Dispersed camping options near Bemidji range from remote backcountry sites to accessible lakeside spots within 20 miles of town. The region sits at approximately 1,400 feet elevation with seasonal temperatures ranging from summer highs near 80°F to winter lows below 0°F. Most primitive camping areas require campers to pack out all trash and come prepared with water purification methods.
What to do
Biking adventures: Lake Bemidji State Park connects to the Paul Bunyan Trail, offering cyclists miles of scenic routes. "There are great biking trails that will lead you through the park to the Mississippi Headwaters," notes a camper at Bear Paw Campground — Itasca State Park. The trail system accommodates various skill levels with paved and unpaved options.
Water activities: Fox Lake Campground provides free watercraft for guests to explore the lake. "The resort has numerous watercraft to use for free, you just need to check them out at the office," writes one reviewer at Fox Lake Campground of Bemidji. Rental options include kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats at several lakes across the region.
Wildlife viewing: The marshland areas near Fox Trap Canoe Campsite offer excellent birdwatching opportunities. A visitor described the experience: "The view is great as you are up high on a bluff, and on a point, and the marshy waterway below has a lot of bird and wildlife action as this is part of the wild and scenic section of the river."
What campers like
Private sites: Cass Lake Loop provides secluded camping with natural buffers between sites. "Lots of space and we had a neighbor who you can hardly see..some sites are closer than others," shares a frequent visitor to Cass Lake Loop. The campground offers multiple loops with varying levels of privacy.
Clean facilities: Royal Oaks RV Park maintains exceptionally clean restrooms. "Bathrooms were immaculate! Staff helpful and friendly," notes one camper at Royal Oaks RV Park. Most established campgrounds in the area provide shower facilities, though availability typically ends by mid-September.
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds feature beaches and swimming areas. "We loved the swimming beach with slide and the paddle boats, kayaks, and SUPs," writes a visitor to Fox Lake Campground. Lake Bemidji State Park also offers a swimming beach with nearby picnic areas and playground equipment.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer weekends. "We go every year. Would give 5 stars if didn't have to reserve so far in advance for bear paw," mentions a regular visitor to Bear Paw Campground. Reservations for prime summer weekends often need to be made 3-6 months in advance.
Site privacy varies: Campgrounds closer to Bemidji generally have less separation between sites. A visitor to Bemidji KOA observed: "The sites were weedy and very close together. The pool was fine but mini golf course was a disaster, total disrepair." Consider sites further from town for more seclusion.
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds operate from May through September. Weather conditions can affect early and late season camping, with unpredictable precipitation. "We were unlucky with our weather and it rained on us the entire time," shares a camper at Pine Ridge Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation amenities: Fox Lake Campground offers numerous family-friendly facilities. "This is a very family friendly campground with a lot of entertainment options. The volleyball and basketball courts are nice and well maintained. The park was fun for the kids and the beach was very nice!" describes a visitor.
Biking opportunities: Lake Bemidji State Park provides family-friendly cycling paths. "Great biking trails, ranging from easy walks to more challenging climbs with rewarding views," notes a visitor to Lake Bemidji State Park Campground. Paved paths allow for easier riding with younger children.
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain playgrounds near camping areas. "Nice swimming beach, playground. Picnic shelters, bathrooms and showers are kept clean. Access to bog walks, bike trails. Love this campground. Something to do for all ages," writes a Lake Bemidji State Park camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Pine Ridge Campground offers various loops for different camping preferences. "Maple Loop seemed to cater more to RVs, so it wasn't our favorite for a tent camping experience," notes a recent visitor to Pine Ridge Campground — Itasca State Park, suggesting tent campers might prefer other areas.
Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds near Bemidji provide complete RV services. "The campground was very big and nice. It had good, clean modern bathrooms and showers. Our campsite wasn't far from hiking and biking trails," shares an Itasca State Park visitor about the amenities.
Site spacing: RV sites at many campgrounds have limited separation. "The electric sites are pretty close together. If you want privacy, this isn't that. But if you're ok with people mostly keeping to themselves at their own fire pits and lots of kids riding bikes, this is the place," explains a Lake Bemidji State Park camper.
