Best Campgrounds near Hill City, MN

Camping options around Hill City, Minnesota range from dispersed sites in Hill River State Forest to developed facilities with full amenities. The region includes Hill River State Forest offering free dispersed camping for tent and RV users with drinking water but limited facilities. Trails Inn Quadna Mountain Motel & RV Campground provides a more developed experience with electric hookups, showers, and cabin accommodations within Hill City proper. Several campgrounds in the area feature waterfront access, including Sandy Lake COE Recreation Area in McGregor and Pokegama Dam Campground in Grand Rapids, both offering electric hookups and boat access to nearby lakes and the Mississippi River.

Road conditions and seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences in northern Minnesota. Most campgrounds operate from May through September or October, with some closing earlier depending on weather conditions. Winter camping is limited primarily to dispersed sites in state forests. Cell service can be spotty throughout the region, particularly in more remote forest areas. Campgrounds near lakes tend to fill quickly during summer weekends and fishing opener, while dispersed sites offer more availability year-round. A visitor noted, "The campground was tucked away from the highway, so it was very quiet and peaceful. The grounds were beautifully landscaped with full grass."

Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront sites, particularly those offering fishing access to lakes and the Mississippi River. Pokegama Dam Campground receives positive reviews for its riverside location and proximity to Grand Rapids, though some mention highway noise. Savanna Portage State Park Campground earns praise for its lake access and hiking opportunities. Several visitors mentioned the quality of mountain biking trails near Trout Lake Campground as a key attraction. Families appreciate campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming beaches, while paddlers value the Mississippi River water trail access points. According to one visitor, "This is a campground established by the Army Corps of Engineers, adjacent to the Pokegama Dam. Highlights include fishing in the rapids below the dam, or in the still river water above it, camping and relaxing under the tall pines in the campground."

Best Camping Sites Near Hill City, Minnesota (153)

    1. Hill River State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Hill City, MN
    2 miles
    Website

    "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."

    2. Trails Inn Quadna Mountain Motel & RV Campground

    1 Review
    Hill City, MN
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 506-8030

    $45 - $119 / night

    "Quiet little place, far enough away from too many things to make you feel like you're in town but anything you need is a hop skip and jump away."

    3. Pokegama Dam Campground

    9 Reviews
    Cohasset, MN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 326-6128

    $14 - $35 / night

    "Pokegema Dam This is a campground established by the Army Corps of Engineers, adjacent to the Pokegama Dam."

    "The Pokegama Dam & Recreation Area is a small but comfortable campground just minutes from Grand Rapids, Minnesota."

    4. Sandy Lake COE Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Turner, MN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 426-3482

    $16 - $60 / night

    "This campground is in a sweet location on the banks of hisotric and beautiful Big Sandy lake. There are standard tent and RV sites, as well as camper cabin options."

    "Tip - drinking water in the North Campground is not at the dump station, but on the other end near the boat launch."

    5. Blackberry Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Grand Rapids, MN
    14 miles
    Website

    "That said, this one is a canoe campsite, so in order to get to this one, you have to be on the Mississippi River in Minnesota."

    6. Savanna Portage State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Balsam, MN
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 426-3271

    "It’s situated near four lakes and loads of biking/hiking. There is a lot to do in the area from fishing, hiking, biking, and nature watching."

    "There are several trails near the area and some connected to the campsite. I tried to hike around the lake but ran into several impassable spots bc of a recent rain."

    7. Trout Lake Campground

    8 Reviews
    Bovey, MN
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 969-3493

    $25 - $3000 / night

    "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."

    "Beautiful spot, kind of secluded away from the rest of the campers but not tucked away by any means. Right on the lake. Grills are at all the tent sites but we used the fire."

    8. Schoolcraft State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Cohasset, MN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 247-7215

    "Along the river, there are many "free" sites that are maintained by the DNR in Minnesota."

    "About a 25 minute drive west of Grand Rapids, MN, Schoolcraft State Park is a less-often visited park that makes up for its lack of hiking trails and in-park amenities with cozy, quiet charm."

    9. Jacobson County Campground

    2 Reviews
    Hill City, MN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 927-7364

    "Vaulted toilet and recycling/dumpster close proximity."

    10. Sandy Lake

    3 Reviews
    Turner, MN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 290-5850

    $16 - $60 / night

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Hill City, MN

274 Reviews of 153 Hill City Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Ronald Cloutier - Cross Lake

    Crosslake MN COE campground

    This is a spacious campground with 123 sites, most with electricity, all wooded. The Lake is actually part of a string of lakes friendly to high speed motor boats as well as canoeing/kayaking. Like all other COE campgrounds, it honors campground passes, cutting the fees by half. A COE ranger patrols regularly. It of definitely dog friendly without breed or size restrictions. It is just north of Brainard, MN so civilization is nearby but the turn of Crosslake has All the amenities of city life. As with many other campgrounds, it's not busy Sunday-Thursday but gets much busier on weekend days. I would highly recommend this campground.

  • Ryan T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Tamarack Point Campground

    Forgotten campground

    Perhaps this was a Chippewa national Forest campground in the past, but it has not been upkeep at all. It would be good for dispersed camping but none of the sites are cleared, and the roads are overgrown.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    High Banks Resort

    High Banks Resort

    The owners and staff are very friendly. This place is dog friendly, great for kids. They have small splash pad, kayaks, paddle boards and baffles boats to use. Boat rental available.

  • Hans E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    North Star — Chippewa National Forest

    Alone with the Loons and Osprey

    I stayed in the campground while volunteering for Smokey Bear's 81st birthday celebration at the Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center in Marcell. Much to my surprise, the campground was almost empty. Only one other of the 38 sites was occupied. We've stayed in this campground previously, but in 26 years as a volunteer on the Chippewa, I've never seen any campground this quiet at the height of summer. Needless to say, other than an occasional motorboat on North Star Lake, the only noise was the cry of the loons and the call of an Osprey. I had a nice staircase down to the lakeshore with a bench so I could sit and look out at the lake.

    Latrines were immaculate. The three sites I looked at before choosing #33 were all clean as well. The cost per night is a reasonable $14.00, or only $7.00 if you have a access pass. As of 2025, the campground does not accept reservations. This may change in the future.

    Before and after the Smokey event, I had the opportunity to visit and fish some backcountry designated trout lakes. Ironically, although I caught was a bass.

    A lot of visitors never get beyond fishing and being in the campground, but as a former volunteer Backcountry Ranger on the Chippewa, I would encourage campers to seek out new opportunities and adventures. Discover the forest, and find where you come alive!

  • James R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Greer Lake

    Great rustic camp ground

    This my second time here and I love it. It’s on a lake on state forest trail and 2 toilets and water pumps.

  • Heather T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Sandy Lake

    Nice place to stay

    This campground has 2 parts, the north section and the south section. The south is on a peninsula with just a few campsites. The north is the bigger part of the campground. The sites in the north are large and very well kept, each with a picnic table, fire ring and level sights. Two campground hosts who are very friendly and accommodating. Just a few vault toilets. If there's anywhere to improve, it is the number of toilets in the bigger campground. The south campground has the shower house and laundry, along with flush toilets. All in all, a very nice place to stay.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Stony Point

    Typical US Forest campground

    Nice spots, some with a lake view and big sites somewhat private. Clearly a fisherman's campground with hidden little bays to park your boat close to your site. Amenities are getting older but still a nice stop. Sandy beach for kids.

  • Jessica P.
    Jul. 18, 2025

    Hay Lake

    Solitude and Service

    We arrived on a Thursday with only one other group here, today is Friday and at 2:30pm, we are now the only ones here. The pit toilets are clean and well stocked, the day use area is beautiful!!! Access to moor your boat at a few sites, though it is down the hill from your actual campsite, which is no problem as they have stairs/paths down to them. This beautiful park seems to be very underutilized as it is July, going into a weekend, and all we hear are the birds and critters!!! PERFECT

  • Joni Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2025

    Mabel Lake State Dispersed

    Beautiful on the lake

    What a gem! 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.

    There is a large puddle and so many mosquitos.

    Is say there's comfortly room for eight campers or a small group.

    My signal rating may be higher than normal as it's on an Intsy Connect antenna. My phone is getting 1 bar ATT.


Guide to Hill City

Dispersed camping options near Hill City, Minnesota span across several state forests and rivers with varying levels of accessibility. Hill River State Forest provides free sites along winding roads that require careful navigation, especially in wet conditions. Summer temperatures in the region average 70-85°F during the day, dropping to 50-60°F at night, with mosquitoes typically most active from June through August at campsites near Hill City, Minnesota.

What to do

Mountain biking near Trout Lake: The Trout Lake Campground offers excellent access to mountain biking trails. "We used it as a base camp while me and some friends were mountain biking RedHead Mountain and Tioga over the weekend. Beautiful spot, kind of secluded away from the rest of the campers but not tucked away by any means," notes Jake, highlighting the convenience for riders.

Fishing at dam sites: The Pokegama Dam Campground provides multiple fishing opportunities directly from camp. "Highlights include fishing in the rapids below the dam, or in the still river water above it, camping and relaxing under the tall pines in the campground, canoeing and kayaking on the river," explains Janet R., detailing the fishing versatility.

ATV riding: Nearby trails connect to camping areas for ATV enthusiasts. "Quiet little place, far enough away from too many things to make you feel like you're in town but anything you need is a hop skip and jump away. Paved walking and biking trails and hundreds of miles of ATV trails connected right to the rv park," notes Elijah R. about Trails Inn Quadna Mountain Motel & RV Campground.

What campers like

Private sites for tents: Tent campers appreciate the secluded spots available in certain areas. "The back pack sites are GREAT! Totally private and there is a little shed on at the site (pictured) that came stocked with fire wood! I couldn't believe it," shares Amber S. about Savanna Portage State Park Campground, noting the unexpected amenities.

Free canoe camping: The Blackberry Campsite on the Mississippi River offers exceptional value for paddlers. "To date, this is the best campsite I've ever seen... in addition to other lovely amenities, had a pile of firewood in a useful 'shelter' with a little roof to help keep it from the rain. There was also a peg hook with a saw!" writes Amy G., describing the thoughtful setup.

Winter access: Some dispersed sites in state forests remain available during colder months when developed campgrounds close. "It's quiet and deep in. Good luck. No amenities," notes Skip H. about Hill River State Forest, emphasizing its year-round suitability for experienced campers.

What you should know

Bug preparedness: Insect activity varies dramatically by season and location. "We did one overnight at Savanna Portage State Park with my young children. The bugs were pretty intense, a lot of mosquitoes, flies, and several wood ticks, so we recommend a screen tent for eating," advises Elissa W., highlighting the need for proper protection.

Varying road conditions: Access to some dispersed camping requires appropriate vehicles. "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," cautions Skip H. about Hill River State Forest, addressing important access considerations.

Dam noise considerations: Campsites near water control structures experience consistent background sounds. "Only downfall is noise from trains and traffic on Hwy 2," mentions Nathan R. about Pokegama Dam Campground, noting this potential drawback for light sleepers.

Tips for camping with families

Playground accessibility: Sandy Lake COE Recreation Area provides recreation options for children. "The dam was cool to see and the playground was cute for the kids," shares Stacy M., noting attractions beyond just camping spaces.

Beach locations: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas for families. "Loon lake has a nice little 'park' with a beach so that is great for families," explains Scott M. about Savanna Portage State Park, highlighting water recreation opportunities.

Spacing for groups: Some sites accommodate multiple tents or larger family setups. "We ended up moving to a new site, which they typically use for a group site and was much better to allow us to spread out and they even allowed us to park two vehicles up there," reports Elissa W., describing flexible arrangements for families.

Tips from RVers

Seasonal site options: Schoolcraft State Park Campground offers quiet spots for longer stays. "About a 25 minute drive west of Grand Rapids, MN, Schoolcraft State Park is a less-often visited park that makes up for its lack of hiking trails and in-park amenities with cozy, quiet charm," explains Meg W., noting its uncrowded nature even during holidays.

Electric hookup locations: Several campgrounds offer powered sites for RVs. "My friend and I go here about twice a year. It is an excellent Campground that cost around $26 a night there is on-site electricity but not water or sewer there are several stations close by then you can hook a hose to and fill," explains Melinda S. about Pokegama Dam, detailing the partial hookup arrangement.

Dump station access: Facilities for waste disposal vary between campgrounds. "The sites are level gravel pads. On the water sites have no beach shoreline lots of cattails," notes Stephen L. about Pokegama Dam Campground, highlighting the practical site conditions RVers should consider.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Hill City, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Hill City, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 153 campgrounds and RV parks near Hill City, MN and 11 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Hill City, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hill City, MN is Hill River State Forest with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hill City, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Hill City, MN.

What parks are near Hill City, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Hill City, MN that allow camping, notably Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake and Mississippi River Headwaters - Cross Lake.