Top Free Dispersed Camping near Wirt, MN

Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to Wirt? We've got you covered. Find everything from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking with The Dyrt. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Wirt just for you.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Wirt, MN (5)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Wirt

4 Reviews of 5 Wirt Campgrounds


  • Michael K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Koochiching State Forest Johnson Landing Campsite
    Jun. 5, 2022

    Koochiching State Forest Johnson Landing Campsite

    Swarms of mosquitos

    The road getting back to the diapered sites had 5+ branches reaching out into the road (one of us had to get out and pull them back to avoid roof damage to the camper). Once we were near the first site we were swarmed with mosquitos. We had to discuss whether we wanted to sacrifice not spending anytime outside during our stay (use the site for free) or go look somewhere else. We chose the ladder. The mosquitos are probably intense right now because 1. It’s June and 2. Flooding. We might try it here again in the fall.

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Crazy James Water Trail - Campsite for Paddlers
    Jun. 14, 2021

    Crazy James Water Trail - Campsite for Paddlers

    Crazy James landing watercraft campsite

    This is a paddle-in only campsite within the Chippewa National Forest, and is an official campsite on the Mississippi River State Water Trail in Minnesota. It is located downstream from the Lake Winnie Dam, and is a good place to stay after portaging the dam if you dont want to stay at the Winnie Dam Campground. It is located near upper River mile 1225, on the left side of the river. The access point appears very overgrown from the river, but look for the brown watercraft campsite sign with the yellow canoe, and if you land at that point you will see a mall trail that leads to wooden timbered steps up to the campsite. There is a nice view over the river here, and a bit of a breeze, which is especially good in early summer when bugs are bad. This is a typical water access only campsite for paddlers on the water trail, and includes the basic such as picnic table, fire ring, and pit toilet. There is no potable water water avaialble here, so be prepared. There is room for several tents, so a small group could camp here. 

    The next watercraft campsite is downs stream quite a few miles, so if you are passing mid in the afternoon it might be good to stop here. The next recommended campsite is at Gambler's Point, the previous campsites on Lake Winnie include Lake Winnie Dam and Tamarack Point.

    If you are a through paddler on an extended trip you may already have maps and water trail info, but if not, check out these links: 

    Info for camping at watercraft campsites: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/watertrails/watercraft-campsites.html info and maps for all of Minnesota state water trails: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/watertrails/index.html map for Mississippi River State Water Trail: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/watertrails/mississippiriver/index.html section map on which Crazy James landing is located, just upstream from River Mile 1225: https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/canoe\_routes/mississippi2.pdf

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Birches Landing on Lake Winni
    Aug. 27, 2020

    Birches Landing on Lake Winni

    One night stop for paddlers only the water trail only

    This is a US Forest Service Boating area on Lake Winnie in the Chippewa National Forest. It is primarily set up as a boat and canoe landing, with large beautiful group picnic area as well. However, it is also a stop at the Mississippi Headwaters Water Trail, and is a canoe stopover spot. At times, the winds and storms on Lake Winnie are very dangerous, and paddlers are not able to get further up the point to the Tamarack Point campsites, or around the point to the Winnie Dam camground. Under those conitions, it would be dangerous to go further, and paddlers may stay here for the night. Bathrooms, plenty of tent space, easy landing and launching for canoes and kayaks as well as boats, new picnnic shelters, great place for paddlers to shelter.



Guide to Wirt

Camping near Wirt, Minnesota, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing in the nearby lakes. At Leech Lake Recreation Area & Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "Great place for older people that have a national parks card. $13.00 a night is unbeatable." This campground is popular for its fishing opportunities.
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Scenic State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "The Chase Point Trail is gorgeous for hiking!!" It's a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing swim at the beach areas. One camper at Big Falls City noted, "The views at this campsite are beautiful," making it a perfect spot for a dip.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Leech Lake Recreation Area & Campground stated, "Clean bathrooms, hot showers, manicured grass - this place has it all."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One happy camper at Schoolcraft State Park Campground said, "Beautiful campground. Large sites. The smell of pine and birch fills the air."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peaceful surroundings. A visitor at North Star — Chippewa National Forest mentioned, "Great place to come to get away from it all."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in summer. One camper at COE Leech Lake Reservoir warned, "There were lots of mosquitoes no matter what time of day."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A review for Schoolcraft State Park Campground noted, "No electric hookups, no showers, and no water hookups."
  • Reservation Issues: Booking can sometimes be tricky. A camper at Wanaki Campground mentioned, "Interesting you can rent these on the national forest site but also there are some that are not on the site."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. One reviewer at Big Falls City said, "The campground is right on the Big Fork River, very picturesque with large rock slabs and popular with kids."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at Scenic State Park Campground mentioned, "Lots to do and see," which is great for keeping kids entertained.
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A visitor at Leech Lake Recreation Area & Campground noted, "Free laundry too," which can help with longer stays.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at COE Leech Lake Reservoir mentioned, "The sites are huge with plenty of room between the sites."
  • Look for Electric Hookups: If you need power, check for sites with electric hookups. One camper at Chase Point Campground said, "The sites are roomy (boat in, drive in, or backpack available)."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Connectivity: Many campgrounds have spotty cell service. A visitor at North Star — Chippewa National Forest noted, "Not crowded on a weekend and really only the water sites were busy."

Camping near Wirt, Minnesota, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to pack your bug spray and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Wirt, MN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Wirt, MN is Birches Landing on Lake Winni with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Wirt, MN?

    TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Wirt, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.