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Map showing campground location near Bigfork, Minnesota
Camper submitted image from North Star — Chippewa National ForestView 25 Photos
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North Star — Chippewa National Forest

7 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

At $14 per night (or $7 with an America the Beautiful access pass), North Star sits on the shore of North Star Lake within Chippewa National Forest, about 13 miles south of Bigfork. The campground runs 38 sites across two loops, north and south, and as of 2025 operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations. Water comes from hand pumps on each loop rather than pressurized hookups, and the nearest dump station is in the town of Marcell.

Waterfront sites are the draw. Several have private stairways down to the lake, where loons are a regular presence and motorboat traffic stays light. Fishing is a consistent reason campers return, with walleye a particular target during the spring opener, though bass and other species come up in reports as well. Reviews note that the pit toilets are kept clean, and the lakeside swim beach adds another reason to linger. The water-facing sites fill first on weekends, but the rest of the campground tends to stay open even during summer.

Nearby, Cedar Point Resort & Campground sits less than a mile to the northwest, and Chippewa/North Star is about a mile north for campers scouting alternatives in the same corridor. Anglers and paddlers who want a low-key base on a quiet Minnesota lake, with reliable facilities and reasonable fees, will find North Star worth the stop.

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!! New for 2026 !! Campers will now be able to reserve sites #22-38 from July 3rd, 2026 to September 6th, 2026. Reservations will become available on Recreation.gov on a rolling basis on January 3, 2026.

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Map & DirectionsNorth Star is located in Minnesota near Bigfork

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Address

46891 State Hwy 38
Grand rapids, MN 55744

Coordinates

47.556934 N
93.652341 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reservations

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Reviews7 Camper Reviews - North Star

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5.0

out of 5

7 Reviews

Many visitors reported spacious, clean sites with quality amenities and peaceful lake access in an uncrowded setting. Guests frequently mentioned friendly hosts, reasonable pricing, and primitive facilities that suit the forest atmosphere perfectly.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Aug. 11, 2025

Alone with the Loons and Osprey

I stayed in the campground while volunteering for Smokey Bear's 81st birthday celebration at the Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center in Marcell. Much to my surprise, the campground was almost empty. Only one other of the 38 sites was occupied. We've stayed in this campground previously, but in 26 years as a volunteer on the Chippewa, I've never seen any campground this quiet at the height of summer. Needless to say, other than an occasional motorboat on North Star Lake, the only noise was the cry of the loons and the call of an Osprey. I had a nice staircase down to the lakeshore with a bench so I could sit and look out at the lake.

Latrines were immaculate. The three sites I looked at before choosing #33 were all clean as well. The cost per night is a reasonable $14.00, or only $7.00 if you have a access pass. As of 2025, the campground does not accept reservations. This may change in the future.

Before and after the Smokey event, I had the opportunity to visit and fish some backcountry designated trout lakes. Ironically, although I caught was a bass.

A lot of visitors never get beyond fishing and being in the campground, but as a former volunteer Backcountry Ranger on the Chippewa, I would encourage campers to seek out new opportunities and adventures. Discover the forest, and find where you come alive!

Site33
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of North Star — Chippewa National Forest by Hans E., August 11, 2025
  • Review photo of North Star — Chippewa National Forest by Hans E., August 11, 2025
  • Review photo of North Star — Chippewa National Forest by Hans E., August 11, 2025
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2021

Very peaceful

Stopped here on the way back. Not crowded on a weekend and really only the water sites were busy. Good fishing in the lake. Like all good forests it’s primitive and non reservable. Wouldn’t worry about getting a site tho. We stayed in 7 and had nobody around us. Great place to come to get away from it all.

Site7
Month of VisitJuly
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Reviewed Jun. 27, 2021

Hidden gem

I’ve been going to this campground since 1998. I have a lot of childhood memories here and I Believe it is a hidden little gem.

A must go to if you want listen to loons and see the stars.

I marked down all the sites I’ve stayed in over the years.

Site32 & 33 & 30
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Sep. 3, 2020

Large rustic sites - FCFS

Great place to check out if everything else is booked. Water is a hand pump. Dump station in the town of Marcell. Some sites are on the water with a private set of stairs to the lake. Swim beach, wonderful campground hosts, and spotless pit toilets.

  • Review photo of North Star — Chippewa National Forest by Jill W., September 3, 2020
  • Review photo of North Star — Chippewa National Forest by Jill W., September 3, 2020
  • Review photo of North Star — Chippewa National Forest by Jill W., September 3, 2020
  • (7) View All
Reviewed May. 14, 2017

Walleye Fishing Opener Weekend 2017

We celebrated the 2017 Minnesota Walleye Fishing Season opener at one of our favorite campgrounds. North Star campground has 38 sites between north and south loops. The sites are not reservable, and are available on a first come, first served basis. Camping is $14.00 for a single site, and $28.00 for groups. Each site has a fire ring and an oversized picnic table. There are also outhouses and a well water pump on each loop. This year we were greeted by a new campground host who was very friendly. There are many smaller sorounding lakes within a few miles to fish from, and if you like hiking and historic sites, don't miss the Suomi Hills hiking trail. Listening to the loons tonight reminds me of how very lucky we are to call Minnesota home.

  • Review photo of North Star — Chippewa National Forest by TyAnn J., May 14, 2017
  • Review photo of North Star — Chippewa National Forest by TyAnn J., May 14, 2017
  • Review photo of North Star — Chippewa National Forest by TyAnn J., May 14, 2017
  • (13) View All
Reviewed Jun. 3, 2016

Our Family Favorite Campground!!

We have been staying at the North Star Campground for the past 10 years. This campground has no electric hook ups. The sites are roomy with a nice fire ring that has a grilling grate on it, and an extra large picnic table. The campground host Brock is friendly and welcoming. We spend many hours fishing the many different bays of North Star Lake with luck catching Muskies. There are a few sites with a stair case to lake access, and the public boat launch access is less than a 1/2 mile away from the campground.

  • Review photo of North Star — Chippewa National Forest by TyAnn J., June 3, 2016
Showing results 1-7 of 7 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at North Star Campground?

North Star Campground offers rustic, primitive camping with 38 sites spread across north and south loops. Amenities include hand pump water sources, spotless pit toilets, large picnic tables, and fire rings with grilling grates. The campground has no electric hookups, and there's a dump station available in the town of Marcell. Sites are spacious and well-maintained. The campground also features a swim beach for water recreation. Camping fees are $14 for a single site and $28 for double sites.

Where is North Star Campground located in Minnesota?

North Star Campground is located near the town of Marcell in northern Minnesota. The campground sits along the shores of North Star Lake in the Chippewa National Forest region. This serene location puts you in Minnesota's northwoods, offering a peaceful retreat surrounded by forest and lake views. The Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center is also located in nearby Marcell, making it a convenient landmark when traveling to the campground.

Is North Star Campground part of Chippewa National Forest?

Yes, North Star Campground is officially part of Chippewa National Forest. This designation means the campground is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and operates with their typical policies. The campground embodies the natural, primitive camping experience characteristic of national forest campgrounds. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis without reservations, following standard national forest camping procedures. The surrounding forest area offers the peaceful northwoods environment typical of Chippewa National Forest.

Can I access North Star Lake from the campground?

Yes, North Star Lake is directly accessible from the campground. Some sites are located right on the waterfront and even feature private sets of stairs leading down to the lake. The campground includes a swim beach area for easy water access. Many visitors enjoy fishing in the lake, which is known for good catches. The lakefront setting also provides opportunities to listen to loons and enjoy water activities during your stay.

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