Jacquie B.
Traveler
TravelerPokegama Dam Campground
Small campground
This a small campground on the Mississippi River. Sitting outside you really hear the Hwy noise. It’s a beautiful spot.
Camping near Palisade, MN
145 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Palisade, Minnesota provides a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping opportunities along the Mississippi River and surrounding lakes. Bergland County Park in Palisade offers electric hookups, drinking water, and sanitary facilities for both tent and RV campers, with easy access to the Mississippi River for fishing and boating. Several miles away, Sandy Lake COE Recreation Area features tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with full hookups. Minnesota National RV Park, located within a golf course near McGregor, caters primarily to RV campers seeking full hookup sites with 50-amp service, though it lacks bathroom facilities on-site.
Seasonal operation typically runs from May through September for most developed campgrounds in the area. "This is a small but beautifully maintained city park in the charming village of Palisade. 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," notes one visitor about Bergland County Park. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends when sites fill quickly. The region experiences typical northern Minnesota weather patterns with warm summers and cold winters, making the camping season relatively short. Cell service can be spotty in more remote areas, though most established campgrounds maintain reliable coverage.
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers visiting the Palisade area. Fishing opportunities abound on the Mississippi River and nearby lakes like Big Sandy Lake, with multiple fishing piers and boat launches available at several campgrounds. Savanna Portage State Park Campground, located about 20 miles from Palisade, offers a more secluded experience with hiking trails and multiple lakes for recreation. Reviews indicate that sites near water tend to fill first, particularly during holiday weekends. Campers appreciate the mix of natural settings and proximity to small towns for supplies and dining. The area attracts a combination of weekend visitors from nearby cities and travelers exploring northern Minnesota's lakes and forests, with many campgrounds reporting high occupancy during peak summer months.
Best Campgrounds near Palisade (145)
1. Sandy Lake COE Recreation Area
"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."
from $16 - $60 / night
Check Availability2. Minnesota National RV Park
"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."
from $39 - $59 / night
Check Availability3. Savanna Portage State Park Campground
"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."
from $22 - $120 / night
Check Availability4. Bergland County Park
"This is a small but beautifully maintained city park in the charming village of Palisade."
"Near town. On the Mississippi River. Self service with self registration."
from $20 / night
Check Availability5. Sandy Lake
"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."
from $16 - $60 / night
Check Availability6. Aitkin County Campground
"Central located water spigot for drinking also a dump station with water. Now the bad if the wind is blowing wrong you smell the waste water treatment plant next door."
7. Hill River State Forest
"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."
8. Cuyuna Range Campground
"And, this campground is close to the fun downtown in Crosby and the great bike trails and parks there. The Ironwood spot I was in is also especially private, so highly recommend it!"
"It’s clean, well-maintained, and close to town for groceries and restaurants. Would stay here again."
from $57 - $65 / night
Check Availability9. Trails Inn Quadna Mountain Motel & RV Campground
"Quiet little place, far enough away from too many things to make you feel like you're in town but anything you need is a hop skip and jump away."
from $45 - $119 / night
Check Availability10. Red Rider Resort
"Stayed at RV site 4 which is bordered by trees on one side which was nice for privacy."
"Easy access to both single track and to paved cycling path. Sites are close but still felt private, especially when leaves fill in. Nice shower house, and a sauna we didn’t use."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 15 min from Duluth, MN
- 1 hr 59 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 2 hrs 14 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 3 hrs 11 min from Fargo, ND
Recent Camping Photos near Palisade, MN
98 Photos of 145 Palisade Campgrounds
MickandKarla W.
Minnesota National RV Park
Janet R.
Sandy Lake COE Recreation Area
Ed W.
Aitkin County Campground
Skip H.
Hill River State Forest
lauren
Savanna Portage State Park Campground
C G.
Jacobson County Campground
John N.
Clint Converse Campground
Jake N.
Red Rider Resort
James R.
Greer Lake
Dave T.
Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area Campground
Gunnar C.
True North Basecamp
Amy G.
Blackberry Campsite
Recent Reviews near Palisade, MN
382 Reviews of 145 Palisade Campgrounds
- KKat H.
ScoutCamp Holiday Resort and Campground
Wonderful Place!
We have been going up to Camp Holiday for about 5 years now and staying in the same campsite. We just love this place. We have the same neighbors every year so it is like having a family reunion each time. It is so clean and quiet and the sunsets are absolutely beautiful. It is so nice just sitting by the lake listening to the loons. It is hard to leave at the end of the week! Thank you Camp Holiday for giving us such a great week every year!
1350Fun
GuideDiamond Lake
Private area no camping here road is muddy and deep unaccessible route
Drove 2 hrs up to this spot to find no trespass and then we got my 4x4 stuck had to walk 2 hrs to get help..do not go here!!
- Casey S.Scout
Moose Lake
Open Concept
The grounds were nice, bathroom clean and stocked. The sites are very open. There is zero trees or brush between you and you neighbors. Great if you are going with friends and want to camp nearby. The boat landing is clean and sandy but unfortunately is very shallow so you will need a flat bottom boat or kayak/canoe. Wasn't what I was looking for but still a nice area.
- Crystal R.Guide
Moose Lake State Park Campground
Cozy little campground!
I stayed here last minute because on my previous camping trip my gear was soaked, and I can't dry out my gear in my apartment. So I chose to come here and I'm so glad I did!
The park itself is smaller. The campground only has three loops. There's one loop that is primitive, while the other two have electric hook up.
My favorite part of this campground is the gorgeous trees.
I saw lots of deer and a turtle laying eggs!
It has a small beach and a fishing pier (i think a spot to launch boats too but I could be remembering wrong).
Campground host was super friendly and came by to say hi. At one point, there was a tornado warning and she literally drove to my campsite to let me know and made sure I got to the shelter. (there didn't end up being a tornado, just a gnarly storm).
- Crystal R.Guide
Father Hennepin State Park Campground
Cozy little state park right on the water!
I stayed here last summer (2025)and am planning on staying here this summer as well.
The park is smaller than it's sister park Mille Lacs Kathio, but it definitely has some things that are better about it!
I stayed in the Maplewood campground, which I recommend if you like quiet and privacy. The sites are further apart and give you a more "in the woods" feel. The other campground (lake view) is more traditional RV style camping where the sites are fairly close. However they have some sites (small and close together) that have views directly of the lake, if that's your thing.
I stayed at site 96 which was verrrrry deep and felt pretty private. It's backed up to the woods so you don't have anyone behind you. It has a nice tent pad, and plenty of space for canopies or other equipment. It's a short walk down to the water too, where there's a fishing pier really close by, and a large beach a little further down. I went in very early June and the mosquitoes honestly weren't terrible yet, but the caterpillars were everywhere! There were caterpillars all over my tent, in my sandals I left outside my tent, on my car, etc. When I found one I just relocated them to a safer area in the woods. Lots of deer, you can hear owls at night, squirrels etc. It is bear country, but I didn't see any bears. I kept my food locked up in my car.
One night it was kind if windy and you could hear the waves on the lake from the tent, so that was kinda cool.
I have t mobile and had decent service here as well.
- Crystal R.Guide
Camper Cabins — Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
Beautiful cabins, excellent staff!
I had a very...interesting experience at the camper cabins this week! I stayed at the cabin #3 this week, Monday through Thursday (3 nights). Monday and Tuesday were awesome. I was the only one there on the whole side of the road, and it was soooo peaceful.
Early Wednesday morning (around 3am)is where things stopped being peaceful. A really bad storm developed (that I had no idea was coming). It was probably the worst storm I had ever experienced in my life. Five trees fell in the yard, one small one hitting the cabin. One tree even fell a couple of feet behind my car, blocking me in. After taking a short walk when the sun came up, I realized the damage was everywhere in the park. I was seeing downed trees all over every single trial and road. I emailed the park office which opened at 8 that I was trapped, and they cleared all the trees from the office to where I was (almost three miles away) and was getting me out by 9:30. I was so impressed with how fast they worked. Amazing job! They offered to give me a refund if I wanted to go home early (I didn't, because I was still really enjoying my time there). I will definitely be back!
Without the whole storm fiasco, here are some pros and cons:
Pro *the cabins are gorgeous and cozy. *they have electric and heat (a gas burning stove heats the cabin, how cute!) *there's a screened in porch allowing you to enjoy the weather without bugs. *the vault toilet is really close, but there is also flush toilets with a shower in the campground, which is like a five minute walk, or a very short drive. *the mattresses on the bunk beds appear to be newer than some cabins I stayed in, that being said, a foam mattress topper isn't a bad idea if you struggle to sleep *the trails are gorgeous. The cabins aren't far from the lake either. There's a visitor center that's currently closed for renovations (2026) but I think will be open next year. There's a short interpretive trail behind it too. *there's a fire ring and picnic table outside.
Cons (there aren't many!) *I think being separated from the main campground is both a pro and a con, depending on your personality. If you like solitude then it's perfect. If you enjoy being where everyone else is, then it's a con.
- the cabins are kinda close together, but there's trees and shrubs between (although several fewer than there were earlier this week 😭) so it does kinda feel private. But the noise can travel (there were people two cabins down my first night and I did hear them just a little bit).
- there's not much cell service. I heard Verizon does best. I had t mobile and depending on where I was standing I either got zero bars or occasionally up to 2bars (usually I didn't really get much though). That's kinda annoying especially during situations like the storm that happened (thankfully I was not harmed, my car wasn't harmed, and the cabin didn't get damaged from the tiny tree that fell right on it).
- Amanda P.Scout
Lum City Park
Nice stay
Small campground but nice location with it being close to shopping and other activities. City park is just across the parking lot and includes a beach, fishing docks, boat access and the bathroom/shower amenities. Be warned that the map online may not seem quite accurate. They camp spots seem much larger and spaced apart more then they actually are. Even the host agreed with that. We picked a site that seemed like it would be plenty large enough for our camper and truck but in reality it was barely big enough for our camper which is 31 feet long. So be aware of that when booking. My kids enjoyed the beach area when it was nice enough out. Bathrooms are what I would call a typical public bathroom. Could use some updating such as repainting and better mirrors over the sink area and I didn’t see a single trash can in the bathroom either. The shower area is basic but does the job. It’s a single person room basically but there is no interior lock so if someone has a key and you don’t hear them knock they can enter and with it being just a room as soon as that door is open it’s not private. All in all I would stay there again but I would definitely be more prepared and pick a better location for a site.
Erin H.ScoutCamp Holiday Resort and Campground
Lake Resort!
Camp Holiday has many great options for lodging and amenities. The hosts are personable and friendly. There are activities for everyone; kids, teens and adults. The lake is big enough and they have two beach access points. We can't wait to stay again this summer!
Guide to Palisade
Camping options near Palisade, Minnesota range from state park facilities to RV resorts located along watersheds and mining areas. The region sits at the continental divide separating the Great Lakes watershed from the Mississippi watershed, with an elevation around 1,300 feet. Water access represents a key feature, with fishing opportunities available across multiple lakes and rivers where camping season typically runs from May through October due to the northern climate.
What to do
Hiking continental divide trails: At Savanna Portage State Park Campground, campers can experience both geography and history. "The hike to see the continental divide was really cool. We saw a fox and a deer which was cool. Then spent the evening canoeing one of the lakes listening to Loons," notes one visitor who appreciated the wildlife viewing opportunities.
Mountain biking on designated trails: The Cuyuna Range area offers extensive trail systems. "Paved walking and biking trails and hundreds of miles of ATV trails connected right to the rv park," reports a visitor to Trails Inn Quadna Mountain Motel & RV Campground, highlighting the accessibility of the trail network.
Water recreation on former mine pits: Some campgrounds provide access to unique water features. "Beautiful views of the lake (mine pit) and swimming off of the private dock. If you want to fish here you must have a trout stamp," notes a camper at Red Rider Resort, mentioning the special fishing regulations that apply.
What campers like
Private, wooded campsites: Campers appreciate secluded options in the area. "The sites are wide to give you space. Picnic table and fire ring provided in each site. It's hidden in the woods but close enough for you to go adventure," explains a visitor to Cuyuna Range Campground.
Clean facilities: Modern amenities receive positive reviews across several campgrounds. "The bathroom / shower house were very clean. Everything was new or very well maintained," comments a tent camper at Red Rider Resort.
Lake and river access: Water proximity remains a highlight for many visitors. "We were in spot 12 and it was right on the water. The spots are very small and no privacy between the sites but having a water view made up for it and you can park your boat on the dock in front of your spot," notes a visitor to Sandy Lake COE Recreation Area.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: The camping season has specific timeframes. "Vault toilets and spring water. Probably will not fit a large 5th wheel camper. Has a boat ramp into the river," notes a visitor to Aitkin County Campground, which operates from May to October 15.
Insect preparation: Bug activity can impact the camping experience, particularly in summer months. "July is Rough for Bugs... This park is a nice one but we went in Mid-July and the bugs were terrible! So bad that we actually went into town to eat dinner at dusk to avoid the worst of it," warns a Savanna Portage visitor.
Dispersed camping options: For those seeking more remote experiences, state forests provide alternatives. "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," reports a camper at Hill River State Forest.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds have amenities specifically for children. "Great campground. Well maintained, great staff, good fishing. Multiple fishing areas, couple of playgrounds, and good history lessons," mentions a visitor to Sandy Lake COE Recreation Area.
Swimming beaches: Water access points designed for swimming can be found at select locations. "My kids had fun fishing for panfish off their dock and although we never made it, they have a swimming beach that was a bit down the MTB access trail," explains a parent who stayed at Sandy Lake.
Tent site selection: For family tent camping, consider site layout. "We stayed at tent site #1. It was very clean and the layout was nice for 2 tents," shares a camper at Red Rider Resort, indicating the importance of choosing appropriate accommodations.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: RV drivers should assess whether their vehicles can navigate campground roads. "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," cautions a visitor to Hill River State Forest.
Utility locations: Hookup placement affects setup requirements. "The utilities are in the far back of the site. I needed about 20' of sewer, electric, and water hose to reach my rig," explains a visitor to Minnesota National RV Park, highlighting the need for adequate connection equipment.
Water pressure considerations: Infrastructure quality varies between campgrounds. "The water pressure is very good at 60+ psi, so suggest a reducer," notes another Minnesota National RV Park visitor, providing practical equipment advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Palisade, MN?
What camping is available near Palisade, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Palisade, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 145 campgrounds and RV parks near Palisade, MN and 6 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Palisade, MN?
Which is the most popular campground near Palisade, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Palisade, MN is Sandy Lake COE Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 6 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Palisade, MN?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Palisade, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Palisade, MN.
What parks are near Palisade, MN?
What parks are near Palisade, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Palisade, MN that allow camping, notably Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake and Mississippi River Headwaters - Cross Lake.
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