227 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping in the Laporte, Minnesota area centers around the Paul Bunyan State Forest, which offers both established and dispersed camping opportunities. Gulch Lake Campground provides primitive tent sites with vault toilets and water pumps, while Little Gulch Lake offers canoe-accessible campsites for those seeking more remote experiences. The region includes a mix of campground options ranging from basic forest service sites to more developed facilities at nearby Itasca State Park, where Bear Paw and Pine Ridge campgrounds provide cabin accommodations alongside traditional tent and RV camping.
Road conditions within Paul Bunyan State Forest can be challenging, particularly for those pulling trailers or driving larger vehicles. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from May through October, with limited winter access. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, particularly at more remote sites like Little Gulch Lake. The landscape features numerous lakes connected by hiking trails, including segments of the North Country Scenic Trail that wind through the forest. One visitor noted, "The campsite might become my go-to for a peaceful last-minute escape. The campsites are very wooded and private and situated along trails and the lakes."
Several campgrounds in the area feature water access, making them popular with kayakers, canoeists, and anglers. Lake Twentyone Watercraft Site provides rustic waterfront camping with dedicated canoe and kayak access points. Visitors frequently mention the pristine lakes and abundant wildlife, with loons and frogs creating a natural soundtrack at many campsites. While amenities are limited at most Paul Bunyan State Forest locations, nearby Walker and Bemidji offer supplies and services. For those seeking more developed facilities, Trails RV Park provides full hookups, a swimming pool, and access to the Heartland and Paul Bunyan bike trails. A camper described Gulch Lake as "pristine and remote" with "small campground, and quite rustic so if that's what you're looking for this is the ticket."
"Itasca State Park Minnesota This park is a gem in Minnesota State Parks! Just beautiful. Although we only had 1 day we managed to pack a lot into it."
"The Bear Paw campground is one of two main traditional drive-in campgrounds at Lake Itasca State Park."
from $25 - $425 / night
Check Availability"We camped with three other families at Pine Ridge Campground and had sites next to one another. It was awesome to be just a path away from our friends."
"Itasca State Park is a jewel in the state park system of Minnesota, and the park’s Pine Ridge campground is where hordes and crowds of visitors stay when visiting it in summer."
from $25 - $35 / night
Check Availability"The campsites are very wooded and private and situated along trails and the lakes. Small campground, and quite rustic so if that's what your looking for this is the ticket. "
"The Gulch Lake campground is a typical state forest campground, simpler and smaller and quieter than a state park campground but with the advantage of being close to several beautiful and pristine lakes"
from $50 / night
Check Availability"It is accessible to the Heartland and Paul Bunyan Bike Trails. Walker is a cute little town - only 4 miles away by bike on the trails. The campground has a nice swimming pol and laundry facilities."
"We had a full h u Campsite the pool was beautifull and the Biketrail near by the RV park . A very good Restaurant nearby . From the Campground to Walker City 4 Miles We come back"
"Campsite near the beach is recommended. There is a private rocky section away from the crowded beach. Our pup loved running out here and taking a swim by himself.
- The bog walk is a great hike!"
"The park is an oasis of well preserved old growth northwoods forest, which you can experience on foot or by bike on miles of trails along the lake, into the woods, and on boardwalks into the bogs."
from $24 - $250 / night
Check Availability"Good spot close to Walker MN. Site location does matter. Waterfront sites are amazing we stay on the back side away from the beach. Well maintained and quiet."
"There are two different locations within walking distance to beach your boat overnight within the campsite. Will definitely be going back!"
from $26 / night
Check Availability"My only complaint was lots of people driving by in vehicles and ATVs, but that's a personal preference as I am trying to find some peace in solitude. I arrived on a Friday and left on a Tuesday."
"About a 10-15 min drive from main road and there are more campsites to find further in"
"This watercraft campsite is right in the water with a rustic access for your canoe or kayak, not far from the actual landing and parking lot It is tucked a bit back off the trail and sheltered on two"
from $18 / night
Check Availability"maps/state_forests/sft00038.pdf)
The lakes are clear and pristine, and far from crowds although within an easy drive of Akely, Bemidji, Itasca and Park Rapids."
"Although you may get some noise from RVs with generators, we visited in late september, and there were enough sites to choose from that we could be away from that noise."
"Outside toilets are clean. This is a quiet camp ground. The site includes a table and fire ring. There is no place to dock your boat over night. Keep in mind these sites are only $14 a night."
from $17 / night
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TravelerI have to say, it smelled so much like a dirty, stagnant fish tank that I couldn't handle it and had to find another spot. It was so lovely upon arriving, I thought I had found a good spot, but the stench was unbearable as soon as I opened my door.
TravelerI loved this spot!! I included an aerial view of where my chosen site was on the maps.
My only complaint was lots of people driving by in vehicles and ATVs, but that's a personal preference as I am trying to find some peace in solitude. I arrived on a Friday and left on a Tuesday. The weekend was the busiest, which was expected. A family used the campsite during the day to put their kayaks in the water. They were so sweet, and the kids even brought me back a boquet of flowers they picked. Another family showed up with some fourwheelers for a bit as well. Everyone I encountered was very friendly!
There are wild blackberries growing on site! And a bunny came by every single night to have dinner, and bunnies are a good sign for me.
AND there is an outhouse!! Directly across the road from the campsite is a slightly overgrown path. Follow that (not a very long walk), and bring your own toilet paper!
TravelerThere's a camera hanging in the trees. Personally, it made me uncomfortable, so I left.
If the camera hadn't been there, I would have stayed. This spot was nice and secluded, off the main road, access to the water, and had a fire ring.
Picnic tables are there but broken. They may be usable without their benches
ScoutLow humidity and 75 degrees mid August. Low clearance vehicles will drag getting here. The big site at the end of road is big enough to call it two or three sites. Smaller site 100.00 yards before end of road is perfect for one vehicle and a tent
GuideNice little park with four hookups. Maybe six, I'm not sure, but four for sure. Bathrooms with showers. $30/night with hookups, $15/night without. They also have potable water and a dump station, which they charge for. Gotta pay cash though I guess a check will work.
GuideThis is a large and popular developed campground. With camping options for a variety of campers. There are sites with both water and electric, some with just electric, and some without either. Do not expect quiet or solitude. This is a busy place. There are 2 shower houses with restrooms. Only 1 vault toilet. There are water spigots. There was only one boat launch in operation. The only garbage is by the park entrance. The biggest fault is the lack of facilities for the size of the campground. That being said the sites are spacious, shaded, and well maintained. This is a great place for boating and the beaches are nice and one is dog friendly. Staff are friendly and helpful.
TravelerNice walking/hiking trails. More space between sites in the upper loops.
GuideThe campground is a spacious wooded area right beside one of many channels leading to the lake. The sites are well spread out. The sunsets here are breathtaking.
ScoutTami and Rob are great hosts and they have a beautiful campground. They have a heated pool and spa. It’s mostly seasonal campers but they are a friendly bunch. We loved our time there and hated to leave, but we’ll be back!
Camping sites near Laporte, Minnesota center around the Paul Bunyan State Forest, with elevations ranging from 1,300 to 1,500 feet throughout the region's glacial moraine landscape. The forest encompasses over 105,000 acres of mixed hardwood and conifer forest containing dozens of lakes connected by forest roads. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-80°F with higher humidity, while fall brings cooler temperatures and vibrant leaf displays.
Paddling chain lakes: The Little Gulch Lakes chain offers pristine waters for non-motorized watercraft exploration. "This is a great destination for canoeing or kayaking from lake to lake, all along a unique glacial moraine with deep quiet forests, plenty of wildlife, and crystal clear water in narrow but very deep glacial lakes," notes a visitor to Little Gulch Lake canoe campsite.
North Country Trail hiking: Sections of this National Scenic Trail wind through the forest near many campgrounds. "There is a high bluff at the end of Nelson Lake along the NCT that has AMAZING views about a mile hike from the campground," reports a camper at Gulch Lake.
Fishing inland lakes: The smaller forest lakes offer less pressured fishing. The substrate of the Little Gulch Lakes "favors small mouth bass, which are fun to angle for but are fairly uncommon for this neck of the woods!" according to one forest visitor.
Waterfront access: Lake Twentyone offers designated sites for water enthusiasts. "Sites are primitive. No electric or water. Toilets are vault toilets, no showers. Stayed at a nice waterfront site great for having kayaks and paddle boards," says a camper at Lake Twentyone Watercraft Site.
Quiet weekday camping: The state forest campgrounds provide peaceful experiences especially mid-week. "Great campground. Very quiet during the week. Most sites are separated by trees and vegetation. Out of 39 sites, 4 are currently occupied and none can see each other," notes a visitor to Mantrap Lake Campground.
Fall colors: The mixed forest provides spectacular autumn displays. "I visited Gulch Lake campground October of 2019. The leaves could not have been more beautiful. The outhouses were clean... We spent all day hiking through the crowds at Itasca (about 15 minutes down the road) and learned that we had the best most secluded hiking right next door."
Limited cell service: Most forest campsites have poor connectivity. "I have verizon and there is no cell service at this sight. There were some bars closer to where you drive in but still nothing great," reports a camper at Little Gulch Lake.
Forest road conditions: Many campsites require driving on unpaved roads. "The road can also be pretty tough so be prepared if your pulling a trailer," notes a visitor to Gulch Lake. Forest roads may become impassable during heavy rain or spring thaw.
Bug preparation: The lakes and forests create ideal mosquito habitat. "It is extremely buggy and there's a large wasp nest/ tunnel system on the ground near the fire pit," cautions one visitor to Little Gulch Lake. Biting flies can also be problematic: "We were plagued by biting flies. It became unbearable at times," notes a visitor to Stony Point.
Bike-friendly options: Several parks offer dedicated cycling paths. "The state park that houses the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Miles of great biking and hiking trails, good fishing opportunities. Good sites and clean shower facilities," writes a visitor to Bear Paw Campground.
Swimming beaches: Seek out campgrounds with designated swim areas. "The small, sandy beach is clean and provides a large swimming area. The boat ramp is convenient and easy to use, also free," notes a Stony Point visitor.
Alternative accommodations: The region offers cabin options for families wanting more shelter. "This campground is beautiful. Bring your bike because everything to see and do is quite a hike if you walk. There are a lot of trails that are perfect for biking. Wish we could spend more time here."
Hookup locations: For full-service camping, seek specific parks. "We were in site 37E. Frankly, I liked Bear Paw campground better, even though it's smaller. By the lake, but no sites are ON the lake," shares a visitor to Pine Ridge Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Many RV sites close by mid-October. "This campground is in Paul Bunyan State Forest. First come, first serve. No ATVs are allowed, perfect if you have young kids on bikes. There are no hook ups at all. Must have a generator for power. Water is available but not at every site."
Dump station access: Plan for waste disposal before arrival. "We had a full h u Campsite the pool was beautifull and the Biketrail near by the RV park. A very good Restaurant nearby. From the Campground to Walker City 4 Miles."
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Mantrap Lake Campground near Laporte?
Mantrap Lake Campground offers similar amenities to other campgrounds in the region like Gulch Lake which provides basic facilities including water access and toilets. Many campgrounds around Laporte typically include picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. While specific Mantrap amenities aren't detailed in reviews, nearby Winnie Campground features both lakeside and wooded sites with spacious camping areas. For more developed amenities, you might need to check with the campground directly as facilities in the area range from primitive to those with electrical hookups.
How do I make reservations at Mantrap Lake Campground in Laporte?
To make reservations at Mantrap Lake Campground, you'll likely need to follow a process similar to other area campgrounds. For comparison, reservations at Leech Lake Recreation Area & Campground can be made through their official reservation system, typically requiring advance booking during peak summer months. Similarly, Shores Of Leech Lake Campground offers reservable sites. For Mantrap Lake specifically, check with the managing agency (likely county, state, or federal) for their reservation window, which typically opens 3-6 months in advance. Many Minnesota campgrounds allow online bookings or phone reservations.
What recreational activities are available at Mantrap Lake near Laporte?
Mantrap Lake offers excellent recreational opportunities similar to those at Stony Point near Walker. The lake provides prime fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. Paddling enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking and canoeing in the peaceful waters. Hiking trails likely circle portions of the shoreline, offering scenic views and wildlife watching opportunities. The surrounding area, comparable to what's found near Itasca State Park, provides additional outdoor activities including bird watching, photography, and seasonal berry picking. During winter months, the region typically offers snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing depending on conditions.
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