The Shevlin, Minnesota area offers camping experiences in diverse ecosystems at elevations ranging from 1,300 to 1,500 feet above sea level. Forest camping predominates, with several sites positioned along the early stages of the Mississippi River where it measures just 20-30 feet across. Summer temperatures typically range between 55°F and 80°F, with higher humidity levels from June through August.
What to do
Biking on dedicated trails: Itasca State Park features extensive biking opportunities with miles of dedicated trails. "Bring your bike because everything to see and do is quite a hike if you walk. There are a lot of trails that are perfect for biking," notes a visitor to Bear Paw Campground. Another camper confirms, "Many bike and walking/hiking trails. Well maintained park."
Paddling the early Mississippi: Experience the Mississippi River when it's still a narrow stream by paddling from campsite to campsite. At Fox Trap Canoe Campsite, "You can access this campsite only by paddling, either 15 miles from the campsite at Coffee Pot Landing, or after driving into Bear Den Landing which is a mile away, then paddling a mile downstream from there."
Wildlife viewing from sheltered areas: The region offers excellent bird and wildlife watching opportunities. "I used the poncho form as a camouflaged birdblind for birdwatching and photography," shares a visitor about their experience near Fox Trap Canoe Campsite. Bird species commonly spotted include loons, as one camper at Bear Paw noted they "took many pictures of loons on Mary's lake."
What campers like
Clean, well-maintained facilities: The area's campgrounds maintain high standards of cleanliness. At Lake Bemidji State Park Campground, a camper notes "Bathroom building is super clean. Shower rooms are singles and are separate from the toilet area." Similarly, at Bear Paw Campground, one visitor comments that the "Men's bathroom is cleaned twice a day! Showers are clean and water is hot!"
Varied camping environments: The region offers diverse camping experiences from dense forests to lakeside settings. "We like the Pine Ridge Campgrounds because of how dense the trees are between campsites compared to Bear Paw Campgrounds. There is also less traffic going on," explains a camper at Pine Ridge Campground.
Specialized camping options: Beyond standard sites, the area features specialized facilities. At Grant Creek Horse Camp, "every site having ample parking, picnic tables and fire rings, tent sites, and horse tie-up posts with grazing area. There are vault toilets and water available by pump."
What you should know
Site privacy varies significantly: Campgrounds differ in their layout and privacy levels. At Bagley City Park, a camper notes it's a "Great family friendly park worth lots of amenities for kids. Multiple playgrounds and very clean beach." However, other campgrounds like Pine Ridge offer more secluded options.
Weather preparedness essential: Weather can change quickly in northern Minnesota. A camper at Pine Ridge Campground shared they "were unlucky with our weather and it rained on us the entire time." Pack appropriate gear for sudden temperature drops and rain events.
Wildlife encounters: Expect wildlife interactions at campgrounds. Bear Paw campers warn "Bring your bug spray--the horseflys are huge!" and multiple sites report raccoon visits. One camper at Pine Ridge noted, "We had raccoon visitors both nights."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose campgrounds with child-friendly amenities. At KOA Campground Bemidji, "Pool was nice and kids had a great time." Bagley City Park offers "Multiple playgrounds and very clean beach."
Educational opportunities: Take advantage of nature programs and learning centers. At Bear Paw Campground, one visitor mentioned "The interpretive center had a lot of animals and was informative," while another noted Itasca State Park has "great interactive displays to learn about the park."
Campsite selection for family needs: Consider proximity to bathrooms and recreation areas when selecting sites. A Lake Bemidji State Park camper notes that "The campground is usually full - and most of 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."
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Some campgrounds have limited access for larger rigs. At Bagley City Park, an RVer noted that sites "near the circle drive area (closest to the lake parking lot) are a little difficult to get into... backing into our spot without disturbing other campers was not an easy task."
Hookup availability: Electric sites are available at most developed campgrounds but vary in capacity. Lake Bemidji State Park offers "electric hookups, showers, and cabins," while Bear Paw has "electric sites only," according to camper reviews.
Off-season considerations: Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally. One Pine Ridge camper noted they "Visited in July of 2017. Not too crowded or noisy," suggesting summer visits may provide a better balance between amenities and crowds.
