The best camping in Land O'Lakes State Forest, MN

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Discover the natural charm of Land O'Lakes State Forest.  

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Top-rated campgrounds

Harvest Loon Camp

100%
(119)
6mi from Land O'Lakes State Forest · 1 site · Lodging · Outing, MN
📌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
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from 
$175
 / night

Winding Woods on Pine River

97%
(18)
25mi from Land O'Lakes State Forest · 1 site · Tent, RV · Crosby, MN
Located on the Pine River just minutes from Crosby/Ironton with wooded mature trees that offer privacy. The land is quiet and calm. River is clear and varies in depth depending on the season. The Pine River State Water Trail flows gently through the jack pine forests and quiet water of west central Minnesota. The lake and hill country in this area illustrate classic glacial land forms. With easy access to a public launch and within a half mile of the Mississippi River it is a perfect spot for exploring some of Minnesota's greatest waterways, lakes and forests. Property backs up to privately owned conservation land. Site is mostly primitive with electricity available. Outhouse bathroom. Access to property is through a unpaved wrap around driveway. This is northern Minnesota in the Forest on a River so please be prepared for bugs and bring the appropriate clothing and bug spray/netting etc. We recommend Deep Woods with Deet! Minutes away from access to Cuyuna trails, Crosby, Ironton 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 overlooking the river is a perfect way to end the day. Wind down, relax and enjoy the trees, water and nature surrounding you. Pack in and pack out trash/recycling. Keep the forest and animals safe! Please be respectful of the property and the neighbors/neighborhood. Keep all vehicles and campers off the newly installed drain field and buried septic tank. When leaving please take all trash/recycling with you so it doesn't end up in the water or feeding the wildlife. :) Enjoy the amazing area! **Please note there is no running water available (well pump not currently working). This is the forest in northern Minnesota so please be prepared for native insects! Snow removal will NOT be provided during the winter. Access to the site may be very difficult depending on the snow conditions.** 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 & 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, Minnesota. 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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from 
$28
 / night

The Hoffman Hideaway

100%
(1)
17mi from Land O'Lakes State Forest · 1 site · Tent, RV · Hill City, MN
Just 5 miles south of Hill City lies a rare and breathtaking escape—67 acres of pristine, private land nestled along the serene Willow River. Surrounded by the peaceful beauty of Hill River State Forest, this secluded haven offers direct access to miles of scenic trails, perfect for hiking, ATVing, running the dogs, or simply soaking in the natural splendor. Positioned in the heart of ATV country, adventure awaits right outside your door. Whether you’re exploring the rugged backwoods, unwinding by the gentle sounds of the river, or catching a glimpse of northern Minnesota wildlife, this property is the perfect balance of excitement and tranquility. From the northwest corner, take in a stunning panoramic view of Quanda Mountain—a sight that transforms with the seasons and adds a majestic backdrop to your retreat. Though remote, the site is easily accessible by vehicle and camper, making it an ideal basecamp for extended getaways. Off-grid and untouched, it’s a true hideaway where you can disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature. Just one mile away, enjoy the Sunday Meat Raffle at the Corner Club. 6 miles north is Sunny’s Convenience Store for ice cream. 6 miles away from Quanda Mountain Park. Feel free to message us with any questions! We’re happy to help. -Zach & Nicole Hoffman
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from 
$26
 / night

Floodwood Municipal Campground

91%
(443)
49mi from Land O'Lakes State Forest · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · Floodwood, MN
Floodwood Municipal Campground: A Hidden Gem in Northern Minnesota Nestled along the scenic St. Louis River, Floodwood Municipal Campground is one of the Northwoods’ best-kept secrets. Conveniently located on the outskirts of the city in a quiet residential neighborhood, this city-owned and operated campground offers a peaceful retreat with modern amenities. Exciting Recent Upgrades! Floodwood Municipal Campground has recently undergone a major renovation to enhance your camping experience, including: ✅ Remodeled and upgraded shower house for added comfort. ✅ Newly widened roads for easier access throughout the campground. ✅ New camping pads and electrical pedestals, with all sites offering water and electrical hookups. ✅ On-site septic dump station for added convenience. ✅ Brand-new ADA-accessible fishing pier, made possible by a grant from the Minnesota DNR. Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). Originally secured by the City of Floodwood in the 1970s to preserve outdoor recreation for future generations, the campground continues to be a welcoming haven for campers, hunters, anglers, and boaters alike. Whether you're looking for a base camp for your next outdoor adventure or a relaxing getaway in nature, the City of Floodwood is ready to welcome you! Book your stay today and experience the charm of this beautifully upgraded campground. Firewood available for sale on-site. Staying several nights? Save on booking fees by booking directly with our Camp Host, Scott Condra, at 325-253-7538. Scott is also happy to answer any other camping questions you may have!
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from 
$40
 / night

The Hamlet Lake Homestead

94%
(32)
34mi from Land O'Lakes State Forest · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Deerwood, MN
The Hamlet Lake homestead is our 10-acre family home with two unique and private hip-camp sites. The Hamlet Lake Bunkhouse is located to the west of our home in its own secluded parcel next to the lake. The Camp on Hamlet Hill is to the north of our home, on a remote flat hill at the top of our property, on a hill over Cedar brook. with 300-acre, (private) Hamlet Lake in front, and the wide portion of the 20-mile Cedar brook in the back. We are a large "homesteading" family, with chickens, ducks, and a garden. The campsite is a private 1/2 acre clearing, surrounded by woods with a firepit, grill, cooking utensils, and an outhouse. (Tents are available for a small additional cost). There is an outdoor water pump below the hill. Guests can access the waterfront and beach in front, with the use of the swim raft, lily pad, fishing dock, canoe, kayak, and paddle boards included. At nearly 100 feet deep, Hamlet lake also boasts excellent fishing. Our home is located 6 miles from Crosby, with the world-class Cuyuna Lakes 50-mile mountain bike trail system. Crosby is a growing tourist town with many new and unique restaurants, outdoor adventures, and shopping opportunities. The paved bike trail begins 3.5 north of us. Milacs lake is 10 miles to the south.
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from 
$69
 / night

Safe And Sound In Nevis, MN

100%
(16)
44mi from Land O'Lakes State Forest · 2 sites · Lodging · Nevis, MN
Come enjoy a relaxing vacation in our beautiful lakeside guest cabin! In one half of the cabin, which faces the woods, you'll find beautiful knotty pine vaulted ceilings over a queen bed with a loft above it. In the little loft are two twin-sized mattresses directly on the floor, fun for kids and accessible by a wooden ladder. Kids should be at least 6 years old to sleep up in the loft and closely supervised. There is also a bathroom with a toilet, sink, and cold water. Relax in the lakeside half of the cabin on the queen-sized hide-a-bed sofa or the recliner next to a wall of windows facing the lake. There's also a stove, small refrigerator, microwave oven, a sink with cold water, and a small table with 4 chairs. Outside, enjoy a peaceful campfire in the fire pit, listen to the enchanting calls of loons, watch eagles and herons fishing, and relax while enjoying the vast variety of songbirds. At night, our dark skies let you see the Milky Way and countless stars and planets! Full disclosure, though, there isn't an indoor shower available, but you can always enjoy a refreshing dip in the lake or use the enclosed outdoor solar camping shower. There isn't a television or wifi, so just take a technology break and get back to nature or bring a good book. If time and weather permits, we would be happy to give you a pontoon ride. Want to explore the area? Just a few miles away is the 49-mile multi-use Heartland Trail, where you can enjoy a quiet walk, run, or bike ride through a paved, wooded, level trail. Within ten miles are plentiful restaurants and stores in Park Rapids, Dorset, and Nevis. There are often music festivals throughout the summer, and several of the restaurants and bars host live music, some of which are played by Debbie, one of your two hosts! You can even take a 30-mile drive to Itasca State Park, home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River, where you can walk right across the headwaters!
Potable water
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from 
$111
 / night

Wise Woods on Fool Lake

99%
(76)
25mi from Land O'Lakes State Forest · 1 site · Tent, RV · 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 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: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/st... Cuyuna Lakes State Trail: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/st... 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/m... Milford Mine Memorial Park - https://www.crowwing.us/294/Mi... Serpent Lake and Crosby Memorial Park/Playground Hard Water Lounge - https://www.hardwaterlounge.co... 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... 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/loc... North Country Cafe - https://north-country-cafe.bus... Cuyuna Brewing Company - http://www.cuyunabrewing.com/ The Bridge Tavern - http://bridgetavernmn.com/ Jack Pine Brewery - https://www.jackpinebrewery.co... is in Baxter, MN. Fire Shack - https://www.facebook.com/profi... Burritos California - https://zmenu.com/burritos-cal... Mixed Company - http://www.enjoymixedcompany.c... Hill City Coffee - https://www.facebook.com/C4Hil...
Pets
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Toilets
from 
$50
 / night

The best camping in Land O'Lakes State Forest, MN guide

Overview

About

Land O’Lakes is in the house! No, not the butter—unless you brought some to slather on your pancakes at the Baker and White Oak Lake Campground.

This forest is where you go to work off that butter. There is no shortage of physically demanding activities to get your blood pumping, both on land and water. You can row around the lakes until you can’t feel your arms and hike until your legs feel like jelly. When that happens, you’ve earned yourself a relaxing afternoon chilling in a hammock in the solitude area at Washburn Lake. Our eyes are starting to droop just thinking about it.

Notable campgrounds

  • The Walter Stark Horse Campground – A favorite among equestrian campers, offering scenic trails and serene spots to rest.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early to secure your spot, as the Walter Stark Horse Campground is a popular destination for nature lovers.
  • Check for updates on campground improvements to plan your visit when the facilities are at their best.
  • Consider visiting during the weekdays for a quieter camping experience.
  • Explore nearby camping options to ensure you have a backup plan during peak seasons.

When to go

The best time to visit Land O'Lakes State Forest is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer brings lush greenery, but also more visitors and potential heat. Winter can be serene but chilly, with some areas less accessible.

Know before you go

  • Check the latest park updates for any road or campsite improvements that may affect your visit.
  • Always prioritize safety by preparing for the natural terrain and weather conditions.
  • Accessibility may vary across different areas of the forest, so plan accordingly.
  • While the eastern loop of the campground remains open, be aware of intermittent construction on the western loops.
  • Contact the park directly for the most current information on available amenities and closures.
100%
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