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The Paul Bunyan State Forest near Walker, Minnesota offers several primitive tent camping options, with Gulch Lake Campground providing nine basic sites on a hill between Bass Lake, Lake 21, and Nelson Lake. Other tent-friendly options include Lake Twentyone Watercraft Site, Star Island, and several backcountry sites within Itasca State Park approximately 15 miles to the west of Walker. Many locations feature waterfront access for paddlers seeking secluded tent camping experiences.
Most tent camping areas near Walker provide basic amenities suited for primitive tent setups. Campsites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, with vault toilets available at established locations like Gulch Lake. Water access varies considerably—some sites require campers to filter lake water, while others have potable water pumps at specific locations. Several campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis with self-registration, though backcountry sites in Itasca State Park require reservations. Seasonal availability varies, with Gulch Lake open May to December, while many dispersed sites have no formal season restrictions.
The terrain around Walker provides tent campers with excellent water access points and trail connections. The North Country Scenic Trail runs through several camping areas, offering extended hiking opportunities directly from tent sites. Many waterfront sites accommodate kayaks and paddle boards at the campsite itself, allowing for convenient paddling access. Remote tent sites on islands or along hiking trails provide deeper solitude for primitive tent camping experiences. According to one visitor at Lake Twentyone, "This watercraft campsite is right in the water with a rustic access for your canoe or kayak, not far from the actual landing and parking lot." Itasca State Park's backcountry sites offer the most secluded tent camping experience, with some visitors reporting wildlife encounters including trumpeter swans, loons, and beavers.
"Stayed right next to the lake! Had easy access for kayaking and had a fun girls weekend! Site 7 was a short hike in from the parking lot and the site was large enough for multiple tents."
"There is also another Gulch Lake Campground here, but this one that I reviewed is the GROUP camp. It's right on the trail, but don't let that deter you."
from $50 / night
Check Availability"Sites are primitive. No electric or water. Toilets are vault toilets, no showers. Stayed at a nice waterfront site great for having kayaks and paddle boards."
"This watercraft campsite is right in the water with a rustic access for your canoe or kayak, not far from the actual landing and parking lot It is tucked a bit back off the trail and sheltered on two"
from $18 / night
Check Availability"Had it all to myself... plus the wildlife. Room for 2 or 3 tents, or 1 tiny travel trailer."
"My only complaint was lots of people driving by in vehicles and ATVs, but that's a personal preference as I am trying to find some peace in solitude. I arrived on a Friday and left on a Tuesday."
"These is a newly developed primitive campground that is only for paddle-in, hike-in, or bike-in tent campers. Wow! It is exquisite."
from $7 - $14 / night
Check Availability"There are several sites available along the south side of the island otherwise it is privately owned cabins all around the rest of the island. You do need a boat to get over to it."
"The snow was packed down enough to drive on even with a two wheel drive vehicle."
"This review is for Remote Campsite 11, located on an isthmus between Coffee Break Lake and Deer Park Lake."
"There is a bear box which was helpful to store food and supplies since I was Hammocking. Great trees for Hammock. I was also able to get internet so I was able to see a big storm coming. "
from $19 / night
Check Availability"It was so quiet last night, although the beaked neighbors get pretty chatty early. There is a large puddle and so many mosquitos.
Is say there's comfortly room for eight campers or a small group."
"This is a free dispersed camping site in the state forest with lake access. Large enough for multiple campers or a small group."
"Stayed at backpack site 10. It’s about 250 ft from main trail and about a 40 min hike in/30 min hike out from parking lot."
"These sites are accessible to NCT through hikers, but access within the park is either through backpacking in in the Nicollet Trail or DeSoto Lake Trail (each a several hour hike in from the Parks Wilderness"
from $14 - $24 / night
Check Availability
ScoutVery nice campground. Sites are level and well marked. Picnic tables in good shape. Fire rings. Bathrooms and showers are good. Propane available is very nice. And reasonably priced. Staff is very friendly and knowledgeable
RangerAmazing bike trails, really quiet but it is off season, surrounded by natural beauty
TravelerVault toilet. Oak lake level on the lake. Across the road up the hill nice spot overlooking lake.
Guide*Can reach from North Country Trail
Backpack Site#5 is a peaceful, secluded campsite located on the shore of McKay Lake along the Deer Park Trail in Itasca State Park. The site is approximately 2.5 miles from the Aiton Fire Tower parking lot, making it a manageable hike while still providing the feeling of being well away from the busier areas of the park. The campsite has a beautiful lakeside setting, with the shore of McKay Lake only about 10 feet from the site. This makes it a great spot to relax by the water and enjoy the quiet surroundings. The site is equipped with a bear box and fire ring, along with a bucket for completely extinguishing your campfire. There is also a simple three-sided vault toilet nearby. Fallen trees and dead wood are abundant in the surrounding area, providing plenty of potential campfire wood where gathering is permitted. One unexpected bonus was finding a deck of cards in the bear box, a nice little addition for passing the time around camp after a day on the trail. Overall, Backpack Site#5 offers a great combination of accessibility and solitude. With a relatively short 2.5-mile hike, a campsite almost directly on McKay Lake, basic backcountry amenities, and plenty of surrounding forest, it is an excellent choice for an overnight backpacking trip in Itasca State Park.
ScoutIt's a super simple campsite. Nothing fancy but it's exactly what you need if you a peaceful weekend.
GuideWhat a great find! We arrived on a Monday and were the only ones in the campground for 3 days. Mix of lakefront and wooded sites. Sites are very large and private. We stayed in site 29, perfect lake views from our hammock. Easy walk to the dock for kayaking and fishing was amazing. Highly recommend if you are in the area.
ScoutWe stayed two nights at the Bear Paw Campground. It's right off the lake.
There were nice views.
The bathrooms were nice and clean, with more than enough showers and stalls and sinks for everyone.
The biggest downside was our actual spot 37E. It was very small, with only gravel/sand for any flat ground. We had to put our tent kinda in-between our spot and our neighbors'. I don't think that a full-size camper (either 5th wheel or travel trailer) and a truck would fit in the spot either.
GuideI have to say, it smelled so much like a dirty, stagnant fish tank that I couldn't handle it and had to find another spot. It was so lovely upon arriving, I thought I had found a good spot, but the stench was unbearable as soon as I opened my door.
GuideI loved this spot!! I included an aerial view of where my chosen site was on the maps.
My only complaint was lots of people driving by in vehicles and ATVs, but that's a personal preference as I am trying to find some peace in solitude. I arrived on a Friday and left on a Tuesday. The weekend was the busiest, which was expected. A family used the campsite during the day to put their kayaks in the water. They were so sweet, and the kids even brought me back a boquet of flowers they picked. Another family showed up with some fourwheelers for a bit as well. Everyone I encountered was very friendly!
There are wild blackberries growing on site! And a bunny came by every single night to have dinner, and bunnies are a good sign for me.
AND there is an outhouse!! Directly across the road from the campsite is a slightly overgrown path. Follow that (not a very long walk), and bring your own toilet paper!
Tent campsites in the Walker, Minnesota region include multiple primitive options in the Paul Bunyan State Forest, with Gulch Lake offering traditional tent pads among pine trees. Several backcountry sites dot the surrounding area including Lake Twentyone Watercraft Site and Halverson Trail Camp on McCarty Lake. These state forest and national forest campgrounds typically provide basic facilities while maintaining a rustic, natural setting for tent campers seeking solitude.
Most primitive tent sites include fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities remain minimal throughout the region. Gulch Lake campground has vault toilets and potable water at site #1, while many dispersed camping areas lack any facilities. Access roads can be challenging, particularly after rain—many tent campers note high-clearance vehicles are helpful when reaching remote sites. Walk-in tent sites at Lake Twentyone require a short 0.25-mile hike from the parking area. Seasonal considerations include intense mosquito activity during summer months and possible early closures (most open May through December).
Tent camping experiences vary widely based on location and season. Paul Bunyan State Forest offers secluded tent sites with lake access, making them popular for paddlers seeking primitive tent setups away from crowds. The North Country Trail passes through many camping areas, providing excellent hiking connections. Itasca State Park features backcountry tent sites at Deer Park Lake and DeSoto Lake, requiring 1-6 mile hikes to reach, but rewarding campers with pristine lakes and wildlife viewing. According to one visitor, "These off the beaten path sites are worth 5 stars for those who like primitive camping without a long sojourn into the wilderness." Star Island Campground requires boat access, creating additional solitude for tent campers seeking waterfront sites with minimal disturbance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Walker, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Walker, MN is Gulch Lake Campground —Paul Bunyan State Forest with a 4.2-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Walker, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 40 tent camping locations near Walker, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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