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Pine Point Carry-in Access and Watercraft Campsite

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Where the Mississippi River winds through northern Minnesota's headwaters region, Pine Point Carry-in Access serves as a boat-in and walk-in campsite along the Mississippi River Headwaters water trail. This state-managed site operates free of charge from May through November, providing basic amenities including toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings for paddlers and hikers willing to pack in their gear.

A 2012 windstorm significantly altered the landscape here, removing many of the large pines that once defined the area and damaging several facilities that have not been replaced. The campground now features primarily open grassy areas with replanted pine seedlings showing recent growth. River access occurs through a shallow slough, as flood patterns have shifted the main channel further into the surrounding reed beds. Campers can find additional options at Mississippi High Banks Primitive Group Campground and Fox Trap Canoe Campsite, both located upstream along the water trail.

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Location

Public Campground

Pine Point Carry-in Access and Watercraft Campsite is located in Minnesota

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

47.42791633 N
95.06959728 W

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Connectivity

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    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

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1 Review

Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Sep. 25, 2018

Pine Point is in sorry shape

This is a designated canoe campground on the Mississippi River Headwaters water trail. It used to be one of my favorite campsites on the water trail, and was known for its big beautiful pines and for being a well maintained campsite on the water trail. A big windstorm came through in 2012 and knocked down most of the beautiful pines and ravaged the campsites. There had been several nice Adirondack lean-tos, nice fire grates, picnic tables, plenty of tent sites, decent outhouses, a water pump, and a nice landing for canoe access and swimming. The storm caused trees to fall all over the campground, causing a lot of damage. Rather than restoring the facilities that were damaged, most were just removed and havent been replaced, hence only one shelter remains and it it in rough shape; and the other campsites have been taken out altogether leaving just a big open grassy area. The water pump has been taken out, and the remaining outhouse is in bad condition. The heavy rains and floods at that time and since have also caused the main channel of the river to move further out in the reed bed, so the landing basically accesses a pretty shallow slough that you will have to slog through in order to get in from and out on the river. It is really sad to see it in this condition, and it is a barely tolerable spot to stop if you are through-paddling, but it is the last stop before the day-paddle it may take you to get through the giant rice beds downstream en route to Iron Bridge. The only positive is that the DNR did replant a lot of pine seedlings around the campground to replace the trees that were lost, and they seem to have had a good growth spurt the past couple years, so this spot is on its way for the vegetation to be renewed at least. I would advise not staying here though, unless improvements are made. If possible, try to camp upstream at Fox Trap or High Banks rather than this campsite.

Month of VisitJuly
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Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Landing at Pine Point campground?

Pine Point Carry-in Access and Watercraft Campsite offers minimal amenities as it's designed primarily for canoeists traveling the Mississippi River Headwaters water trail. The site provides primitive camping facilities suitable for a brief wilderness stopover. While specific amenities are limited, the campground's main attraction is its natural setting and riverside access. Being a designated canoe campground, visitors should be prepared for a primitive camping experience and bring all necessary supplies.

How do I make reservations at Landing at Pine Point?

Pine Point Carry-in Access and Watercraft Campsite operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no formal reservation system. As a designated canoe campground on the Mississippi River Headwaters water trail, it primarily serves paddlers traveling through the area. To secure a spot, simply arrive and claim an available site. For the most current information on availability and any potential changes to this policy, contact the managing agency before your trip.

What activities can I do near Landing at Pine Point?

The primary activity at Pine Point is canoeing, as it's positioned along the Mississippi River Headwaters water trail. Paddling opportunities abound both upstream and downstream. The riverside location offers fishing opportunities in the headwaters region. Wildlife observation is excellent with chances to spot various bird species and forest animals. The surrounding area provides opportunities for photography, especially of the river landscapes. Hiking may be possible in nearby areas, though trails directly from the site may be limited.

What are the fees for camping at Landing at Pine Point?

Pine Point Carry-in Access and Watercraft Campsite typically has minimal or no fees as it's a primitive canoe campsite along the Mississippi River Headwaters water trail. These types of designated water trail campsites are often free or have nominal fees to encourage appropriate use by paddlers. For the most current fee information, check with the managing agency before your trip, as policies can change. Remember this is a carry-in site intended primarily for canoeists.

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