Laporte is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Laporte is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Discover great camping spots near Laporte, reviewed by campers like you.
"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."
"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. "
"There is also another Gulch Lake Campground here, but this one that I reviewed is the GROUP camp. It's right on the trail, but don't let that deter you."
"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."
"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."
$26 / night
"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!"
$18 / night
"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"
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The lakes are clear and pristine, and far from crowds although within an easy drive of Akely, Bemidji, Itasca and Park Rapids."
$17 / night
"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."
"I had a fun time on this lake. Really close to the shores of leach lake which is good for fishing"
ScoutThis 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.
TravelerPerhaps 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.
GuideThe 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.
LegendItasca 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. My advise is to start your day as early as possible. We went to the Mississippi Headwaters at around 8:15 am & had the place to ourselves. The gift shop isn't open yet, but when we went later for ice cream the place was hopping! The Wilderness Drive is a must see as well. There's some short hikes & a lot of wild beauty. They have a fire tower you can climb.
Biking is very popular & there's a dedicated bike path on the Wilderness Drive which is about 10 miles.
There's a lodge & restaurant.
Two visitor centers.
There are 2 campgrounds- Pine Ridge& Bear Paw. Electric sites only. I think it was$35 a night. There is a dump.
We were in Bear Paw site 37E. Frankly, I liked Bear Paw campground better, even though it's smaller. By the lake, but no sites are ON the lake.
Lakeview sites are 63, 67, 68, 69,& 70. There's good access to the bike trail. There's a path down to the lake, so if you have a kayak you can drag it down.
We were across from the bath house. It's very nice & clean! Showers are push button. Not too hot.
Pine Ridge we did a short drive thru. The campground registration office is there. We were told we didn't have to register if we we had an on line registration. No tags.
Pine Ridge had several loops, but we just went down the Spruce Loop. The sites looked flat & shaded. I didn't note any particular site.
We really enjoyed our stay & wished we could have added a couple more nights!
ScoutThe experience was good but they look down on special breeds of dogs.
TravelerIt’s what camping should be. Wooded between sites. Peaceful. Ahhhhh!
ScoutGreat 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. Loving it here.
GuideThere are 5 or 6 nonreservables sites here. Great for biking the Migizi and Paul Bunyan. Sites are spacious enougha and provate for the most part. 1 of 3 bathrooms were open and only 2 showers.
GuideThere are several obvious homeless sites here. People from the local tribe can stay here for free with no time limit. It wouldn't be a problem, but several sites look like homeless encampments. If you've seen a homeless encampment you know what I mean. If they were clean I wouldn't complain. This loop has electric, so this is where they stay.
Camping near Laporte, Minnesota, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Laporte, Minnesota, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
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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