Glamping in Shevlin, Minnesota places visitors in the heart of northern Minnesota's mixed forest zone where northern hardwoods meet conifer forests. Seasonal temperatures range dramatically from below-freezing winters to 80°F summer days, making glamping accommodations with climate control particularly valuable. The region sits at approximately 1,400 feet above sea level with numerous lakes formed by glacial activity.
What to do
Headwaters exploration: 5 miles from Itasca State Park where visitors can wade across the beginning of the Mississippi River. "Beautiful state park! Three separate drive-in style campgrounds. Here you can wade across the very beginning of the Mississippi River," notes Jeff S.
Backcountry hiking: Visit Deer Park Lake Backcountry Campsite for a more remote glamping experience. "I stayed for 2 nights. It was beautiful and serene. There is a bear box which was helpful to store food and supplies since I was Hammocking," shares Diane R.
Water recreation: Rent boats near Bemidji's lakes. "Great fishing. You can rent boats, pontoons, kayaks, paddle boards and bikes for Itasca Sports. There's a big paddle boat/ferry you can ride on," explains Jenelle H.
Wildlife viewing: Look for local animals during quieter hours. "Woke up to trumpeter swans each day. Loved it. There is a little trail that brings you down to the lake to view the bird life," reports Brent G. about his stay at Deer Park Lake.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Pine Ridge Campground offers varying seclusion options. "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 Kyle K.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain high standards. "Bathroom building is super clean. Shower rooms are singles and are separate from the toilet area," notes Caroline and John P.
Accessibility to multiple biomes: Short drives between ecosystems. "A big park with lots of campsites and plenty of campers. Most of the day visitors congregate in a few areas and, by late afternoon, it's not difficult to find some quiet spaces," shares Pete T. from Pine Ridge Campground.
Balanced development: Natural settings with sufficient amenities. "We camped at Site 171 in the Pine Ridge Maple Loop. While the site was decent in size, it was right along the main road, so there was quite a bit of car and foot traffic—we didn't feel as secluded as we'd hoped," explains Maria D.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Plan for weather fluctuations. "We were unlucky with our weather and it rained on us the entire time. But we have heard great things and can't wait to come back on a sunnier day!" advises Anne G. about her Itasca Park stay.
Wildlife management: Proper food storage required. "We had raccoon visitors both nights. Took advantage of the bike trail as a means of travel. Lots of opportunity for foraging," reports Julie S.
Site selection matters: Avoid roadside campsites for glamping. "If we return, we'd aim to book Bear Paw #61 or try one of the nearby walk-in sites for more privacy. Poplar Ridge would be our next choice, followed by Maple Loop #167," recommends Maria D. after her Pine Ridge experience.
Cost considerations: Fosston City Campground offers budget options. "The price in 2020 September is $5 for a tent and $16 for RVs," notes SmallRVLifestyle V.
Tips for camping with families
Bike-friendly environments: Choose parks with dedicated trails. "Our kids have loved the bike trails, 2 playgrounds, the beach, and ice cream at the Headwaters!" shares Sarah H. about her Itasca State Park experience.
Water activities: Multiple options for different ages. "Large park with lots to do for families. Campground is not private. Shower houses close by. Took advantage of the bike trail as a means of travel," explains Julie S.
Entertainment variety: Vagabond Village Campground offers diverse amenities. "There's camping for Tents, trailers and motor homes. Plenty of activities for kids. They have a swimming beach, pool, play ground, game room, it's safe for kids to ride their bikes," reports Brenda N.
Budget-friendly options: Lower-cost alternatives exist. "This campground provides a basic spot to pitch a tent or park an RV. It is not a destination for a great camping vacation, but provides a simple and inexpensive place to stay the night," explains Janet R. about Fosston City Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: Cass Lake Loop offers good separation. "Lots of space and we had a neighbor who you can hardly see..some sites are closer than others," notes Kay T.
Utilities access: Water availability varies by campground. "Be careful with water as a lot of the faucets are not potable. Just a few potable and they are marked so pay attention," warns Mike G. about Stony Point Resort.
Size considerations: Some areas limit larger vehicles. "A large Pusher will have trouble but I seen people doing it. Camp sites are large with lots of large trees, a little on the rustic side which is what I look for," explains Mike G.
Seasonal operation: Check opening dates before planning. "Stayed here one night while on a work trip, trying to maximize summer fun. Remarkably quiet considering it's right in town," reports Torey H. about Fosston City Campground, which operates seasonally.
