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Best Dispersed Camping near Pequot Lakes, MN

14 Reviews

Dispersed camping in the Pequot Lakes area of Minnesota includes free camping options in several state forests, primarily Paul Bunyan State Forest and Hill River State Forest. Many sites are accessible along forest service roads, with some primitive campsites positioned near lake access points. The North Country Trail runs through the region, offering hike-in backcountry camping at established primitive sites. Several canoe-in options exist along waterways, including the Pine River Water Trail and sites at Lake Placid, Mabel Lake, and Little Gulch Lakes.

Road conditions vary widely throughout the dispersed camping areas. Sites like Hill River State Forest have winding, occasionally rough roads where high-clearance vehicles are recommended and trailers are discouraged unless equipped for off-road travel. Many areas require navigating unpaved forest roads that can become challenging during wet conditions. Fires are generally permitted at established rings, though restrictions may apply seasonally. Most sites lack drinking water, with visitors needing to filter lake water or bring their own supply. A recent visitor noted, "The road does a lot of winding, and sections aren't always in the best shape." Camping duration typically follows standard national forest guidelines of 14 days within a 30-day period.

These primitive camping areas provide varying levels of solitude and natural experiences. The Paul Bunyan State Forest sites feature clear lakes ideal for paddling, with Little Gulch Lakes described as "clear and pristine, and far from crowds." Spider Lake Trail offers hike-in camping surrounded by beaver activity and wetlands. According to one visitor, the Waboose Lake site provides a "scenic view with the sounds of loons and frogs in the background." Cell service is limited or non-existent in many areas, particularly in the deeper forest locations. While some sites include pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, others are completely undeveloped. Winter access is restricted in many areas as forest roads close seasonally.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Pequot Lakes, Minnesota (13)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Pequot Lakes, MN

12 Photos of 13 Pequot Lakes Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Pequot Lakes, MN

14 Reviews of 13 Pequot Lakes Campgrounds

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2018

    Little Gulch Lake canoe campsite

    Little Gulch is great!

    Within the Paul Bunyan State Forest, there are several official state forest campgrounds, individual hike-in primitive campsites (such as along the North Country Scenic Trail) and also various official dispersed campsites for those who want a back country experience not too far off the beaten path.

    Just north and west of the official Group campsite at Lake 21 is a lovely chain of lakes called the Little Gulch Lakes that are perfect for paddling. See this link for a state forest map of the area: the campsite is located by the canoe landing symbol off West Gulch Road:

    https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_forests/sft00038.pdf

    The lakes are clear and pristine, and far from crowds although within an easy drive of Akely, Bemidji, Itasca and Park Rapids. This is a great destination for canoeing or kayaking from ale to lake, all along a unique glacial moraine with deep quiet forests, plenty of wildlife, and crystal clear water in narrow but very deep glacial lakes. The canoe landing at Second Little Gulch has not only a nice access for non motorized craft, but also has a little known but really lovely primitive campsite that could accomodate several small groups. Best for camping, it would have room for a small trailer or two to drive in, but of course there are no hook ups of any kind as this is a backcountry location. There is a pit toilet, many good tent sites, and a picnic area, all on a lovely peninsula on the north side of the lake. You can easily drive to this location on back forest roads, though note that these roads are closed in winter and spring.

    There is no well or pump or other water source at this campsite, and though the water is basically clear and clean you should either bring your own water jus or plan to boil or filter the nearby lake water as there is a lot of beaver activity in the area.

    You can do some hiking along the quiet forest service roads nearby, paddle the chain of lakes, or go fishing. The lakes are not heavily fished, but they are not regularly stocked by the DNR either. It may be of interest for those fishing that the substrate of these lakes favors small mouth bass, which are fun to angle for but are fairly uncommon for this neck of the woods!

  • Joni Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Mabel Lake State Dispersed

    Large clearing in the woods

    This 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.

  • Amy G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2017

    Waboose Lake - Paul Bunyan SF

    Ranger Review of Waboose Lake Camp - Pretty view near the NCT

    This super hidden little gem is fairly new in the last several years. While it's not the fanciest campsite, it's lovely for a quick overnight. It's on a loop around Waboose Lake in Nevis MN, but it's actually a spur off of the North Country Trail. If you care to use it while hiking on the NCT, it's not far off the main NCT trail. Or, if you just want a short overnight experience, there is a parking lot next to the lake. Head out on the white-blazed trail to the LEFT of the parking area and this will get you to the camp the quickest. You can still get there from the right (since the Waboose Trail is a loop), but it will take a little longer to get there. If you head to the right, it's down by the boat landing on the other side of the parking lot.

    The campsite is on a little spur off the main trail. Maybe a hundred yards. The trail is well marked if you watch for the camp sign. There is a lovely little bench (as is typical in this area of campsites on the NCT) with an attached table that sits next to the first fire grate. Then, a bit further up the trail, there is the main fire ring, bench and tent pad. Not even 30 feet down a short slope is super easy access to the water. The tent pad isn't huge, but could easily accommodate a 2 or 3 person tent. Maybe larger if you wanted to try. And there are some great hammock trees too!

    Just down a short trail to the right (before you get to the actual campsite and bench) is a sign that shows you where the pit toilet is. This one is a bit more modest, with a 2 sided fence to shelter you from the trail and anyone passing by.

    As for the trail, since Waboose Lake Loop and the NCT cross over each other, you want to follow the WHITE blazes to stay on the Waboose Loop. Occasionally you will see blue and white blazes on the same tree. That's because the NCT is marked in blue, and again, the two trails join together for a bit before the NCT heads in another direction again. Just keep your eyes open.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 17, 2024

    Hill River State Forest

    Quiet dispersed sites

    You'll want to come in on 640th lane. The road does a lot of winding, and sections aren't always in the best shape. 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. I stayed over at the very dead end, which, on Google, is labeled "deer camp." It's quiet and deep in. Good luck. No amenities.

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2021

    Paul Bunyan Trail Canoe Campsite

    Pristine spot on the Pine River!

    This is a beautiful deeply wooded double campsite along the scenic Pine River. It is accessible only by foot, bike or paddle, for trekkers on the Paul Bunyan Bike Trail or the Pine River Water Trail. For paddlers, the campsite is right on the river between River Mile 35 and 36, just south of the town of Pine River. For bikers or hikers, it is about a half mile south  down the trail from the Bites Bar and Grill  to the turn off west on a dirt trail about a half mile down to the river. There are two campsites avaialble, for separate campers or for a group to encompas the whole camping area. Fire ring, picnic table, tent clearings available. There is no cost to camp here, but also no way to reserve either of the sites, and in accordance to trail etiquette if you show up on your bike or in your canoe ready to camp but someone else is there, they should share the camping space with you. 

    Map of the water trail is here: 

    https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/canoe\_routes/pine.pdf

    General info on the water trail is here: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/watertrails/pineriver/index.html

    Map of the Paul Bunyan Bike Trail is here: https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state\_trails/paulbunyan\_heartland.pdf

    General info on the bike trail is here: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state\_trails/paul\_bunyan/index.html

  • Sonny S.
    Aug. 3, 2022

    Little Gulch Lake canoe campsite

    Buggy + No Cell Service

    This camp site is a few miles away from the rest of the campgrounds and the picnic area as well as a forrest trail. It is extremely buggy and there’s a large wasp nest/ tunnel system on the ground near the fire pit. The fire pit is a classic rock ring. There is also a vault toilet and a picnic table. There’s only room for one group to camp here so if you get there early it’s pretty secluded except for a few drivers who come by to see if the spot is open. The entrance to the lake may be nice for a kayak or canoe but definitely not something you would walk into or swim in. I have verizon and there is no cell service at this sight. There were some bars closer to where you drive in but still nothing great. It was okay for the night but not the best dispersed campsite i’ve been too!

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2021

    Spider Lake Trail - Dispersed Camping

    Deep in the woods

    Located on the North Country Trail. Decent hike to campsite. Surrounded by nature. Campsite has a fire ring and a bench/table. It helped for taking my hiking bag off. Very quiet, no sounds of vehicles or people. Biggest negative is there is no parking lot. Must park on road. Campsite was well taken care of. The site is smaller. It does over look a tiny little lake with bird life. Water is mucky looking, I wouldn’t swim in it. Trail goes through long grass and tall trees. Lots of beaver activity as well when circling the near by lake.

  • samuel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2024

    Hill River State Forest

    Okay

    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. It is your average dispersed site. I made it fine with 2wd, just take it slow.

  • Kaleigh F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2024

    Halverson Trail Camp on McCarty Lake

    Had an amazing time here!

    Very nice area with a water access, fire pit and outhouse. About a 10-15 min drive from main road and there are more campsites to find further in

Guide to Pequot Lakes

Dispersed camping near Pequot Lakes, Minnesota extends to several forested areas beyond Paul Bunyan and Hill River State Forests. The region sits at approximately 1,300 feet elevation with relatively flat terrain punctuated by small lakes and bogs. Winter temperatures often drop below 0°F, with forest roads typically closed December through April due to snow accumulation that can reach 40+ inches seasonally.

What to do

Bike camping along trails: The Paul Bunyan Trail provides unique access to primitive campsites near Pequot Lakes. At the Paul Bunyan Trail Canoe Campsite, one visitor reported, "My middle son and I did a bike packing trip on the Paul Bunyon Trail, we rode up from Crow Wing and stayed at this little gem for the night."

Winter activities: Some dispersed sites near Pequot Lakes work well for cold-weather camping. At Waboose Lake - Paul Bunyan SF, the North Country Trail is groomed for cross-country skiing in winter, making the site "super accessible as a camp if you were skiing."

Watercraft access: Several primitive camping locations require boats for access. Lake Placid offers watercraft-only sites with limited amenities but excellent solitude. Mabel Lake State Dispersed camping includes a sandy boat launch and lake access areas suitable for paddlers.

What campers like

Trail connectivity: The dispersed camping areas connect to an extensive trail network. At Spider Lake Trail - Dispersed Camping, one camper noted it's "Located on the North Country Trail. Decent hike to campsite. Surrounded by nature. Campsite has a fire ring and a bench/table."

Wildlife viewing: Many free camping spots around Pequot Lakes provide good wildlife observation opportunities. At Mabel Lake State Dispersed, a visitor mentioned, "It was so quiet last night, although the beaked neighbors get pretty chatty early."

Fishing access: Several primitive sites feature direct lake access for fishing. Waboose Lake campsites include "super easy access to the water" just 30 feet down a short slope from the main camp area.

What you should know

Vehicle requirements: Many forest roads require appropriate vehicles. In 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."

Bathroom facilities: Latrine availability varies widely between sites. Waboose Lake offers "a pit toilet...a bit more modest, with a 2 sided fence to shelter you from the trail and anyone passing by." Spider Lake Trail camping has no toilet facilities.

Navigation challenges: Finding primitive camping near Pequot Lakes often requires careful navigation. For Waboose Lake camp, "Head out on the white-blazed trail to the LEFT of the parking area and this will get you to the camp the quickest."

Tips for camping with families

Progressive difficulty: Start with more accessible sites for younger children. At Shingobee Recreation Area, one camper suggested, "If you have little ones that you are trying to 'wean' into camping, this would be a great place to take them to get a feel for the woods."

Space considerations: Some sites work better for family groups than others. Mabel Lake State Dispersed camping provides "a large clearing in the woods" that is "large enough for multiple campers or a small group. There are four rings and a picnic table."

Short hikes: Several sites require minimal hiking, ideal for families. Shingobee Recreation Area campsites are "a very short walk from a parking area/trailhead" with trails that are "extremely well maintained and groomed, not to mention super wide."

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Most dispersed camping areas have restrictions on RV size. At the Paul Bunyan Trail Canoe Campsite, large rigs cannot access the campsites, though some smaller vans can navigate to nearby parking areas.

Road conditions: Forest road quality significantly impacts RV access. Mabel Lake campers noted, "The road in is good, but gets narrow after you turn off for the spot," which can challenge larger vehicles.

Service availability: Cell service varies throughout the region. At Mabel Lake, one camper reported, "My signal rating may be higher than normal as it's on an Intsy Connect antenna. My phone is getting 1 bar ATT."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Pequot Lakes, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Pequot Lakes, MN is Paul Bunyan Trail Canoe Campsite with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Pequot Lakes, MN?

TheDyrt.com has all 13 dispersed camping locations near Pequot Lakes, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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