Explore
/
United States
/
Minnesota
/
Birch Lakes State Forest
/
Camping

The best camping in Birch Lakes State Forest, MN

Discover the natural splendor of Birch Lakes State Forest.

The best camping in Birch Lakes State Forest, MN

Birch Lakes Campground

1. Birch Lakes Campground

Campground in Birch Lakes State Forest · 30 sites · Tents, RVs

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Birch Lakes Campground is as “basic” as a brunette…except in a good way

Public campgrounds in Birch Lakes State Forest are often sold-out.

The Woods

2. The Woods

99%

(60)

13mi from Birch Lakes State Forest · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

Welcome to our hidden gem in the Minnesota woods—perfect for campers looking to unplug and enjoy the simple beauty of the outdoors. Our property offers a peaceful, rustic setting with towering trees, quiet walking trails, and plenty of wildlife. You might spot deer wandering through, hear wild turkeys gobbling in the distance, or catch a glimpse of an eagle soaring overhead. This is a primitive property, so you won’t find modern amenities like bathrooms or running water. But what you will find is space to breathe, unwind, and reconnect with nature. Whether you're here to hike, stargaze, cook over the fire, or just relax, this is your spot to slow down and enjoy the natural world.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$25

/ night

🌿 Oak Crest RV Getaway

3. 🌿 Oak Crest RV Getaway

100%

(11)

21mi from Birch Lakes State Forest · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

🌿 Oak Crest RV Getaway | Near Glenwood, MN 🌿 Welcome to our peaceful retreat tucked away in the rolling countryside near Glenwood, Minnesota. Whether you're seeking a quiet weekend away or a memorable group gathering, our private RV-friendly property offers a restful escape in nature. 🏕️ RV Sites Only We currently offer three spacious RV sites, each thoughtfully equipped for comfort and convenience: 50-amp electric hookups Water hookups - Note: not available in winter months Easy access for large RVs Open space to stretch out and enjoy the outdoors 🌲 On-Site Amenities Dog-Friendly Walking Path: Take a scenic stroll with your pup along our quiet nature path Hammock Zone: Kick back and relax under the trees Swing with a View: A guest favorite—perfect for quiet mornings or golden hour photos Wildlife Viewing: Watch for deer, birds, and other peaceful visitors 🌊 Local Attractions Just a short drive from Oak Crest, you’ll find activities for all interests: Grove Lake (minutes away): Great for swimming, fishing, and boating Glenwood (~20 mins): Lake Minnewaska Rolling Forks Vineyards Barsness Park with splash pad, trails, disc golf Pope County Museum for local history lovers 📅 Booking Information We're no longer offering the tiny home for rent, but our RV sites are open for peaceful stays and small gatherings. Contact us directly to check availability and reserve your spot. Booking early is encouraged during peak weekends. 🌾 Stay Connected Follow our journey and updates: Facebook – Oak Crest Instagram – @oakcresttinyhome

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

from

$28

/ night

Wold Ranch

4. Wold Ranch

95%

(10)

26mi from Birch Lakes State Forest · 1 site

Pause your travels for the night or spend a few days. Conveniently located right off US Hwy 71 or 20 miles from I-94. This is a level RV site able to accommodate big rigs, 50amp service and water. We are a working family farm. Enjoy the horses , cows, cats, and dog. Patio with shade and fire ring located next to site.

Electrical hookup

Water hookup

Pets

from

$35

/ night

Alexandria Lakes Area Camp

5. Alexandria Lakes Area Camp

99%

(42)

26mi from Birch Lakes State Forest · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

Escape the noise and discover a hidden gem just 10 minutes from Alexandria. Nestled off a quiet gravel road, this peaceful retreat offers the perfect blend of seclusion and natural beauty. Surrounded by trees and wide-open skies, it's an ideal spot to unwind, reconnect, and enjoy the simple pleasures of being off the beaten path. Each campsite includes a fire pit and picnic table, perfect for cozy evenings and shared meals under the stars. A clean, well-maintained toilet is available on-site for your convenience. Whether you're looking for a weekend getaway, a relaxing overnight stop on a road trip, or a base for exploring the lakes area, this tranquil spot offers a peaceful, no-fuss experience in nature.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$30

/ night

Kobi’s Backyard Getaway

6. Kobi’s Backyard Getaway

96%

(14)

33mi from Birch Lakes State Forest · 1 site · Tent, RV

Single site camp spot surrounded by woods and water. Our 51 acre parcel is just three miles from downtown Alexandria but you’ll feel like your way out of town. It’s a quiet location with no neighbors, a dock for fishing (or watching the sunset) trails for hiking and one of the best lakes for kayaking, canoeing or paddle boarding. We are located: A short mile to a trailhead on the Central Lakes Trail Half mile to Lake Brophy County Park with a giant playground and Mountain Bike Trails Quarter mile from the Arrowood 18 hole golf course Also our lake is connected to the Carlos, Le Homme Dieu, Darling Chain of lakes, jump in your boat and connect to 11 more lakes

Electrical hookup

Campfires

Picnic table

from

$50

/ night

Welle's Campsite

7. Welle's Campsite

100%

(22)

35mi from Birch Lakes State Forest · 1 site · Tent, RV

40 acres of peaceful hunting land with a mixture of woods, swamp, hay fields, and a permanent campsite established in the corner. Plenty of room for parking and multiple campers/tents. Campsite is well maintained and has 30 amp hookups, a picnic table, fire ring, and an outhouse to use.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

from

$32

/ night

Swift Falls County Park

8. Swift Falls County Park

100%

(11)

40mi from Birch Lakes State Forest · 23 sites · Tents, RVs

The Swift Falls County Park is located on the banks of the Chippewa River in the village of Swift Falls, Minnesota. The park is open for camping from May to October and online registration is available below. Swift Falls Park is a great place to hike, fish, or enjoy the playground. Pets are allowed. Need Firewood? Firewood can be purchased from the white building across the river (over the bridge) by the dam.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

from

$15

/ night

Andes RV Park

9. Andes RV Park

100%

(11)

41mi from Birch Lakes State Forest · 3 sites · RVs, Lodging

Our new RV Park was opened in 2023 and features 45 full hook up spots, bath/shower house, kids play area, Pickle ball court (coming Mid July 2023), and over 800 acres of trails to enjoy. We have 2 small bodies of water accessible by our trail system that are great for kayaking and fishing. Come enjoy the outdoors with us today!

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

from

$44

/ night

Pearsons Century Farm

10. Pearsons Century Farm

98%

(133)

49mi from Birch Lakes State Forest · 16 sites · Tents, RVs

Homesteaded more than 100 years ago this farm is somewhat stuck in time. Once this was a prosperous dairy operation. Location location location, this place is my slice of heaven on earth. Located in the corner of 4 townships on an extremely quiet road. Our farm now raises grass fed beef and wooly pigs pastured along driveway along with the usual cast of a farm, dogs, cats, chickens, guineas and goats

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

from

$45

/ night

Lower Elk Lake - Full RV Hookup

11. Lower Elk Lake - Full RV Hookup

98%

(54)

49mi from Birch Lakes State Forest · 1 site

Enjoy a spacious 2-acre lakefront RV site in a natural Minnesota setting, perfect for spreading out and relaxing. The property sits along a quiet, dead-end gravel road, just a short drive from a paved county highway. Please note: The lake bay directly connected to the site is shallow and weedy, so swimming is not recommended, and fishing from the shore or dock may be challenging. However, the scenic lake views and gentle slope to the water make this an ideal setting for your RV retreat. Location Reference: • ~25 miles west of Alexandria, MN • ~90 miles northwest of St. Cloud, MN • ~155 miles northwest of Minneapolis, MN • ~95 miles southeast of Fargo, ND What You’ll Find Here: • Full RV hookups including 30-amp (220V) and 20-amp (110V) electrical service, water, and a connection to a sewage holding tank. • Mostly open, grassy lot with full sun exposure and a few small trees along the perimeter. • Located ½ mile off a paved county road, with minimal traffic on a dead-end gravel road. • Small dock provided. The shallow bay may be suitable for small boats, but water levels vary and larger boats may have difficulty. Public boat launch is 1 mile away. • Swimming is not ideal from the property, but a well-maintained public beach is just 1 mile away on a neighboring lake. • A paved bike trail is ½ mile away, offering access to the beach and nearby town. • Fire ring provided. Firewood is available as an optional add-on. Things to Note • The RV shown in photos is not included—it’s for example purposes only. • There are no trash facilities onsite—guests must pack out all garbage. • One RV and up to two vehicles per booking, please. • A shed on the premises is locked and not accessible during your stay. • No storm shelter is available. Guests are responsible for seeking shelter in case of severe weather. • Insects and mosquitoes are common—bring repellent or screens. • There is a neighboring house on the west side and another private lot across the bay on the east, partially screened by trees. • You may hear distant train sounds as they pass through the area. • A security camera is onsite, but it is disconnected between check-in and check-out for guest privacy.

Pets

Full hookups

from

$45

/ night

Big Birch Slice Of Pie

12. Big Birch Slice Of Pie

1.7mi from Birch Lakes State Forest · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

A slice of heaven all for your viewing pleasure! Connected to another 1.25 acres with cabins is a 3 acre wide open space with 360 views of the lake and a RV hookup. Patios to sit and view and no neighbours make this the most sought after heavenly space! Game room on property fun for all types with pool table and shuffleboard, darts and air hockey. Great for rainy days too!

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

from

$315

/ night

RV There Yet

13. RV There Yet

75%

(10)

30mi from Birch Lakes State Forest · 40 sites

RV There Yet is located in the gorgeous town of Alexandria, Minnesota. Campers come here every year to escape the busyness of life; visitors can look forward to clean and well-managed facilities, friendly and helpful staff, and of course, plenty of peace and quiet. There's tons to do around the park, so expect excellent golf courses, bowling alleys, local museums and antique shops. There's also a plethora of great dining options, so if you're from out of town, be sure to dine out as much as you can to experience Alexandria through its cuisine. Near the campground, campers can also enjoy tastings at the Carlos Creek Winery or take the kids to the Erickson Petting Zoo.

Pets

Full hookups

from

$50

/ night

Willow

14. Willow

100%

(1)

31mi from Birch Lakes State Forest · 3 sites

Nestled on five peaceful acres, Willow offers a charming country escape surrounded by woods and wildflower fields. With just two campsites—one tucked into the trees and one beside a blooming field—you’ll feel like you have the place to yourself. Our home is also on the property, but we’re often away on weekends, so chances are, you'll have the whole space to enjoy in solitude. Located just miles from multiple lakes and only a short drive to Carlos State Park and Spruce Hill Park, Willow is a great home base for fishing, hiking, paddling, or simply relaxing in nature. You’re also just 20 minutes from Alexandria, where you’ll find great restaurants, local shops, and plenty to explore downtown. Whether you’re looking for quiet reflection or a jumping-off point for adventure, Willow offers the best of both worlds.

Pets

Campfires

Potable water

from

$20

/ night

Fish Trap Oasis

15. Fish Trap Oasis

82%

(11)

32mi from Birch Lakes State Forest · 1 site · Tent, RV

Come relax and restore at a quiet lakeside camp spot on Fish Trap Lake! The property is perfect for any small group fishermen, campers or RVers who want private lake views. The property is next to a government nature preserve and located near various cabins. Fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing and swimming can all be enjoyed on Fish Trap Lake. We are less than a mile from the boat launch on Lake Alexander which is great for fishing. A dock is also on the property for lake access.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Campfires

from

$24

/ night

Private secluded camp

16. Private secluded camp

100%

(3)

35mi from Birch Lakes State Forest · 1 site · Tent, RV

Learn more about this land:Next to the slough with open water. Lots of wildlife especially in the spring. There are three spots to choose from, two are more secluded and not really meant for large campers. But the bigger spot is really large.

Pets

Campfires

from

$45

/ night

PickleStone Farm

17. PickleStone Farm

37mi from Birch Lakes State Forest · 1 site · Tent, RV

Welcome to PickleStone – A Gathering Place for Family and Friends Nestled on our family farm, PickleStone offers a peaceful and private retreat perfect for reconnecting with loved ones. The site can accommodate up to three individual campsites, each with access to 20-amp electrical hookups. Amenities include: Non-potable water on-site An outdoor shower house A primitive outhouse. A fire ring with complimentary firewood (Bringing your own firewood is not allowed to control the spread of disease.) A cooking grate and picnic table for your convenience Explore over 100 acres of scenic Minnesota woodland with walking and biking trails throughout the property. Wildlife is abundant—keep an eye out for deer, turkeys, and even the occasional bear. While we do spray for insects, we recommend bringing bug spray for added comfort. Whether you're gathering around the fire or exploring the trails, PickleStone is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy nature together. Note: This is an active farm, we plant trees in the spring, and harvest and mill lumber and firewood throughout the year. We also have Chickens, Turkeys and Guinea hens, as well as two friendly dogs that tend to wonder the property.

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Campfires

from

$45

/ night

Makers' Acres

18. Makers' Acres

100%

(3)

37mi from Birch Lakes State Forest · 6 sites · Tents, Lodging

Makers Acres is our home, our pottery studio named, Maine Prairie Studio, the Lakeside Campground, The Wedge and our camper, Andromeda. Guests are able to reserve the camper, The Wedge or Lakeside Campground to stay in. The camper is equipped with running water, electricity etc. The lakeside campground has enough space for 3 different dispersed campsites. The Wedge, is just enough for 1-2 people to stay. Since we are potters, guests are able to book some cool "Extras" at the studio. Below are the "Extras" we have available to register for. - "Come Try It" Pottery Experiences - Kayak Rentals - Paddleboard Rentals - Seasonal Garden Vegetables - Firewood - Athletic Brewing Company, NA Brews -20% Discount on our handmade pottery in our Gallery while your Hipcamping at Makers Acres. We look forward to helping you find your next hipcamping experience here at Makers Acres. During warm weather you are able to access Murray Lake from our property to swim, kayak or paddle board. During winter, we live 1/2 mile from a ski hill, Powder Ridge, which has tubing, downhill skiing and snowboarding.

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

from

$45

/ night

Twisted Trails Camp

19. Twisted Trails Camp

38mi from Birch Lakes State Forest · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

Escape into nature at our off-grid Twisted Trails camping site, a secluded retreat perfect for outdoor enthusiasts! Nestled in a peaceful wooded area, our campsite offers a unique blend of adventure and tranquility. Grab a printed map and explore miles of scenic trails weaving through dense forests and serene wetlands—perfect for walking, hiking, biking, One Wheels, and snowshoeing in the winter months. Along the way, you'll encounter man-made obstacles and berms, adding an extra thrill for those seeking adventure. Prefer a smoother ride? No problem! Each challenge has a go-around option, letting you choose your adventure—from mild to wild! Adding to the charm of the experience, friendly animals roam the property, including dogs and cats, while our goats are safely fenced in nearby. Expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere with a touch of farm-life charm! The site features a large parking area for easy access and porta potties for convenience. With no electricity or running water, it's a true off-grid experience, allowing you to disconnect and reconnect with nature. Bring your tent, your gear, and your adventurous spirit—your perfect outdoor escape awaits! Seeking more adventure? We're just a short 25-minute drive from the Cuyuna Range Mountain Bike Park, where you’ll find endless trails for all skill levels. Plus, Crow Wing Lake access is only a short walk from the campground, offering great fishing and a refreshing lakeside escape. Firewood Information for Guests Upon arrival, you’ll find a complimentary bundle of firewood waiting for you at your campsite to get your fire started. If you need more, additional firewood is available on a self-serve basis for $10 per cart. Payment can be made in cash or via Venmo. Please help us keep the process smooth by paying promptly and only taking what you need. Enjoy your campfire and the great outdoors!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$28

/ night

Oak Park Nature Nook

20. Oak Park Nature Nook

100%

(8)

46mi from Birch Lakes State Forest · 1 site · Tent, RV

Set on 36 acres we have a campsite back away from the house so you can have your own private area to camp! We have several maintained trails for walking or biking. Two small ponds on the property, one of which usually has turtles and the other brings in ducks, geese, deer and other wildlife. Eagles and cranes are often seen flying overhead. We do have a few hobby farm animals on the property that would love a visit from you if you request it for your stay. We are now offering our out house to our guests if needed, shown in the picture gallery. The outhouse is located closer to the resident's property, and you will have to go into our gated duck area to get to it. Milaca is about 10 miles away with great parks, biking trails, splash pad, Rum River and Frisbee golf. Foley is about 7 miles away and has a great family pool for summertime and nice parks. We are also about 25 minutes from St. Cloud if you want to venture further!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$40

/ night

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Birch Lakes State Forest adventure.

Popular ways to camp

Snag sold-out campsites.

Get notified the instant a national park campsite becomes available, for free.

See the best spots in one place.

Explore 500K+ public lands, RV resorts, and private sites you won't find anywhere else.

Book with confidence.

Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.

Top-rated campgrounds near Birch Lakes State Forest

The Woods

99%

(60)

13mi from Birch Lakes State Forest · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$25

/ night

🌿 Oak Crest RV Getaway

100%

(11)

21mi from Birch Lakes State Forest · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

from

$28

/ night

Wold Ranch

95%

(10)

26mi from Birch Lakes State Forest · 1 site

Electrical hookup

Water hookup

Pets

from

$35

/ night

Alexandria Lakes Area Camp

99%

(42)

26mi from Birch Lakes State Forest · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$30

/ night

Kobi’s Backyard Getaway

96%

(14)

33mi from Birch Lakes State Forest · 1 site · Tent, RV

Electrical hookup

Campfires

Picnic table

from

$50

/ night

Welle's Campsite

100%

(22)

35mi from Birch Lakes State Forest · 1 site · Tent, RV

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

from

$32

/ night

Swift Falls County Park

100%

(11)

40mi from Birch Lakes State Forest · 23 sites · Tents, RVs

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

from

$15

/ night

Andes RV Park

100%

(11)

41mi from Birch Lakes State Forest · 3 sites · RVs, Lodging

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

from

$44

/ night

Pearsons Century Farm

98%

(133)

49mi from Birch Lakes State Forest · 16 sites · Tents, RVs

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

from

$45

/ night

Lower Elk Lake - Full RV Hookup

98%

(54)

49mi from Birch Lakes State Forest · 1 site

Pets

Full hookups

from

$45

/ night

Big Birch Slice Of Pie

1.7mi from Birch Lakes State Forest · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

from

$315

/ night

RV There Yet

75%

(10)

30mi from Birch Lakes State Forest · 40 sites

Pets

Full hookups

from

$50

/ night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Jim

October 2025

3 nights at Andes RV Park

Excellent rustic stay. Beautiful hikes in autumn.

ANDREW

October 2025

20 ft campervan

1 night at 🌿 Oak Crest RV Getaway

Wonderful establishment! Well thought out. Beautiful and peaceful stay. Communication with host was very accommodating. All the amenities needed.

Dylan

October 2025

30 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Welle's Campsite

Great site, sadly could only stay one day but highly recommend! Quiet / private site ! The dogs loved the space to play ball! The electric was a great plus!! 10/10 recommend !

October 2025

16 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to 🌿 Oak Crest RV Getaway

We enjoyed our stay so much! This is a lovely, quiet spot. Easy to find, but no highway noise. Check in was straightforward with great communication from the hosts. You can see the other sites, but they are comfortably separated. Beautiful sunset view from under the giant old oak tree shading our little camper. We were so happy to have had the opportunity to stay and would definitely recommend.

Samuel

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Welle's Campsite

The 40 was an awesome little property to get away for the night! Great host, easy to find, well maintained and great for truck camping. 👍🏻

Sam

September 2025

28 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Kobi’s Backyard Getaway

Kobi's place was an amazing site, just outside of town so everything was close, but the site was nice and quiet and very secluded. We were encouraged to burn as much wood as we desired for our campfires, which was awesome. We also enjoyed the calm lake with our paddleboard, and visits from the ever so friendly pup. They gave us a local area tourist guide and were happy to provide any help. All in all I wouldn't hesitate to come back as the site was fantastic and the hosts were even better!

Dagmar

September 2025

17 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Welle's Campsite

This is indeed a camping spot to be proud of! Obviously much thought went into to creating this amazing spot. A nicely decorated and maintained huge space, evergreens planted for even more privacy, generous DRY wood supply, super clean outhouse with light, table with bench and electricity. The hayfields were mowed and our dog sure enjoyed running over it. There is even a path through the woods. One of our favorite hipcamps, we would love to return.

Samuel

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Woods

Always one of my favorite places to camp! Michael is the best host and the property is beautiful a secluded.

Mindy

September 2025

32 ft Class C

With pets

3 nights at Welle's Campsite

It was absolutely the most perfect, peaceful, and stunning camping spot! Will be back again soon! Thank you for letting us have a little piece of your heaven for a weekend!

Doug

September 2025

20 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at The Woods

It is secluded and peaceful. Had a nice time walking up the road between the corn fields. He was quick with response time and there was firewood available. The sight was also well taken care of. Great place to get away from everything.

2+ acres to spread out. RV in the picture is not included and is only shown for example purposes.

Amber

September 2025

17 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lower Elk Lake - Full RV Hookup

2nd booking! Will be continuing to book in the future!

Karen

September 2025

26 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to RV There Yet

This place was perfect for us. It had full hook-ups for a reasonable price. Easy to get to and was close to town and the bike trail. It was a clean, quiet campground which suited our needs perfectly. The manager, Amy, was very friendly and accommodating. I would definitely come back!!

Whitney

August 2025

22 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to 🌿 Oak Crest RV Getaway

Beautiful camp site! Will be back! The host provided a lot of great information right after booking and was super friendly!

Amanda

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Makers' Acres

Beautiful spot and large site! It was a bit closer to the house and neighbors houses than anticipated but hosts were very nice and we had a great time!

Brad

August 2025

24 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Welle's Campsite

Great place, super private and quiet. Will be back!

Danny

August 2025

12 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Swift Falls County Park

Except for the rain it was fabulous! I don't think there's a bad spot in the campground! The river is really high kids need to be aware of fast moving water.

Alex

August 2025

20 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at 🌿 Oak Crest RV Getaway

This is a beautiful and peaceful place to stay. Wonderful shade trees and well maintained grounds with easy access.

Ted

August 2025

15 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Private secluded camp

Very private, clean, and the dog enjoyed the freedom. We thought the price point was a little high, but all in all a great night. Very thankful for the spot.

Aeriana

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Welle's Campsite

Great site! There was plenty of space. Great spot for star gazing

Jared

August 2025

27 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to 🌿 Oak Crest RV Getaway

I had a great time with my family at Oak Crest. Having electricity and water hook ups was great! If you are at site 1 or 2 you may need to bring a water splitter to share with the other, however, site 3 has its own water. The property is quiet with lots of space to hang out outside the site! Glenwood is also only a few minutes away for anything you may need!

The best camping in Birch Lakes State Forest, MN guide

Overview

About

If you were the kid who liked the tiniest presents at Christmas, because you knew a big box didn’t necessarily mean a great gift, then you’ll appreciate Birch Lakes State Forest. It’s not the biggest forest. In fact, it’s one of Minnesota’s smallest. But that doesn’t stop it from being one of the most intriguing places in the state.

Uniquely situated between Minnesota’s northeast forested region and the prairie region to the southwest, you get a little bit of each landscape here. The waters of Little Birch and Birch Lake are about as clear as a crystal glass, and are waiting for you to dive right in! We bet you’ll want to do just that after working up a healthy sweat on the 7 miles of hiking trails in the area.

Notable campgrounds

Walter Stark Horse Campground – A serene retreat for equestrian lovers with picturesque trails and modern campsite facilities.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early to secure your spot at the popular Walter Stark Horse Campground.
Visit during weekdays for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
Keep an eye on the official website for updates on campsite improvements and availability.
Explore nearby camping options to ensure you have a backup plan during peak seasons.

When to go

The best time to visit Birch Lakes State Forest is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers lush greenery, but be prepared for busier trails and campsites. Winter can be harsh, so check road and campsite conditions if you're planning a cold-weather adventure.

Know before you go

Check the latest updates on road and campsite improvements before your trip.
Ensure you have the necessary permits for activities like fishing and horseback riding.
Be mindful of wildlife and practice safe viewing from a distance.
Prepare for varying weather conditions by packing appropriate gear.
Respect the forest's natural environment by following Leave No Trace principles.

Be the first to review

Share your experience here to help other campers.