Are you in need of a campground near Mississippi River Headwaters - Leech Lake, MN? Mississippi River Headwaters - Leech Lake is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Mississippi River Headwaters - Leech Lake, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
$14 - $50 / night
"Our family just returned from a 9 day stay at Leech Lake Receeation Area, and wish we could have stayed 9 more!!"
"We were able to go and take a walk to the lake which is super short walk from pretty much any of the sites but really close from our site."
"Yes, there are skeeters, but this is summer in Minnesota. You learn to deal. Quiet and not packed at all. Site is large and flat and trees galore."
"This CG is very popular with fishermen with their boats as there is a public boat launch adjacent to the CG."
$26 / 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!"
$16 / night
"This campground is off the beaten path, and very quiet and peaceful. You have a choice of lakeside campsites, or sites tucked into the woods away from the lake."
"I’ve never had a nice big campsite on the lake before. The site on the lake allows plenty of space and a beautiful view. No running water, just a spigget."
"The quality of this campground is really a 4, however the location is a little bit out of the way for doing day trips, exploring and access to the Chippewa National Forest."
$14 / night
"You can walk along the main road or take a little connecting trail to it, but just a heads up that the mosquitoes are lying in wait in this trail."
"Great spot on Maple Lake! 22 sites only. Wide open sites with lots of space. No fires during our stay. That was nice. No smoke from other campers. Perfect place for star gazing."
$26 / night
"I camped at this location with my siblings and cousins in early August a few years ago. We had 2 tents for sleeping and a canopy shelter near the picnic table."
"This campground is close to Bemidji which is a nice town to tour. No sewage dump on site."
"From fishing Lake Winnibigosh (which it's located on) to the pool, playground, or arcade, all three kids love Becker's! We've stayed here three times now. One time in a tent."
"The RV sites are not near the water and to me seem a little crowded, but the RV area is nestled in some nice woods."
"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."
"Those on the Cass Lakeside have access to really nice beach areas."
$24 / night
"With access to the Mississippi River near and Lake Winnibigoshish you have plenty to choose from."
"It is adjacent to the Dam that marks the outlet of the Mississippi River from Lake Winnibigoshsish."
TravelerPerhaps this was a Chippewa national Forest campground in the past, but it has not been upkeep at all. It would be good for dispersed camping but none of the sites are cleared, and the roads are overgrown.
GuideThe owners and staff are very friendly. This place is dog friendly, great for kids. They have small splash pad, kayaks, paddle boards and baffles boats to use. Boat rental available.
LegendItasca 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. My advise is to start your day as early as possible. We went to the Mississippi Headwaters at around 8:15 am & had the place to ourselves. The gift shop isn't open yet, but when we went later for ice cream the place was hopping! The Wilderness Drive is a must see as well. There's some short hikes & a lot of wild beauty. They have a fire tower you can climb.
Biking is very popular & there's a dedicated bike path on the Wilderness Drive which is about 10 miles.
There's a lodge & restaurant.
Two visitor centers.
There are 2 campgrounds- Pine Ridge& Bear Paw. Electric sites only. I think it was$35 a night. There is a dump.
We were in Bear Paw site 37E. Frankly, I liked Bear Paw campground better, even though it's smaller. By the lake, but no sites are ON the lake.
Lakeview sites are 63, 67, 68, 69,& 70. There's good access to the bike trail. There's a path down to the lake, so if you have a kayak you can drag it down.
We were across from the bath house. It's very nice & clean! Showers are push button. Not too hot.
Pine Ridge we did a short drive thru. The campground registration office is there. We were told we didn't have to register if we we had an on line registration. No tags.
Pine Ridge had several loops, but we just went down the Spruce Loop. The sites looked flat & shaded. I didn't note any particular site.
We really enjoyed our stay & wished we could have added a couple more nights!
ScoutThe experience was good but they look down on special breeds of dogs.
TravelerIt’s what camping should be. Wooded between sites. Peaceful. Ahhhhh!
ScoutGreat 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. Loving it here.
GuideThere are 5 or 6 nonreservables sites here. Great for biking the Migizi and Paul Bunyan. Sites are spacious enougha and provate for the most part. 1 of 3 bathrooms were open and only 2 showers.
GuideThere are several obvious homeless sites here. People from the local tribe can stay here for free with no time limit. It wouldn't be a problem, but several sites look like homeless encampments. If you've seen a homeless encampment you know what I mean. If they were clean I wouldn't complain. This loop has electric, so this is where they stay.
GuideI stayed in the campground while volunteering for Smokey Bear's 81st birthday celebration at the Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center in Marcell. Much to my surprise, the campground was almost empty. Only one other of the 38 sites was occupied. We've stayed in this campground previously, but in 26 years as a volunteer on the Chippewa, I've never seen any campground this quiet at the height of summer. Needless to say, other than an occasional motorboat on North Star Lake, the only noise was the cry of the loons and the call of an Osprey. I had a nice staircase down to the lakeshore with a bench so I could sit and look out at the lake.
Latrines were immaculate. The three sites I looked at before choosing #33 were all clean as well. The cost per night is a reasonable $14.00, or only $7.00 if you have a access pass. As of 2025, the campground does not accept reservations. This may change in the future.
Before and after the Smokey event, I had the opportunity to visit and fish some backcountry designated trout lakes. Ironically, although I caught was a bass.
A lot of visitors never get beyond fishing and being in the campground, but as a former volunteer Backcountry Ranger on the Chippewa, I would encourage campers to seek out new opportunities and adventures. Discover the forest, and find where you come alive!
Camping near Mississippi River Headwaters - Leech Lake, Minnesota, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.
Camping near Mississippi River Headwaters - Leech Lake, Minnesota, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to pack your bug spray and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Mississippi River Headwaters - Leech Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, Mississippi River Headwaters - Leech Lake offers a wide range of camping options, with 229 campgrounds and RV parks near Mississippi River Headwaters - Leech Lake and 18 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Mississippi River Headwaters - Leech Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mississippi River Headwaters - Leech Lake is Leech Lake Recreation Area & Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 14 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mississippi River Headwaters - Leech Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 free dispersed camping spots near Mississippi River Headwaters - Leech Lake.
What parks are near Mississippi River Headwaters - Leech Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Mississippi River Headwaters - Leech Lake that allow camping, notably Chippewa National Forest and Mississippi River Headwaters - Cross Lake.
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