11 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Lake Bemidji State Park and Itasca State Park house upscale glamping accommodations near Midway, Minnesota with premium canvas tent options and luxury yurts. These glamping sites feature electricity, comfortable bedding, and picnic tables, allowing visitors to experience nature without sacrificing comfort. "Itasca is a beautiful park with gorgeous scenery to enjoy," noted one visitor who appreciated the blend of wilderness and modern amenities. The KOA Campground in Bemidji expands glamping options with luxury yurts that include climate control systems, while Campers' Paradise offers boutique camping experiences with well-appointed safari tents. These accommodations maintain proximity to hiking trails, lakes, and natural attractions while providing the comforts typically associated with resort stays.
The headwaters of the Mississippi River create a distinctive backdrop for glamping experiences at Itasca State Park, where visitors can wade across the beginning of America's largest river before returning to plush accommodations. Rental equipment for water activities including canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats is available directly within the park, complementing the glamping experience. A camper mentioned, "There seems to be an endless amount of hiking trails to choose from, which bring you into the woods and to various lakes and ponds." Multiple glamping sites remain open from May through October, though some luxury accommodations at Lake Bemidji State Park operate year-round for winter glamping experiences. Visitors should reserve premium glamping accommodations well in advance, particularly for summer weekends when these boutique camping options frequently reach capacity.
"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."
"Itasca State Park offers campgrounds that will give the full outdoor wilderness experience, away from the sounds of cities and cars. It's a wonderful place for hiking,biking, and water activities."
from $25 - $35 / night
Check Availability"The site numbers are along the back of the fence and were difficult to see at night. There aren't really individual driveways, tent pads, picnic tables, etc."
"There is a single bathroom with flush toilet and sink, and a single shower room. Both were clean. My site had nicely spaced trees for hanging a hammock and an electric hookup."
from $5 - $16 / night
Check Availability"Not a scrap of trash the restrooms clean and well stocked. You don’t have a pothole in site- heck not even a weed on the road."
"This is a great location if you are just getting into the camping lifestyle. The easy to drive to camp sites and flat geography make it easy to find that perfect spot."
from $24 - $75 / night
Check Availability"They have little screened in porches and then a small interior that has bunk style beds. There is heat, a small table and room to hang your things on a hook."
"Got heater, electric , ac, fans, light, water pump nearby, outback toilet near too, ranger is friendly and helpful, have picnic table, fire pit , bugs not too badly. I'll come back to that cabin"
from $24 - $250 / night
Check Availability"a different lakes every night."
"The 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."
from $19 / night
Check Availability"We used their laundry room which was very modern and clean, machines take quarters only, no change machine so take care of that when you are in the store/office checking in."
"Easy to find...Freindliest campgtiud owners, & all camp workers ( our position ), cleanest facility we've ever enjoyed..can you say ( fresh pancakes for breakfast, then all the ice cream you can eat"
"Bathrooms are clean and there’s a laundry room."
"Many amenities, very friendly and helpful staff. My absolute favorite!!!"
"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."
"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."
"The campground is directly on Balm lake. There are beautiful views of the lake from the dock. This makes a great place to watch sunrises and sets."
"And 3-4 drive in/back in sites. Very quaint."
from $25 - $100 / night
"The unfortunate side effect, sometimes, is camping around irresponsible campers. Avoid major holidays."
"There is a boat launch to put into the Red Lake River, and the water was calm enough you could have had a leisurely paddle in a kayak either direction."
LegendWe stayed here in the winter...in a camper cabin. They have little screened in porches and then a small interior that has bunk style beds. There is heat, a small table and room to hang your things on a hook. Bring your own sheets and blankets or sleeping bags though. There are mattresses, but no linens. Outside, there is an outhouse style bathroom.
GuideIf you want the best kept state park I have seen this is the place. Beautiful, quiet, well maintained, and wildlife give this park a perfect 10 for me. Not a scrap of trash the restrooms clean and well stocked. You don’t have a pothole in site- heck not even a weed on the road. Sites are large and come with picnic tables and a fire pit you can also grill on. The sites are covered with lush live well manicured trees and they’ve taken the time to make nice. Greenway breaks between each campsite.
ScoutThis is a great location if you are just getting into the camping lifestyle. The easy to drive to camp sites and flat geography make it easy to find that perfect spot. If you want to fall asleep and wake up to the sound of running water, you are able to get a site near Buffalo River. If planning on hiking with younger children, the trails around the camp site are very easy as the offer very little elevation change and are very well groomed. The park itself is very pretty all year round whether it's in spring/early summer and seeing the wildflowers and prairie smoke or the fall and the dazzling display of colors.
Ranger
LegendCAMPGROUND 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
LegendItasca 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!
ScoutCamping is free, no reservations required. The unfortunate side effect, sometimes, is camping around irresponsible campers. Avoid major holidays. Besides that one issue the campsite allows tents and RV's, has latrines, and a boat/canoe launch on the Red Lake River. Each site has a picnic table, fire pit and trash barrel nearby. There are some sites with trees for hammockers.
TravelerI stay at Cabin, it's is nice. Got heater, electric , ac, fans, light, water pump nearby, outback toilet near too, ranger is friendly and helpful, have picnic table, fire pit , bugs not too badly. I'll come back to that cabin
LegendThis campground provides a basic spot to pitch a tent or park an RV. It is not a destination for a great camping vacation , but provides a simple and inexpensive place to stay the night if on a road trip through the area, or if coming to town for a sporting event or to visit someone in town. A few campsites are provided in the town park next to the picnic shelter and alongside the town highway department buildings. Bathrooms are provided in those buildings. The setting is very basic, but clean and provides necessities. A few shops and cafes nearby, recreation options include an inexpensive golf course nearby, and within driving distance to several National wildlife refuges
Camping near Midway, Minnesota offers terrain ranging from glacial lakes to woodland forests with approximately 25 miles of maintained hiking trails. The region sits at an elevation of around 1,400 feet and features a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Seasonal temperatures fluctuate between 10°F in winter to 80°F in summer, affecting campground availability and appropriate gear requirements.
Paddling options: At Pine Ridge Campground — Itasca State Park, water activities are abundant. "Great fishing. You can rent boats, pontoons, kayaks, paddle boards and bikes for Itasca Sports. There's a big paddle boat/ferry you can ride on," notes Jenelle H. The rental equipment can be accessed directly at the park with rates starting at $15 per hour for kayaks.
Biking trails: The region has an extensive network of paved and unpaved trails. Sarah H. from Pine Ridge Campground mentions, "Our kids have loved the bike trails, 2 playgrounds, the beach, and ice cream at the Headwaters!" The Paul Bunyan State Trail runs through Lake Bemidji State Park Campground and offers miles of paved cycling paths suitable for all skill levels.
Hiking opportunities: Multiple trails wind through the area's diverse ecosystems. "There are several well-marked hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to more challenging climbs with rewarding views," reports Susan R. at Lake Bemidji State Park. The trails showcase various landscapes including bog walks, prairie sections, and riverside paths ranging from 15-minute strolls to 2-hour excursions.
Privacy between sites: At Campers' Paradise, the layout provides unusual seclusion. "The sites are separated by trees/brush so you feel that they are really private. The lake front sites have their own sandy walk in to the water," explains Melissa H. The island setting creates natural boundaries with lake access directly from many sites.
Clean facilities: Visitors consistently praise the maintenance standards at several campgrounds. According to Jesse E. at Campers' Paradise, "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." Bathhouses are typically cleaned multiple times daily during peak season.
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting provides opportunities to observe native species. "Excellent location for nature sightings. The lake has an eagle's nest, fishing, and loons. You know you're in the north when you can sit outside and listen to the loons calling on a summer evening," shares Olivia M. from West Alaska Resort.
Campsite size limitations: Some glamping locations near Midway, Minnesota have restrictions on RV length. At Campers' Paradise, Jesse E. notes, "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."
Weekend crowding: During peak season, campgrounds fill quickly. Pete T. from Pine Ridge Campground observes, "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."
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts camping conditions significantly. "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 Anne G. about her experience at Pine Ridge Campground. The best camping weather typically occurs from June through August.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. At Buffalo River State Park Campground, Brianna V. mentions, "The swimming area is wonderful! Less chlorine than you'd ever get exposed to in a public pool and picnic table access with lots of area to picnic."
Kid-friendly water activities: Beaches with gradual entry points provide safer swimming options. "There are water trampolines. Sites are big. So much fun," reports Kathleen D. about Campers' Paradise. Most beaches have designated swimming areas with depth markers.
Wildlife education: Children can observe nature up close at several locations. "Visited in July of 2017. Not too crowded or noisy. Rented a canoe for a little paddle," shares Stephanie B. about her experience at Pine Ridge Campground. Morning hours typically offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Electric hookup locations: KOA Campground Bemidji offers full amenities for larger rigs. "The majority of the sites are open and level but not much shade or privacy to be had," notes Cyndi B. Sites with 50-amp service typically cost $5-10 more per night than standard sites.
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds offer on-site sanitary services. Patrick M. from Buffalo River State Park Campground reports, "Very clean bathhouse (appears new) with flush toilets, hot showers and a dish-washing station." Many parks require reservations for full-hookup sites several months in advance.
Leveling challenges: Some sites require additional equipment for proper setup. Brandon L. at KOA Campground Bemidji observes, "The sites were weedy and very close together. The pool was fine but mini golf course was a disaster, total disrepair." Portable leveling blocks are recommended for most area campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Midway, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Midway, MN is Pine Ridge Campground — Itasca State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 37 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Midway, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 glamping camping locations near Midway, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
