Best Cabin Camping near Mississippi River Headwaters - Leech Lake, MN

This is a quiet friendly neighborhood of Rv’s and small cabins located on Blackduck lake . There is a swimming pool and hot tub. The hot tub wasn’t working when I was there. There is an on site laundry unit. There is a fish cleaning house as well for the fisherman. You can take short drive or walk to the local golf course. A little down the road is a convenience store with all your fishing needs including licenses and bait. Limited availability of houses for sale and there is a waiting list for RVs. It is closed for the winter and everyone has to be out of the houses too.

Beautiful State Park. Cleanest bathrooms! And bathroom is a log cabin which is cool. Haven’t explored yet but there are lots of trails. We are in Bear Paw campground spot 2. Very spacious and private, not looking at lake, but like the woods around us.

This is a full service fishing resort with a lodge and cabin rental, but RV and tent camping is also available. The campsites are very nice and wooded, the tenting sites include some very secluded spots back in the woods which is nice for solitude but precludes a view of the lake. There are daily rates as well as weekly rates for camping or cabin stays. This is a top notch place to stay for a fishing vacation, off the beaten path but with full amenities. It can be a destination vacation spot, or can be a great stop-over  for through-paddlers crossing Lake Winnie on the Mississippi River Headwaters Water Trail. Although near the National Forest campground on Tamarack Point, this has many more amenities which is nice when you are so far from the nearest town, especially if you are paddling through and have no vehicle for travel. Amenities include groceries, ice cream shop, full service boat launch and fishing supplies, and more. You might not be into winter camping in a tent, but there are ice houses to rent that you could camp in if you come in winter. More expensive than usual campgrounds, but with more amenities provided and with a stellar location. Pets welcome at no extra charge! Seasonal campsite rental can also be arranged.

This is primarily a cabin resort, however camping is also offered for both RV's and tenters. Camping rates are a little hard to find on the website, so check them at this link:https://www.thepinesresort.com/camping/camping-rates

There is a nice swimming area and dock on the lake, a camp store, boat rentals, laundry facilities, etc. I think staying in the cabins might be a nicer experience for a long term stay, as the campsites are rather open and close together, but the lake access and amenities are favorable for a short stay. 

For through paddlers on the Mississippi Headwaters Water Trail, this is the most convenient campsite above the Winnie Dam. The tent sites are only $25 per night, you have more amenities than at the COE or Forest campgrounds on the other side of the dam, and your portage around the dam from the campground to the boat launch below is super easy if you have a canoe or kayak cart--just pull out at the resort boat launch dock, cart your craft a short walk on the paved road across the dam, and put in at the COE boat launch below the dam.Much preferable to scaling the dam on the steep rocky portage that is on the east side of the dam, plus you have a decent and reasonably priced place to camp the night before.  So for that type of camping, this spot is ideal!

I 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

We have been coming here for years, some families come for generations. We started renting a cabin for a week, and now bring our RV here. Beautiful pristine cabins, the owners get to know everyone personally, beautiful out-of-the-way place. Great family fishing resort.

I really like Itasca state park- I just wish that it were closer to me! The paved trail from the visitor center to the headwaters is in incredible shape- I regret not bringing roller blades. One of the most important things to know for avid hikers is that it seems like most park visitors are there to relax and maybe do the one paved trail, which leaves a lot of the trails overgrown. We were able to take the trail to the fire tower which was nice. There was an attempt to take a trail that seemed like it would have a nice view of one of the smaller lakes that you pass as you drive in, but it was extremely over grown and there were no real clear views of the lake from the trail. The lake is amazing for swimming- there are also rentals for canoes, kayaks, and bikes.

I absolutely loved the on-site restaurant- wild rice pancakes were phenomenal and the view is great. We stayed at a cart-in site at Bearpaw campground and our friends rented one of the nearby Bearpaw cabins. The site was nice and private enough, but a huge storm came through at night (so much lightning that my husband and I could see each other for around a solid minute) came through on the second night and we had to retreat to our car to avoid being smooshed by a tree. The cabin was nice and cozy- it had a tiny kitchen that was sufficient enough for a few meals but definitely plan on bringing your own kitchen tools in case they don't have what you need.

La Salle Lake is the newest Minnesota state recreation ares, in the process of become a state park in its own right but currently administeted under the umbrella of nearby Itasca State Park.

If you are a tent camper, the main campground is rather open and more stark than you might like, but RV campers will like the full hookups and the exceptionally nice campground restrooms and shower facilities. What is special about camping here is not the campground itself, but the exceptional surroundings. Lake La Salle is a small but pristine lake, the second deepest in Minnesota and surrounded but mature forest in an ancient glacial moraine tunnel valley. The unique geology makes for terrific hiking through varied terrain all around the lake itself, and into the nearby state Scientific Natrual Area at the confluence if LaSalle Creek and the fledgling Mississippi River. While mostly wooded, there is also a natural prairie area with rare wildflowers. There is nice canoeing, kayaking anf fishing, a good boat launch and swimming beach, and a beautiful new accessible boardwalk and picnic area. There are also two very beautiful north woods style cabins for rent. There are a couple of paddle-in or hike-in dispersed campsites being developed on the more secluded side of the lake, and for folks who want a primitive camping experience close to Bemidji this would be it! The park is 15 miles from Itasca State Park and also 15 miles from Bemidji for day trips to either, and a family-friendly bar and grill is 5 minutes away at the Becida crossroads. Well recommended for an easy and quiet family getaway in northern Minnesota

We were here spring of 2018. It was still winter season in MN. This place was great because we found this cute little campers cabin. It was so cozy it warm inside. Just perfect

Their brochure mentions that they have a modern campground, but I can't find it.

This area has a lot of resorts, and they mainly cater to RV campers and cabin campers. This one, however, also mentions a campground, but it isn't clear where it is. This time of year, this one might be closed, but you can still drive around and look. Good reference points for next season. All the cabins were incredibly close together, not terribly well maintained (at least from the outside), and I have no idea where I would pitch a tent. I tried to call the number on the website, but it kicked to voicemail. It appears that the owners live on site.

They did have picnic tables, firewood, a playground for the kiddos and lake views. Easy access to the lake. It's down a long, gravel type road so there isn't much traffic.

Most of this camp is reserved for seasonal campers but they have 2 extra sites. One Full hook up and one electric site. The full hook up site is a little tight if you bring a big RV, backing up is a skill you must bring.

When I was here, we were very close to Crooked lake which is a beautiful with a great fishery. I mainly came here for fishing and it was great.

They do have cabins that overlook Crooked lake and all I have to say is that it’s beautiful. They do have there own boat launch if you bring any type of water vessel. It cost $5 per day to dock it on their docks. They treat there RV sites and cabins which is a plus because we don’t have many mosquitoes during the day and night.

I would highly recommend this site for fishing and those who just want to get out. Booking was very easy and straight forward!

Full hook up: $50 a day Electric only: $40 a day.

$100 security deposit once booked which goes into your bill.

We 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.

Becker’s resort is a vacation destination for many folks in the summer, with offerings of cabins, RV campsites, and tent sites. 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. The cabins appear to be modern and recently renovated with new siding etc, and seem to be great for families. There is a nice pool, and a good boat launch and marina with easy access to the Mississippi River and Lake Winnie. Of importance to paddlers on the Mississippi River Water Trail, this is definitely an upgraded alternative to the primitive water trail campsite located just upstream, called Smiling Joe Landing, and I would recommend this one over that one. Not only do you have a nice tenting area close to the river, but you also have access to the pool and showers, flush toilets, etc, and can stock up on snacks. The owners stay alert to area weather, and can give good advice to paddlers about safe routes across Winnie before you launch, depending in weather. They are also paddler-friendly in terms if assisting in other ways, such as letting a recent through-paddler stop and use garage space for a few days to repair a hole in his canoe, which is very kind. I would give this spot a 5-star rating for canoe campers, but a 4 star overall rating for the resort

Becker's Resort & Campground is one of my families favorite places to go. 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. Beautiful site located right next to the water. One time in a motor home. Again next to the water. Great site. And last time we visited we rented a cabin for a week. It was amazing all three times!! Showers could use an upgrade, and all the busted toys in the sandbox is an accident waiting to happen. Stepped on quite a few sharp plastic pieces several times. Other than that we will return with out a doubt another time in the future!

The Bear Paw campground is one of two main traditional drive-in campgrounds at Lake Itasca State Park. It is the lakeside campground, as opposed to the Pine Ridge campsites which are set about a mile back into the woods. This campground has trailer sites with hook-ups, tent sites, walk-in sites, and camper cabins, for a variety of options. Althought there is a staircase access to a bay of the lake here, the swimming beach and boat launch areas are actually several miles to the north, either driveable on the main park drive, or bikeable on the bike path that runs through the campground and north to the headwaters or south to Douglas Lodge.

The campground is heavily wooded, but the sites are many and close together. It is an economical way of staying at the park, and good for car camping or trailering while doing other activities in the park, but there are other higher quality camping options available in the park if you want a more remote northwoods expereince which can be obtained by hiking in to the wilderness areas on the south end of the park.

At this location, however, there are several primo lakeside campsites, if you can nab one, such as site 6, which is right on the lake and right on the bike path. There are some walk-in only tent sites on the north side of this campground that are a little quieter as well. The camper cabins on the south side of the campground are also super nice if you arent up for tenting.

The campground has wood for sale, showers and regular bathrooms as well as pit toilets, a playground for kids, and water pumps.

This resort and campground only has a few reservable campsites and a couple of cabins (at least one is more like a Park model). There are bathrooms and showers available, but only one of each for each gender. The sites are close together and a bit of a walk to the swimming beach. The staff is amazingly accommodating though and let us put 2 campers per site to accommodate our large group. I was also impressed that they had many beach toys that were able to be used by anyone and a decent playground that is right near the campsites. It rained 4 inches the first night we were there and many of the low lying areas were flooded, but it did not affect any of the campsites and the kids loved playing in the huge puddles.

While this seems to be mainly an "RV" campground, but there were a few cabins on the lake and two gorgeous tent sites that would be the envy of many other camps. They were ideal, especially for the family that wanted the "tent" experience without having to huff it through the woods with toddlers in tow.

Sleeping Fawn is very clearly marked from the road, and although they don't say "campground" on the sign, there are a few tent sites available. It's about a 3/4 mile drive off the main road, but signage is apparent the entire way, and it's super easy to find once you get there. There is an office for check in, cabins to rent and lots of RV sites available too. Even though RV's seem to dominate here, the roadway through the woods and past them is peaceful and serene. Pine needles cover the ground and create a softness to the scenery. The posts that mark each site are wooden, tall, and are clearly numbered. Close to the entrance is a "tent parking" area, a cart for hauling your things, and 2 tent pads, just across the drive and down a little path about 20 yards. Perfect!

The tent sites are far enough apart to be "separate", but close enough that if you had family or friends, they are close by. Garbage cans are at the split in the path between #1 and #2 and each site has a fire ring, picnic table, gorgeous, flat tent pad and a view of the lake. And again, if you needed something from the car, it's a 50 yard walk. Not a 3 mile trudge through the woods.

Camping in tents May 18 - Oct 1

Camping rates were a bit steep for my liking, but I like primitive sites in the woods. So if you were a family trying to introduce wee ones to camping, it would still be worth it. $28 for a site as of 2018. Or a weekly rate of $170. Showers and laundry available, as well as free coffee in the morning. They also have a beach, nature trail, small store and other amenities.

NOTE: Pets are not allowed at this resort

We stayed at Balsam Beach Resort & RV Park at the height of summer vacation on Lake Plantagenet in Bemidji. The resort was at full capacity, so it was crowded with no privacy that we prefer to have. (one of the reasons for the lower star rating) We brought our RV and boat, and there was room to park our boat trailer by the boat landing. There are many seasonal sites, cabins for rent, and an open field area for camping in a tent, and 4 RV spots. We stayed in RV spot #1, and the spot came with a picnic table and a fire ring which we did not use because the size of the space put our RV to close to the ring. There is a big fire ring down by the lake that anyone can use (please note you can not bring in your own firewood, they have it available for purchase in the lodge for $5.00 for a small bundle) All RV sites are full hook up with 30 amp electric service, and water and dump. If you bring a boat, it will need to be inspected before you launch it into the lake. There is a big dumpster where you can put your trash in, and they also have bins for aluminum cans, and glass and plastic recycling.

Most of our time was spent fishing on the lake, but we were impressed with the other activities they offered to people staying there including a swimming pool, beach toys, paddle boats, canoes, inflatable rafts, a playground, a baseball field, horse shoes, volley ball sand pit, work out room, and laundry facilities (bring your quarters!! A regular wash and dry is $4.00) They also off cable TV hook up, and have a "general store" that sells sweatshirts, tshirts, ice cream, coffee, and has movie rentals for $4.00 per movie/per day. (Yes, we got the sense that everything is an additional fee) They do allow pets, but at a cost of $5.00 per day. The resort was clean and well maintained by the owners. We just did not feel a sense of welcome from the owners, and will not be making a return trip in the future. It was nice being only a few miles away from the city of Bemidji as we spent a day visiting Paul Bunyan and Babe, and Bemidji State Park to hike the Bog walk (recommended!!) We also spent a day fishing on Lake Bemidji, which is a 10 minute drive from the resort.

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. It is not on Lake Winnie, so you have to drive to a boat landing to launch your watercraft, and there is swimming at a nearby beach but it is not on the premises. However, the grounds are meticulously maintained and the camping prices cant be beat--$20 a night for tent camping, and $35 a night for full RV campsite with hookups. There is a playground. laundry facilities, and full bathrooms. There are also many walking trails on the premises. The general store on the premises provides staples and treats. If you prefer, there are also vintage cabins you can stay in here. Best of all, staying here supports a local family business including their painstaking efforts to maintain an hisotric general store and vintage vacation spot that was established almost a century ago and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Lake Bemidji State Park is one of the best places in Bemidji to visit for a day trip, and is also a woodsy economical place to stay if vacationing in the area. The park is an oasis of well preserved old growth northwoods forest, which you can experience on foot or by bike on miles of trails along the lake, into the woods, and on boardwalks into the bogs. There are naturalist programs, boat and bike rentals, and easy access into town. There are good showers and bathrooms, and a nice beach. It is a very family-friendly opportunity. That being said, though the park itself rates 5 out of 5, the camping options only rank a 4 for the most part. As previous reviewers have mentioned, if a high-quality secluded tent camping experience is what you are after, this is not it. The majority of the campsites are extremely small and very close together with no privacy. There is a canopy of tall trees shading the campground, but most sites are open and dont have much vegetation to screen between sites. If experiencing the northwoods is your main goal, the location and access is great, especially if you are rv or trailer camping. However, if you want something a little more secluded, there are several options: reserve campsites in the loop furthest from the lake (sites in the 90's) as they are much larger sites and very wooded compared to the loops closer to the lake, though be aware they are best for tenting, dont have electric hookouts and have a bit of a walk to get water or showers etc. Some additional "off the beaten path" options at the park are their new camper cabins, located off on their own near the trailhead for the bogwalk trail, and also the group camps. There is one large group campsite, the Lavinia group site, that is completely off on its own away from the campground, and would be perfect for scout groups, family reunions etc. It would host quite a large group, but group would have privacy from the rest of the campground. The other older group campsite is also located away from the main campground, though right at the trailhead for the bike path; though the campsite itself is very scenic and beautiful, and a perfect setting for a small group, it would have passing trail traffic during the day which is something to consider.

What a great place to bring the family. Large campground, lots of paved and unpaved trails with a rental place right on Lake Itasca where you can rent all types of bikes for all ages, they also have boats and pontoons available for fishing and recreational use. You have miles of trails and some historical sites to explore. This place has you covered for activities. Well kept and easy access.

• This is the headwaters of the Mississippi, which is a neat experience.
• Itasca Rentals is here. This is a great option for pontoon, kayak, canoe, SUP, bike, and child/ pet carrier rentals.
• TONS of hiking throughout the massive park.
• The wilderness drive is very scenic.
• Some k the best hiking included: preacher’s grove and the fire tower
• This would be a great location to host an event such as a family reunion, because there is something for everyone.
• Very nice playgrounds for the kids.

This is a primo group camping center within Itasca State Park, secluded and very separate from any of the other Park campgrounds. It has a mix of historic log buildings including a lodge building that is pefect for group meetings and classes, and is also equipped with a full commercial kitchen. In addition the camp center has cabin accomodations, RV campsites, group tent sites, and more secluded hike-in campsites. It is located adjacent to  Lake Windigo, which has boat access and a fishing pier, but also has trails and has easy access to the Wilderness Drive bike loop and the Wilderness Scientific Natural Area hiking trails. It is a short drive to the Headwaters and the cafe and visitor center there, too.  It is often used for meetings, family reunions, and scout camp programs, and is perfect for that. A brand new bath and shower house has been recently added, so it makes for a superb group center. Covid restrictions have limited this camping center's availabilty due to social distancing restrictions, but hopefully it will be available and in full swing by next summer!