Best Campgrounds near Palisade, MN

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 Camping Sites Near Palisade, Minnesota (144)

    1. Sandy Lake COE Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Turner, MN
    9 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."

    2. Minnesota National RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Turner, MN
    7 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."

    3. Savanna Portage State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Balsam, MN
    18 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."

    4. Bergland County Park

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

    $20 / night

    " 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."

    5. Sandy Lake

    3 Reviews
    Turner, MN
    9 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."

    6. Aitkin County Campground

    3 Reviews
    Aitkin, MN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 927-7364

    "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

    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."

    8. Cuyuna Range Campground

    7 Reviews
    Cuyuna, MN
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 228-2991

    $57 - $65 / night

    "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."

    9. Trails Inn Quadna Mountain Motel & RV Campground

    1 Review
    Hill City, MN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 506-8030

    $45 - $119 / night

    "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."

    10. Red Rider Resort

    7 Reviews
    Crosby, MN
    26 miles
    Website

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Palisade, MN

333 Reviews of 144 Palisade Campgrounds


  • 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.
    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.
    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.

  • Heather T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Sandy Lake

    Nice place to stay

    This 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.

  • Jessica P.
    Jul. 18, 2025

    Hay Lake

    Solitude and Service

    We 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

  • Joni Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2025

    Mabel Lake State Dispersed

    Beautiful on the lake

    What 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.


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?

According to TheDyrt.com, Palisade, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 144 campgrounds and RV parks near Palisade, MN and 6 free dispersed camping spots.

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?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots 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.