The Grand Rapids area of Minnesota sits in the heart of the Chippewa National Forest at an elevation of 1,280 feet. Lakes and forests dominate the landscape, with over 1,000 lakes within a 30-mile radius. Camping conditions vary throughout the season with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during the day and dropping to 50-60°F at night, making layered clothing essential for comfortable camping.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At North Star Campground on North Star Lake, anglers can access multiple bays for various fishing experiences. "We spend many hours fishing the many different bays of North Star Lake with luck catching Muskies," notes one regular visitor who has been camping there for over 10 years.
Beach activities: The sandy shoreline at McCarthy Beach State Park provides excellent swimming options. "The sand was so nice and the area was very well kept up! So many tables and spots to sit," reports a visitor. The lake is "shallow for quite a ways out so it's great for water games and younger swimmers, as well as those who just love floating around."
Trail exploration: Multiple hiking trails at McCarthy Beach State Park offer opportunities to explore the northern Minnesota landscape. "They had 4 trails we didn't get to go on but were well marked and the staff was very nice!" shares one camper who plans to return. The lakeside trail particularly impresses visitors with its scenic views.
What campers like
Peaceful environment: Many campers value the quiet atmosphere at North Star Campground. "Not crowded on a weekend and really only the water sites were busy... Great place to come to get away from it all," reports one visitor. Another mentions, "I stayed in the campground while volunteering for Smokey Bear's 81st birthday celebration... Much to my surprise, the campground was almost empty."
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting allows for excellent wildlife observation opportunities. "Listening to the loons tonight reminds me of how very lucky we are to call Minnesota home," writes one camper at North Star Campground. Another visitor at Side Lake Campground confirms, "Nothing says Minnesota like the call of the Loon and that's what greeted me upon arrival at my site!"
Lakefront access: Many campgrounds feature direct lake access. "We had a nice staircase down to the lakeshore with a bench so I could sit and look out at the lake," writes a North Star camper. At Side Lake Campground, one visitor appreciated the "water and easy access to water sports on either Sturgeon or Side Lake."
What you should know
Water quality issues: Water contamination can occur at some campgrounds. At Side Lake Campground, a visitor noted "temporary problems with the drinking water on the whole campground—couldn't brush teeth with sink water, and had to go to the dump station to fill up from the one safe water spigot."
Site privacy varies: Campsite layout and privacy differ significantly between campgrounds and loops. At Trout Lake Campground, one visitor staying at a tent site described it as "kind of secluded away from the rest of the campers but not tucked away by any means." At McCarthy Beach, a camper observed that "electric loop was tight and some sites had minimal privacy. The non-electric sites were much more private."
Road noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise from nearby highways. At Pokegama Dam Campground, campers report "highway noise is constant and trains go by often all hours of the day." Similarly, at Side Lake Campground, visitors note "some road noise but not too bad."
Tips for camping with families
Beach selection: For families with young children, choose campgrounds with shallow swimming areas. "The lake is shallow for quite a ways out so it's great for water games and younger swimmers," notes a visitor at McCarthy Beach State Park, which also features "crystal clear water, shallow depths for kids and family swimming, great picnic spots all along the expansive shoreline."
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer designated play areas. At Pokegama Dam Campground, "there's a great playground for kids, and a big picnic shelter that's reservable," making it suitable for family gatherings. North Star Campground offers "a swim beach, wonderful campground hosts, and spotless pit toilets."
Accessibility considerations: McCarthy Beach State Park provides excellent accessibility features. A visitor describes "great paved walkways and gentle access ramps everywhere" that make the beach area accessible for "folks of all kinds, including families with young kids and folks with disabilities."
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Site conditions vary widely at rv sites near Grand Rapids, Minnesota. At Prairie Lake Campground, the owners are "very friendly and very accommodating! In talking with the owners, anything that was needed could be available!" Another visitor found this campground "beautiful and right next to a lake. Very green and full of trees."
Hookup placement: Pay attention to utility locations when selecting RV camping near Grand Rapids, Minnesota. At Trout Lake Campground, a visitor noticed that "the 30 amp electrical and water hookups were nice however they were on the wrong side of the pad which we thought was odd."
Space considerations: Campgrounds offer varying amounts of space for larger rigs. At Minnesota National RV Park, one visitor with a 40-foot fifth wheel had "no issues backing into the site and still had room to put our patio down and park our F-450." Another visitor notes, "There are three loops you could be placed in that have sites near one another," which works well for group camping with multiple RVs.
