Looking for the best campgrounds near Deer River, MN? Deer River 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. Discover great camping spots near Deer River, reviewed by campers like you.
Leech Lake Recreation Area is located in the heart of the Chippewa National Forest in Federal Dam, Minnesota on the Leech Lake River. The area is best known for its fishing and boat access to Portage Bay on Leech Lake, a famous perch, walleye and musky fishery.
Boating, canoeing and fishing are very popular activities. Anglers will find walleye, perch, bass, northern pike and musky, where every cast has the potential to yield a trophy. Miles of scenic hiking trails meander around Leech Lake, including the Soo Line, Heartland and North Country National Scenic Trails.
Leech Lake has 316 miles of shoreline and encompasses 14 natural lakes. A mixed forest of elm, ash, maple, basswood, birch, aspen and pine covers the area. Wildlife is abundant around the lake, where campers commonly hear the tell-tale call of loons out on the water.
Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. If a customer wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee.
$14 - $50 / night
Pokegama Dam Campground (USACE) is situated in the heart of northern Minnesota's lake country next to the Mississippi River. Popular activities include boating, fishing, picnicking and wildlife viewing.
The Mississippi River offers great opportunities for boating and fishing. Anglers will find Walleye, Northern Pike, Blue gills, sunfish, Large and Small mouth Bass among other species. Birders enjoy viewing Bald eagles, loons, ducks, geese and many other species from the banks of the park.
A forest of mixed hardwoods and towering red pines cover the area, housing an abundance of wildlife including bald eagles, porcupines, black bears chipmunks and many others. Wild blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries grow seasonally on the forest floor.
Judy Garland Museum, Forest History Center, Itasca County historical Society, Childerns Discovery Museum, Tioga Beach, Mesabi Bike Trail
$14 - $35 / night
$16 - $24 / night
Located four miles from Marcell or 25 miles from Grand Rapids. 38 Campsites located within easy walking distance of the sandy swimming beach. The Lake has many sheltered bays and inlets to provide quiet water for ideal fishing.
$14 / night
USACE Winnie Dam Campground & Recreation Area. This is a Corps of Engineers Campground, located just walking distance from the Mississippi River. Activities include camping, fishing, boating, picnicking, kayaking, and playground areas. All sites offer 30/50 AMP electric with water, restrooms & showers nearby.
Lake Winnie offers excellent fishing opportunities for walleye, perch and musky. It is one of Minnesota's premier fisheries. Boating on this 67,000-acre lake is also very popular. A boat ramp to access the Mississippi River can be found near the picnic shelter. The closest boat access to Lake Winnie is located 1 mile northeast of the park down Plug Hat Road.
A forest of mixed hardwoods and towering red pines covers the area, housing an abundance of wildlife including nesting bald eagles, porcupines, black bears, chipmunks and many others. Wild blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries grow seasonally on the forest floor.
$24 / night
Onegume Campground is located on Little Cut Foot Sioux Lake. It is near MN State Highway 46, also known as Avenue of the Pines Scenic Byway, in the heart of the Chippewa National Forest. Visitors come to the area for boating, excellent fishing, and beautiful scenery.
Boating and swimming are popular activities on Little Cut Foot Sioux Lake. Fishing during Minnesota's season opener is historically very good. An accessible fishing dock and fish cleaning station are located on-site. A few boat slips are located at the water's edge. Miles of trails in the area provide great hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and birding opportunities. The Simpson Creek Trail and Cut Foot Sioux National Recreation Trail can be accessed in the area.Little Cut Foot Sioux Lake is located next to and provides access to Lake Winnibigoshish. Lake Winnie offers excellent fishing opportunities for walleye, perch, and muskie. It is one of the state's premier fisheries. Boating and water skiing are also popular activities.
The campground is situated between Highway 46 and Little Cut Foot Sioux Lake, on the east side of the road, before the bridge. A scenic forest of birch and red pine trees covers the area, offering shade and privacy between sites. Eleven sites are located on the lakefront. The lake is home to a variety of waterfowl and birds of prey, including loons, osprey and bald eagles.
The Cut Foot Sioux Visitor Information Center is just north of the campground. A half-mile accessible trail leads to the center, which offers interpretive displays, educational programs, and area information.
$16 - $23 / night
Deer Lake Campground is located on scenic Cut Foot Sioux Lake, next to Lake Winnibigoshish, in the heart of the Chippewa National Forest. Visitors come to the area for boating, walleye, northern, sunfish, and crappie fishing, and beautiful scenery.
Boating, swimming, and fishing are popular activities on Cut Foot Sioux Lake. A boat ramp is centrally located between the campground's two loops and provides lake access via Biauswah Creek. A large swimming beach is located at the North Deer Loop and a smaller beach is located at South Deer Loop. Boats may be moored offshore.Miles of trails in the area provide great hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and birding opportunities. The 26-mile Cut Foot Sioux National RecreationTrail runs through the campground and connects with the Simpson Creek Trail. Off-highway vehicles, including ATVs and UTVs, can be brough to the campground. However, OHVs must be trailered to roads legal for riding outside the campground. OHV use is not permitted on Eagle Nest Road.Cut Foot Sioux Lake is located next to Lake Winnibigoshish, which can be accessed from Cut Foot Sioux. Lake Winnie offers excellent fishing opportunities for walleye, northern, panfish, and muskie. It is one of Minnesota's premier fisheries. Boating and water skiing are popular activities.
Deer Lake Campground is situated on the northwest shore of Cut Foot Sioux Lake and is split into two separate loops. The North Deer Loop is covered by a hardwood forest of maple and oak, with some mature pine trees scattered throughout the site. South Deer Loop is forested with mature red and white pines. Cut Foot Sioux is home to a variety of waterfowl and birds of prey, including loons, osprey, and bald eagles. The much larger Lake Winnibigoshish is accessible by boat and within sight of these two campgrounds.
Down the road, East Seelye Bay offers a large picnic area, boat landing with dock and a swimming beach.
$16 / night
Clubhouse Lake Campground is located on its peaceful namesake in the beautiful Chippewa National Forest. Visitors enjoy the area for its fishing and canoeing opportunities in a scenic natural setting.
Clubhouse Lake has excellent water quality and is about 90 feet deep, providing great fishing opportunities for northern pike, bass and panfish. Swimming, canoeing and kayaking are very popular activities on the lake. The Rice River Canoe Route starts its journey to the Big Fork River from waters that flow into Clubhouse Lake. A sandy swimming beach, an accessible fishing pier and a day use area are located within the campground at the water's edge. A kid's fishing day is held at the campground in June, sponsored by the Big Fork Lion's Club and the Forest Service.
The campground lies off Highway 38, which is the nation's first National Scenic Byway, known as "The Edge of the Wilderness." A beautiful stand of 200-year-old red and white pine trees cover the campground on the western shore of Clubhouse Lake.
The Marcell Discovery Center is located a half-mile north of Marcell. It is a must-see for anyone camping in the area. The brand new facility offers many excellent displays, a gift shop and several weekly naturalist programs.
$16 / night
Guide
Nice quiet spot out of the way. It was accessible even in winter. The snow was packed down enough to drive on even with a two wheel drive vehicle.
Traveler
Savanna Portage State Park is a beautiful and peaceful spot for camping, especially if you enjoy tent camping. The campsites are well-spaced, private, and perfect for tents, offering a great connection to nature.
The park features a lovely lake that’s ideal for kayaking, fishing, or just relaxing by the water. There are also several great hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to more challenging routes, giving you plenty of opportunities to explore the scenic forest and wetlands.
One thing to note—there are a lot of bugs in the summer, so make sure to pack plenty of bug spray! Overall, it’s a fantastic place for outdoor lovers looking for a quiet and rustic getaway.
Guide
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!
Scout
Was here every summer in the late eighties and early nineties as a kid with my family and it’s still as nice and peaceful as it was then. I’ll continue to keep coming back every summer
Legend
As this was our second time here at Minnesota National, we had no problem finding the course or RV park. The RV navigation in our new Ford 450 was also spot on. When you turn in at the golf course, drive all the way to the club house/lodge parking lot and there’s a road to the right that takes you into the campground (CG). As you check-in online prior to arrival, you simply proceed to your camp site. As you turn down the short road to the CG, there’s a sign to help you identify your site location. We proceeded to back-in site 25 with full hook ups. The utilities are in the back of pad in this CG, so you may need 20+ feet of electric, sewer, or water cord/hose depending on your rig’s configuration. The sewer grade is a bit up hill. We got 3 bars LTE on Verizon and no CG WiFi. There is only a vault toilet/out house in the CG. We came here to golf for two weeks. The 18 hole course is quite challenging where the 9 hole Savannah is shorter and a little bit easier. The golf course restaurant has decent food and a good deal on draft beer during their Sunday to Thursday Happy Hours.There is not much more to do here except golf. McGregor is about 15 minutes away and is where we did laundry and got our groceries.
GuideAbout a quarter mile from main road but very rough road meaning huge holes, just go slow. A few spots right next to the lake maybe 5 but the loop is generally close together for 3 of them. Its a really nice secluded spot actually with fresh clear cool waters. The mid summer bugs werent as bad when there was slight winds. May get adventurous and explore the rustic trails around the lake. Lots of wood sticks around to gather as well. Maybe you get lucky and are only one there to feel like in the movie castaway.
Guide
An old national forest campsite, rustic with ground fire pits. Good for tent. You will be able to see the drive in spots by the fire pits. About 6 spots. Only two other RV people there mid summer weekday. The spots are spread out decently. Theres a boat ramp and an old outhouse toilet. Be ready to bring bug spray. Dont miss the sign while driving down 6 mile lake rd, the coordinates work better on map directions.
Guide
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.
Scout
I stayed here for 2 nights. I was with my parents who had an RV but I just stayed in a tent in the back of their spot. It was a very clean park. You can tell they take care of it. Showers were nice. Pool was warm. Everyone at the park seemed nice. It's not on the lake but there is a boat landing with 2 ramps about a mile away. It's right on a major bike trail.
ScoutAll hookups needed are available, including sanitary, 30 and 50 amp, and water
Traveler
We got to the site and we had low branches asked them to cut them. They said they were at there standards so we had hold it up. Them the site next to us had to have rock concrete us and 4 others called several times nothing
GuideLovely sites with plenty of trees so most sites are quite private. Mosquitoes are brutal here, especially on the hiking club trail and to a somewhat lesser degree in the campground. We were thankful to have a screen tent for this visit. No Verizon cell service at the campground. Surprisingly good cell service at the Loon Lake area of the park, which also has a beautiful short hike!
Guide
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
Guide
Absolutely nothing interesting about this place. It’s just a standard issue dirt lot with a slight incline. Open parking, no sites.
Guide
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.
Guide
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.
Traveler
Very rustic and quiet. Great beach and fishing Peer is awesome as well. Catch lots of Sunny’s right next to the dock. Great place to teach kiddos how to fish. Highly recommend for a good rustic camping experience.
Ranger
There were a good amount of spots, and I seemed to be the only person. Was a good and secluded. I did hear some weird noises throughout the night, but all was well. It is your average dispersed site. I made it fine with 2wd, just take it slow.
Guide
Base camp for fishing Big Sandy. Stayed here several times in a tent and a trailer. Nice sites but surrounded by swampy areas so mosquitoes are thick.
Very clean, pay attention to north or south entrance. Have to drive on either end can’t cross the dam with a vehicle.
But firewood before hand as well.
Guide
Small and well maintained park as you would expect for a USACE site. Super clean bathrooms. Level sites and great views of the Mississippi.
Road noise from Hwy 2 is a downside.
Scout
It was ok. It was free. Per US Forest service website, this is now a free camping area. There was an established fire ring and marked camping spots. The mosquitoes were out of this world but perhaps after so much camping in the south we are just spoiled. There were a lot of other people camping but at least 5 sites available on Friday 7/5/24 late in the day.
Traveler
Very large easy to access camping area. Could easily get 4-5 campers in this one. It is a bit rocky and not extremely level but open and better for less bugs. ATV trail leads right off camping area.
Legend
There's a lot of sites there's somewhat separate and private. Those on the Cass Lakeside have access to really nice beach areas. Really nice bike trails bathrooms were old in the showers are cold but otherwise it was a delightful place to stay for a couple of nights. Interesting you can rent these on the national forest site but also there are some that are not on the site including the one that we stayed at that was available during Memorial Day weekend when everything else was full because you couldn't rent it online.
Legend
Jake from the Dyrt here! We're excited to have this campground on the Dyrt and ready for you to book, check them out and make sure to leave a review!
RangerYou'll want to come in on 640th lane. The road does a lot of winding, and sections aren't always in the best shape. I wouldn't recommend any trailers unless you have 4x4 and the trailer is set up for offroad. Ideally, this is a better straight vehicle spot. There are numerous spots off the road to camp. I stayed over at the very dead end, which, on Google, is labeled "deer camp." It's quiet and deep in. Good luck. No amenities.
Legend
Nice basic standard USFS campground in the Chippewa NF.
$14/night, self pay, no reservations, no host. There’s a vault toilet on site and a pump-handle water faucet. No trash service here, please pack out. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring.
Mosquitos were brutal here!
Surprised to have ok (not great) verizon and ATT service here.
A little ways from the campground is the day use picnic area and boat ramp. You can walk along the main road or take a little connecting trail to it, but just a heads up that the mosquitoes are lying in wait in this trail. We decided to go for it and try out the trail (instead of walking back out to the main road), quickly regretting it and almost running through the whole thing to come out the other side (entrance to trail is near campsite 21).
Campsites were decent, not very private, and some were oddly shaped where you just pull onto the grass, with no clear driveway or parking area. But they were fine.
Guide
I personally liked the Campground, close to the lake and clean bathrooms.
Camping near Deer River, Minnesota, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful lakes and lush forests, it’s a perfect spot for families, RVers, and anyone looking to escape into nature.
Camping near Deer River, Minnesota, has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, you’ll find it here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Deer River, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Deer River, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 166 campgrounds and RV parks near Deer River, MN and 10 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Deer River, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Deer River, MN is Leech Lake Recreation Area & Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 13 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Deer River, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 free dispersed camping spots near Deer River, MN.
What parks are near Deer River, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Deer River, MN that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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