9 campgrounds with availability next weekend
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."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $25 - $425 / night
"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"
Available next weekend
from $50 / night
"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."
Available next weekend
from $25 - $35 / night
"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."
Available next weekend
from $24 - $250 / 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!"
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $26 / night
"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
"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
ScoutVery nice campground. Sites are level and well marked. Picnic tables in good shape. Fire rings. Bathrooms and showers are good. Propane available is very nice. And reasonably priced. Staff is very friendly and knowledgeable
LegendAmazing bike trails, really quiet but it is off season, surrounded by natural beauty
TravelerVault toilet. Oak lake level on the lake. Across the road up the hill nice spot overlooking lake.
Guide*Can reach from North Country Trail
Backpack Site#5 is a peaceful, secluded campsite located on the shore of McKay Lake along the Deer Park Trail in Itasca State Park. The site is approximately 2.5 miles from the Aiton Fire Tower parking lot, making it a manageable hike while still providing the feeling of being well away from the busier areas of the park. The campsite has a beautiful lakeside setting, with the shore of McKay Lake only about 10 feet from the site. This makes it a great spot to relax by the water and enjoy the quiet surroundings. The site is equipped with a bear box and fire ring, along with a bucket for completely extinguishing your campfire. There is also a simple three-sided vault toilet nearby. Fallen trees and dead wood are abundant in the surrounding area, providing plenty of potential campfire wood where gathering is permitted. One unexpected bonus was finding a deck of cards in the bear box, a nice little addition for passing the time around camp after a day on the trail. Overall, Backpack Site#5 offers a great combination of accessibility and solitude. With a relatively short 2.5-mile hike, a campsite almost directly on McKay Lake, basic backcountry amenities, and plenty of surrounding forest, it is an excellent choice for an overnight backpacking trip in Itasca State Park.
ScoutIt's a super simple campsite. Nothing fancy but it's exactly what you need if you a peaceful weekend.
GuideNice campground in MN. Large spots in a forest. Fairly private. Access to Leech Lake is the primary draw. Campground mostly full of folks towing boats. Large centrally located bathrooms and showers along with laundry room (believe it was complementary). All very clean. Some large group sites available ( a family reunion was going on while we were there). Would stay again
GuideWhat a great find! We arrived on a Monday and were the only ones in the campground for 3 days. Mix of lakefront and wooded sites. Sites are very large and private. We stayed in site 29, perfect lake views from our hammock. Easy walk to the dock for kayaking and fishing was amazing. Highly recommend if you are in the area.
GuideBig camp spots. Clean facilities
GuideThis little spot was perfect for a one-night sleep. The two shelters down the path are easy to walk to, across a bridge. Needs some obvious upkeep. I did not stay back there, rather parked in the circle drive and camped there. Access to a picnic table and fire ring from parking area. No hook-ups, one very very sketchy outhouse near the shelters, shaded w/ sun patch for solar/starlink, no cell service.
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.
Keep Exploring
