Best Campgrounds near Deer River, MN

Camping near Deer River, Minnesota, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful lakes and lush forests, it’s a perfect spot for families, RVers, and anyone looking to escape into nature.

What to do:

• Kayaking and Canoeing: The calm waters at Scenic State Park Campground are ideal for paddling. One visitor mentioned, “No big boats allowed, makes it ideal for paddling, kayaking, and calm water.”
• Hiking: Trails around Savanna Portage State Park Campground offer beautiful views and wildlife sightings. A camper shared, “I have hiked several of the trails and always see lots of wildlife.”
• Fishing: The Leech Lake Recreation Area & Campground is a great spot for fishing. One reviewer said, “There are also 2 boat landings and plenty of space to moor your own boat if you wish.”

What campers like:

• Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at Lake Bemidji State Park Campground. A visitor noted, “The site was spacious compared to some state parks.”
• Clean Facilities: Many campers rave about the cleanliness of the bathrooms and showers. One camper at Scenic State Park Campground said, “Very clean facilities, super helpful & friendly staff.”
• Natural Beauty: The scenic views are a big hit. A reviewer at McCarthy Beach State Park mentioned, “The site was lovely! I stayed at #48 and it was nice and level.”

What you should know:

• Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the summer. A camper at Savanna Portage State Park Campground warned, “Mosquitoes are brutal here, especially on the hiking club trail.”
• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Pokegama Dam Campground, don’t have showers or picnic tables. A visitor noted, “There aren't any bad sites. It's spacious and open which really keeps the number of biting critters down.”
• Road Noise: Campgrounds near highways may have some noise. A camper at Pokegama Dam Campground mentioned, “Road noise from Hwy 2 is a downside.”

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like True North Basecamp that offer swimming areas. A visitor said, “It has a great swimming area, though it did get deep fast for little kids.”
• Plan for Activities: Bring kayaks or paddleboards for fun on the water. One camper at Gulch Lake shared, “We were able to keep our kayaks and paddle boards at our site since we had lake access.”
• Pack Bug Spray: With the mosquitoes around, it’s a must-have. A camper at Savanna Portage State Park Campground advised, “Come prepared!!!”

Tips from RVers:

• Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Cuyuna Range Campground offer full hookups, which RVers appreciate. A visitor mentioned, “Each lot has full hook-ups, that was a huge bonus!!”
• Check Site Sizes: Some sites are spacious, allowing for multiple vehicles. One camper noted, “The sites were amazingly large with nice privacy between the lots.”
• Be Mindful of Road Conditions: If you’re pulling a trailer, be prepared for rough roads. A camper at Gulch Lake mentioned, “The road can also be pretty tough so be prepared if you’re pulling a trailer.”

Camping near Deer River, Minnesota, has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, you’ll find it here.