Deer River, Minnesota offers multiple glamping and camping options within the Chippewa National Forest where over 400,000 acres of wilderness surround the area's lakes. The region sits at approximately 1,300 feet elevation and experiences warm summers with highs in the 80s and cool nights in the 50s. Forest campgrounds typically remain open from May through early September, with the busiest season occurring between late June and mid-August.
What to do
Fishing access opportunities: Several campgrounds provide boat launches for accessing prime fishing spots. At Williams Narrows, one camper noted, "Small campground with Great Lake access! We stumbled up on this one and really like it. It has two different sections, and both offer great water access sites."
Swimming and beach activities: The Norway Beach area offers clean swimming options with designated beaches. A visitor at Wanaki Campground shared, "There are beachside paths right to the lake from your campsite. Surrounded by trees so shaded and privacy."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The surrounding Chippewa Forest hosts deer, eagles, and smaller mammals. Webster Lake Campground offers bog trails for nature observation, as one visitor reported, "There is a place where you can walk on the bog and sit down on a bench for a nice view. That was the pretty part."
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Many campgrounds feature well-spaced sites beneath mature trees. At Cass Lake Loop, campers appreciate that "Lots of space and we had a neighbor who you can hardly see..some sites are closer than others. Been there now 3 times and stayed in 3 different loops."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain good restroom standards despite heavy use. A visitor at Wanaki noted, "Showers are hot, but the shower rooms and bathrooms are old and worn out. Relatively clean, just..well…OLD."
Helpful camp hosts: Many campgrounds feature attentive hosts who enhance the experience. A Williams Narrows visitor mentioned, "Great hosts, they actually came over to introduce themselves as well as meet our dogs. We loved our site as it was very level, large and well taken care of."
What you should know
Water availability varies: Not all water sources at campgrounds are potable. One camper at Stony Pt Resort and Campground warned, "Be careful with water as a lot of the faucets are not potable. Just a few potable and they are marked so pay attention."
Insects can be intense: Bug spray is essential, especially during early summer and near bog areas. A Webster Lake visitor shared, "So many mosquitos though, you better spray yourself before going on the hike. I forgot and bugs were chasing me."
Reservation systems differ: Some campgrounds operate on first-come systems while others require advance booking. Crosslake Campground is reservable, but as one camper observed, "Feels more like a city/county park. No foliage between the many, many sites. Lots of big RVs and boats crowded in a small space."
Tips for camping with families
Beach-accessible sites: Choose locations with direct lake access for easier family enjoyment. At Crosslake Campground, "This was a large campground with lots of sites, they have a mix of electric and non electric sites... This has 2 boat ramps and a fishing pier. You can beach your boat but the spots can fill up pretty fast."
Quieter weekday stays: For families seeking tranquility, weekday visits offer less crowded experiences. Webster Lake Campground stays relatively empty even in peak season, with a visitor noting, "I was visiting in September, Labor day weekend, and half of the sites were empty."
Onsite amenities: Some resorts offer additional facilities beyond standard camping. At Stony Point, a visitor explained, "They have many RV spots, cabins and tent grounds. There is a restaurant, beach/playground, indoor pool, game room and boat launch/marina where you can rent boats/pontoons and peddle boats."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Tree placement can make navigation challenging at some campgrounds. A visitor to Crosslake noted, "Sites are large although not always easy for bigger rigs to get into due to trees. But trees are part of the beauty."
Full hookup options: For those requiring complete services, Prairie Lake Campground offers comprehensive connections. One RVer mentioned, "This location cost $44/night for full hookups."
Glamping alternatives to RVs: For those seeking upscale glamping in Deer River, Minnesota without bringing an RV, Diamond Crest Resort provides comfortable options. A visitor mentioned, "Beautiful place. Non expensive. Not many tent sites but we had one down the hill and it was perfect. Very peaceful and owners are respectful and kind."
