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Little Gulch Lake canoe campsite

Little Gulch Lake canoe campsite is located in the Paul Bunyan State Forest. The area features forested terrain with access to Little Gulch Lake, suitable for canoeing and fishing. Temperatures range from lows of 10°F in winter to highs of 80°F in summer, and nearby attractions include Itasca State Park and the Mississippi Headwaters.

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Location

Little Gulch Lake canoe campsite is located in Minnesota

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

47.17654553 N
94.85204155 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

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  • WiFi
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Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 3, 2022

Buggy + No Cell Service

This camp site is a few miles away from the rest of the campgrounds and the picnic area as well as a forrest trail. It is extremely buggy and there’s a large wasp nest/ tunnel system on the ground near the fire pit. The fire pit is a classic rock ring. There is also a vault toilet and a picnic table. There’s only room for one group to camp here so if you get there early it’s pretty secluded except for a few drivers who come by to see if the spot is open. The entrance to the lake may be nice for a kayak or canoe but definitely not something you would walk into or swim in. I have verizon and there is no cell service at this sight. There were some bars closer to where you drive in but still nothing great. It was okay for the night but not the best dispersed campsite i’ve been too!

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Little Gulch Lake canoe campsite by Sonny S., August 3, 2022
  • Review photo of Little Gulch Lake canoe campsite by Sonny S., August 3, 2022
  • Review photo of Little Gulch Lake canoe campsite by Sonny S., August 3, 2022
  • (7) View All
Reviewed May. 26, 2018

Little Gulch is great!

Within the Paul Bunyan State Forest, there are several official state forest campgrounds, individual hike-in primitive campsites (such as along the North Country Scenic Trail) and also various official dispersed campsites for those who want a back country experience not too far off the beaten path.

Just north and west of the official Group campsite at Lake 21 is a lovely chain of lakes called the Little Gulch Lakes that are perfect for paddling. See this link for a state forest map of the area: the campsite is located by the canoe landing symbol off West Gulch Road:

https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_forests/sft00038.pdf

The lakes are clear and pristine, and far from crowds although within an easy drive of Akely, Bemidji, Itasca and Park Rapids. This is a great destination for canoeing or kayaking from ale to lake, all along a unique glacial moraine with deep quiet forests, plenty of wildlife, and crystal clear water in narrow but very deep glacial lakes. The canoe landing at Second Little Gulch has not only a nice access for non motorized craft, but also has a little known but really lovely primitive campsite that could accomodate several small groups. Best for camping, it would have room for a small trailer or two to drive in, but of course there are no hook ups of any kind as this is a backcountry location. There is a pit toilet, many good tent sites, and a picnic area, all on a lovely peninsula on the north side of the lake. You can easily drive to this location on back forest roads, though note that these roads are closed in winter and spring.

There is no well or pump or other water source at this campsite, and though the water is basically clear and clean you should either bring your own water jus or plan to boil or filter the nearby lake water as there is a lot of beaver activity in the area.

You can do some hiking along the quiet forest service roads nearby, paddle the chain of lakes, or go fishing. The lakes are not heavily fished, but they are not regularly stocked by the DNR either. It may be of interest for those fishing that the substrate of these lakes favors small mouth bass, which are fun to angle for but are fairly uncommon for this neck of the woods!

SiteSeveral tent sites right at the landing, all are great!
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Little Gulch Lake canoe campsite by Janet R., May 26, 2018
  • Review photo of Little Gulch Lake canoe campsite by Janet R., May 26, 2018
  • Review photo of Little Gulch Lake canoe campsite by Janet R., May 26, 2018
  • (15) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Little Gulch Lake canoe campsite?

    Little Gulch Lake canoe campsite is located at 1387 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Little Gulch Lake canoe campsite?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Little Gulch Lake canoe campsite, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Little Gulch Lake canoe campsite have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Little Gulch Lake canoe campsite does not have wifi.