Paul Bunyan State Forest contains numerous dispersed camping options that cost nothing to visitors. Located in north-central Minnesota approximately 25 miles north of Horton, the area sits at roughly 1,400 feet elevation with dense pine forests and glacial lakes dotting the landscape. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, while summer brings 70-80°F days with frequent rainfall, creating damp forest conditions where mosquitoes thrive from May through September.
What to do
Paddling chain lakes: Little Gulch Lake offers a unique boat-in campsite on a peninsula with several interconnected waterways. "The lakes are clear and pristine, and far from crowds although within an easy drive of Akely, Bemidji, Itasca and Park Rapids. This is a great destination for canoeing or kayaking from lake to lake, all along a unique glacial moraine with deep quiet forests," notes Janet R.
Trail hiking: The North Country Trail runs through many of the forest's camping areas and offers multiple day-hiking options. At Woodtick Trail Dispersed Camp, one camper found "a superb little spot about 20 yards down the main trail, just off the campsite, that has a cute little boardwalk that would be ideal to sit on with a cup of coffee and watch the colors of the sky change as the sun comes up."
Biking access: The Paul Bunyan Trail connects to several free camping sites, making it perfect for bike-packing adventures. At Paul Bunyan Trail Canoe Campsite, Brittany reports, "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. Got there around 3PM, set up camp and then rode into Pine River for his birthday dinner."
What campers like
Solitude and quiet: Many campers appreciate the remote locations at free camping areas near Horton. At Spider Lake Trail, campers enjoy the isolation: "Surrounded by nature. Very quiet, no sounds of vehicles or people. Campsite was well taken care of. The site is smaller. It does over look a tiny little lake with bird life."
Camping accessibility: Shingobee Recreation Area provides camping options with minimal hiking required. Amy G. notes, "This little campsite is lovely because it's not too far from things, but far enough away that you feel like you are in the woods... If you have little ones that you are trying to 'wean' into camping, this would be a great place to take them to get a feel for the woods."
Winter access: Several sites work well for cold-weather camping. One reviewer observed about Shingobee, "My husband said it would be a great winter camping site, as it's more sheltered in the trees than some sites are. Plus...in the winter, this trail is groomed for Cross Country Skiing, so it would be super accessible as a camp if you were skiing."
What you should know
Water sources: Most dispersed camping areas require visitors to bring their own drinking water. At Little Gulch Lake campsite, "There is no well or pump or other water source at this campsite, and though the water is basically clear and clean you should either bring your own water jug or plan to boil or filter the nearby lake water as there is a lot of beaver activity in the area."
Wildlife encounters: Beaver activity is common in many lake areas, and insects can be problematic. One camper at Halverson Trail Camp found it "very nice area with a water access, fire pit and outhouse. About a 10-15 min drive from main road," though other nearby sites report significant bug issues during summer months.
Road noise: Sites close to roadways may experience traffic sounds. A Woodtick Trail camper reported, "Because the site is so close to a main road, I did hear quite a bit of road 'chatter' from the cars all through the night. It wasn't bad if you are used to city sounds, but if you live deep in the heart of nature, it could be a bit of a bother."
Tips for camping with families
Starter sites: Some dispersed sites work better for children's first camping experiences. "This free site is a very short walk from a parking area/trailhead. Because it's on the NCT, the trail that passes the camp is extremely well maintained and groomed, not to mention super wide! If you have little ones that you are trying to 'wean' into camping, this would be a great place," notes one Shingobee camper.
Group accommodations: Several sites can handle multiple tents. "Across the trail (directly across from the camp) is a small little meadow type area that would be a perfect spot for 'overflow' tents, if you have more in your group than the site can take. I wouldn't recommend a party...but if you have a family unit with a few tents, this would work really well."
Vehicle access: Paul Bunyan State Forest Dispersed offers large drive-in sites for family convenience. Pamela N. found it a "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."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups: No dispersed sites in Paul Bunyan State Forest provide electrical, water, or sewer connections. Campers must be fully self-contained.
Size restrictions: Most free camping sites near Horton accommodate only small trailers or vans. At Little Gulch Lake, "It would have room for a small trailer or two to drive in, but of course there are no hook ups of any kind as this is a backcountry location."
Parking limitations: Some areas have restricted vehicle access. At Spider Lake Trail, one visitor noted, "Biggest negative is there is no parking lot. Must park on road."
