Searching for a tent campsite near Mississippi River Headwaters - Leech Lake? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
$7 - $14 / night
If you enjoy getting back to basics… The Chippewa National Forest offers a range of camping opportunities! The Forest has 21 developed campgrounds but for a more rustic experience, there are over 60 maintianed dispersed campsites on the Forest. In addition, most of the Chippewa National Forest is open for primitive camping, which can occur anywhere except in developed sites or where otherwise posted. Dispersed camping is open year round!
There are no fees for dispersed camping; however there are some rules intended to protect the resources. Access is typically by foot, boat or canoe. Dispersed campsites are located along most lakes and rivers, offering the perfect opportunity to explore the many canoe routes on the forest.
The North Country Trail parallels an east-west line along the southern border of the Forest. Hikers wishing an overnight experience will find backcountry campsites next to the lovely small lakes along the trail. Additionally there are more than 20 backcountry campsites on small lakes that are beautiful in the fall and excellent fishing lakes! Some campsites provide fire rings and wilderness latrines.
Located in the middle of Cass Lake, Star Island is one of the unique features of the Chippewa National Forest. Named for its star shape, "Star Island" is the largest of four islands in Cass Lake. Star Island has over eight miles of shoreline and encompasses 980 acres of both public land and private homes. Six miles of trails wind along the high banks and deep woods of the island, providing opportunities for hiking and nature study. Star Island Campground is located on the southwest shore of the island. Campers must provide their own water and pack out any refuse. Lake Windigo sits inside Star Island. Lake Windigo's special location earned it a notation with "Ripleys Believe It or Not". | Map
Located in Paul Bunyan State Forest, managed by Lake Bemidji State Park. The 14 campsites are considered "primitive," designed to furnish only the basic needs of the camper. The campsites consist of a cleared area, fire ring, and picnic table. Vault toilets, garbage cans, and drinking water are available. The campground and day-use area is located in a game refuge and non-motorized recreation area. No ATV use. Cluster of small lakes, water access, fishing, two picnic sites.
$18 / night
$19 / night
Guide
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!
Scout
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
Guide
The coordinates go to bear landing boat ramp culdesac. Nice views and about one good spot there, but may have someone pulling up to check out if the spot is taken or fish or use ramp. But it was a Fri night for me and just one car of two hunters came checking the spot for birds then left after a few minutes. Calm quiet crisp late Aug night. I honestly recommend take the first spot on right after turn in from main road its about 100 yards from main road. Its private there or theres other small dirt openings along road while going toward culdesac. Obviously if you go to far off bear landing rd you may hit on private property though so watch for signs.
Guide
A free county camp very well maintained grass with nice toilet, clean well water, firepit, benches all well cared for. I was alone all day mid week in summer until a big rig pulled up at 10pm and took half the other spots about a dozen horses. It seemed cool for one night as a tenter but a clicky type of horse owners environment where they may not want folks without horses. A nice creek near by with space and a interesting place for my dogs to soak in all the smells even if its just one night.
GuideAbout a quarter mile from main road but very rough road meaning huge holes, just go slow. A few spots right next to the lake maybe 5 but the loop is generally close together for 3 of them. Its a really nice secluded spot actually with fresh clear cool waters. The mid summer bugs werent as bad when there was slight winds. May get adventurous and explore the rustic trails around the lake. Lots of wood sticks around to gather as well. Maybe you get lucky and are only one there to feel like in the movie castaway.
GuideAn old national forest campsite, rustic with ground fire pits. Good for tent. You will be able to see the drive in spots by the fire pits. About 6 spots. Only two other RV people there mid summer weekday. The spots are spread out decently. Theres a boat ramp and an old outhouse toilet. Be ready to bring bug spray. Dont miss the sign while driving down 6 mile lake rd, the coordinates work better on map directions.
Scout
Lots of amenities, $60+ /night, guest fees. More open with less “trees and camping” feel so not for everyone but we liked it.
Traveler
This was an overnight stopover our way west. The site was spacious compared to some state parks. There were plenty of trees and a bit of terrain changes that made them more appealing. The lake was large and inviting (except for current swimmer's itch breakout). The bathrooms and showers were clean and the park staff was pleasant.
Guide
Came across this park while looking to put together a four-day trip in our travel trailer. This is a great park with great facilities and a great lake. No big boats allowed no more than 10 mph. No no waterskiing. Makes it ideal for paddling, kayaking, and calm water.
Guide
The primitive campsites were very spaces but surrounded by poison ivy. An outhouse was nearby and water accesses well. Shows were clean and staff extremely friendly.
Traveler
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
Guide
Great campground right on Leech Lake. A quick drive to Walker if you need any supplies. Plenty of options for getting firewood near by.
We were on site 23 and it was a huge site (as were most sites) No issues with neighbors being noisy other than a yapping dog. Site was nice and level.
There are some sites that are definitely less desirable around the main bathroom / shower house.
With the wind off the lake bugs were well managed - but this is MN in the summer - so there were mosquitoes and flies - but that is expected.
Grass was well maintained
Beach was great albeit shallow. But nice soft sand.
Wouldn't have any qualms about going back
FYI - they don't supply a solo stove - but I love mine so I use it instead of the fire ring
Scout
We were scheduled for 5 nights, but extended to 8 because it was such a great spot. Don and his wife were very nice, and super helpful. We checked in late, and Don even helped us set up camp. Nice pool too. Showers and bathrooms are very clean. Laundry is nice. Highly recommend if you can snag a spot.
Guide
This campsite was a bit confusing for me to find and I still wonder if I’m at the right place. It’d be a peaceful night if it weren’t for the generator running all night across from me 😤 The mosquitoes are terrible, but that’s expected. I also thought it’d be on the water but it’s not… The road can also be pretty tough so be prepared if your pulling a trailer. I don’t think this was what I expected
Scout
I recently camped at BP4, on Desoto Lake. They have maybe recently added bear boxes to these two sites (3&4), I didn't see that mentioned in any reviews or the MN park website. The trail was a bit swampy and horrible with mosquitoes but the camp sites themselves were not bad at all. A very nice spot, secluded and beautiful.
Guide
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.
Guide
Was here last year also. Great place for older people that have a national parks card. $13.00 a night is unbeatable. Park is always clean and well maintained. And free laundry too. 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.
Traveler
Very rustic and quiet. Great beach and fishing Peer is awesome as well. Catch lots of Sunny’s right next to the dock. Great place to teach kiddos how to fish. Highly recommend for a good rustic camping experience.
Ranger
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.
Guide
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.
Scout
It was ok. It was free. Per US Forest service website, this is now a free camping area. There was an established fire ring and marked camping spots. The mosquitoes were out of this world but perhaps after so much camping in the south we are just spoiled. There were a lot of other people camping but at least 5 sites available on Friday 7/5/24 late in the day.
Scout
I stayed for 2 nights. it was beautiful and serene. There is a bear box which was helpful to store food and supplies since I was Hammocking. Great trees for Hammock. I was also able to get internet so I was able to see a big storm coming. The birds and insects were suddenly silent and the clouds came in fast. I was able to check weather apps and go to the shelter a mile toward the parking lot and wait out the storm.
Traveler
Very nice area with a water access, fire pit and outhouse. About a 10-15 min drive from main road and there are more campsites to find further in
Ranger
This campground is incredibly peaceful. Even with kids and most spots full, it’s just quiet. Lake is beautiful. Things are clean.
RangerMany bike and walking/hiking trails. Well maintained park. Many Campsites are level and we just backed in and set up.
Men’s bathroom is cleaned twice a day! Showers are clean and water is hot!
Drinking water is good.
Great trails to hike. Super nice Visitors Center with great interactive displays to learn about the park.
View from the fire tower is spectacular! Beautiful wild flowers blooming along the trails. Took many pictures of loons on Mary’s lake.
Traveler
Very large easy to access camping area. Could easily get 4-5 campers in this one. It is a bit rocky and not extremely level but open and better for less bugs. ATV trail leads right off camping area.
LegendThere are a lot of sites and some are relatively close together. A number of them require quite a bit of leveling if you're coming with a camper. The lake is beautiful you can actually walk on the trail down to a relatively nice restaurant for dinner. Well the park was full when we were there it didn't feel packed it was very pretty.
Tent camping near the Mississippi River Headwaters - Leech Lake in Minnesota offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape into the wilderness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mississippi River Headwaters - Leech Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mississippi River Headwaters - Leech Lake is Gulch Lake with a 4.3-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Mississippi River Headwaters - Leech Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 36 tent camping locations near Mississippi River Headwaters - Leech Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
