Glamping options near Laporte, Minnesota vary widely by season with most accommodations closed during winter months. The region sits at approximately 1,424 feet above sea level in the Chippewa National Forest area. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during peak season from June to August, creating ideal conditions for water-based activities on the area's numerous lakes.
What to do
Water recreation access: Lake Bemidji State Park offers direct lake access with multiple recreation options. "The lake was absolutely beautiful—perfect for kayaking, fishing, or just relaxing on the shore. There are also picnic areas with plenty of tables, grills, and shade," notes one visitor to Lake Bemidji State Park.
Headwaters exploration: Visit the beginning point of the Mississippi River at Itasca State Park, located 30 minutes from Laporte. "Beautiful state park! Three separate drive-in style campgrounds. Here you can wade across the very beginning of the Mississippi River," shares a camper at Pine Ridge Campground.
Winter activities: Some parks maintain groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing during winter months. At Itasca State Park's backcountry sites, "the trail is rolling and maintained for cross country skiers, snowshoers and snowhikers in the winter," according to a visitor who stayed at the park's remote sites.
Biking opportunities: The region features extensive biking networks connecting many sites. A camper at Lake Bemidji State Park shares, "The park has several different biomes - oak forests, lakeshore, bog, pine forests with lovely hike-walks that can be as long or short as you need."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many glamping locations offer natural separation between accommodations. At Wanaki Campground, "Sites 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," explains a recent visitor.
Island camping experience: Some resorts offer a unique island location accessible by causeway. A visitor to Campers' Paradise notes, "There is a causeway that leads from mainland to the island and it's such a fun and unique way to get to camp. The facilities were so very clean and well maintained."
Wildlife viewing: Backcountry sites provide opportunities for wildlife observation not available at more developed locations. "I stayed for 2 nights. It was beautiful and serene. Woke up to trumpeter swans each day. Loved it," shares a visitor to Itasca State Park's backcountry sites.
Beach amenities: Campgrounds with beaches often provide additional water features. "Nice swimming beach, playground. Picnic shelters, bathrooms and showers are kept clean. Access to bog walks, bike trails. Love this campground. Something to do for all ages," notes a visitor to Lake Bemidji State Park.
What you should know
Site selection considerations: Campground loops have different characteristics affecting the camping experience. At Pine Ridge Campground — Itasca State Park, a camper advises, "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."
Reservation timing: Most glamping accommodations require advance planning, particularly for weekends. A camper at Campers' Paradise reports, "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."
Campground busyness: Some locations maintain a higher occupancy rate during peak season. "A big park with lots of campsites and plenty of campers. Most of the day visitors congregate in a few areas and, by late afternoon, it's not difficult to find some quiet spaces," explains a visitor to Pine Ridge Campground.
Weather impacts: Spring conditions can affect accessibility and comfort. "We were unlucky with our weather and it rained on us the entire time. But we have heard great things and can't wait to come back on a sunnier day!" shares one camper at Pine Ridge Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer expanded recreational facilities beyond standard camping. A visitor to Vagabond Village Campground shares, "We 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."
Educational opportunities: Consider locations with interpretive programming or natural features. "Large open campsite with some great tree cover. Lots of campers, but plenty of access to clean showers and bathrooms. Our kids have loved the bike trails, 2 playgrounds, the beach, and ice cream at the Headwaters!" notes a family at Pine Ridge Campground.
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for potential animal visitors at your campsite. "Campground is not private. Shower houses close by. We had raccoon visitors both nights. Took advantage of the bike trail as a means of travel. Lots of opportunity for foraging," shares a family that stayed at Pine Ridge Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site positioning restrictions: Some campgrounds limit how RVs can be oriented on sites. A visitor to KOA Campground Bemidji notes, "The campground owners/employees were not very accommodating or flexible. We were camping with one other camper and wanted to park with the campers facing each other. We had pull through sites so this was not a problem. The campground however, would not allow this."
Size limitations: Certain glamping locations have strict size restrictions for RVs. At Campers' Paradise, "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."
Hookup availability: Water connections vary between campgrounds. "No water hookup at the sites, you have to fill up at the various spigots around the park," explains an RVer who stayed at Wanaki Campground, highlighting the need to plan accordingly for water needs.
