Do you enjoy camping but don't want to rough it? Glamping is a great option. Camping has always been a favorite form of travel for many, but Laporte, MN glamping is a new and unique way to do it. The Dyrt makes it easy to find glamping for your Laporte adventure.
Located on a private island in beautiful Lake Belle Taine in Minnesota’s northern lake country, Campers’ Paradise is a unique, destination campground. The perfect destination for your family vacation, reunion or to utterly relax on Island time. Generations of campers return year after year to swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Belle Taine, sun on the sandy beaches, catch that “photo fish,” roast marshmallows over a blazing campfire, gaze at the shimmering northern lights, and just relax, relax, relax.
Cass Lake Loop is part of the Norway Beach Recreation Area on beautiful Cass Lake in north central Minnesota. Visitors enjoy the area for its excellent boating and fishing opportunities.
Cass Lake offers many recreational activities, including boating, canoeing, water skiing and swimming. Anglers fish for walleye, Northern pike, perch and trophy muskie. A boat ramp is nearby. Star Island, in the middle of Cass Lake, is a unique feature of the Chippewa National Forest. Six miles of trails wind around the island, which is home to 199-acre Lake Windigo. Hiking and biking trails are available in the area, including the Migizi Bike Trail and the Norway Beach Trail. The Norway Beach Visitor Center is nearby. This building, with its magnificent fireplace, is a monument to the talents and craftsmanship of Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) enrollees. Programs and displays depict Dakota and Ojibway heritage and the area's flora and fauna. Special annual events are held at the center including a Kids Fishing Day in June, Bald Eagle Day in July and Smokey Bear's Birthday Party in August. Interpretive programs are offered Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
The campground is located on the banks of Cass Lake, among a scenic forest of mature red and white pine. Cass Lake is the largest of eight lakes that make up the Cass Lake Chain of Lakes. The lake covers nearly 16,000 acres and has 27 miles of forested shoreline and sandy beaches.
The town of Cass Lake, Minnesota is 4 miles west of the campground, offering restaurants, a bank, grocery and hardware stores, a movie theater and museum.
$14 / night
$19 / night
$52 / night
Legend
CAMPGROUND REVIEW
Itasca State Park is a primo destination in northern Minnesota for folks interested in exploring the headwaters of the Mississippi River. There are several campgrounds, group camps, cabins and lodge accomodations in the park that suit most visitors. But for folks who want a wilderness experience while at the headwaters, there are miles of wilderness trails in the backcountry area on the southern end of the park—and there are campsites and Adirondack shelters scattered throughout the myriad glacial lakes of this backcountry, enough so that you could backpack by foot or on snowshoes or cross country skis for a week through the territory, staying at a different lakes every night. April in Minnesota means we are still winter camping—but despite the snow, the sun is bright and warm, and it is great to get out into it. The park is at its peak of solitude in the winter, but if you can find a way to get to a campsite, they are open and reservable. This review is for Remote Campsite 11, located on an isthmus between Coffee Break Lake and Deer Park Lake. It is a several mile hike in from the nearest parking areas, either via Mary Kake and the Ozawindib Trail, or via the Deer Park Trail from Douglas Lodge. The trail is rolling and maintained for cross country skiers, snowshoers and snowhikers in the winter. This campsite is located just past the Ozawindib Adirondack Shelter, which is a good backup if its too windy or cold at the campsite. The campsite itself is down a hill by the lakeshore, between two lakes actually, on a rise that overlooks both. There is an additional campsite nearby on the south end of Deer Park Lake, campsite 10. There is a tent pad sheltered under the tall pines (and currently under the snow!) as well as a fire ring and an outhouse. There is no water provided, but a large bucket is available, so you can get lake water and filter it, or melt snow or bring your own. This is a great location for folks who like winter camping as the trek in is only a few miles, I was able to do it easily carrying a backpack of gear on my back, and a front pack with my dog when she got tired if trudging through the snow. And of course it is an easy hike in during the milder snow-free seasons. The site is scenic, pristine, and largely sheltered from the wind. The vista north over Coffee Break Lake would be awesome for viewing northern lights, this is a dark sky part of the park. It can get a little muddy in the transition season, including around the campfire area, so we hung out at the Adirondack shelter nearby and did our cooking there.
To see a map and reserve a back country campsite at Itasca, check this link:
https://reservemn.usedirect.com/MinnesotaWeb/Facilities/AdvanceSearch.aspx
For more info on Remote Camping in Minnesota State Parks, see this link: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/remote_camping.html
For general info on Itasca State Park, go to the homepage: www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00181#homepage
PRODUCT REVIEW
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I ocasionally get camping products to test out. Today I am testing Mountain House Southwest Breakfast Hash https://www.mountainhouse.com/m/product/spicy-southwest-breakfast-hash.html
Mountain House makes lightwieght, freeze-dried trail meals that are "cooked" in their own pouches using only boiling water. The sealed pouches are durable and lightwieght to carry, and the no-fuss no-muss prep of adding boiling water and letting it stand for 4 minutes in the re-sealable pouch is really easy. Since I was carrying my gear on my back, and carrying my tired little dog in a front pack carrier, I certainly didnt want to have extra weight! But these meal pouches are so light you hardly know you are carrying them. This pouch of SW breakfast hash had more than enough for two people plus some leftover for the dog, we served it up on tortillas that we had also packed, but you could eat it straight up. The hash featured beans, corn, potatoes, veggies and shredded beef for a well rounded complete meal as is, but you could extend the servings by scrambling it with eggs to dish up for a larger group. The taste and texture were surprisingly good, tasty without being too spicy, and I would defintiely buy this again. See our video review at https://youtu.be/nB9lBmjUsqU
Legend
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. The park is very quiet and lightly used in winter, but wow, its the best time of year! The paths to famous spots like the headwaters of the Mississippi River and the visitor centers are plowed and maintained, and there are myriad groomed trails from cross country skiing and snow shoeing. A lot of people go ice fishing too. There is not a big demand for camping so mist if the campsites are closed, but Pine Ridge does maintain a selection of campsites with hookups for those who do want to venture forth. The campground bath houses are closed for the winter and water is shut off, but you can car camp and rv with hookups if you want, or tent camp if you know how to do so comfortably in winter and dint mind using outhouses in the campground. There is running water and regular bathrooms at the main visitor’s center so that is an option, but several miles drive from the winter campsites. So, bottom line, come prepared with all your own supplies, and make sure you know how to stay warm if car or tent camping. A winter visit to the park is well worth it!
Scout
Nice campground nestled under the tall norway pine trees. Some campsites are next to the lake which gives you views of beautiful sunsets.
GuideLots of space and we had a neighbor who you can hardly see..some sites are closer than others. Been there now 3 times and stayed in 3 different loops. The shower rooms have probably 15 sites per showering area.
GuideLarge sites will fit RVs and tents, picnic tables and fire pits with cooking grates, clean restrooms with running water, flush toilets and showers! Lake right there for recreating, bike trail. Campground Host on site. Firewood and ice for sale nearby.
Scout
Such a fun, family, lakes, fishing, water sports, party place to be!!!
TravelerLittle hard to find. It is on Stony Point Camp Road NW. It is 13 miles NE of Walker, MN on Leech Lake. Very nice campground. Electricity, dump station, nice showers, water, boat landing and fish cleaning shed. Be careful with water as a lot of the faucets are not potable. Just a few potable and they are marked so pay attention. We parked across from a potable but didn’t want people driving on hose so put a little in fresh water tank and rolled hose up. A large Pusher will have trouble but I seen people doing it. People are friendly and quiet. Camp sites are large with lots of large trees, a little on the rustic side which is what I look for. I would stop again. Campground dismissed maintaining August 2019 due to virus and lack of help. Showers closed. I would check ahead of time. Sadly this is happening nation wide due to the virus.
GuideWe stayed last year at their campground (tent area) and had a wonderful time and returned again this year this time renting a cabin. The tent area is limited they do have electricity and close to bathrooms (with showers) They have many RV spots, cabins and tent grounds. There is a restaurant, beach/playground, indoor pool, game room and boat launch/marina where you can rent boats/pontoons and peddle boats. Our family has had a great time each time and is where we will always return to in the future.
Traveler
This place is so beautiful and very well kept! There are beachside paths right to the lake from your campsite. Surrounded by trees so shaded and privacy. Im a single female traveling and feel totally safe! Will be visiting again
LegendI didn’t plan on staying here. The name caught our attention just when we needed a rest. A friendly visitor center and quite the trail along the beach and we found a site.
Sites with beach access were taken so we chose one away from the crowd. We had half the campground to ourselves. Site 127 was right across from the restroom and still was large and private. We had plenty of space after setting up the teardrop and screen room. Walk down the road and access to the boat launch and bike trail we’re easily accessible. The loud family group on the other side didn’t bother us. It did look like many sites were reserved but many had no marker.
We hiked 5 miles of the bike trail along with some foot-only ones. We passed cyclists and jet skiing family groups. It’s down the road from town - also bike-able.
We’re glad we found this campground. It would be a perfect family beach getaway.
GuideSites are all wooded. We stayed in Chippewa Loop. No water hookup at the sites, you have to fill up at the various spigots around the park. Showers are hot, but the shower rooms and bathrooms are old and worn out. Relatively clean, just..well…OLD.
LegendThere's a lot of sites there's somewhat separate and private. Those on the Cass Lakeside have access to really nice beach areas. Really nice bike trails bathrooms were old in the showers are cold but otherwise it was a delightful place to stay for a couple of nights. Interesting you can rent these on the national forest site but also there are some that are not on the site including the one that we stayed at that was available during Memorial Day weekend when everything else was full because you couldn't rent it online.
Scout
Lots of amenities, $60+ /night, guest fees. More open with less “trees and camping” feel so not for everyone but we liked it.
ScoutThe owners go above and beyond to make your stay as comfortable, enjoyable, and safe!
ScoutHave been going to this campground every summer since I was very little. Many amenities, very friendly and helpful staff. My absolute favorite!!!
TravelerWe camp here every summer. It’s very clean. There’s camping for Tents, trailers and motor homes. Plenty of activities for kids. They have a swimming beach, pool, play ground, game room, it’s safe for kids to ride their bikes. Very well managed and friendly. Bathrooms are clean and there’s a laundry room.
Traveler
We spent 5 days there and it was not enough!! This place has beautiful scenery whether you are in an inside lot or on the lake. Staff was very kind and accommodating and shower/bathhouse were well maintained and setup very nice. I highly recommend this place and have already booked for next year and many more to come!!
GuideCampers' Paradise is island camping that you get to by driving across a 1 lane road to get to the island. There are lakefront sites or interior sites but this is as close to beach front camping as you will get in MN! The lake front sites have their own sandy walk in to the water. The sites are separated by trees/brush so you feel that they are really private. There's a nice beach/play area for the kids and the bathrooms are really clean.
ScoutGrew up going here and now take my kids here. Beautiful island with great sites and a crystal clear lake surrounding.
ScoutLots of biking and hiking trails. Really nice bathrooms. Nice beach with water trampolines. Sites are big.
So much fun.
TravelerOn an island private sites some electric No water hook up fill before parking
GuideMy wife and a number of her friends have raved about this place so we booked a site for a week over the 4th of July.
First off, every member of the staff we worked with from reservations to the store were wonderful. They were helpful, courteous and polite but you could tell that they were no nonsense. Personally I appreciate that. It signaled to me that we were dealing with professionals and gave me confidence in the campground.
We got there and I knew we were in for a treat. There is a causeway that leads from mainland to the island and it's such a fun and unique way to get to camp. Check in was smooth and went off without a hitch. The facilities were so very clean and well maintained. There was even easy access to a potable water station to fill out camper.
They were very clear from the get go that campers over a certain size weren't allowed and while ours isn't huge, maybe 30 foot hitch to bumper, I could see why they were so up front. We fit into our site and were able to get around when we needed to but it was certainly snug at times and some sites would be tough for a rookie to back into I think. If you're tenting it you've got no issues.
The facilities were amazing! That isn't hyperbole, they were so very clean and modern that we used them instead of our own camper most of the time. The bathhouse is easily the best I've seen at a campground, there are pit toilets scattered about for convenience and we would see staff stop by a few times a day to clean and stock up.
The beach area is great and nice sand. There are tables with umbrellas and volleyball slides in the water.
They offer various things to rent. We didn't use any of them but I remember the rates were very reasonable and what I could see things looked very well maintained.
The two things that stick out in my mind are the lack of bugs and how reasonably priced firewood was. I don't know if they actively control bugs or if it's just a natural byproduct of their unique location but in the week we were there we never applied bug spray.
We loved our one week there so much that we've asked to be put onto a permanent renewal because we will be going back over and over.
ScoutI stayed for 2 nights. it was beautiful and serene. There is a bear box which was helpful to store food and supplies since I was Hammocking. Great trees for Hammock. I was also able to get internet so I was able to see a big storm coming. The birds and insects were suddenly silent and the clouds came in fast. I was able to check weather apps and go to the shelter a mile toward the parking lot and wait out the storm.
GuideThe trail is a beginner level trail. A couple uphills, but nothing too bad. The campsite is basic. A log to sit on, a fire ring, and spots for 2 or 3 tents. The campsite overlooks a lake. Water is weedy. There is a little trail that brings you down to the lake.
GuideThe trail is a beginner level trail. A couple uphills, but nothing too bad. The campsite is basic. A log to sit on, a fire ring, and spots for 2 or 3 tents. The campsite overlooks a lake. Water is weedy, but is filterable for boiling water. Woke up to trumpeter swans each day. Loved it. There is a little trail that brings you down to the lake to view the bird life. Overall the site is maintained well. Pretty flat and no issues putting in stakes.
LegendWe hiked in and found a site that we wanted, but it was occupied, so while we didn't get to stay there, we would have enjoyed doing so. Seemed a bit more remote than the general campground. Would have been fun to stay. They also have a lodge, but I've never stayed there.
GuideThere are a lot of things to do/see here. Headwaters, fish on lake itaska miles and miles of hiking/biking trails. Now the camping its really nice on weekdays and its ok on weekends but weekends have more kids and noise as expected. The major downfall was the FLIES they were insane there were so many one day we had to go inside just to get away. So plan on some fly deterrent method. This trip tought us we need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Laporte, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Laporte, MN is Pine Ridge Campground — Itasca State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 30 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Laporte, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 glamping camping locations near Laporte, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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