Camping in Bowstring State Forest
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Reserve community-vetted spots reviewed by 62k+ happy campers.Stories from the community
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Jamie
2 weeks ago
Tent
Group trip
Tent camping there was great had a big 12 person tent that fit perfectly on the site. View was great and sites were clean would go back again.
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Alexis
2 weeks ago
Tent
My husband and I stayed for the weekend and absolutely LOVED the property! Plenty of space, very private and an amazing view. The (mini) beach is perfect and also very private. I can’t wait to bring more of my family with next time. Matt was an amazing host and got back to me every time I reached out, ASAP. We will definitely be back!
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Amanda
2 weeks ago
1 night at Paul’s Lakeside Cottage
Beautiful spot, super friendly host. Was easy to find, the AC was a surprise bonus. Well stocked cabin and kitchen, everything you could need. Paul was friendly and helpful, would highly recommend and hopefully return one day!
Only note is we had planned on swimming, but the lily pads and weeds are thick this time of year, so plan for that if needed.
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Russ
2 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
This spot was quiet and private and the host was very accommodating. It was close to Itaska and LaSalle Lake State Parks for day excursions, and also just a 20 minute drive to Bemidji. The driveway is long and may be a challenge for high profile or wider vehicles, especially after a rain or windstorm as tree branches tend to lean over into the lane, but the additional bonus of being able to park under a tall lean-to structure for shelter in inclement weather made it more than worth it. We hope to stay here again!
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Lindsey
2 weeks ago
With pets
Loved this cabin! It was interesting to learn about the history of the cabin as well as the train car on the property. A lot of horse flies but mosquitos weren’t bad. We brought our dog here for a weekend away and it was a perfect secluded spot! Beware of bear in the area - we had to cut our campfire short to a bear walking through the property!
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Kristi
2 weeks ago
With pets
The woods were serene and the paddling on the lake was so quiet and tranquil. The cabin was rustic but had everything we needed. It was a wonderful relaxing getaway.
Paul and Piper were very friendly, and we enjoyed chatting.
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Wongladda
2 weeks ago
Tent
Group trip
We had a great time tent camping at Blair's land.
It was easy to find,spacious, quite and private.
Group of 12 people can definitely fit there with tents. And multiple vehicles and and camper can fit there as well.
The site was very clean and well kept.
Bugs/mosquitoes were not bad at all,even tho we were right by a lake. Just make sure you bring tiki torches, citronella candles and mosquito coils.
Porta potty was very clean, Blair even left us a lot of toilet paper and lysol wipes in there.
Such an amazing,friendly,cool and attentive host. His kids were adorable and friendly too.
When the water pump had issues,he managed to come out right away even tho it was 4th of July weekend, to fix it for us.
There were electrical outlets and multiple long cords, 3 large wooden picnic tables, super large fire pit, starter wood piles, wood chopping tools and grate were provided. It was great to be able to charge our electronics.
We fished from the peer,which had an amazing view to the lake.
Paddle boat was available, but we ran out of time to use it.
A pontoon was available to rent,too. Which we will take advantage of that on our next trip for sure.
Walking trails were well kept and clear.
We spotted lots of fireflies at night, bald eagle, family of deer,hummingbirds, and different species of birds.
The area there was lushesly green and beautiful.
Over all we're giving this spot a 10 out of 10 for sure.
We will be back 😃
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Chase
3 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Goldie The Caboose
Amy and her husband were amazing! They have such a peaceful property. From the time we arrived to the time we departed, we felt that we were treated as family. Beautiful people and property! Appreciate the time we spent with you.
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Alisha
3 weeks ago
Tent
Beautiful property. Each site is tucked in the trees, with space between the neighboring sites. Suitable for tent camping or RVs. We had a van, boat & tent. Drinking water spouts and toilets throughout the property were nice. Having access to showers was great! The place is clean and the host was very friendly. They allowed us to change sites after we got there. Says firewood included, but it’s whatever you collect from the woods or else you have to purchase logs.
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Aaron
3 weeks ago
16 ft car
Campground was easy to locate and well maintained. Check in was easy and offered a couple ways to handle it. You had neighbors, but you couldn't really hear them.
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Canon
3 weeks ago
19 ft travel trailer
Perfect for boondocking! There is water at the rv dump as well as clean portables dotted throughout the acreage. Importantly, there is plenty of space for a relatively private stay.
We were in site 101 and could hear the road quite clearly but didn’t mind, you may want to choose a deeper site.
The tree plantation was perfect for a hammock!
Thank you Allen and we look forward to another stay.
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Eric
3 weeks ago
1 night at Paul’s Lakeside Cottage
Very nice spot off the beaten path. It was only one night so didn't get to get the full enjoyment of the place, but it was very well maintained and the host was very genuine.
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Peter
3 weeks ago
Tent
This site was great! Very peaceful and relaxing. It is well maintained and everything was as advertised.
It is especially helpful to have firewood included. It is good, quality wood and is located close to the site.
I highly recommend this site!
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Katie
3 weeks ago
2 nights at Paul’s Lakeside Cottage
Paul’s cabin is nice and simple. Beautiful land and lake access. We saw loons, herons and heard lots of other birds each evening and morning. The cabin had the essentials we needed and Paul was very hospitable.
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Darcie
3 weeks ago
With kids
I visited Harvest Loon Camp on a girls getaway late spring and knew immediately I needed to book it for a family weekend in the summer. We had a wonderful time for both visits! My kids are little (2 & 4) and loved the sandy beach and swim area. The fire pit area is well kept and we loved eating our meals in the screened in porch. It's the area is private and wildlife is abundant. We would've loved to have caught some fish off the dock but they weren't biting during our stay.
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Steven
June 2025
18 ft Class C
The campground was very quiet and private feeling. There was free firewood to use which was nice and we got good sleep.
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Adeline
June 2025
2 nights at Harvest Loon Camp
This was my third time here and first time in the summer and it is GORGEOUS!!!! Would recommend to all.
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Margaret
June 2025
With pets
Loved our time at Paul and Piper's. Their hospitality is fantastic. Plenty of room for our dog to stretch her legs. Cabin is also close to the NCT for hiking which was our focus. Wish we would've had more time - would have loved to take a sunset cruise around the lake with Paul and Piper. We hope to be back!
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Camping in 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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