Forest camping in Minnesota with fishing
Four seasons of outdoor adventures await campers in the Land o' Lakes.
95% (3487 reviews)
- Minnesota
95% (3487 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Minnesota
Available this weekend
Under $50
12 top forest campgrounds in Minnesota with fishing
100%
(309)
Belle Creek Bluff
3 sites · Lodging, Tents28 acres · Welch, MN
Belle Creek Bluff is on 28 acres of prime land in Welch. Belle Creek runs through the middle of the property. Walk, swim, paddle, fish and explore the this beautiful spring fed trout stream. There are a number of hiking trails on the property. Bordering state lands to the east of the property provide endless exploration and hiking adventures. Hike to the top of the bluff for a spectacular view of Welch valley and the ski hill. Hiking NE along Belle Creek can you spot the old model A truck along the banks? There are eagles, falcons, finches, and many colorful birds to see.
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Balsam Ridge Retreat
8 sites · Lodging5 acres · Duluth, MN
Many folks that have visited our place refer to it as 'country living in the city'. We are so blessed to live in this little piece of serenity just inside the city limits of Duluth. It was once an abandoned house that sat for years, until a friend mentioned to us that it might be going up for sale. We loved the location and rolled up our sleeves. Twenty years later we still marvel at the beauty around us and can hardly believe that we LIVE here! Just down the road is a trout stream and just beyond that was a popular farm that attracted many folks to this neighborhood for hay rides and sleigh rides. The farm has since retired it's horses and closed it's doors to make room for new homes, but memories live on in the beauty of the open fields. I often imagine the sound of horses and sleigh bells and people singing carols and then warming up around a toasty fire sipping hot cocoa. Some of those memories live on right here at Balsam Ridge (minus the horses). Over the years many groups of folks have enjoyed a sense of community in these back woods no matter the season. Campfires, kids catching frogs, neighborhood campouts, snow picnics, hair-raising toboggan runs, family campouts, spiritual silent retreats, a take-your-breath-away giant swing, and some tales too daring to mention are all part of the fun. This is why we do what we do. We've been given much, and love to give back. It just wouldn't seem right to keep all this good to ourselves.
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$69
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Stone Creek Farm
6 sites · Lodging36 acres · Taylors Falls, MN
Situated on 36 acres, this working farm is 2 miles West of Taylors Falls. Dan and Danielle bought this property with the intention of growing stone fruits (plums, peaches, apricots and cherries) using sustainable and organic practices because health and wellness matter to them! They are still in the process of improving their property. Many of the building on the property were in poor condition, including the old barn foundation which is now one of Dan and Danielle favorite places to keep cool in the summer. After they had excavated all the debris (which took years) they were able to transform it with gardens and fire pit for all to enjoy. They love sharing what they have been blessed with! They hope you enjoy their place as much as they do! Feel free to ask them to show you around or even get your hands dirty with them as they plant or harvest.
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$45
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The Wooded Retreat/breakfast/spa
4 sites · Lodging8 acres · Pine City, MN
Situated just 3 miles from the interstate, our retreat offers the tranquility of a state park while being conveniently accessible. Prepare to be mesmerized by the stunning grounds featuring rolling hills, towering white pines, and a variety of deciduous trees. Immerse yourself in nature's beauty with ponds and trails scattered throughout. Discover an abundance of flowers and wildlife that call this haven home. On our 8 acres we have 5 private ponds, 3 unique cottages ; and a vintage safari tent!
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$75
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Gossman Goat Grazing Ranch
3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents42 acres · Preston, MN
We have a lovely piece of property to come enjoy a getaway at. We enjoy all of the peace and quiet around here. The night sky is unbeatable in my eyes. We have a small hobby farm with lots of very tame animals. We have 42 acres to roams with lots of trails within the woods that are filled with aged oak trees and many young maple trees. Our property is filled with lots of wild flowers and wildlife.
We are locate 3 miles from the root river if you enjoy fishing or going for a float down the river. There are two caves in our area that are a must see while you are visiting. I you like to hike there is a state park 14 minutes from us that have many miles of hiking trails and horse trails.
If you are more the small town strolling type of person we have lots of small towns around us that are filled with shops and lots of great food! There is a large system of bike trails in our area that make a very fun way to check out some of the small towns.
If you have a family with kids we have a lot of fun activities you can do with your kids, like spending time with the goats, chickens and ducks, playing on our playground, or taking a nice walk through the woods looking for fossils!
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$30
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Wise Woods on Fool Lake
1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · MN
Located at the end of a private road on Fool Lake with wooded mature trees that offer privacy. The lake is quiet and calm. Fool Lake is a private, environmental lake, with many varieties of fish. Perfect for kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and swimming. Boating is allowed up to 40 hp via gated private launch (no tubing or skiing). The land slopes to the lake where you will find small dock and a few stairs into the water. Well for water and electricity available including a 30 amp hookup for RV campers. Large outhouse also has electricity. Minutes away from access to Cuyuna trails, Crosby, and Emily, as well as nearby Nisswa and Crosslake. This central location offers access to any and all amenities. After a day on the trails, in town, or on the water, an evening at the at the fire pit overlooking the lake is a perfect way to end the day. Wind down, relax and enjoy the trees, lake and nature surrounding you. We expect all guests to respect the neighborhood, lake and nature!
**November to early spring the water access will be winterized and NOT available for use. Any winter camping is at your own digression and snow removal will only be provided on the neighborhood road(s) up to the entrance of the site. Getting into the site could be difficult depending on the snow conditions.**
Note: there is currently a locked camper & small kids house on site not available for use.
Things To Do:
Cuyuna Mountain Bike Trails - https://www.cuyunalakesmtb.com/
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/cuyuna/mtnbiking.html
Cuyuna Lakes State Trail: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/cuyuna_lakes/index.html
Super Premium Gourmet Cheeses, Artisan Ice-Cream, Wine & Spirits, MN Goodies & More - https://shopvictual.com/
Bike Rental, Sales, Service, Food, Coffee, Etc. - https://www.redraven.bike/
Soo Line Museum - http://www.cuyunahistory.org/museum.html
Milford Mine Memorial Park - https://www.crowwing.us/294/Milford-Mine-Memorial-Park
Serpent Lake and Crosby Memorial Park/Playground
Hard Water Lounge - https://www.hardwaterlounge.com/
Paul Bunyan Land - https://paulbunyanland.com/
Paul Bunyan Trail: the longest Minnesota bike/hike trail at 120 miles!
Dennis Drummond Winery - https://ddwco.com/ 20-min drive from Crosby!
Traditions Mini Golf - https://www.traditionsminigolf.com/
Mille Lacs Lake - Minnesota’s second-largest inland lake.
Places To Eat:
Iron Range Eatery - http://ironrange.3cheersmn.com/
Rafferty's Wood Fired Pizza - https://raffertyspizza.com/location/crosby/
North Country Cafe - https://north-country-cafe.business.site/
Cuyuna Brewing Company - http://www.cuyunabrewing.com/
The Bridge Tavern - http://bridgetavernmn.com/
Jack Pine Brewery - https://www.jackpinebrewery.com/This is in Baxter, MN.
Fire Shack - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069785463122
Burritos California - https://zmenu.com/burritos-califirnia-crosby-online-menu/
Mixed Company - http://www.enjoymixedcompany.com/
Hill City Coffee - https://www.facebook.com/C4HillCity
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New Hartford trout camp
1 site · RV, Tent48 acres · Dakota, MN
Secluded valley site located where two trout streams come together. There is a large section of private access, as well as 1 mile of public access to the trout stream.
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99%
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16 Squared Cabin
2 sites · Lodging160 acres · Nett Lake, MN
Learn more about this land:"Glamp" on 160 acres of private property surrounded by pine forest, a field, and a pond.
There are several miles of trails on the property that are perfect for hiking, biking, four wheeling and horseback riding! The trails also connect to several hundred miles of trail systems in the surrounding area.
The cabin can be heated by the wood stove during the winter months, so it is a great place to stay for snowmobiling!
Inside the cabin there are a wood stove, 2 sets of bunkbeds, a table and chairs, and a counter top with cupboards. Outside, there is an outhouse and a campfire area with a picnic table.
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Trembling Gardens
2 sites · Tents10 acres · Rice Lake, MN
Spring 2024 Status: The campsite is currently not up to par for camping. You are welcome to rugged camp, however the boardwalk in needs repairs and the toilet is not set up yet.
PRIMITIVE - HIKE IN CAMPSITE
Wilderness Experience Minutes from Duluth
About the campsite:
Camp Palustria is on the edge of a beautiful marsh within 75 feet of a trout stream. It is about 1000ft off of the Superior Hiking Trail. The campsite is primitive which includes fire pit with grill, table, and composting outhouse.
The site is about a 600ft hike from the road where you'll park. The first 400ft of the trail is a swamp with a simple elevated boardwalk through most of it. 95% of the time is it passable with hiking boats or street shoes, but there might be some muddy spots. Dispersed winter camping is also available.
This campsite was featured on NPR Marketplace
Campsite is closed during hunting season.
About the property:
THIS PROPERTY IS RUGGED WITH MINIMAL DEVELOPMENT BEYOND HIKING TRAIL AND CAMP AMENITIES.
Trembling Gardens is my 10 acre swamp camp paradise in the rural suburb of Rice Lake. The property is about 20 minutes away from downtown Duluth and Canal Park and has easy access to the North Shore.
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Hidden Pines
5 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Kerrick, MN
Come get away in our grove of balsam pine trees in a rural area with lots of wildlife to see and hear. We have 5 primitive campsites, one for large groups and three for smaller more private camping and one drive in site for camping out of vehicle or tent . We offer un mapped hiking trails onsite and there is plenty of activities to do within 10 to 15 miles from camp. Activities include swimming at local beaches, Nemadji State Forest, General CC Andrews State Forest, ATV riding, lots of great fishing lakes, several rivers for kayaking and canoeing, local restaurants, coffee houses, movie theater, general store, shopping, antiques/craft, grocery, gas, local brewery, agate center, fire museum.
The land was purchased by the Sway family in the late 70's from a farmer and has been in the family since. We are one of the 4 current land owners of this property and plan to keep the land in the family as long as we can.
Our home was built in 2011 on part of the property. Since living here we have used the land for hiking, gardening, wood harvesting, selling Christmas trees, and now we are excited for our new adventure of opening a small part of our land for camping.
We are excited for you to enjoy our land as much as we do.
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Bundo's Forest
2 sites · Lodging10 acres · Finlayson, MN
This cabin was built by hand in the 1970s from white pine that was harvested and milled on-site. Our family purchased and rehabbed this beautiful cabin throughout 2021. Indoor and out, there are so many ways to relax and connect with loved ones during all seasons at Bundo's Cabin.
Learn more about this land:
Where the forest meets the field. Unplug and relax at Bundo's Cabin with extraordinary views of wildlife and endless outdoor opportunities. The modern yet cozy cabin has electricity and features a front patio, an external bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area, a living area, and a sleeping loft with a reading nook. No matter the season, this cabin is a wonderful, cozy, and clean, place to relax and unwind.
Feel free to roam around the 10-acre property and explore the 80 acres of state land to the north. Deer, foxes, coyotes, turkeys, owls, eagles and more are likely to be seen or heard. Explore, Banning, Moose Lake, and Father Hennepin State Parks which are all within 30 minutes, and return to the cabin to read, play games, listen to records, have a fire, and relax.
The kitchen provides you with everything you need to prepare your meals including a refrigerator, small freezer, stove, oven, cookware, cutting boards, sink, seasonings, oil, and coffee.
Water for washing is available via a pump faucet in the kitchen, and a brand-new outhouse is located steps south of the cabin.
The cabin is efficiently heated and cooled with a very user-friendly heat pump and gets the cabin to your desired temperature very quickly.
We are grateful to honor the Dakota and Anishinaabe people whose land we occupy by donating $10 from every booking to the Makoce Ikikcupi Land Recovery Project. This project is actively working to return the land to the indigenous people from whom it was stolen. You can learn more about this project in reparative justice at www.makoceikikcupi.com.
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The Oaks at Oakwood Farm
2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Oak Grove, MN
Enjoy 10 acres shared between 2 sites! The two campsites are large and can accommodate approximately 6 tents comfortably at each. If more is needed let us know we have room and can accommodate. There is a shared bathroom/changing room and trash/recycling between the sites. There is a water point in the barn if you need to fill up on drinking water just make sure you have a container for it. Site includes a picnic table and firepit and many acres with downed trees to salvage. Bundles of firewood can be purchased if needed. This area includes a back pasture and woods with trails throughout for walking/mountain biking. There are many horse trails in the area, if you want to bring your horses that is fine as long as you bring containment for them and clear it with us first. We are approximately 1 mile from a rum river access. There are multiple river trip options from our property. We are also 3 mins from lake george and the Rum River Regional Park for swimming, biking, fishing, boating, and more paddling. There is a Bills gas n grocery as well as a G-will liquors less than a minute from the property. The Ponds golf course is about 4 mins away as well. If you are looking to hit downtown Anoka that is a straight shot and approx 12 mins away. This site is on an active hobby farm that has dogs, cats, horses, chickens, goats, turkeys, and multiple gardens. We have a farm stand by the road where we sell items such as fresh roasted coffee, eggs, BBQ sauce, pickles, maple syrup, hot sauce, and more! We are very pet friendly and like to meet new furry faces, so feel free to bring them along!
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Dog-friendly getaways
Star Hosts in Minnesota
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Forest camping in Minnesota with fishing guide
Overview
The land of 10,000 lakes―11,842 to be exact—is a water-logged paradise for anglers, paddlers, and campers. From the shores of Lake Superior to the banks of the Mississippi, you'll never be more than a short drive from a lake campground or a forest hiking trail. Minnesota's distinct seasons afford plenty of opportunities to get outdoors, whether you're hiking or horseback riding through autumnal woodlands, wild swimming in the lakes in summer, or snowshoeing and cross-country skiing through the long winter months. The best weather for a camping trip is from May through October, but you'll find many Minnesota campgrounds open year-round.
Where to go
Northwest Minnesota
Bordered by Canada to the north, and South Dakota and the Red River Valley to the west, northwest Minnesota is home to some of the state's biggest lakes. Grand Rapids and Bemidji are the gateways to the Leech Lake Recreation Area and the Chippewa National Forest, while nearby Itasca State Park lies at the headwaters of the Mississippi River. To the north, two Minnesota state parks border the Lake of the Woods, known for its walleye fishing and winter snowmobiling.
Northeast Minnesota
Lush state forests, wetlands, and island-studded lakes blanket the northeastern tip of Minnesota, stretching down from the Canadian border to the north shore of Lake Superior. Minnesota camping is at its wildest out here, whether paddling out to island campsites in Voyageurs National Park, RV camping with full hookups in Superior National Forest, or seeking out a tranquil lake campground in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Central Minnesota
On the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are launchpads for outdoor adventures in central Minnesota. Some of the region's best campgrounds are just a short drive from the city at Mille Lacs Lake, while Frontenac State Park has a mix of drive-in RV sites and cart-in tent sites along the Mississippi. Further north, there's kayak and canoe camping along the St. Croix River at Wild River State Park, or yurt and camper cabin rentals at Afton State Park.
Southern Minnesota
Glacial plains and scenic river valleys give way to the wooded bluffs of the Mississippi River in southern Minnesota. Rochester, Mankato, and Winona provide easy access to the south, where highlights include aptly named Great River Bluffs State Park, Whitewater State Park, and Minneopa State Park, home of Minnesota's tallest waterfall. In the far southwestern corner, Blue Mounds State Park is known for its soaring cliffs—a hotspot for rock climbing—and free-roaming bison.
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