Camping near Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake

Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Minnesota camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake camping trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake (132)

    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. 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."

    4. Sandy Lake

    2 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."

    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 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."

    7. Hay Lake

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

    $15 / night

    8. Whispering Pines Campground

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

    9. 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."

    10. Jacobson County Campground

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

    "Vaulted toilet and recycling/dumpster close proximity."

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Showing results 1-10 of 132 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake

393 Reviews of 132 Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake Campgrounds



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

What camping is available near Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake offers a wide range of camping options, with 132 campgrounds and RV parks near Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake is Savanna Portage State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 13 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake.

What parks are near Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.