Ogechie Campground, near Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, is a rustic spot that invites you to unwind in nature. With designated sites and a peaceful atmosphere, it’s perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

This campground is all about simplicity, featuring picnic tables and fire rings for cozy evenings under the stars. Visitors have enjoyed the quiet ambiance, with one camper noting, “We camped in the older Ochegie campground... There were few people camping so it was quiet.” Just keep in mind that there are no running water toilets or showers, but you can find those facilities at a nearby campground if needed.

For outdoor lovers, the surrounding park offers a wealth of hiking trails and scenic views. Campers have raved about the beautiful trails and the impressive fire tower that provides a stunning lookout over the area. One reviewer mentioned, “Lots of trails, close fishing, and an awesome lookout tower!!” 

If you’re planning a summer visit, be prepared for some pesky mosquitoes, as they can be quite abundant. However, many have found the beauty of the park worth it, especially in the spring or fall when the bugs are less of a bother. Whether you're here for a quick getaway or a longer stay, Ogechie Campground is a solid choice for a peaceful retreat in nature.

Ogechie is the more rustic of the park’s two campgrounds. This scene showcases campsite #11, which is a double site with vehicle parking on two sides. This shaded site offers tent pads, fire rings, and picnic tables.

Ogechie Campground — Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Isle, MN has a lot to offer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Minnesota camping has to offer. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Isle, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Isle

The Best Camping Near Isle, Minnesota

Took my 3 little brothers camping here. We chose one of the dispersed sites so had to walk aways but worth it! We had a pretty nice spot on bottom of hill away from everyone. It was nice and secluded. We tend to be loud so chose a place away from everyone! We had a blast and took them up to observation tower as well!!! Well two who would go!

Brothers trip 

Bros trip 

Lots of trails, close fishing, and an awesome lookout tower!!

Nice Hiking Trails

Beautiful state park, but WAY too many mosquitos in the summer. we had at least 100 bites after our trip. They have a lot of hiking trails and a really cool fire tower that you can climb and see all of the surrounding area. Definitely recommend, but in the spring or fall months. 

Too many bugs for summer

This is for the Ogechie campground.

Very scenic park along Mille Lacs Lake. Very quiet campground, rustic (no running-water toilets or showers, but you can go to the campground over to use those if you want to). A great place to relax and go hiking - tons of trails!

Scenic Campground

Okay so this state park is beautiful. The trails are wonderful. The campsites and campground are great. Except... I camped here in a 2006 Toyota Tacoma and mice essentially had their way with every part of my vehicle in one night!!! I have a topper and a built-out bed in the back. It was chilly and I had the truck shut—the cab as well as the tailgate and all windows. Still, when I woke the next morning (and for days and days afterward) I found mouse poop EVERYWHERE. They got into plastic bins, duffel bags, backpacks, stuff sacks, etc. Their nasty little feces were found in food, on towels, in the cab, in the bed, in ONE OF MY HIKING BOOTS!!!! Disgusting. Now, my friend who has a 2019 Tacoma said he heard them scampering around in the wheel wells of his truck and crawling all over trying to find a way in, but they did not succeed. I guess because my truck is older and has more tiny spaces they can crawl through, it got the treatment. Anyway, just beware because they knew I was coming and their diseases-infested poops I am still finding weeks later!!!!

Mice, Mice, & More Mice!!!

We stayed here one night and part of the next day. We camped in the older Ochegie campground (site #1) near the historic native village site and trail. There were few people camping so it was quiet. We called the office as no one had been staffing it when we arrived. The ranger was very nice and brought us a stamped sticker for my state park passport. He answered several questions for us too.

  

The next day, we explored some more of the park. There were several Purple Martin houses near the parking lot of the picnic area and we enjoyed watching the martins coming and going and feeding youngsters. The interpretive center was closed so we missed that. There is a fire tower you can climb, but we passed because we had a time crunch. We never used the showers or restrooms as our camper is self-contained.  

  

We will return to see more of this park.

Photos of Ogechie Campground — Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

Real photos from real campers