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The best camping near Bowstring State Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Bowstring adventure.

Discover Bowstring State Forest's natural beauty and outdoor activities.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Bowstring State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Bowstring State Forest

Tamarack Ponds

3 sites ¡ RVs, Tents40 acres ¡ Deer River, MN
Welcome to Tamarack Ponds Camping, your gateway to the pristine beauty of Itasca County, Minnesota. Nestled on 40 acres of private land adorned with ancient cedar, ash, and black spruce trees, our campground offers a serene nature retreat. Immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance, where the melodies of wildlife fill the air, creating a symphony of natural sounds. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, we have you covered with carefully curated camping spots. Two tenting spots equipped with fire pits and cooking grates provide the perfect setting for a cozy evening under the stars. For RV enthusiasts, we offer 1-2 spacious spots complete with 20, 30, and 50-amp electric hookups, ensuring a comfortable stay amid the wilderness. Situated between the charming towns of Cohasset and Deer River, and just minutes from the bustling hub of Grand Rapids, our campground offers easy access to a wealth of outdoor adventures. Explore world-class fishing lakes, traverse ATV trails, or embark on scenic hikes through lush forests—there's something for every outdoor enthusiast to enjoy. Fishermen and women are welcome to park here as their base camp, RV style fish houses are welcome. At Tamarack Ponds Camping, we invite you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with the natural world. Join us for an unforgettable camping experience in the heart of Itasca County.
from 
$20
 / night
96%
(12)

RV There Yet Campground

19 sites ¡ RVs80 acres ¡ Akeley, MN
The 80-acre property is carved out of a Norway pine plantation. Sites are approximately 10,000 square ft. in size with about 50 ft. of trees between each site for semi-privacy. We have tried to maintain a balance of nature while making the sites as RV friendly as possible. Although the property is located in the country, it is located along a state highway for easy access and there are three towns and many amenities and recreational venues within 15 minutes drive. Currently no hook-ups, but there is a yard hydrant and dump station. There are also portable restrooms on site. More details at https://rvthereyetcampground.com/
from 
$20
 / night
93%
(45)

Velkommen to Norske Camp!

5 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres ¡ Backus, MN
I bought this land near Pine River in August 2018. I wanted to have my own hunting land and something that was close to town and trails. A property that had a potential of multi-recreational use for people to enjoy while visiting. There are about 40 acres of county land surrounding three sides of the property. The main trail on my land goes thru the majority of the county land and loops back connecting to my main trail again.
from 
$35
 / night
Booked 2 times

Camp Robco

3 sites ¡ RVs, Tents40 acres ¡ Laporte, MN
Our 40 acres is mostly open, some is mowed short, some is a hay field, some is filled with wild flowers, butterflies abound! Camp overlooking our small private airport east-west or north-south runways. Catch the Paul Bunyan State Trail just a little over a mile north in Laporte, MN. Laporte's Grocery Store has the best meat market! Walker, MN (13 miles south) has some quaint boutiques and amazing coffee shops.
from 
$20
 / night
99%
(51)

Harvest Loon Camp

1 site ¡ Lodging24 acres ¡ Outing, MN
👷: Re-Opening early June. Currently under construction to build new bathhouse 🚽! Stay Tuned! 🌲 Picturesque lakeshore property located on 24 acres, with almost 2000 feet of lake access right in front of the cabin. 🏕 Serene, peaceful and unrivaled privacy. Water sports and trails for hiking make Harvest Loon Camp the perfect spot to relaxation and fun. 🪵 Wood burning stove for heat, with wood available for use. Harvest any wood you want to use. 🔌 Power now available: refrigerator, AC, stove and lights DO work. 🛌 Campers WILL NEED to provide own bedding, (pillows and linens) for bunk and queen sized bed. 🍳 Kitchen has antique pots, pans, utensils, coffeepot, etc. for your use. 🚽 Port-o-let provided on site and cleaned after each visit. 🌟 Gorgeous furnished porch to watch wildlife. Grocery store within 5 miles. 🦆 George Lake is well known for duck hunting and there are quad trails all over the area. This location is also perfect for horseback riding. 🐎 Horse campers welcome! Please pack out all garbage and take it with you when you go. Kayaking State Land surrounds Harvest Loon Camp for peace and relaxation.
from 
$125
 / night
100%
(22)

Wildlife Orchard

4 sites ¡ RVs, Tents32 acres ¡ Grand Rapids, MN
Come stay at our peaceful farm in the forest! We are passionate about the natural world and cultivating our own food. Our farm is focused on a diversity of crops and animals while maintaining the beautiful wild setting we live in. We want to share the knowledge we are gaining as well as welcome interested people to experience the beauty of Northern Minnesota's woods, wilderness, and waters. Come to explore, relax, have fun, and recharge in a quiet natural setting. Learn more about this land: Rural old growth forest campsite connected to 7,287 acre state forest with hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing trails. Small diverse farm to visit- chickens, sheep and bees. Orchards and gardens with countless flowers, fruit trees and bushes, and vegetables. Greenhouse to tour. Beach 5 miles away- large beautiful lake for swimming. 6 person sauna, outhouse, fire pit, and walking trails on property.
from 
$50
 / night
100%
(12)

The Heart of Paul Bunyan Forest

1 site ¡ RV2 acres ¡ Laporte, MN
This has been a special property for us, its 2 private acres in the heart of the forest. Make sure you have a compass! This is prime property, especially if you are an ATV or OHM enthusiast! This puts you in the heart of it all! 10 minutes from Stomping Grounds, Akeley and Fort Benedict Outpost!IMPORTANT NOTE - Rustic Seclusion is not for Everyone. This is for unplugging and enjoying the finer things in life. If that's you, this is your paradise. You must drive to Fishing and Swimming from here.  Under 15 minutes to Akeley or Walker. Learn more about this land:We are very excited to share this super Private 2 acre property in the heart of the Paul Bunyan forest within 200 yards of the ATV trailheads in both directions. Very Awesome camping for those that just want to get away! If you don't ride, that's ok, you will never find a better forest cleanse than planting yourself in the middle of 100,000 acres of natural forest! Property has 3 cleared spots for Campers and multiple spots for tents. There is an AFrame on the property that you will not have access to. You get this spot all to yourself!
from 
$45
 / night
83%
(3)

Into the woods

3 sites ¡ RVs, Tents9 acres ¡ Bovey, MN
9 acres on a private lake in Northern MN. ATV trails close. Peace and quiet without the crowds in a campground. We have two dogs, a cat and chickens including a sunrise early crowing rooster who will get you up to start your adventures. Fishing galore on the 1000 lakes in our county. We have an old doc, canoeing and fishing right on our lake. Beautiful sunsets and the joy of being in the deep woods of Northern MN. Lots of fun things to do in Grand Rapids and Hibbing. This site is level on the driveway but not out on the grass. It is close to our house, but we are quiet and not around very much. You pretty much have the place to yourself. 30 amp is close to the house. Toilet, showers and three season porch can be arranged. A Generator will give you closer access to the lake but far from water and septic hook up. Septic is our home septic where you can empty or hook up if you choose to set up close to it.
from 
$30
 / night
96%
(12)

Forest Cleanse on 40 Acres!

2 sites ¡ RVs, Tents40 acres ¡ Nevis, MN
We are so excited to offer this very secluded property with nothing but wilderness all around you. Hike, Bike, visit the Mississippi Headwaters, shop in Park Rapids, or hit the famous Iron Horse Smoke House in Nevis! This place will remind you of the finer things and refresh your soul! You get 40 Acres all to yourself!Learn more about this land:You will not find a place like this! Ducks, Geese, Beaver, Deer and everything right out the front of your tent! Overlooking a huge Beaver Lodge with trails around the water to Hike. Raised enclose stands to sit and watch wildlife. Best of all, you get the entire 40 acres of Woods all to yourself! IMPORTANT NOTE - Rustic Seclusion is not for Everyone. This is for unplugging and enjoying the finer things in life. If thats you, this is your paradise. You must drive to Fishing and Swimming from here.  Under 10 minutes to Dorset, Nevis and Park Rapids. 
from 
$45
 / night
98%
(25)

I Live in the Country

4 sites ¡ Tents200 acres ¡ Becida, MN
This is home, a realization of a lifelong dream of living in the country.  The land is magical.  Our animals are our family.  Learn more about this land:If you like privacy you'll love our 200 acre haven.  Come up the long driveway the spacious view of the open hay field.  Camp in the open or tucked away in the trees.  You choose the spot as long as it's not in the horse pasture, cow pasture when cows are in, or in the hay field when hay is long before it's cut.  Hay field would be off limits roughly late June to Mid July during optimal growth time and cutting.    We are a 20 minute drive from the North Entrance to Itasca State Park and the Headwaters of the Mississippi.  Also LaSalle Lake Recreation Area is only about six or seven miles down the road.  
from 
$10
 / night
Saved 1 time

Timberlost at West Crooked

1 site ¡ Lodging20 acres ¡ Nevis, MN
West Crooked Lake Resort offers relaxation and enjoyment for the entire family on 20 acres of seclude woods. You can enjoy sun bathing on the sandy beach, swimming in the clear water, playing on the Rave Water Park, or reading a book in the shade. Listen to the loons calling, watch eagles soar overhead, glide through the clear waters in a canoe or paddleboat, or just bring a book, relax, and catch some rays on the sandy beach. Many area attractions are just minutes from the resort. Biking/walking trails, golf courses, casinos, challenge course, a local winery, horseback riding, shopping and restaurants are just a few of the attractions you will find. In addition, the Headwaters of the Mississippi in Itasca State Park is just 30 minutes from the resort. ATV riders enjoy hundreds of miles of trails in the Park Rapids Lakes Area, bringing them closer to nature's beauty in remote areas others often don't see. Local clubs maintain two primary trails in our area, which are connected with miles of trails along county highways/byways.  Drive your ATV directly to the trails from our resort. West and Middle Crooked Lakes are part of the famous Mantrap chain of lakes – the very heart of Northern Minnesota’s finest fishing country. Fish to catch in West Crooked Lake include Northern, Walleye, Bass and Panfish. You can fish right off the dock at the resort or venture out to the many inlets on this quiet lake. When on the lake, you will often find yourself enjoying the tranquil beauty of West Crooked Lake with no other boats in sight.
from 
$145
 / night

Sunset Pines MN

71 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs50 acres ¡ Backus, MN
Mike and Loellen discovered Ruttger’s Camping Resort in the winter of 2005 while driving around the area and scanning websites for trailers. We bought a trailer on a seasonal site and have thoroughly enjoyed our summers here ever since! Our sons grew up on the lake, boating and fishing and exploring the area and we have developed a wonderful lake-family. We have watched Bill and Candy Ruttger build the resort into the beautiful property that it is today and feel privileged to have the opportunity to now share it with you. Under our new ownership and with a new name, Sunset Pines MN in January 2023, we are eager to carry on the legacy created by our friends and mentors. We welcome you to enjoy our piece of “Up North” Minnesota lake-life with your family and friends, and don’t forget to enjoy a sunset or two! Mike & Loellen
from 
$55
 / night

The best camping near Bowstring State Forest guide

Overview

About

The trail reigns supreme in Bowstring State Forest. Leave your cars behind and follow thy pavementless paths deep into the heart of this magical forest. Be ye on foot, mountain bike, or cross-country skis, the trails within Bowstring will lead ye hither to scenic vistas, tranquil wetlands, and meadows bursting with wildflowers. Forget not thy photographical supplies, for the terrain and wildlife found within the bounds of this hallowed land are a sight to behold. Bring thy friends, bring thy family, and have ye a merry time!

When to go

The best times to visit Bowstring State Forest are during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer offers warm days perfect for exploring, but be prepared for busier trails. Winter can be harsh, so ensure you're equipped for snow activities if you venture during this season.

Know before you go

  • Check the latest park updates for road and campsite improvements before your visit.
  • Heavy machinery may be operating in certain areas; stay informed to avoid disruptions.
  • Remember to call ahead or check online for campsite availability and reservations.
  • For any inquiries, the park's contact information is readily available for your convenience.
  • Sign up for email updates to stay informed about events and changes within the park.

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