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Camping near Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake

415 Reviews

The Mississippi River Headwaters area near Sandy Lake, Minnesota provides a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping options across state forests and Corps of Engineers lands. Sandy Lake COE Recreation Area offers full-hookup RV sites and waterfront tent camping with boat docks adjacent to many sites. Savanna Portage State Park Campground features wooded sites near Shumway Lake with tent pads, picnic tables, and access to several lakes. Most camping areas provide a blend of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations, with Minnesota National RV Park catering specifically to golfers with its location integrated into the Minnesota National Golf Course.

Camping in this region requires advance planning, particularly during the summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. The camping season generally runs from May through September, with most facilities closing by October. Sandy Lake and surrounding areas experience heavy mosquito activity during summer months, especially in wetland areas like Savanna Portage State Park. Cell service varies significantly, with limited coverage at some campgrounds and better reception at others. The road network provides good access to most established campgrounds, though some areas become muddy after rainfall. "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," noted one camper about Savanna Portage.

Waterfront sites consistently receive the highest ratings from visitors, with several campgrounds offering direct lake access and boat docks. Sandy Lake COE Recreation Area stands out for its well-maintained facilities and historical exhibits about the dam and old fur post. Campers appreciate the fishing opportunities, with multiple dedicated fishing areas and a fish cleaning building available. For those seeking a quieter experience, Hill River State Forest offers free dispersed camping options with fewer amenities but more seclusion. Hay Lake Campground provides a middle ground with basic facilities in a natural setting. A visitor described Sandy Lake as "a very nice place to stay" with "large and very well kept" sites, noting that "each [has] a picnic table, fire ring and level sights," making it suitable for both overnight stays and extended camping trips.

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Best Camping Sites Near Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake (137)

    1. Savanna Portage State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Balsam, MN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 426-3271

    "It’s situated near four lakes and loads of biking/hiking. There is a lot to do in the area from fishing, hiking, biking, and nature watching."

    "There are several trails near the area and some connected to the campsite. I tried to hike around the lake but ran into several impassable spots bc of a recent rain."

    2. Sandy Lake COE Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Turner, MN
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 426-3482

    $16 - $60 / night

    "This campground is in a sweet location on the banks of hisotric and beautiful Big Sandy lake. There are standard tent and RV sites, as well as camper cabin options."

    "Tip - drinking water in the North Campground is not at the dump station, but on the other end near the boat launch."

    3. Sandy Lake

    3 Reviews
    Turner, MN
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 290-5850

    $16 - $60 / night

    "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."

    4. Minnesota National RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Turner, MN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 426-4444

    $39 - $59 / night

    "campground built right next to the Minnesota National Golf Course clubhouse, and in the corner surrounded by Savannah holes 8 and 9. It’s literally inside the golf course."

    "We were told to take the main road into the clubhouse, and right at the clubhouse, there’s a road to the right with a sign that shows the CG and where the sites are situated."

    5. Bergland County Park

    2 Reviews
    Palisade, MN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 927-7364

    $20 / night

    "It provides easy access to recreational activities such as fishing and boating on the Mississippi River, and hiking, cycling or riding ATV’s on the nearby the Soo-Line Trail which stretches from Moose"

    "Near town. On the Mississippi River. Self service with self registration."

    6. Hay Lake

    2 Reviews
    Balsam, MN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 426-3271

    $15 / night

    "Access to moor your boat at a few sites, though it is down the hill from your actual campsite, which is no problem as they have stairs/paths down to them."

    7. Hay Lake Campground and Day-Use Area

    1 Review
    Balsam, MN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 426-3271

    "Drop the money in the box at the entrance (honesty is appreciated) and take a site. No reservations accepted."

    8. Jacobson County Campground

    2 Reviews
    Hill City, MN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 927-7364

    "Vaulted toilet and recycling/dumpster close proximity."

    9. Whispering Pines Campground

    1 Review
    Turner, MN
    8 miles
    +1 (218) 426-3045

    10. Hill River State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Hill City, MN
    17 miles
    Website

    "I wouldn't recommend any trailers unless you have 4x4 and the trailer is set up for offroad. Ideally, this is a better straight vehicle spot. There are numerous spots off the road to camp."

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Recent Camping Photos near Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake

103 Photos of 137 Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake

415 Reviews of 137 Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake Campgrounds

  • Joseph A.
    Nov. 7, 2025

    Buffalo Valley Camping

    Great Location

    They offer year around camping, We have been here since August, on a travel contract. Great Location not far from Duluth, and right of the interstate for easy access. Quite and peaceful. Great neighbors. Staff is very friendly and helpful. Cost is obnoxious. But being the only thing open year around, they can charge whatever basically.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Jay Cooke State Park Campground

    Great spot

    Went to a tent site. But our rv fit, wouldn’t take anything big to the sites in the 30s. Little distance between sites, but you can see people. Trails around. Nice staff

  • C
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Cuyuna Range Campground

    We won't stay anywhere else!

    We love camping at Cuyuna Range Campground. We stay at Cuyuna a couple of times each year. It is clean, quiet and so relaxing. There is so much to see and do in the area or just relax at our campsite. Check this campground out you will not be disappointed!

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Barnum City Park

    This entire section of the dirt needs to be cleaned up

    There's a sign that says no camping, and there are no rv spots. Or camp spots at this park. Some things in this area are listed twice the g. PS takes you to the wrong place. And something like the city park doesn't allow camping.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Carlton County Bear Lake Campground

    Very small park on freeway

    I believe I only saw 3 full R. V electric spots. It is literally right beside the freeway. I would not personally feel comfortable camping here as a female traveler alone. I also think this is listed twice and I will try to correct that.

  • Christine H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Dago Lake

    God's Country

    Free dispersed camping off Dago Lake Road between Willow River & Sturgeon Lake. Quiet aside from the occasional car. Pitch black at night.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Ronald Cloutier - Cross Lake

    Crosslake MN COE campground

    This is a spacious campground with 123 sites, most with electricity, all wooded. The Lake is actually part of a string of lakes friendly to high speed motor boats as well as canoeing/kayaking. Like all other COE campgrounds, it honors campground passes, cutting the fees by half. A COE ranger patrols regularly. It of definitely dog friendly without breed or size restrictions. It is just north of Brainard, MN so civilization is nearby but the turn of Crosslake has All the amenities of city life. As with many other campgrounds, it's not busy Sunday-Thursday but gets much busier on weekend days. I would highly recommend this campground.

  • Christine H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    North Country Campground

    Expensive but nice

    Owners are very nice, greet you upon arrival, very helpful. Bathroom/shower is very nice. Trampoline & playground on site. Close to the highway so a lot of traffic noise until about midnight. People fly down the road even though the speed limit is 20mph. 3 minutes from Willow River, 45 minutes to Cloquet & Pine City.

  • James R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Greer Lake

    Great rustic camp ground

    This my second time here and I love it. It’s on a lake on state forest trail and 2 toilets and water pumps.

Guide to Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake

Camping near Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake, Minnesota, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Savanna Portage State Park Campground. One visitor noted, "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...on some trails of course."
  • Fishing: Head to Pokegama Dam Campground for some fishing fun. A reviewer mentioned, "Highlights include fishing in the rapids below the dam, or in the still river water above it."
  • Kayaking and Canoeing: The Sandy Lake COE Recreation Area is perfect for paddlers. One camper shared, "This campground is in a sweet location on the banks of historic and beautiful Big Sandy lake."

What campers like:

  • Privacy: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Savanna Portage State Park Campground. A visitor said, "Lovely sites with plenty of trees so most sites are quite private."
  • Clean Facilities: Many enjoy the well-maintained amenities at Pokegama Dam Campground. One review highlighted, "Super clean bathrooms. Level sites and great views of the Mississippi."
  • Nature Watching: The wildlife is a big draw. A camper at Savanna Portage State Park Campground remarked, "We saw a bear while hiking the continental divide trail so nature is out there."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially at Savanna Portage State Park Campground. One camper warned, "Mosquitos are terrible—come prepared!!!"
  • Water Quality: At Savanna Portage State Park Campground, some campers noted issues with water quality. A review mentioned, "My main complaint was the water was full of iron—it was a little brown and didn’t taste very good."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Pokegama Dam Campground, may lack certain amenities. A visitor noted, "There are no showers, but the restrooms are nice."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly spots like Moose Lake State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "The trails are nice walking trails with picturesque views of the lake."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities lined up. One camper at Savanna Portage State Park Campground mentioned, "There are several trails near the area and some connected to the campsite."
  • Pack Bug Spray: Given the mosquito situation, a camper at Savanna Portage State Park Campground advised, "We were thankful to have a screen tent for this visit."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: RVers should pay attention to site sizes at places like Pokegama Dam Campground. A review noted, "Sites are level gravel pads. On the water sites have no beach shoreline lots of cattails."
  • Be Ready for Noise: Some campgrounds, like Pokegama Dam Campground, are near highways. One visitor mentioned, "Road noise from Hwy 2 is a downside."
  • Use a Senior Pass: If you're a senior, take advantage of discounts at campgrounds like Pokegama Dam Campground. A camper shared, "We used our Senior National Park pass for 1/2 of $26. Sweet deal!!"

Camping near Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake, Minnesota, has its quirks, but with the right preparation, it can be a fantastic experience for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Mississippi River headwaters at Sandy Lake located?

The Mississippi River headwaters at Sandy Lake is located in northern Minnesota, near the town of McGregor. This significant waterway connection forms part of the Mississippi Headwaters Water Trail system. The area is managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers and serves as an important historical and recreational site. Nearby, Sandy Lake COE Recreation Area provides access to this natural landmark. For those exploring the broader Mississippi headwaters region, Grand Rapids Library Park Watertrail Watercraft Campsite offers paddlers a unique stopping point along the Mississippi River system.

What activities can you do at the Mississippi River Headwaters near Sandy Lake?

The Mississippi River Headwaters near Sandy Lake offers abundant recreational opportunities. Fishing is popular in the river and surrounding lakes, with excellent spots at Pokegama Dam Campground where you can fish in the rapids below the dam or in the still water above. Water activities include canoeing and kayaking along the established water trails. Savanna Portage State Park Campground nearby provides additional recreational options including hiking and biking trails, and access to four lakes for water activities. Wildlife watching is excellent throughout the area, with opportunities to spot loons and other native species.

Is camping allowed at the Mississippi River Headwaters Sandy Lake area?

Yes, camping is allowed in the Mississippi River Headwaters Sandy Lake area with several options available. Sandy Lake provides camping facilities with reservable sites, water, and toilets. The area is big-rig friendly and accessible via boat, car, or foot. For paddlers traversing the Mississippi River, Bergland County Park offers camping facilities with water and toilet access. Camping permits are required for stays, and it's advisable to make reservations in advance during peak season (May through September). The campgrounds in this region typically feature a mix of wooded and waterfront sites suitable for tents, RVs, and through-paddlers.

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