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Best Campgrounds near Laporte, MN

433 Reviews

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."

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Best Camping Sites Near Laporte, Minnesota (216)

    1. Bear Paw Campground — Itasca State Park

    38 Reviews
    Laporte, MN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 266-2100

    "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."

    2. Gulch Lake

    8 Reviews
    Laporte, MN
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 308-2300

    "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."

    3. Pine Ridge Campground — Itasca State Park

    33 Reviews
    Laporte, MN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 699-7251

    "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."

    4. Trails RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Walker, MN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 547-1138

    "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"

    5. Lake Bemidji State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    Bemidji, MN
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 755-3843

    "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."

    6. Stony Point

    11 Reviews
    Walker, MN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 547-1044

    $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!"

    7. Lake Twentyone Watercraft Site

    2 Reviews
    Laporte, MN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 699-7251

    $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"

    8. Little Gulch Lake canoe campsite

    2 Reviews
    Laporte, MN
    5 miles
    Website

    "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."

    9. Mantrap Lake Campground and Day-Use Area

    5 Reviews
    Nevis, MN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 266-2100

    $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."

    10. Shores Of Leech Lake Campground

    2 Reviews
    Walker, MN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 547-1819

    "I had a fun time on this lake. Really close to the shores of leach lake which is good for fishing"

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Recent Camping Photos near Laporte, MN

117 Photos of 216 Laporte Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Laporte, MN

433 Reviews of 216 Laporte Campgrounds

  • Kyle K.
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Pine Ridge Campground — Itasca State Park

    First time in Itasca Park

    We like the Pine Ridge Campgrounds because of how dense the trees are between campsites compared to Bear Paw Campgrounds. There is also less traffic going on. The only downside is a further walk to showers/bathrooms.

  • Susan W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Jack Pines Resort & Campground

    Road to Mackinac

    A lovely private camping resort. We stayed in the short term, partial hookup area for 2 nights. They also have cabins, a restaurant, an event center (no events while we were there). Showers/ bathrooms which were kept clean. A small playground, games/ books/ movies were available. Set in the woods near Osage MN. We chose it for its proximity to Tamarac NWR. $96 for 2 nights with electric and water seemed quite reasonable. We'd stay here again!

  • 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.

  • Cynthia K.
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Bear Paw Campground — Itasca State Park

    Gem of a state park!

    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. 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!

  • Bri H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Pine Tree Park

    Pine tree grounds

    The experience was good but they look down on special breeds of dogs.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Wanaki Campground

    Gorgeous

    It’s what camping should be. Wooded between sites. Peaceful. Ahhhhh!

  • Tony L.
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Mantrap Lake Campground and Day-Use Area

    Loved it

    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. Loving it here.

Guide to Laporte

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.

What to do:

  • Hiking and biking trails: Explore the many trails in the area. One camper mentioned, “Many bike and walking/hiking trails. Well maintained park,” while another noted, “Great trails to hike. Super nice Visitors Center with great interactive displays to learn about the park,” at Bear Paw Campground — Itasca State Park.
  • Fishing and swimming: Enjoy fishing or take a dip in the lakes. A visitor at Hungry Man Forest Campground said, “I was able to bank fish right from the campsite,” highlighting the great access to fishing spots.
  • Wildlife watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One happy camper at Lake Bemidji State Park Campground shared, “Took many pictures of loons on Mary’s lake.”

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. A reviewer at Pine Ridge Campground — Itasca State Park said, “Men’s bathroom is cleaned twice a day! Showers are clean and water is hot!”
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Leech Lake Recreation Area & Campground mentioned, “This campground has large, nicely spaced sites with lots of mature trees.”
  • Friendly atmosphere: Campers enjoy the welcoming vibe. One camper at Trails RV Park noted, “Everyone at the park seemed nice.”

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes can be a problem: Be prepared for bugs, especially in summer. A camper at Leech Lake Recreation Area & Campground warned, “This would’ve been a great campground right on the lake but the mosquitoes were horrible.”
  • Limited amenities at some sites: Some campgrounds, like Gulch Lake, are more primitive and lack electric hookups and showers. A visitor mentioned, “There are no hookups of any kind.”
  • Reservations may be required: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, so check if you need to book in advance. A camper at Hungry Man Forest Campground said, “Get there early. No sites left at 330 on a Friday.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Look for kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds have playgrounds or swimming areas. A parent at Campers' Paradise said, “There’s a nice beach/play area for the kids.”
  • Choose spacious sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A camper at Stony Point mentioned, “Campsites are spacious. Some sites are first come first serve.”
  • Plan for downtime: Bring games or books for relaxing moments. A visitor at Sunset Pines Campground shared, “Kids loved the heated pool and tether ball!”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Pine Ridge Campground — Itasca State Park noted, “Some sites would be tough for a rookie to back into.”
  • Look for full hookups: If you need them, check for campgrounds with full hookups. A camper at Trails RV Park said, “Full hookups, grassy sites, game barn.”
  • Be mindful of road conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A visitor at Hungry Man Forest Campground advised, “The road can also be pretty tough so be prepared if you’re pulling a trailer.”

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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