Camping opportunities near Shevlin, Minnesota lie within the upper Mississippi River watershed at elevations averaging 1,400 feet. The area experiences warm summers with temperatures typically reaching 80°F during peak camping season from June through August. Northern Minnesota's forest ecology creates ideal conditions for primitive camping along waterways and within established campgrounds that cater to various outdoor interests.
What to do
Paddling the headwaters area: Access the Mississippi River through Coffee Pot Landing, where visitors can explore the earliest stretches of America's largest river. "The campsites here are considered primitive they still come with really nicely built Adirondack shelters. Campsites are first-come, first-serve, but even in the peak summer months there is usually at least one site open," notes Les R., who appreciates the canoe access options.
Biking through state parks: Bear Paw Campground offers extensive biking opportunities on 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," recommends Nicole P., who found the trail network accessible directly from the campground.
Wildlife viewing and photography: Use the natural settings as wildlife observation points. "I used the poncho form as a camouflaged birdblind for birdwatching and photography. The marshy waterway below has a lot of bird and wildlife action as this is part of the wild and scenic section of the river," reports Janet R. about her experience at Fox Trap Canoe Campsite.
What campers like
Clean facilities year-round: Visitors consistently mention the maintenance standards at Pine Ridge Campground. "Men's bathroom is cleaned twice a day! Showers are clean and water is hot! Drinking water is good," writes Tom, who appreciated these amenities during his stay.
Spacious, shaded campsites: Campers value the natural surroundings and site layout. "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., highlighting the privacy advantages of certain areas.
Lake access and water activities: Lake Bemidji State Park Campground provides water recreation options. "The park has several different biomes - oak forests, lakeshore, bog, pine forests with lovely hike-walks that can be as long or short as you need," notes Caroline and John P., who appreciated the diverse natural settings.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Plan for insect activity during summer months. "Bring your bug spray--the horseflys are huge!" warns Melissa H. about her experience at Bear Paw campground, suggesting visitors come prepared for the local wildlife.
Water availability varies: Some primitive sites require bringing your own water. The Coffee Pot Landing site previously had water pumps, but as Janet R. notes, "as these were vandalized at some point, rather than being replaced and maintained, they were removed and the campsites downgraded from rustic to primitive."
Reservation timing: Popular sites fill quickly during peak seasons. "Would give 5 stars if didn't have to reserve so far in advance for bear paw. The other camp grounds are ok but bear paw is far superior," explains Heather L., suggesting early planning for preferred locations.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Bagley City Park provides family-oriented facilities. "Great family friendly park with lots of amenities for kids. Multiple playgrounds and very clean beach," describes Stacy B., highlighting features that entertain younger campers.
Educational opportunities: Visit interpretive centers for learning experiences. "The interpretive center had a lot of animals and was informative," shares Stephanie H., who found the educational aspects valuable during her family camping trip.
Boat rentals for family outings: Enhance water experiences with rental equipment. "There is a big paddle boat/ferry you can ride on. Great restaurant. Gift shop. Bike trails. Beautiful swimming beach. Nice playground," lists Jenelle H., noting the variety of activities available for families.
Tips from RVers
Site access considerations: KOA Campground Bemidji offers various levels of accessibility. "The sites were weedy and very close together. The pool was fine but mini golf course was a disaster, total disrepair," reports Brandon L., providing a realistic assessment of the amenities.
Electric options: Electricity access varies by campground. "There are 2 campgrounds- Pine Ridge & Bear Paw. Electric sites only. I think it was $35 a night. There is a dump," shares Cynthia K., providing specific pricing information for RV campers.
Dog friendly campgrounds near Shevlin: Several locations welcome pets but have specific requirements. "My best friend and I love to camp with our dogs, and this location was perfect we had a wonderful tent spot. The back was all woods and we went pretty late into the season so there was only us and maybe 5 other campers through out the whole park!!" explains Erin L. about her experience at Lake Bemidji, one of the pet-friendly options in the area.
