Best Camping near McGregor, MN
The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near McGregor. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of McGregor. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Minnesota camping adventure.
Best Camping Sites Near McGregor, MN (143)
1. Jay Cooke State Park Campground
Carlton, Minnesota65 Reviews•280 Photos•334 SavesThe rugged land formations of Jay Cooke State Park enhance the beauty of the hardwood forests and make for great camping near Minneapolis. The water-eroded gorge, steep valleys, and massive rock formations are seen throughout the park. In some seasons, the water of the St. Louis River thunders over slabs of ancient, exposed rock. At other times, it slows to a gentle trickle. Visitors enjoy the scenic splendor of Jay Cooke State Park during all seasons.
Drive-in Sites 79 Sites: Most are wooded sites. In winter, 12 sites are kept available for winter camping. Of these, five are electric sites.
Pull-Through Sites: One Site
Electric Sites: 21 Sites Majority of sites are 20 and 30 amps, some 50 amp.
RV Length Limit: Variable by site up to 60 Feet Length is measured from front of tow vehicle to rear of vehicle being towed.
Wheelchair Accessible Sites: 3 Sites Located near drinking water. Two sites are electric, one is non-electric.
Backpack Sites: 4 Sites Sites are located from 1 to 4 miles from parking area. Each site has picnic table, fire ring and latrine. Campers must haul water or treat water on site. Trail access to these sites has been restored after a 2012 flood, but a few nearby trails remain closed. Please register at the park office for details on how to get to these sites.
Walk-in Sites: 4 Sites Sites are located 50 to 150 feet from parking area.
Group Camp: 2 Sites - Each accommodates up to 25 people Remote, wooded camp with walk-in sites approximately 150' from parking area (limited parking). Carts are provided to carry in camping gear. Water spigot and vault toilets available. Tents only. Lodging
Camper Cabins: 5 Cabins All cabins have a screened porch. Electricity and heat are available year-round. Agate and Basalt cabins are ADA accessible and sleep 5. Slate, Gabbro, and Shale Cabins sleep 6 people. Pets not allowed in cabins. More information on camper cabins.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
2. Savanna Portage State Park Campground
Balsam, Minnesota12 Reviews•59 Photos•38 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
3. Banning State Park Campground
Sandstone, Minnesota34 Reviews•157 Photos•156 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$24 - $34 / night
4. Sandy Lake COE Recreation Area
Turner, Minnesota6 Reviews•12 Photos•11 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$16 - $60 / night
5. Father Hennepin State Park Campground
Isle, Minnesota19 Reviews•66 Photos•65 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
6. Minnesota National RV Park
Turner, Minnesota4 Reviews•27 Photos- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- RVs
$39 - $59 / night
7. Moose Lake State Park Campground
Moose Lake, Minnesota9 Reviews•30 Photos•53 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$30 / night
8. Bergland County Park
Palisade, Minnesota2 Reviews•23 Photos•4 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- RVs
$20 / night
9. Sandy Lake
Turner, Minnesota2 Reviews•20 Photos•28 SavesOverview
The Sandy Lake Dam and Recreation Area is situated at the outlet of Big Sandy Lake in northern Minnesota, 13 miles north of McGregor, MN. The dam is a part of the Mississippi Headwaters Project, one of the first reservoir systems in the country, and the Sandy Lake Dam structure dates back to 1895. Today the grounds have been developed into a park and campground that is noted for its clean, family-friendly environment and access to fishing and boating on both the lake and nearby Mississippi River. It offers the only public campground and beach on Big Sandy Lake. The area is also a part of the historic canoe route that connected the Mississippi River to Lake Superior and major fur trading companies. Artifacts from the area's long history are kept in a small museum located near the dam.
Recreation
Sandy Lake offers many recreational opportunities including camping, boating, swimming, picnicking, birding and hiking. Anglers enjoy fishing the lake and river for Northern pike, walleye, small mouth bass, bluegill, crappie and even catfish. Playgrounds are located on both sides of the dam and are located near the beach and visitor museum areas. The old lock house has been converted into a free small museum containing historical artifacts from the area. Educational programs are offered seasonally and are open to the public.
Natural Features
Big Sandy Lake is a reservoir that was created in the late nineteenth century from the waters of a naturally exisiting lake and the Sandy River. A forest of mixed hardwoods and towering red and white pine covers the area. An abundance of wildlife can be found including bald eagles, white-tail deer, black bears, chipmunks, loons, mink, river otters and many others. Wild rice is harvested from the lake seasonally and wild berries are occasionally found.
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include golf courses, shopping and dining venues, Savannah Portage State Park, Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and many acres of state and county forest land.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
$60 / night
10. True North Basecamp
Crosby, Minnesota9 Reviews•23 Photos•37 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- RVs
Pet-friendly camping near McGregor
Jay Cooke State Park Campground
334 Saves
The rugged land formations of Jay Cooke State Park enhance the beauty of the hardwood forests and make for great camping near Minneapolis. The water-eroded gorge, steep valleys, and massive rock formations are seen throughout the park. In some seasons, the water of the St. Louis River thunders over slabs of ancient, exposed rock. At other times, it slows to a gentle trickle. Visitors enjoy the scenic splendor of Jay Cooke State Park during all seasons.
Drive-in Sites 79 Sites: Most are wooded sites. In winter, 12 sites are kept available for winter camping. Of these, five are electric sites.
Pull-Through Sites: One Site
Electric Sites: 21 Sites Majority of sites are 20 and 30 amps, some 50 amp.
RV Length Limit: Variable by site up to 60 Feet Length is measured from front of tow vehicle to rear of vehicle being towed.
Wheelchair Accessible Sites: 3 Sites Located near drinking water. Two sites are electric, one is non-electric.
Backpack Sites: 4 Sites Sites are located from 1 to 4 miles from parking area. Each site has picnic table, fire ring and latrine. Campers must haul water or treat water on site. Trail access to these sites has been restored after a 2012 flood, but a few nearby trails remain closed. Please register at the park office for details on how to get to these sites.
Walk-in Sites: 4 Sites Sites are located 50 to 150 feet from parking area.
Group Camp: 2 Sites - Each accommodates up to 25 people Remote, wooded camp with walk-in sites approximately 150' from parking area (limited parking). Carts are provided to carry in camping gear. Water spigot and vault toilets available. Tents only. Lodging
Camper Cabins: 5 Cabins All cabins have a screened porch. Electricity and heat are available year-round. Agate and Basalt cabins are ADA accessible and sleep 5. Slate, Gabbro, and Shale Cabins sleep 6 people. Pets not allowed in cabins. More information on camper cabins.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
Savanna Portage State Park Campground
38 Saves
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
Banning State Park Campground
156 Saves
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
$24 - $34 / night
Sandy Lake COE Recreation Area
11 Saves
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
$16 - $60 / night
Father Hennepin State Park Campground
65 Saves
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
Minnesota National RV Park
- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
$39 - $59 / night
Recent Reviews in McGregor
408 Reviews of 143 McGregor Campgrounds
Amy G.
Legend
Mille Lacs Kathio Petaga Campground — Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
Winter camping- very quiet with the electric hookups
This is one campground in Minnesota that offers a handful of electric hookups for winter camping. The beauty of this campground, is that while the campsites available are in a row, there's plenty of space between sites and some of them are even pulled through. Making it easy for RVs to pull in and hook up.
The vault toilet is not easy to find from where the electric openings are in the winter. While these spaces are right next door to a shower house with toilets, this is closed in the winter. The vault toilet is several rows over and down, making it hard to find if you don't already know where it is. But it was clean, and it was available.
The campfire rings seemed clean, and each had a picnic table as well. We loved the pull-through site because then we were a little more protected from the road, although it's not busy this time of year at all. So it was very quiet except for our neighbors, and they didn't make much noise at all.
There are trails nearby that are easily accessible on foot from the campground, and you can make loops that come back to the campground as well.
There are two campgrounds at this park, but this is the one that has availability in the winter time. Ironically, they also have a couple of walk-in spots that are also open this time of year. If you're willing to brave the temps without an electric hookup. Not hard to find, not hard to access, but no electric hookups at these sites.
Tori K.Legend
Jay Cooke State Park Campground
Great backpack site!
such a fun backpack site! The hike in was muddy and buggy as there was quite a bit of rain in the weeks prior to our camping trip. Picnic table, fire ring, and bear locker provided. Site offers great vies of a little beaver pond where you may get to see some wildlife! Site was able to fit 4 backpacking tents, most of which were 2 person size tents, so it is good for a small group. Private latrine a short walk into the woods.
Be sure to check trail conditions as one of the forks that could be taken to the campsite was flooded and closed.
- VValter181
Scout
Grand Casino RV Resort
best place
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David T.
Guide
Trout Lake RV Park and Campground
Very flexible proprietor
I came in late October. As are most of the campsites in upper Minnesota this time of year, the owner told me they were closed. But he was happy to let me stay overnight for a reduced off-season fee. There were no hookups at this time of the year. It's a very pleasant lake. A lot of permanent RVs parked here. It's very quiet, although there is a highway that runs right next to the property. For my very small off-season fee, I got a shower included!
- David T.Guide
Woods 'n Rapids RV Park
This Campground is closed!
I follow the directions to the spot for this campsite. When I got there there was no indication that it was an RV park or Campground. I called the number listed here and got the owner of the former Campground. He told me that it's no longer open.
- TTHERESE
TravelerWhispering Pines Campground
The website for this RV park is broken
The website for this RV park is broken
- TTHERESETraveler
Ripple River Motel & RV Park
This Campground is closed permanently
This Campground is closed permanently
- TTom
Ranger
Moose Lake State Park Campground
Beautiful & Quiet
Very well laid out campground with large sites. Unbelievable AGATE MUSEUM at the main entrance. Men’s bathroom was very clean and showers worked great. Nice well groomed trails, well maintained campsites and campgrounds. Tall pines trail is beautiful, not real long. Nice picnic area on the trail across the blacktop road.
Briana H.Scout
Buffalo Valley Camping
Clean, amazing staff, great bar & grill!
We loved this campground! We didn’t have a long enough hose for the water hookup, so Darrel (the manager) brought one out immediately and we could keep it all night. All the staff was so nice and welcoming. Campground was so clean and nice trails to walk around. The bar & grill had great food and service. 10/10!
- Ioan P.Legend
Red Pine Campground
Most beautiful !
This campground is extremely clean and charming ! Has everything ! Private.
- LLee M.Scout
Clint Converse Campground
Peaceful
Was here every summer in the late eighties and early nineties as a kid with my family and it’s still as nice and peaceful as it was then. I’ll continue to keep coming back every summer
- TTracy B.Guide
Wilderness of MN Campground
Nice camping near Mille Lacs Lake
The campground was nicely maintained. Had a nice pool and friendly seasonal campers. The management and reservation process was less than desirable. Very difficult to get ahold of management and upon arrival they had given our reserved site away to someone else and moved us. Paid for a water/ electric site and were moved to an electric only site and no cost difference or refund offered.
Wayne W.Scout
Knife Island Campground
Tight
Overall a very nice camp for a 4 day. Roads are tight for 30+ rigs. Very rutted. Having a ground guide for the tight parking is a must. Reviews dont mention the 4am horn blowing train. Great time had here.
MickandKarla W.Legend
Minnesota National RV Park
Golf is the Thing Here
As this was our second time here at Minnesota National, we had no problem finding the course or RV park. The RV navigation in our new Ford 450 was also spot on. When you turn in at the golf course, drive all the way to the club house/lodge parking lot and there’s a road to the right that takes you into the campground (CG). As you check-in online prior to arrival, you simply proceed to your camp site. As you turn down the short road to the CG, there’s a sign to help you identify your site location. We proceeded to back-in site 25 with full hook ups. The utilities are in the back of pad in this CG, so you may need 20+ feet of electric, sewer, or water cord/hose depending on your rig’s configuration. The sewer grade is a bit up hill. We got 3 bars LTE on Verizon and no CG WiFi. There is only a vault toilet/out house in the CG. We came here to golf for two weeks. The 18 hole course is quite challenging where the 9 hole Savannah is shorter and a little bit easier. The golf course restaurant has decent food and a good deal on draft beer during their Sunday to Thursday Happy Hours.There is not much more to do here except golf. McGregor is about 15 minutes away and is where we did laundry and got our groceries.
- BBryan P.Guide
Jay Cooke State Park Campground
Hike in site: Highland
The campsite was perfectly good: nice and spacious over looking the river. It is well off the main hiking trail and quite private. The view of the river is heavily obstructed and there really is no easy and safe way down the cliff to the river. Still it is nice to hear the river. You need to bring on drinking water, otherwise you need to go about 1/8 of a mile to a small creek to get filterable water.
The hike in is easy, but once you are off the main trail (the first mile) the trail is grass—be prepared for lots of ticks.
Denny K.Traveler
Crosslake Campground
Bad time
We got to the site and we had low branches asked them to cut them. They said they were at there standards so we had hold it up. Them the site next to us had to have rock concrete us and 4 others called several times nothing
Lindsay T.Guide
Savanna Portage State Park Campground
Savanna Portage Long Weekend
Lovely sites with plenty of trees so most sites are quite private. Mosquitoes are brutal here, especially on the hiking club trail and to a somewhat lesser degree in the campground. We were thankful to have a screen tent for this visit. No Verizon cell service at the campground. Surprisingly good cell service at the Loon Lake area of the park, which also has a beautiful short hike!
- EErin G.Guide
Rum River State Forest Dispersed
Secluded, Quiet, Good Cell Coverage, Bugd
There are many different sites (most just pull offs) in this area! I did see one that was pull through further down game refuge road. The cell service with Verizon is good enough to stream videos and work on your laptop with ease. There aren't too many people in the area, even on a Sunday in July. The bugs are not great but that's just what you're going to get in an area like this one. Overall I would definitely stay here again.
Tracy M.Guide
Moose River ATV - Dispersed Camping
Dirt Parking Lot
Absolutely nothing interesting about this place. It’s just a standard issue dirt lot with a slight incline. Open parking, no sites.
- Tracy M.Guide
Schoolcraft State Park Campground
Hidden Gem
I had the entire park to myself. Beautiful view of the Mississippi River, not far from the headwaters. Enjoyed the sounds of nature as I relaxed in site #6. I took advantage of the on-site fire wood via the Yodel Portal app. Amazed that I had the place to myself.
samuel C.Ranger
Hill River State Forest
Okay
There were a good amount of spots, and I seemed to be the only person. Was a good and secluded. I did hear some weird noises throughout the night, but all was well. It is your average dispersed site. I made it fine with 2wd, just take it slow.
- vvincent W.Guide
Mille Lacs Kathio Petaga Campground — Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
nice Campground in Midsotta
Nice campground. We were dry camping in the RV since there was no water. Still a nice place for a winter getaway. Will go back in the fall!
- SShane D.Guide
Sandy Lake
Small clean park with active host and rangers
Base camp for fishing Big Sandy. Stayed here several times in a tent and a trailer. Nice sites but surrounded by swampy areas so mosquitoes are thick.
Very clean, pay attention to north or south entrance. Have to drive on either end can’t cross the dam with a vehicle.
But firewood before hand as well.
- SShane D.Guide
Pokegama Dam Campground
Pretty little perk right on the water
Small and well maintained park as you would expect for a USACE site. Super clean bathrooms. Level sites and great views of the Mississippi.
Road noise from Hwy 2 is a downside.
- SSara A.Guide
Jay Cooke State Park Campground
Peaceful corner
As a tent camper, i prefer quiet and private sights. The circle this site was part of, was just that. The walk to the updated bathrooms (with showers) is pretty pretty. It was buggy (mosquitoes) but fire and bug spray kept it manageable. The pit toilet next to site 18 had an occasional waft of smell but nothing too lingering or bad.
Emelia O.Guide
Banning State Park Campground
Average State Park
Nice campground well maintained. The water and subsequently bathrooms were not available but this information was available ahead of time of the state park website. The vault toilets were in great shape
- Emelia O.Guide
Jay Cooke State Park Campground
Beautiful Hiking
The site was nice a secluded but still close to water and bathrooms. The downside to this specific site is that it is close to the group camp so it was pretty noisy.
Guide to McGregor
Camping near McGregor, Minnesota, offers a mix of beautiful nature, fun activities, and cozy campgrounds. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.
What to do
- Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails at Savanna Portage State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "I have hiked several of the trails and always see lots of wildlife. It is a great place to go and get lost in the woods."
- Fishing and Boating: At Big Sandy Lake COE Recreation Area, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A reviewer said, "Great campground. Well maintained, great staff, good fishing."
- Winter Activities: If you visit in winter, Banning State Park Campground is perfect for snowshoeing and winter hiking. One camper noted, "Great to come out here in the winter and walk around when it is a little bit more peaceful."
What campers like
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at True North Basecamp said, "The shower/bathroom house was nice."
- Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds, like Cuyuna Range Campground, offer large sites with good privacy. A reviewer mentioned, "The sites were amazingly large with nice privacy between the lots."
- Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. At Banning RV Park and Campground, one guest said, "The office had a camp store inside of it. Staff was extremely friendly and helpful."
What you should know
- Mosquitoes: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially at Savanna Portage State Park Campground. A camper warned, "Mosquitoes are brutal here, especially on the hiking club trail."
- Water Quality: Some campgrounds, like Father Hennepin State Park Campground, have issues with rusty water. One visitor advised, "BRING DRINKING WATER! The water is VERY RUSTY!"
- Site Accessibility: Certain sites can be tricky to access. A reviewer at Banning State Park Campground noted, "Some sites (12e) are hard to back a trailer into because the main road is VERY NARROW."
Tips for camping with families
- Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly activities. At South Isle Family Campground, one parent said, "They have many activities on the weekends designed for children and family."
- Swimming Pools: Some campgrounds, like South Isle Family Campground, have pools. A visitor mentioned, "In ground heated pool makes lots of fun."
- Nature Exploration: Encourage kids to explore nature. A camper at Moose Lake State Park Campground said, "The trails are nice walking trails with picturesque views of the lake."
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Levels: Some sites may not be level. A reviewer at Banning RV Park and Campground noted, "The sites can be level and some others are not at all."
- Bring Extra Hoses: Water hookups can be far from some sites. One camper mentioned, "The water hookup was so far away that I needed to buy another hose to reach it."
- Plan for Darkness: Arrive early to set up your RV. A visitor shared, "The campground was very dark in the area of campsites which made setting up a bit difficult."
Camping near McGregor, Minnesota, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just be prepared for the bugs and check your site details before you go!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near McGregor, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, McGregor, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 143 campgrounds and RV parks near McGregor, MN and 6 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near McGregor, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near McGregor, MN is Jay Cooke State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 65 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near McGregor, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near McGregor, MN.
What parks are near McGregor, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near McGregor, MN that allow camping, notably Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake and Mississippi River Headwaters - Cross Lake.