The best campgrounds near Bemidji, Minnesota with hiking

Looking for a camping adventure near Bemidji, Minnesota with hiking? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 119 options available in the area, you're sure to find the perfect spot to pitch your tent and hit the trails. And with prices ranging from $10 to an average of $30 per night, you can plan a budget-friendly getaway without sacrificing comfort. Plus, you can rely on the reviews of fellow campers to guide your decision-making process. Some of the top campsites in the area include Cuyuna/Mississippi River Land (47 reviews), 16 Squared Cabin (42 reviews), and Velkommen to Norske Camp! (28 reviews). And if you're looking for popular amenities like potable water, toilets, and pet-friendly sites, you won't be disappointed. So grab your hiking boots and get ready to explore the beautiful terrain near Bemidji, Minnesota!

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Top-rated campgrounds

Looking for a camping adventure near Bemidji, Minnesota with hiking? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 119 options available in the area, you're sure to find the perfect spot to pitch your tent and hit the trails. And with prices ranging from $10 to an average of $30 per night, you can plan a budget-friendly getaway without sacrificing comfort. Plus, you can rely on the reviews of fellow campers to guide your decision-making process. Some of the top campsites in the area include Cuyuna/Mississippi River Land (47 reviews), 16 Squared Cabin (42 reviews), and Velkommen to Norske Camp! (28 reviews). And if you're looking for popular amenities like potable water, toilets, and pet-friendly sites, you won't be disappointed. So grab your hiking boots and get ready to explore the beautiful terrain near Bemidji, Minnesota!

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Top-rated campgrounds

1. Sunset Pines MN

100%

(6)

50mi from Bemidji · 71 sites · RVs, Lodging · 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

2. Fire Tower Pond

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(26)

29mi from Bemidji · 1 site · Tent · Pine Point, MN

Campsite is set next to a large pond, deep in the woods on 40 private acres. The pond is accessible for swimming/kayaking/canoeing. Beautiful Itasca State Park is directly across the road from the property with biking, hiking, nature drives, boating, fishing, equipment rentals, dining and more. Within a few miles are several local eateries. The area has many miles of ATV trails and the Heartland Bike Trail.

3. I Live in the Country

98%

(32)

12mi from Bemidji · 4 sites · Tents · 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 and experience 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. Note: This is a primitive camping experience. We offer no amenities, no toilets, no water. We are a 20 minute drive from the North Entrance to Itasca State Park and the Headwaters of the Mississippi. LaSalle Lake State Recreation Area is also just a few minutes down the road from us. Also LaSalle Lake Recreation Area is only about six or seven miles down the road.

4. Timberlost at West Crooked

31mi from Bemidji · 1 site · Lodging · 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.

5. Jammers Retreat

8mi from Bemidji · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · Bemidji, MN

Come enjoy camping on seven peaceful acres, just 7 miles from Bemidji, 3 miles from the state park, and only 2.5 miles from a private wilderness lake. The property features a large building suitable for gatherings, plus hot and cold water available outdoors. Unique highlights include a clay pit and sand pit—perfect for grounding, healing, or simply letting your inner child play. You’ll also find plenty of nearby lakes, trails, and opportunities for foraging and nature exploration. Extras available: • Kayaks and bicycles for guest use • Alternative healing circles upon request Campsites are first come, first served—a simple yet special place to connect with nature, community, and yourself.

6. Goldie The Caboose - Nevis MN

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(27)

36mi from Bemidji · 1 site · Lodging · Nevis, MN

Goldie is closed for the season - she will reopen again in the spring! Goldie is an original early 1900's wooden caboose that ran on the DMIR railroad. She was re-designed in 1912 to be safer on the railroad (and her length extended so she wouldn't fall over). She ran the tracks of the Iron Range until retirement in 1968. It's been fully renovated with a few modern conveniences. We've re-used as much of the original wood as possible, and repurposed many things into other things so that we could keep the history alive. My husband is the carpenter that brought her to life and I'm the one that gave her some paint and design. Now, she's ready for people again, and to keep telling her story to others. Please...be our guest...and let Goldie be your host. Goldie has a max occupancy of 2 people due to space constraints. She also offers: ~ 1 very generous bundle of firewood included with stay ~ Hot and cold running water ~ A shower ~A/C and heat ~Hot water kettle for coffee, tea and cocoa (or oatmeal, etc) ~Paper dishes, plastic utensils and ceramic mugs ~Microwave ~Mini fridge ~One queen sized memory foam bed ~ Bath Towels, hand towel and wash towels ~Flush Toilet ~Fire ring, picnic table and lake access (kayaks available to use for free) ~Wifi access ** There is no cable TV, but we have a DVD player and some movies to choose from. Also there are some games to play. We do have pets and they do run around the yard freely. There are two dogs that love to romp and say hi (a female Golden Retriever and a female Griffon mix) and a female cat that does the same. They are super friendly, but they will come to visit you at the lake. Our lake is an "environmental lake" so while we keep a small beach area that you are welcome to use, it is not free of lily pads or weeds. It's simple, but fully swimm-able (the Golden Retriever keeps the first 8 feet of water weed free with her swimming!). You are welcome to use the dock and chairs we keep there for breezy evenings or to take a dip to cool off. We are only 2ish miles from town with gas, food, ice cream and a donut shop. There is a paved rail trail just down our street that runs both directions for many miles. Bikes are welcome! (please leave ATVs at home).

7. Strawberry Lake Cabin

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(4)

48mi from Bemidji · 1 site · Lodging · Ogema, MN

Winter Wonderland in a Classic, Cozy Cabin - Strawberry Lake Cabin Here Up North, we know about winter. How to get cozy, enjoy good company, and, of course, how to deeply appreciate the downy white blanket of snow that envelops us for several months of the year. With our winter smarts and fondness for the season, we created what we think is the ideal wintertime getaway here at Strawberry Lake Cabin. Built in 2013 by local Minnesota craftsmen, our cabin wall and floors boast radiant heat (great for defrosting your toes after a snowy hike), its comfy indoor spaces are great for long conversations and warm drinks, and its spotless kitchen encourages you to prepare some snowed-in comfort food together. Or, maybe you'd like to be pampered and treated to a local homemade catered breakfast, lunch or dinner - we can help make that happen. Not to mention the world of winter activities waiting just outside the cabin. Watch thick snowflakes drift to the snow-blanketed ground and frozen lake through the prism of the cabin’s cathedral windows, which reach from the living area to the lofted bedroom. Then venture out to explore the glittering, snowbound landscape for yourself! A RETREAT FOR COUPLES, FRIENDS & FAMILIES; MOREOVER, A PLACE TO REUNITE WHERE EVERYONE CAN SPREAD OUT Experience the easy romance of tucking into nature together and shaking off the stresses of everyday life. From the cozy, lofted bedroom, views of an unpolluted Minnesota sky full of stars will lull you into a deep sleep, and a winter wonderland will greet you in the morning. When you and your sweetheart are ready to venture out, a whole slew of winter activities await. From ice fishing, ice skating at a local pond, to traversing 250 miles of snowmobiling trails and snowshoeing across beautiful landscapes…including at lovely Pine Lake in the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, just 3 miles from the cabin, or consider the nearby winter-sports haven Maplelag Resort, which offers cross-country skiing, fat tire biking and skate skiing. If you’d like to capture the essence of that “feeling of premium” – we’d love to have you here to experience our version of paradise at Strawberry Lake! Kind regards, Don (& Cheryl) Aamodt, Owners

Camper favorites near Bemidji

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Timberlost at West Crooked

31mi from Bemidji · 1 site · Lodging · 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.

Jammers Retreat

8mi from Bemidji · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · Bemidji, MN

Come enjoy camping on seven peaceful acres, just 7 miles from Bemidji, 3 miles from the state park, and only 2.5 miles from a private wilderness lake. The property features a large building suitable for gatherings, plus hot and cold water available outdoors. Unique highlights include a clay pit and sand pit—perfect for grounding, healing, or simply letting your inner child play. You’ll also find plenty of nearby lakes, trails, and opportunities for foraging and nature exploration. Extras available: • Kayaks and bicycles for guest use • Alternative healing circles upon request Campsites are first come, first served—a simple yet special place to connect with nature, community, and yourself.

Goldie The Caboose - Nevis MN

100%

(27)

36mi from Bemidji · 1 site · Lodging · Nevis, MN

Goldie is closed for the season - she will reopen again in the spring! Goldie is an original early 1900's wooden caboose that ran on the DMIR railroad. She was re-designed in 1912 to be safer on the railroad (and her length extended so she wouldn't fall over). She ran the tracks of the Iron Range until retirement in 1968. It's been fully renovated with a few modern conveniences. We've re-used as much of the original wood as possible, and repurposed many things into other things so that we could keep the history alive. My husband is the carpenter that brought her to life and I'm the one that gave her some paint and design. Now, she's ready for people again, and to keep telling her story to others. Please...be our guest...and let Goldie be your host. Goldie has a max occupancy of 2 people due to space constraints. She also offers: ~ 1 very generous bundle of firewood included with stay ~ Hot and cold running water ~ A shower ~A/C and heat ~Hot water kettle for coffee, tea and cocoa (or oatmeal, etc) ~Paper dishes, plastic utensils and ceramic mugs ~Microwave ~Mini fridge ~One queen sized memory foam bed ~ Bath Towels, hand towel and wash towels ~Flush Toilet ~Fire ring, picnic table and lake access (kayaks available to use for free) ~Wifi access ** There is no cable TV, but we have a DVD player and some movies to choose from. Also there are some games to play. We do have pets and they do run around the yard freely. There are two dogs that love to romp and say hi (a female Golden Retriever and a female Griffon mix) and a female cat that does the same. They are super friendly, but they will come to visit you at the lake. Our lake is an "environmental lake" so while we keep a small beach area that you are welcome to use, it is not free of lily pads or weeds. It's simple, but fully swimm-able (the Golden Retriever keeps the first 8 feet of water weed free with her swimming!). You are welcome to use the dock and chairs we keep there for breezy evenings or to take a dip to cool off. We are only 2ish miles from town with gas, food, ice cream and a donut shop. There is a paved rail trail just down our street that runs both directions for many miles. Bikes are welcome! (please leave ATVs at home).

Strawberry Lake Cabin

100%

(4)

48mi from Bemidji · 1 site · Lodging · Ogema, MN

Winter Wonderland in a Classic, Cozy Cabin - Strawberry Lake Cabin Here Up North, we know about winter. How to get cozy, enjoy good company, and, of course, how to deeply appreciate the downy white blanket of snow that envelops us for several months of the year. With our winter smarts and fondness for the season, we created what we think is the ideal wintertime getaway here at Strawberry Lake Cabin. Built in 2013 by local Minnesota craftsmen, our cabin wall and floors boast radiant heat (great for defrosting your toes after a snowy hike), its comfy indoor spaces are great for long conversations and warm drinks, and its spotless kitchen encourages you to prepare some snowed-in comfort food together. Or, maybe you'd like to be pampered and treated to a local homemade catered breakfast, lunch or dinner - we can help make that happen. Not to mention the world of winter activities waiting just outside the cabin. Watch thick snowflakes drift to the snow-blanketed ground and frozen lake through the prism of the cabin’s cathedral windows, which reach from the living area to the lofted bedroom. Then venture out to explore the glittering, snowbound landscape for yourself! A RETREAT FOR COUPLES, FRIENDS & FAMILIES; MOREOVER, A PLACE TO REUNITE WHERE EVERYONE CAN SPREAD OUT Experience the easy romance of tucking into nature together and shaking off the stresses of everyday life. From the cozy, lofted bedroom, views of an unpolluted Minnesota sky full of stars will lull you into a deep sleep, and a winter wonderland will greet you in the morning. When you and your sweetheart are ready to venture out, a whole slew of winter activities await. From ice fishing, ice skating at a local pond, to traversing 250 miles of snowmobiling trails and snowshoeing across beautiful landscapes…including at lovely Pine Lake in the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, just 3 miles from the cabin, or consider the nearby winter-sports haven Maplelag Resort, which offers cross-country skiing, fat tire biking and skate skiing. If you’d like to capture the essence of that “feeling of premium” – we’d love to have you here to experience our version of paradise at Strawberry Lake! Kind regards, Don (& Cheryl) Aamodt, Owners

Public campgrounds near Bemidji

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(1)

Lake Bemidji Campground

4.6mi from Bemidji · 101 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Bemidji State Park

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(1)

Star Island Trail

15mi from Bemidji · 1 site · in Chippewa National Forest

LaSalle Lake Campground

16mi from Bemidji · 39 sites · Tents, RVs · in La Salle Lake State Recreation Area

South Pike Bay Campground

18mi from Bemidji · 22 sites · Tents, RVs · in Chippewa National Forest

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(1)

Cass Lake Loop Campground

18mi from Bemidji · 20 sites · Tents, RVs · in Chippewa National Forest

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(1)

Norway Beach Loop Campground

19mi from Bemidji · 29 sites · Tents, RVs · in Chippewa National Forest

Wanaki Loop Campground

19mi from Bemidji · 24 sites · Tents, RVs · in Chippewa National Forest

Knutson Dam Campground

19mi from Bemidji · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · in Chippewa National Forest

Chippewa Loop Campground

19mi from Bemidji · 30 sites · Tents, RVs · in Chippewa National Forest

Webster Lake Campground

19mi from Bemidji · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · in Chippewa National Forest

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(7)

Pine Ridge Campground

22mi from Bemidji · 158 sites · Tents, RVs · in Itasca State Park

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(1)

Gulch Lake Campground

22mi from Bemidji · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · in Paul Bunyan State Forest

Stories from the community

C

Curtis

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to I Live in the Country

It felt very private as I placed my tent toward the back of the field. The star viewing was great!

J

Jonathan

October 2025

3 nights at Goldie The Caboose - Nevis MN

Amy’s place was beautiful and peaceful. The caboose sits on a quiet, wooded part of the property and feels totally private — you can’t even see her house from it. There’s a private trail that leads down to the lake, passing a picnic table and a fire pit with a built-in grill. It’s a perfect spot to relax, cook out, or just sit and enjoy the view. The whole setup has a cozy, tucked-away vibe that makes it easy to unwind and enjoy nature.

Jim

September 2025

2 nights at Goldie The Caboose - Nevis MN

The caboose was a unique experience to actually stay in a renovated railroad caboose with ties to the area. It was very relaxing setting and have campfire coffee and close access to the bike trails. The dogs were always happy to say hello and the yoga platform was a perfect place to watch the clear night sky.

N

Nick

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Goldie The Caboose - Nevis MN

Detail, very good information and easy to communicate. Gorgeous caboose and very relaxing

The hosts provide a picnic table, firewood, and cooking grate for the camp fire.

C

Cheryl

July 2025

Tent

2 nights at Fire Tower Pond

The site was beautiful and peaceful. We appreciated the availability of dry firewood. It was a nice spot to camp.

R

Russ

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to I Live in the Country

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!

C

Chase

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Goldie The Caboose - Nevis MN

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.

Sarah

June 2025

Tent

With pets

4 nights at I Live in the Country

Late June- site is ideal basecamp for exploring Itasca area lakes & trails. Driving on Great River Road is beautiful. We stayed by field- rolling meadow brimming w/ wildflowers, surrounded by deer-filled birch forest. Fireflies & butterflies & stars & kite-flying. Cool breeze off field kept mosquitoes in check, wore hats & bug spray b/c of ticks & deer flies. Easily remedied w/ socks over pantlegs & repellent. Stuck ticks on tape- or thrown in empty pop bottle w/ screw-cap. Lymes confirmed in area, so cautious. Dogs have vaccine & tick meds, but are magnetics. Dogs on tieout did great & prevented big black bear from entering kiddos empty tent, which reminded us to keep food in truck w/ anything scented like sunscreen or toothpaste. Glad we brought sunshades/canopy, camping toilet & sink. No fires allowed, so had hotplate & truck cord. Every night was an awesome game night- boardgames, cards, mad libs- partly b/c zero bars cellphone service (Verizon4G only.) Which ended up being a total blessing for good-oldfashioned family bonding. There's a nice little park nearby for ok cell reception to answer emails & make a few important calls. I might invest in modest signal amplifier for camping adventures in future. Tons of trails close by for off-leash dogs & lakes for swimming. But honestly, the meadow view, central yet secluded location & the kindness of the hosts (later check-in & check-out) made this place a 5 star experience absolutely. A hidden gem.

C

Chris

February 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to I Live in the Country

The drive in was amazing, big beautiful trees and snow everywhere. Definitely the nicest people I have ever met. I got stuck in the snow and multiple people offered to help me. The host was polite and met with me as I pulled in.