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.
"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."
$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."
$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."
$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."
$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."
$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."
"Drop the money in the box at the entrance (honesty is appreciated) and take a site. No reservations accepted."
"Vaulted toilet and recycling/dumpster close proximity."
"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."
ScoutThis 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.
ScoutOwners 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.
ScoutThis my second time here and I love it. It’s on a lake on state forest trail and 2 toilets and water pumps.
ScoutThis campground has 2 parts, the north section and the south section. The south is on a peninsula with just a few campsites. The north is the bigger part of the campground. The sites in the north are large and very well kept, each with a picnic table, fire ring and level sights. Two campground hosts who are very friendly and accommodating. Just a few vault toilets. If there's anywhere to improve, it is the number of toilets in the bigger campground. The south campground has the shower house and laundry, along with flush toilets. All in all, a very nice place to stay.
ScoutNice spot to regroup near the great lakes.
ScoutWe arrived on a Thursday with only one other group here, today is Friday and at 2:30pm, we are now the only ones here. The pit toilets are clean and well stocked, the day use area is beautiful!!! 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. This beautiful park seems to be very underutilized as it is July, going into a weekend, and all we hear are the birds and critters!!! PERFECT
GuideWhat a gem! I was able to back to the water to have a gorgeous view from bed! It was so quiet last night, although the beaked neighbors get pretty chatty early.
There is a large puddle and so many mosquitos.
Is say there's comfortly room for eight campers or a small group.
My signal rating may be higher than normal as it's on an Intsy Connect antenna. My phone is getting 1 bar ATT.
GuideThis is a free dispersed camping site in the state forest with lake access. Large enough for multiple campers or a small group. There are four rings and a picnic table as well as a sandy boat launch.
ATT is usable enough that I probably won't try Starlink, but there may be enough clear sky.
The road in is good, but gets narrow after you turn off for the spot.
GuideThis was a nice spot to camp overnight before an event in the area. There were mosquitoes a plenty due to the lake. Good spacing between sites and wooded enough to almost forget how close you are to i35. There is some traffic noise though as a city dweller I slept right through it. Pit toilets were clean.
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.
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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