Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Deerwood, MN has a lot to offer. Deerwood is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Deerwood, MN. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
"It is accessible only by foot, bike or paddle, for trekkers on the Paul Bunyan Bike Trail or the Pine River Water Trail."
"My middle son and I did a bike packing trip on the Paul Bunyon Trail, we rode up from Crow Wing and stayed at this little gem for the night."
"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."
"It is your average dispersed site. I made it fine with 2wd, just take it slow."
"Once roadside during hunting season with oranges on and once in December. So far, I enjoy it. Where to start... The roads aren't really kept up for the winter."
"Most of these spots are cutoffs on the sides of the dirt road. They are deep and have plenty of room, though. Almost all of them I could see have firepits."
"This is a free dispersed camping site in the state forest with lake access. Large enough for multiple campers or a small group."
"Located on the North Country Trail. Decent hike to campsite. Surrounded by nature. Campsite has a fire ring and a bench/table. It helped for taking my hiking bag off."
"It was a spur of the moment decision to stay at Woodtick Trail Dispersed Camp 1 on the North Country Trail for my first solo hiking experience!"
GuideThis is a free dispersed camping site in the state forest with lake access. Large enough for multiple campers or a small group. There are four rings and a picnic table as well as a sandy boat launch.
ATT is usable enough that I probably won't try Starlink, but there may be enough clear sky.
The road in is good, but gets narrow after you turn off for the spot.
RangerMost of these spots are cutoffs on the sides of the dirt road. They are deep and have plenty of room, though. Almost all of them I could see have firepits. The spot I stayed in was the most secluded I could find. It was through a ditch and up a small hill and set back in the woods. There is a firepit up there as well. I spent 3 days here with only one car passing through on the first night. After that, nothing! You wouldn't have a problem finding a place if your pulling a trailer.
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.
LegendThis is a beautiful deeply wooded double campsite along the scenic Pine River. It is accessible only by foot, bike or paddle, for trekkers on the Paul Bunyan Bike Trail or the Pine River Water Trail. For paddlers, the campsite is right on the river between River Mile 35 and 36, just south of the town of Pine River. For bikers or hikers, it is about a half mile south down the trail from the Bites Bar and Grill to the turn off west on a dirt trail about a half mile down to the river. There are two campsites avaialble, for separate campers or for a group to encompas the whole camping area. Fire ring, picnic table, tent clearings available. There is no cost to camp here, but also no way to reserve either of the sites, and in accordance to trail etiquette if you show up on your bike or in your canoe ready to camp but someone else is there, they should share the camping space with you.
Map of the water trail is here:
https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/canoe\_routes/pine.pdf
General info on the water trail is here: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/watertrails/pineriver/index.html
Map of the Paul Bunyan Bike Trail is here: https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state\_trails/paulbunyan\_heartland.pdf
General info on the bike trail is here: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state\_trails/paul\_bunyan/index.html
LegendDispersed camping along the forest roads. Areas are cleared away that are quite separate giving some privacy. They are right on the road so vehicles pass by. Off road trails can be found but we did not discover cleared hiking paths. After finding a tick quickly we just hiked along the road. Only one other camper so during the non-hunting season this might be a good stopover.
We did encounter a lot of birds as well as deer.
GuideLocated on the North Country Trail. Decent hike to campsite. Surrounded by nature. Campsite has a fire ring and a bench/table. It helped for taking my hiking bag off. Very quiet, no sounds of vehicles or people. Biggest negative is there is no parking lot. Must park on road. Campsite was well taken care of. The site is smaller. It does over look a tiny little lake with bird life. Water is mucky looking, I wouldn’t swim in it. Trail goes through long grass and tall trees. Lots of beaver activity as well when circling the near by lake.
TravelerI've camped here twice, now. Once roadside during hunting season with oranges on and once in December. So far, I enjoy it. Where to start... The roads aren't really kept up for the winter. So, you'll want 4 wheel drive and slow and mindful driving. I walked in for ten minutes from one of the parking spots. I just cleared the snow, built a heat retaining wall, and set up camp in front of it. I did hear wolves for the first time. They were howling after sunset. A little creepy, camping alone. But, i don't suspect they'd come too close.
If you want secluded, minimal camping. This is an okay spot, close to the twin cities.
RangerThere 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.
GuideMy middle son and I did a bike packing trip on the Paul Bunyon Trail, we rode up from Crow Wing and stayed at this little gem for the night. Got there around 3PM, set up camp and then rode into Pine River for his birthday dinner. The trail in to the site was fun to ride on bike, there was plenty of down wood for a fire and would love to return!
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Deerwood, Minnesota, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and outdoor adventures without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. Here are some top spots to consider for your next camping trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Deerwood, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Deerwood, MN is Paul Bunyan Trail Canoe Campsite with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Deerwood, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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