North Star — [Chippewa National Forest](https://thedyrt.com/camping/minnesota/near/chippewa-national-forest), near Marcell, Minnesota, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This campground offers a rustic experience with spacious sites, perfect for pitching a tent or parking your RV, and it’s known for its peaceful atmosphere.

Visitors rave about the fishing opportunities in the nearby lakes, with many mentioning successful catches of walleye and muskies. The campground is primitive, meaning no electric hookups or showers, but that just adds to the charm for those who appreciate a more back-to-nature vibe. As one camper put it, “Great place to come to get away from it all.”

With no reservations needed, you can easily find a spot, even on weekends. Some sites are right by the water, complete with private access to the lake, making it easy to enjoy a swim or a relaxing day by the shore. Campers have also highlighted the friendly campground hosts and the well-maintained facilities, including clean pit toilets and hand pumps for water.

If you’re up for some exploration, the surrounding [Chippewa National Forest](https://thedyrt.com/camping/minnesota/near/chippewa-national-forest) offers beautiful hiking trails and stunning views of the night sky, perfect for stargazing. Whether you’re here for fishing, hiking, or just to unwind, North Star is a solid choice for a memorable camping experience.

## Overview

 North Star Campground is located 4 miles south of Marcell and 25 miles north of Grand Rapids on MN State Highway 38. There are 38 campsites located within easy walking distance of the sandy swimming beach. The lake has many sheltered bays and inlets to provide quiet water for ideal fishing.

North Star — Chippewa National Forest

Are you in need of a campground near Bigfork, MN? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Bigfork, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Bigfork, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Bigfork

The Best Camping Near Bigfork, Minnesota

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. 

Our Family Favorite Campground!!

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.

Walleye Fishing Opener Weekend 2017

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. 

Large rustic sites - FCFS

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. 

Hidden gem

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. 

Very peaceful

At this time of year this camps, mine is wide open. It’s right on the lake. There is actually no one else around. Nice big spots.

Awesome campsite right on a lake

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!

Photos of North Star — Chippewa National Forest

Real photos from real campers