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Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.Top-rated campgrounds near Bowstring State Forest
Harvest Loon Camp
Harvest Loon Camp
100%
(120)
38mi from Bowstring State Forest · 1 site
📌Update: Cabin now complete with an indoor shower and toilet.
❄Cabin is now available year-round.
🌲 Picturesque lakeshore property located on 24 acres, with almost 2,000 feet of lake access right in front of the cabin.
⛵Lake public access is located at the end of the cabin driveway.
Little Emily Lake Park is located 10.3 miles away from cabin. This park offers excellent swimming and Hiking Trails has public restrooms and a playground for kids - Address is 21517 Papoose Road, Emily, MN 56447 phone # (218) 824-1010
🏕 Serene, peaceful and unrivaled privacy. Water sports and trails for hiking and quads make Harvest Loon Camp the perfect spot to relaxation and fun.
😊Radiant heat, wood stove, air conditioning and fans.
🔥Wood available for use with woodstove and campfires.
🛌 Campers WILL NEED to provide their own bedding depending on their sleeping needs (pillows, linens, blankets). Accommodations include a bunk with two full beds stacked, a twin daybed and trundle (so two twin beds) and another full sized bed. All open concept.
Also bring your own towels.
🍳 Kitchen has antique pots, pans, utensils, coffeepot, microwave, toaster, stove and refrigerator for your use.
🌟 Gorgeous furnished porch to watch wildlife. Grocery store within 5 miles.
🦆 This location is also perfect for horseback riding and snowmobiling and ice fishing. George lake is known to have nice sized pan fish.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$175
/ night
Paul’s Lakeside Cottage
Paul’s Lakeside Cottage
100%
(45)
46mi from Bowstring State Forest · 2 sites
Very Quiet, Peaceful, Private, Off the Grid, Dark Sky, Wooded 36 acre+ homesteaded property with nice lakeshore guest cottage. Close to Itasca State Park- Headwaters of the Mississippi, Paul Bunyan State Forest, Nevis, Park Rapids, Dorset, Walker or Bemidji for Good Music, Food and Fun! Dock space for smaller fishing boats and close to many area lakes for good fishing. Close to the North Country National Scenic Trail for some great hiking. Or just stay put here in nature amongst its non-human inhabitants. We look forward to meeting YOU! ✌️Paul+Piper🐕
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$96
/ night
The Turtle Lake Beach House
The Turtle Lake Beach House
23mi from Bowstring State Forest · 1 site
This private resort-style getaway offers a sandy beach, breathtaking lake views, and a cozy, spacious lake house with separate bunkhouse and a full electric campsite.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$419
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Adeline
3 days ago
Weekend Trip to Harvest Loon Camp
This is my fourth time staying at Harvest Loon and it never disappoints. Even in the dead of winter, this place is cozy and charming. We had so much fun hanging out by the wood stove, listening to music, and getting some respite from city life. We got stuck in snow on our way out and Bob was super helpful sending out a plow guy.
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Sarah
2 weeks ago
With pets
Really nice little gem of a cabin on a lake. Location made it feel secluded. Paul the owner was very kind and lives in the house near the cabin. Lots of fun for the dogs off leash on the trails and frozen lake. Saw northern lights and had cozy times by the wood stove. Definitely coming back.
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Chris
2 weeks ago
With pets
We had a wonderful winter stay at Paul's cabin. We enjoyed the frozen lakes by snowshoe with our dog and reading by the fireplace in the evening. Paul and his dog Piper were both great. Paul gave us good directions on places to snowshoe over coffee, Piper got along great with our dog and she even came along for a hike. We hope to make it back in another season. It's a beautiful spot.
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Elliette
December 2025
Weekend Trip to Paul’s Lakeside Cottage
We came here for our honeymoon and had an incredible experience. Paul was extremely kind and welcoming, and he took the time to show us his beautiful property. The cabin is amazing and has everything you need to enjoy a few days of rest and relaxation. We felt very comfortable and at peace during our stay. We will definitely be back and highly recommend this place.
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Nicole
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Harvest Loon Camp
We had the most wonderful weekend get away. Its a great place to disconnect from screens and get back in touch with nature. It was a beautiful wooded area right on the lake. The wood burning stove was so nice and warm. It was the perfect place to relax and reset with friends. The cabin itself comes with everything you could need with a warm rustic ambiance. Will definitely visit again.
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Sara
November 2025
With pets
It truly is a special place. The cabin, lake, sunrises, the loons and swans and the stars! the wind through the pines and the quiet, I loved it all. The cabin all by itself is extraordinary but add all the rest to it and it was simply magical. I can’t wait to return.
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Thomas S
October 2025
With pets
Paul has a really comfortable place, beautiful location on a quiet shallow small lake. There is a canoe, and many other entertainment opportunities are there onsite or nearby. it is a quiet spot, enough room for small family and pet to shar with Paul and his dog Piper as i did. i wish I had a few more days to enjoy, but i'll be back!
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Erica
October 2025
With pets
My husband and I stayed in the Harvest Loon Cabin for three nights for our 10 year wedding anniversary. It was the perfect getaway - the cabin was cozy and the scenery was beautiful. We would love to come stay again in the future!
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Stacey
October 2025
With pets
This was our second trip and it was just as great as the first! My husband hates camping but he loves this cabin! Perfect blend of rustic outdoors with comfortable, modern amenities. Our 3 kids love it too! It's very peaceful and private. Highly recommend for families or anyone looking to rent a nice cabin!
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Tracy
October 2025
With pets
Amazing spot! Well-appointed cabin in a beautiful setting and the host is excellent.
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Steve
October 2025
With pets
I noticed their website said they were already closed for the season but HipCamp still let me book it. I was half-expecting a call back and a refund but instead, they were more than welcoming of my stay and even sort of apologetic that some of the amenities were no longer available this late in the year. On top of that, I got held up in traffic and didn’t arrive until almost 8:30pm which they did not seem the least bit bothered by. One day, as I was returning from the trails with my dog, they offered her treats and an adorable Sunset Pines scarf!
I was only in town for a wedding but will definitely make the trip again in the future, maybe even get myself a seasonal RV lot someday!
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Andrea
October 2025
With pets
Paul’s Lakeside Cottage is such a lovely peaceful relaxing retreat. The views of the lake are stunning!! Paul and Piper were so kind and welcoming. We hiked his property, explored the nearby forest and small towns nearby, and of course a nightly campfire-we heard loons and owls. We usually tent camp so this was a treat-Paul has everything you need! I highly recommend!!!!!!
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Erin
September 2025
Weekend Trip to Harvest Loon Camp
We had a great time disconnecting from the busy city life. The cabin was so cozy and it was amazing to be able to take a hot shower after a long chilly fall day. We will definitely be back with friends. There was so many places for people to sleep.
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Chase
September 2025
With kids
Amazing place to stay! Paul goes above and beyond to make sure you’re comfortable. We forgot propane for our blackstone last stay, and without hesitation, he gave us two 1lb tanks. We’ve stayed with Paul twice and will be back soon!
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Nicole
September 2025
With pets
Beautiful views that were quiet and peaceful. Perfect place to get away and worked perfect for traveling with dogs.
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Cassie
September 2025
With pets
I brought my 3 dogs up to Paul's for a much needed getaway and I honestly can't wait to go back (sans dogs at least once). Piper was there to greet me as soon as I opened my car door and she is such a sweetheart!
The views are goegeous, the hiking is a ton of fun with cool stuff to find, that stars are beautiful, the wildlife is fun to admire. I was able to listen to a loon, saw and heard my first raven in person, and watched a great blue heron that likes to feed out on the lake every day. There's definitely a reason all his reviews are absolutely glowing.
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Evan
September 2025
With pets
Beautiful trees and views. The cabin was great too. Very comfortable. Excellent shower.
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Amanda
September 2025
With pets
I can’t say enough good things or hardly pick my favorite. Enjoyed spending time on the lake, letting the dogs jump off the dock, and renting the EBikes for a day.
Paul is very kind, responsive, and eager to help guests as needed.
Great place, we will be back!
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Laura
September 2025
With pets
Beautiful land and cabin. Bob is accommodating and wonderful to work with!
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vanessa
August 2025
Weekend Trip to The Trout Lake Campground
Had a great time on the campsite, cute little camper & easy kayak access to the water. The shower house & bathroom area were also not that far of a walk and we’re well kept. I would camp here again!
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