Best Campgrounds near Turner, MN

The northeastern Minnesota landscape surrounding Turner features a mix of state parks, county facilities, and private campgrounds set among lakes and forests. Savanna Portage State Park Campground, located near McGregor, serves as a central camping destination with sites situated near four lakes and extensive trail networks. Sandy Lake COE Recreation Area offers highly-rated facilities with full hookups for RVs while maintaining tent camping options. Minnesota National RV Park provides specialized accommodations for larger vehicles, particularly appealing to those visiting Big Sandy Lake or enjoying the adjacent golf course. The region's camping options range from primitive sites with basic amenities to fully developed resorts with cabin rentals.

Camping seasons typically run from May through September, with some facilities like Jay Cooke State Park remaining open year-round. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly, especially on holiday weekends. As one camper noted at Savanna Portage, "Yes it is buggy but it's Minnesota so you deal with it. We saw a bear while hiking the continental divide trail so nature is out there." Mosquitoes represent a consistent challenge throughout summer, with visitors frequently mentioning the need for ample insect repellent. Winter access becomes limited as many facilities close or reduce services, though some offer reduced off-season rates for self-sufficient campers.

Waterfront access constitutes a primary attraction across the region's campgrounds. Sites with lake views command premium rates and earlier bookings, with several reviewers highlighting the quality of fishing opportunities. Facilities vary considerably, from basic vault toilets and water spigots at state forest campgrounds to full-service RV parks with 50-amp hookups and sewer connections. Privacy levels differ significantly between campgrounds, with some offering well-spaced, wooded sites while others feature more open layouts. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with campers reporting bear sightings, excellent bird watching, and extensive hiking trails. Road noise affects some campgrounds near highways, though many sites deeper in forested areas provide quieter experiences.

Best Camping Sites Near Turner, Minnesota (141)

    1. Savanna Portage State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Balsam, MN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 426-3271

    "It’s situated near four lakes and loads of biking/hiking. There is a lot to do in the area from fishing, hiking, biking, and nature watching."

    "There are several trails near the area and some connected to the campsite. I tried to hike around the lake but ran into several impassable spots bc of a recent rain."

    2. Sandy Lake COE Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Turner, MN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 426-3482

    $16 - $60 / night

    "This campground is in a sweet location on the banks of hisotric and beautiful Big Sandy lake. There are standard tent and RV sites, as well as camper cabin options."

    "Tip - drinking water in the North Campground is not at the dump station, but on the other end near the boat launch."

    3. Minnesota National RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Turner, MN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 426-4444

    $39 - $59 / night

    "campground built right next to the Minnesota National Golf Course clubhouse, and in the corner surrounded by Savannah holes 8 and 9. It’s literally inside the golf course."

    "We were told to take the main road into the clubhouse, and right at the clubhouse, there’s a road to the right with a sign that shows the CG and where the sites are situated."

    4. Sandy Lake

    3 Reviews
    Turner, MN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 290-5850

    $16 - $60 / night

    "Nice sites but surrounded by swampy areas so mosquitoes are thick. Very clean, pay attention to north or south entrance. Have to drive on either end can’t cross the dam with a vehicle."

    5. Bergland County Park

    2 Reviews
    Palisade, MN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 927-7364

    $20 / night

    "It provides easy access to recreational activities such as fishing and boating on the Mississippi River, and hiking, cycling or riding ATV’s on the nearby the Soo-Line Trail which stretches from Moose"

    "Near town. On the Mississippi River. Self service with self registration."

    6. Whispering Pines Campground

    1 Review
    Turner, MN
    5 miles
    +1 (218) 426-3045

    7. Hay Lake

    2 Reviews
    Balsam, MN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 426-3271

    $15 / night

    "Access to moor your boat at a few sites, though it is down the hill from your actual campsite, which is no problem as they have stairs/paths down to them."

    8. Hay Lake Campground and Day-Use Area

    1 Review
    Balsam, MN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 426-3271

    "Drop the money in the box at the entrance (honesty is appreciated) and take a site. No reservations accepted."

    9. Jay Cooke State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Carlton, MN
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 384-4610

    "Jay Cooke is really a must experience state park within easy driving distance to other parks in Minnesota and Wisconsin."

    "North east Minnesota has some very beautiful country. Highly recommend this spot. "

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Recent Reviews near Turner, MN

424 Reviews of 141 Turner Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Jay Cooke State Park Campground

    Great spot

    Went to a tent site. But our rv fit, wouldn’t take anything big to the sites in the 30s. Little distance between sites, but you can see people. Trails around. Nice staff

  • C
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Cuyuna Range Campground

    We won't stay anywhere else!

    We love camping at Cuyuna Range Campground. We stay at Cuyuna a couple of times each year. It is clean, quiet and so relaxing. There is so much to see and do in the area or just relax at our campsite. Check this campground out you will not be disappointed!

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Barnum City Park

    This entire section of the dirt needs to be cleaned up

    There's a sign that says no camping, and there are no rv spots. Or camp spots at this park. Some things in this area are listed twice the g. PS takes you to the wrong place. And something like the city park doesn't allow camping.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Carlton County Bear Lake Campground

    Very small park on freeway

    I believe I only saw 3 full R. V electric spots. It is literally right beside the freeway. I would not personally feel comfortable camping here as a female traveler alone. I also think this is listed twice and I will try to correct that.

  • Christine H.
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Dago Lake

    God's Country

    Free dispersed camping off Dago Lake Road between Willow River & Sturgeon Lake. Quiet aside from the occasional car. Pitch black at night.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Ronald Cloutier - Cross Lake

    Crosslake MN COE campground

    This is a spacious campground with 123 sites, most with electricity, all wooded. The Lake is actually part of a string of lakes friendly to high speed motor boats as well as canoeing/kayaking. Like all other COE campgrounds, it honors campground passes, cutting the fees by half. A COE ranger patrols regularly. It of definitely dog friendly without breed or size restrictions. It is just north of Brainard, MN so civilization is nearby but the turn of Crosslake has All the amenities of city life. As with many other campgrounds, it's not busy Sunday-Thursday but gets much busier on weekend days. I would highly recommend this campground.

  • Christine H.
    Sep. 11, 2025

    North Country Campground

    Expensive but nice

    Owners are very nice, greet you upon arrival, very helpful. Bathroom/shower is very nice. Trampoline & playground on site. Close to the highway so a lot of traffic noise until about midnight. People fly down the road even though the speed limit is 20mph. 3 minutes from Willow River, 45 minutes to Cloquet & Pine City.

  • James R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Greer Lake

    Great rustic camp ground

    This my second time here and I love it. It’s on a lake on state forest trail and 2 toilets and water pumps.

  • Heather T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Sandy Lake

    Nice place to stay

    This campground has 2 parts, the north section and the south section. The south is on a peninsula with just a few campsites. The north is the bigger part of the campground. The sites in the north are large and very well kept, each with a picnic table, fire ring and level sights. Two campground hosts who are very friendly and accommodating. Just a few vault toilets. If there's anywhere to improve, it is the number of toilets in the bigger campground. The south campground has the shower house and laundry, along with flush toilets. All in all, a very nice place to stay.


Guide to Turner

The Turner area sits at approximately 1,300 feet elevation in northeastern Minnesota's forest transition zone, where coniferous and deciduous forests meet. The region experiences cold winters with heavy snow accumulation and warm summers with frequent thunderstorms. Campers should prepare for significant seasonal variations, with late summer bringing the most comfortable overnight temperatures but also peak mosquito activity.

What to do

Paddling on multiple lakes: Four interconnected lakes at Savanna Portage State Park Campground provide excellent canoeing opportunities for all skill levels. "The park features a lovely lake that's ideal for kayaking, fishing, or just relaxing by the water," notes a recent visitor. Water rentals available May through September.

Hiking the Continental Divide Trail: This historically significant 6-mile trail crosses the watershed boundary separating flows to the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. "The hike to see the continental divide was really cool. We saw a fox and a deer which was cool," reports one camper. Trail maps available at park office.

Golfing near campgrounds: Golfers can enjoy the 27-hole course adjacent to Minnesota National RV Park. "The 18 hole course is quite challenging where the 9 hole Savannah is shorter and a little bit easier," mentions one reviewer who stayed on-site. Reduced green fees available for campers.

What campers like

Well-spaced, private sites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation between sites at several campgrounds. "The campsites are well-spaced, private, and perfect for tents, offering a great connection to nature," writes a visitor to Savanna Portage State Park.

Waterfront access with docks: Sandy Lake COE Recreation Area offers premium waterfront sites with dedicated boat docks. "We were in spot 12 and it was right on the water... you can park your boat on the dock in front of your spot," notes one camper. Sites 1-14 have water views but book quickly.

Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain exceptionally clean bathroom facilities despite heavy summer use. "Showers and restrooms were super clean!" reports a visitor to Savanna Portage, while another camper at Sandy Lake COE noted the "great staff" keeping facilities well-maintained.

What you should know

Seasonal accessibility: Most camping spots near Turner, Minnesota close from October through April due to harsh winter conditions. "The location is very scenic, and the campers seem to be friendly and family oriented," writes a visitor to Bergland County Park, which operates only from "early May to late September."

Persistent insect challenges: Mosquitoes and flies remain problematic throughout the entire camping season, especially near wetlands. "It is buggy but it's Minnesota so you deal with it," acknowledged one camper, while another noted, "We couldn't sit outside. It was the RV or the gazebo. And this was all day, not just at night."

Water quality considerations: Several campgrounds draw drinking water from wells with high mineral content. Campers often mention bringing additional water for drinking and cooking. Water spigots typically operate from May through mid-October.

Tips for camping with families

Playground facilities vary significantly: Hay Lake Campground offers a natural setting without developed play areas. "The campground is a good size, and all the sites seem private. This is a state forest campground, and in MN, they are all very well maintained," notes one visitor. Consider bringing portable recreation equipment.

Beach access for children: Sandy Lake has family-friendly swimming areas with gradual entry points. "Loon lake has a nice little 'park' with a beach so that is great for families," mentions one camper. Swimming areas typically open after Memorial Day weekend.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer junior ranger programs and wildlife viewing kiosks. "We spent the evening canoeing one of the lakes listening to Loons," writes a visitor, while another mentioned seeing "a bear while hiking."

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature slightly uneven sites requiring leveling blocks. "Gravel pads, some a bit out of level. All 50 amp water and sewer," notes a visitor to Minnesota National RV Park. Bring leveling equipment for most regional campgrounds.

Utility hookup locations: RVers frequently mention variable placement of water and electrical connections. "The utilities are in the far back of the site. I needed about 20' of sewer, electric, and water hose to reach my rig," reports one camper. Extension cords and extra-length hoses recommended.

Limited cell coverage: Most camping areas experience spotty cellular service. "We got 3 bars LTE on Verizon, and there was no CG WiFi," notes one RVer. Download maps and information before arrival as many campground websites don't function well offline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Turner, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Turner, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 141 campgrounds and RV parks near Turner, MN and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Turner, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Turner, MN is Savanna Portage State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 13 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Turner, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Turner, MN.

What parks are near Turner, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Turner, MN that allow camping, notably Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake and Mississippi River Headwaters - Cross Lake.