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George Washington State Forest

The best camping in George Washington State Forest, MN

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Stories from the community

Mitch

3 weeks ago

With pets

Weekend Trip to 16 Squared Cabin

This is a fantastic place to stay. The host is wonderful and the location is incredible. We enjoyed the trails and keeping warm by the log cabin. Our dogs also had a blast. We would definitely come back.

Molly

November 2025

With pets

3 nights at 16 Squared Cabin

This was everything I had hoped for. Private. Spacious. Beautiful. Amanda was attentive to our needs, even bringing us a first aid-kit an hour after arriving 🤣🤣 I selfishly dont want to leave a good review because i dont want it to be busy next time I want to go 🤣 10/10 recommend.

Ashley

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to 16 Squared Cabin

Loved how secluded this cabin was! Was a great opportunity to unplug. The cabin also had a beautiful view!

Jeff

October 2025

40 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Tamarack Ponds

Easy to follow back for instructions, beautiful and quite place to be. Loved it and highly recommended it. John’s communication was excellent.

Jesse

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to 16 Squared Cabin

I had a great time here. The cabin is rustic and cozy. Beautiful country.

Blake

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camp 84

Site 3 at the end was a great small campsite to stay at while mountain biking Redhead for the weekend! Nice fire ring and clean porta potty

Darrin

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Adventure Awaits

Beautiful place to get away from the daily grind and do some star gazing and watch the meteors streak across the night skies. I'll definitely make the return trek. We'll worthbthen9 hour drive.

Jaimie

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Luna Light Trails

This is our 2nd time camping at their property. This time we decided to camp at a different site and it was perfect! Love the privacy and like always, Patty and Dan were the perfect host! They even started our fire for us since we got there pretty late. We invited them to hang out with us Saturday night while we had the bonfire going. We will definitely be going back again in the spring and fall next year! Totally recommend their campsites!

Sarah

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Luna Light Trails

Such a beautiful property! Trails to meander and water access available. Patty welcomed us with home baked goods and checked in nightly, assuring we had everything we needed. Not a single complaint to be had about the property, host, or experience!

View from Campsite #1 (over site #3 in the pit)

Mike

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Luna Light Trails

This place was a top 3 camping experience, anywhere. Let me break it down: Spacious campsite in deep woods, a maze of a trail system for hikes, they set us up with a large container of drinking water, outhouse was premium, they even dropped off fresh vegetables and eggs for us to eat. Unreal host commitment. 9.5 / 10 will go back and camp there. Great base for adventures on the Iron Range.

Margie

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to 16 Squared Cabin

Really beautiful place, tucked away in the woods. An open sky unmarred by lights, it's truly breathtaking

Joshua

September 2025

With pets

3 nights at Cabin O' Pines

Cabin O’ Pines was amazing. The cabin and camp ground was very clean. The owners were around if we needed anything. 40 ish minutes to Voyageurs NP.

Cat

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cabin O' Pines

We loved our stay here! The folks at the office were so helpful and friendly, the site was clean and well maintained, and being able to take out a kayak or canoe onto the lake at any time was a wonderful feature. We stayed at a tent site, which was very conveniently located by the bathroom/showers. Cabin o’ Pines was a wonderful place to stay while exploring northern Minnesota and Voyageurs national park. We were even able to watch the northern lights from the lake! I would absolutely stay here again in the future.

Emily

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Trout Lake Campground

Great location on the lake, facilities all intact, helpful host for finding spot. Would return, great experience and only 20 min drive from Tioga mine pits.

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!

Timothy

August 2025

17 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Cook's Country Connection

Loved the visit from the goats. Clean bathroom. We had a great stay.

Carrie

August 2025

19 ft travel trailer

4 nights at Cabin O' Pines

I found a perfect week of camping, solitude and fun resort options at Cabin O' Pines resort. I stayed in campsite #2, which had ample space for an evening campfire and a great view of the lake. The resort itself was very nice, clean, and the owners and staff were very friendly and helpful. Having a small store on site with a few groceries so I didn't even need to go to town was great! Kayaking from the sandy beach area on a lovely, sunny afternoon was perfect. Sunsets from the docks were beautiful! Very pet friendly.

Our campsite; firewood and 5-gal water provided

Yangmee

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Luna Light Trails

I stayed at Luna Lights Trails (site A-1) for 3 days and 2 nights. The hosts provided free 5-gallon water and firewood. There’s also a really innovative sawdust outhouse with a shower hook for anyone bringing their own setup. The trail to the creek was full of fun surprises; it was so peaceful. The chickens were adorable, too! I wish we had more time to explore, but I’m excited to see the camp grow. Will definitely come back! (I also got to take some moss home with the camp’s approval. Check out my tiny terrarium of Luna Lights trails!)

Kaitlin

August 2025

Weekend Trip to 16 Squared Cabin

This little cabin was easy to find and felt incredibly peaceful. The flowers out there were beautiful! Make sure you bring your bug spray if you want to enjoy the picnic table but would recommend this place to anybody passing through.

Dylan

August 2025

Tent

3 nights at Luna Light Trails

We absolutely loved our time at Luna Light Trails. Patty and Dan were such wonderful hosts, we couldn't have asked for better service or nicer people. Their little gift basket gave such a warming welcome feeling. We brought our own kayaks to go down the beautiful creek behind their property. Although the creek is easily accessible from their trails, it is a bit of a hike to portage the kayaks from the camp sites. Dan and Patty already had this all thought out and offer options for transporting them to and from the creek with their ATV. They even have canoes to rent at a very reasonable price. The weather was alittle on the rainy side during our trip. However, the abundance of sturdy trees made it very easy to make a simple canopy, keeping us from having to take shelter in our tent. We will definitely be recommending the Luna Light Trails to everyone we talk to, and highly recommend it for anyone researching through reviews.

Top public campgrounds in the park

Stay at a public campground in George Washington State Forest

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Owen Lake Campground

5.7mi from George Washington State Forest · 20 sites · Tents, RVs · in George Washington State Forest

Bear Lake Campground

12mi from George Washington State Forest · 54 sites · Tents, RVs · in George Washington State Forest

Button Box Lake Campground

12mi from George Washington State Forest · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in George Washington State Forest

Larson Lake Campground

9.1mi from George Washington State Forest · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · in George Washington State Forest

Lost Lake Campground

6.3mi from George Washington State Forest · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · in George Washington State Forest

Stony Brook Horse Campground

9.1mi from George Washington State Forest · 17 sites · in George Washington State Forest

Thistledew Campground

24mi from George Washington State Forest · 23 sites · Tents, RVs · in George Washington State Forest

Togo Horse Campground

9.1mi from George Washington State Forest · 12 sites · in George Washington State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds

16 Squared Cabin

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(104)

17mi from George Washington State Forest · 2 sites · Lodging · 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.

Cook's Country Connection

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(171)

30mi from George Washington State Forest · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cook, MN

This land was homesteaded by my great grandparents in 1900 as part of the Homestead Act of 1862. After losing my store to fire in 2013, I took the leap, and decided to open the farm to the public. I have a menagerie of animals, many rescued or adopted, that love all the attention. My friends' kids love camping in the pasture with the animals and when I saw an ad for Hipcamp, I thought maybe others would want the experience, too!Learn more about this land:Yoga with goats meets camping with alpacas! We offer camping in the small animal pasture of our family petting farm. (We also offer campsites away from the critters if your not too sure about sharing your space with livestock!). The options are limitless!

Cabin O' Pines

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30mi from George Washington State Forest · 20 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Orr, MN

Northern Minnesota Family Fishing Resort Enjoy all the best of Northern Minnesota at Cabin O Pines. Wake up every morning to hear the sounds of local wildlife, and sit down every night to warm up by the campfire. While staying at Cabin O’ Pines, enjoy fun beach activities, or rent one of our Cabin O’ Pines marine rentals and get out on the lake. Whatever the occasion, you are sure to have a memorable Northern Minnesota experience.

Wildlife Orchard

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39mi from George Washington State Forest · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Grand Rapids, MN

Come stay at our peaceful farm in the forest! We are passionate about the natural world and cultivating our own food. Our farm is focused on a diversity of crops and animals while maintaining the beautiful wild setting we live in. We want to share the knowledge we are gaining as well as welcome interested people to experience the beauty of Northern Minnesota's woods, wilderness, and waters. Come to explore, relax, have fun, and recharge in a quiet natural setting. Learn more about this land: Rural old growth forest campsite connected to 7,287 acre state forest with hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing trails. Small diverse farm to visit- chickens, sheep and bees. Orchards and gardens with countless flowers, fruit trees and bushes, and vegetables. Greenhouse to tour. Beach 5 miles away- large beautiful lake for swimming. 6 person sauna, outhouse, fire pit, and walking trails on property.

Blue Pony Acres

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(263)

40mi from George Washington State Forest · 3 sites · Tents · Eveleth, MN

Welcome to Blue Pony Acres. Thirty eight years ago we bought the remaining acreage and buildings from a northern Minnesota dairy farm. We have always enjoyed sharing our beautiful piece of the planet with friends. We want to share the beauty we experience every day with you. Leave your cubicle and the city life for a short respite in the north woods and enjoy one of our campsites. Bring your kids, your dog, camera, canoe, kayaks, and bikes. Pitch a tent or swing a hammock in the pines. Enjoy your private campfire while you hear the stars sing, watch the northern lights dance and count the shooting stars. On a clear night you might see satellites pass overhead. Lay your sleeping bag on the ground, snuggle in with hot chocolate and smores and watch the night light show in comfort. After a long day of hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing or photography cook over your private campfire. The firewood is free! Exercise and walk your leashed dog in the state land adjacent to your campsite. A private composting toilet is available at each campsite (we do not have vault toilets), We are 3.5 hours north of Minneapolis, MN., and one hour north of Duluth, MN. The Saint Louis River carry in landing is only 3.2 miles from your site. A 5 mile drive gets you to the Mesabi Trial, over 160 miles of paved hiking and biking trail stretching from the Mississippi River on the west almost to the boundary waters and Ely, MN on the east. Local lakes within a few minute drive have public landings for boat launch and canoe carry in for your boating and fishing enjoyment. The famous Sax-Zim Bog is within a half hour drive and a great place for wildlife photography, and they have an interpretive center and very nice volunteers to help you identify wildlife. We’re about 5 miles south of the United Sates Hockey Hall of Fame; a great day trip for you and your sports minded children. A few miles further and you’re outside the doors of the Natural Harvest Food Co-op; a great shop for organic foods. Get local fresh food for your evening meal. Sneak into Lisa’s raspberry patch for “desert” or pick some hopps from the back fence in September and take them with you for your next home beer batch. I’m told they’re “Cascade Hopps”. They have a grapefruit taste. Mmm good! We invite you to join us. Bring your camping gear, including camp cook stove (sometimes we’re under a fire ban). Ask your dog to bring it’s leash, yes we have a leash law. Warm clothes and light clothing as the weather changes. Rain gear. Your favorite bug repellent. Good hiking boots. Don’t forget bikes, canoes, kayaks, cameras, fishing gear, and maybe some band aids. Come to unplug and unwind and enjoy the clean air and sweet smell of the north woods. Come on up North! Come on up North!

Luna Light Trails

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48mi from George Washington State Forest · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Makinen, MN

We have five miles of groomed trails that lead through state land to the Mud Hen Creek! Bring your kayak and pole! By the creek we have a few beaver lodges and so much wildlife to admire! As you trek along Silver Ridge Canyon, don't be surprised by the sudden flight of grouse along this trail! Visit Scout Hill for a sunny afternoon picnic; the cedar trees will lead you there. If you hear knocking, you will see Mr. Woodpecker enjoying his lunch on a nearby birch tree! Our campsites are nestled underneath a canopy of mixed wood forest. We have birch, poplar, maple, and a variety of pine. Nearby you will find our newly finished outhouse, complete with a portable shower and natural light. You will have access to parking near or next to your site with plenty of space to spread out and enjoy! Our property features a beautiful variety of trees and plenty of trails throughout our land with wildlife you might see or hear. It might be the hoot of an owl or the drum of a grouse! You will also hear the "buck wheat" and the "chee-chee" of our guineas calling for each other. Our beautiful forest is our main feature. Since 95% of our land is wooded, we enjoy the great beauty and majesty of the trees. giant is hidden on the northeastern side of our property. His beautiful branches tower over our trails and we have cleared a spot there to rest. Our property extends, via trail, to state land and the Mud Hen Creek. The views are breathtaking! Please come and bring your family and friends! Our campsites' proximity would create a great weekend getaway for a retreat event or a family reunion, as well as a quiet romantic weekend! Here at home we raise chickens, ducks, and guinea fowl. We also have a Catahola Leopard dog named Hickory. She enjoys roaming our Luna Light Trails on the off season. When I was a child, I lived on a church camp property in Uruguay, South America. This plot of land had a grove of the most beautiful, tall, eucalyptus trees in the neighborhood. These trees were the home to Monk Parakeets. These small green parrots are the only members of the parrot family to build stick nests and to nest colonially. Needless to say, they were very loud, but one of my favorite childhood memories! This little plot on the Minnesota map has been our home for the last three and a half years. We have enjoyed our woods and so will you!

The Long Lake Dome Home

7.8mi from George Washington State Forest · 1 site · Lodging · Bigfork, MN

Soak up the beauty of Long Lake in the woods south of Bigfork, MN, in this unique Geodesic Dome Home. Enjoy the bedroom with a king bed, an open sleeping loft with two full beds, a futon in the main room, and a full bath. This property is located on a hilltop boasting a west-facing lake view with over 300' of lake front and old-growth red pines towering over the cabin. Enjoy the warmth of the fireplace on cooler nights or savor your morning coffee on the private deck or screened porch overlooking the lake. Secluded cabin on private lakeshore and dock on majestic Long Lake Wooded yard gives the feel of retreating deep into the forest with views of the lake peeking through, so you are able to enjoy privacy while you delight in the quiet of the beautiful cabin, deck,s and yard! Steps to the sleeping loft are pretty steep, please watch your step! 30 minutes north on Scenic Highway 7 to Bigfork Surrounded by State Parks and Forests Grill provided Sparkling Clean space Enjoy a cozy fire in the outdoor fire pit or indoor wood stove Fully Stocked Kitchen and all linens supplied Smart TV Cozy, fully enclosed screen porch so you can enjoy the gorgeous outdoors without unwanted pests Guest access The Entire Cabin and amenities are included. The Garages and sheds are not available for the use of our guests with the exception of the firewood storage. Please make yourself at home! You will have easy access with a keypad for self-check-in. Other things to note Escape from it all - Cell Service can be patchy, but the WIFI is excellent, so you can stay as connected as you choose! We are happy to welcome up to 2 dogs. We are not able to accommodate cats. Stairs to the sleeping loft are fairly steep; we have traction strips and a handrail rail but this still may be challenging for some guests. A security camera monitors the front yard and entrance for the safety and security of our guests. Shorter or longer stay options are sometimes available upon request; cleansing fees will be adjusted accordingly. Contact us for more information!

The Long Lake Wildlands

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8.1mi from George Washington State Forest · 15 sites · Tents · Bigfork, MN

Stay tuned as we dream and develop this secluded "Up North" wilderness oasis nestled on 31+ acres of towering pine forest with nearly 2,000 feet of shoreline.

Camp 84

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18mi from George Washington State Forest · 4 sites · Tents · Chisholm, MN

Even through the snowy winters. We provide private campsites at Camp 84. We offer 3 separate and secluded tent sites, each with personal vehicle parking. All sites include a designated campfire ring and tenting area. Just a 7-minute drive from downtown Chisholm and the biking trails at the REDHEAD Mountain Bike Park, this is a great spot to crash for the night or hang out for the weekend! The property has direct access to the Northern Traxx ATV Trail, located just a short drive down Hwy 84. (Ask for directions if you’d like to explore.) Additional parking for utility trailers or extra vehicles may be available in the Collin Sand and Gravel field. Guests are welcome to wander the property trails at their own discretion. There are no marked trails, but feel free to explore—just be mindful to keep a respectful distance from other sites. A porta potty is located between Sites 1 and 2 on the other side of the driveway. Small camper vans are welcome, but RVs and camper trailers will not fit. Message me with any questions—thanks! —Your camp host, Carson

Wild Mint Pond

19mi from George Washington State Forest · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Marcell, MN

3 small ponds, walking distance to 7 lakes: Smith, East Smith, South Smith, West Smith, North Smith, McKeown and Duck Lakes. Glacial hills covered with birch, maple, balsam fir, and pines, sandy beach and outhouse across the road, U.S. Forest Service land to the south where Duck Lake lies. Lots of wildlife: deer, eagles, loons, ducks, great grey heron, otter, beaver, fox and more.

Adventure Awaits

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20mi from George Washington State Forest · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Angora, MN

Tent Camping getaway

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20mi from George Washington State Forest · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Sturgeon, MN

Learn more about this land:Looking for a place close to the ATV trail to pitch a tent? Primitive or group campsite(s) available, on our 40 acre property. 6 miles N of the Taconite trail between Hwy 73 and Co Rd 25. Single night stays available Sun-Thurs, 2 night minimum stay required on the weekend. 2 miles of Onsite hiking/biking/ATV riding trails as well as a pond to splash around in. Call/text 218-398-4678

The best camping in George Washington State Forest, MN guide

Overview

About

Hmm, wonder who this park was named after? Oh yeah, that guy with the wooden teeth, right? There are enough trees at George Washington State Forest to fabricate millions of authentic presidential wooden dentures. Tucked away amidst all those trees are a grand total of eight campgrounds! So, you’ll have no problem finding a nice place to hang out for the weekend while you log some serious time exploring the forest, fishing in one of the many lakes, or whittling a pair of dentures for grandma.

When to go

The prime time to visit George Washington State Forest is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and the forest is full of life. Conversely, the winter season can be challenging due to heavy snowfall, making some areas less accessible and outdoor activities more limited.

Know before you go

Check the latest park updates for any road or campsite improvements that may affect your visit.
Remember to call ahead or check online for campsite availability and reservation details.
Ensure you're prepared for the wilderness with appropriate gear and knowledge of the area.
Be mindful of local wildlife and practice safe viewing habits.
Take advantage of the forest's diverse recreational offerings, from hiking to horseback riding.

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1 ratings · 0 reviews