Campers visiting Winton, Minnesota find themselves amid the dense pine forests of the Superior National Forest at an elevation of 1,430 feet. The area experiences distinct seasonal variations with summer temperatures averaging 70-80°F during peak camping season from June through August. Winter temperatures frequently drop below zero, which limits camping options outside dedicated year-round facilities.
What to do
Boundary Waters access: South Kawishiwi River Recreation Area serves as a gateway to wilderness adventures. "There is a mile-long hiking trail in the park which is a plus. It was raining and was windy so I didn't get to enjoy it much," notes one camper, who also mentions the "lovely beach with designated swimming area and a boat launch for small boats, canoes and kayaks."
Fishing opportunities: Bear Head Lake State Park Campground offers productive fishing in clear waters. "We caught lots of sunnies and bass plus a northern and small walleye," reports a visitor who stayed at the park during a family gathering. The lake's clarity makes it ideal for both shore and boat fishing.
Wildlife viewing: Take a short drive to wildlife centers from your campsite at Headquarters RV Park. "We only stayed here two nights for a quick trip into Voyageurs National Park. If I would have known AT&T would have been so fast and reliable, we would have easily stayed here a week to work," shares a camper who also visited nearby attractions like Vermillion Falls.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Fenske Lake Campground provides well-separated camping areas. "This is a small campground with a few pull in and walk up sites. We had a walk up site that was on the side with the lake which was really nice," explains a camper who appreciated the layout. The campground has recovered from past storm damage and now offers more open sites.
Beach access: South Kawishiwi River Recreation Area features a sand beach, not just a designated swimming area. "It also has a nice beach area that is not just 'beach' by name...there is actually sand and a place to swim without being tangled in weeds," reports a camper who also found the boat launch "pretty easy to get in and out of as well for any type of watercraft."
Spacious campsites: Headquarters RV Park in Buyck offers generous sites. "We were greeted happily when we arrived and directed to our spot which was a spacious, level gravel pad with a well maintained picnic table and fire ring. We had a lot of privacy with the trees surrounding the site," notes a visitor who appreciated the clean, well-maintained facilities.
What you should know
Cell service variations: Connectivity differs significantly between campgrounds. At Headquarters RV Park, campers report "AT&T would have been so fast and reliable, we would have easily stayed here a week to work." This contrasts with spotty service in more remote locations.
Mice problems: Some RV campers report unwanted visitors. "What I noticed that it is overrun with mice during the night. They kept me up getting in and running around. I put traps out during the night and I caught 6!!!" warns a camper at South Kawishiwi River campground who spoke with neighbors experiencing similar issues.
Reservation requirements: Many sites can be reserved in advance, especially at popular locations. "We booked three nights because we didn't want to drive the RV all the way up into the northwoods of Minnesota and not get a campsite," explains a camper at Fall Lake Campground who later extended their stay by securing a walk-up site.
Tips for camping with families
Group camping options: Bear Head Lake State Park offers family-friendly accommodations. "Camped in site 14 as part of our visit to all MN state parks. Very familiar with the area due to the BWCA but not this state park. Our site had a great combination of open area for wind flow and sun and shade to put our tent in," reports a visitor who found it more spacious than North Shore camping areas.
Swimming beaches: Families appreciate designated swimming areas at multiple campgrounds. At Kawishiwi Lake Campground, one visitor notes, "It also has a nice beach area that is not just 'beach' by name...there is actually sand and a place to swim without being tangled in weeds," making it ideal for children.
Off-season advantages: Consider camping during shoulder seasons for fewer crowds. "We were traveling down from the Boundary Waters and needed a little respite and this fit the perfect relaxing place. The sites are super nice and private," shares a camper who visited Kawishiwi Lake Campground and particularly recommended site #26.
Tips from RVers
Utility hookup availability: West 40 RV Park provides essential services for larger rigs. "Great place to camp quiet and plenty of camp sights," reports one RVer. Another mentions they "Went over Labor Day. Owners were great and really helpful. Close to the off road vehicle park."
RV size considerations: Most rv parks near Winton, Minnesota accommodate various sizes, but with limitations. At Fenske Lake Campground, visitors note "Some sites take large rigs. Check rec.gov for each site before making your reservation."
Dump station locations: Plan your sanitation needs carefully. One camper at Headquarters RV Park notes, "Beautiful place. Full hookups. No bathrooms or showers," highlighting that while sewer connections may be available, other services might not be.
