite I've ever seen... in order to get to this one, you have to be on the Mississippi River in Minnesota." The site offers amenities uncommon to dispersed sites, including a saw for cutting firewood and a bear box.
ATV adventures: Jacobson County Campground serves as a strategic stopping point for ATV enthusiasts. A camper noted, "We rode ATV to this site and it empty. Right on the river and we needed bug spray for sure. There is a nice spring fed water hose that was close enough to hear while falling a sleep."
Fishing access: George Washington State Forest Lost Lake campground provides dedicated fishing infrastructure right at the campground. One camper mentioned, "Loved this campground, quiet lake and fishing dock right there." The smaller lake size makes it ideal for kayak fishing with less boat traffic than larger lakes in the region.
What campers like
Natural soundscapes: Campers frequently mention the peaceful environments, particularly at Blackberry Campsite where one visitor shared, "There was also a peg hook with a saw! A note near the saw said 'please replace what you can'... How lovely! This site also had a bear box...incredibly rare!"
Lake views: Mabel Lake State Dispersed offers tent campers direct water access with minimal development. A recent visitor reported, "I was able to back to the water to have a gorgeous view from bed! It was so quiet last night, although the beaked neighbors get pretty chatty early."
Pine forest settings: Mature pine stands characterize many campgrounds in the region. At M44 Big Dick Lake, a camper described, "Camping spots are in a Pine Forest with large mature trees. Sandy shoreline spots for very small boat. Water quality is good." These forested sites provide natural shade during summer months.
What you should know
Road access challenges: Several campgrounds have difficult access roads that may require high-clearance vehicles. At Big Dick Lake, a reviewer warned, "Very hard to find road into area. But easy enough to get into with spots for a few vehicles."
Logging impacts: Lost Lake campground has experienced nearby timber harvesting that affects both scenery and access. A camper observed, "There has been some fresh logging activity in the area so that does affect the scenicness of the woods nearby, as well as the quality of the access road if it is rainy."
Insect populations: Nearly every review mentions mosquitoes, particularly at lower elevations near water. At Mabel Lake, a visitor reported, "There is a large puddle and so many mosquitos." Insect repellent is considered essential equipment from May through September.
Tips for camping with families
Field space for activities: Bear Lake Campground provides open areas for group activities. A camper noted, "We were lucky enough to get the last 5 sites in the loop, and even though we weren't right on the lake, we were adjacent to a large mowed field area where we could play games and kids could run freely."
Swimming options: Select campgrounds feature accessible swimming areas suitable for children. Bear Lake includes "good water, pit toilets, and a covered picnic area available as well as a swimming area," according to one family's experience.
Group capacity: For family reunions or multi-family camping, Mabel Lake offers ample space. As one camper described, "This is a free dispersed camping site in the state forest with lake access. Large enough for multiple campers or a small group." Another visitor estimated, "I say there's comfortably room for eight campers or a small group."
Tips from RVers
Limited accommodations: Most Cohasset area campgrounds lack hookups but some accept smaller RVs. At Sandy Pines (formerly Sal's Campground), a visitor shared, "Couldn't find a spot on a Saturday night and this sweet lady had a beautiful spot with all hookups! On a beautiful lake and free beach and paddle boats!"
Campsite spacing: At Jacobson County Campground, a visitor observed, "Some sites that are closest to the river are close together but okay view. Vaulted toilet and recycling/dumpster close proximity." This proximity to facilities makes it convenient for those needing frequent restroom access.
Cell reception considerations: Signal strength varies significantly between locations. At Mabel Lake, a camper reported, "ATT is usable enough that I probably won't try Starlink, but there may be enough clear sky," while noting in a separate visit, "My signal rating may be higher than normal as it's on an Intsy Connect antenna. My phone is getting 1 bar ATT."
