Paul Bunyan State Forest contains numerous dispersed camping areas across its 105,000 acres of northern Minnesota wilderness. Located near Shevlin, the forest sits on a glacial moraine landscape with elevations ranging between 1,300-1,500 feet, creating a terrain of rolling hills, lakes, and mixed conifer-deciduous forest. Winter access remains possible on some forest roads, though spring closures are common during thaw conditions.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: Little Gulch Lake offers a chain of clear, pristine lakes perfect for canoeing or kayaking. A Little Gulch Lake canoe campsite user notes, "This is a great destination for canoeing or kayaking from lake 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."
Winter camping: For cold-weather enthusiasts, several sites remain accessible during snowy months. A visitor to Camp Cassaway Dispersed reports, "Nice quiet spot out of the way. It was accessible even in winter. The snow was packed down enough to drive on even with a two wheel drive vehicle."
Hiking trails: The North Country Trail passes through several camping areas, providing well-maintained paths for day hikes or backpacking trips. One reviewer of Shingobee Recreation Area mentions, "In the winter, this trail is groomed for Cross Country Skiing, so it would be super accessible as a camp if you were skiing."
What campers like
Private settings: Campsites throughout Paul Bunyan State Forest offer seclusion without requiring extreme remoteness. A visitor to Waboose Lake noted, "I have camped there twice and have never come across another hiker. The hike is fairly short to get there."
Wildlife viewing: The forest provides opportunities to observe and listen to local fauna. A camper at Halverson Trail Camp on McCarty Lake commented, "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."
Fishing potential: Less heavily fished lakes offer angling opportunities for species not commonly found in the region. According to a visitor to Little Gulch Lake, "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!"
What you should know
Water sources: Most free camping near Shevlin, Minnesota requires bringing your own water or filtering from lakes. One Little Gulch Lake camper advised, "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 jug or plan to boil or filter the nearby lake water as there is a lot of beaver activity in the area."
Insects: Summer months bring significant insect activity. A visitor to Little Gulch Lake reported, "It is extremely buggy and there's a large wasp nest/tunnel system on the ground near the fire pit."
Cell service: Connectivity is limited throughout the forest. A camper noted about Little Gulch Lake, "I have verizon and there is no cell service at this site. There were some bars closer to where you drive in but still nothing great."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Some sites offer easier access while still providing a woodland experience. A Waboose Lake visitor 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."
Multi-tent capacity: Several sites can accommodate family groups with multiple tents. One camper at Shingobee noted, "Across the trail (directly across from the camp) is a small little meadow type area that would be a perfect spot for 'overflow' tents, if you have more in your group than the site can take."
Accessibility considerations: Trail conditions vary significantly. A Waboose Lake reviewer explained, "The trail is well marked if you watch for the camp sign. There is a lovely little bench 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."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites cannot accommodate larger RVs. A visitor to Paul Bunyan State Forest Dispersed observed, "Very large easy to access camping area. Could easily get 4-5 campers in this one. It is a bit rocky and not extremely level but open and better for less bugs."
Parking options: Some areas offer trailhead parking suitable for overnight stays in smaller recreational vehicles. A Shingobee Recreation Area visitor noted, "You can park overnight in the lot by the trailheads in your RV to camp or you can hike in. There is a campsite directly off the road or more down the trails."
Road conditions: Forest service roads can be challenging depending on weather and vehicle clearance. One camper at Halverson Trail Camp mentioned it's "about a 10-15 min drive from main road and there are more campsites to find further in."
