Camping in Itasca State Park

100% (15 reviews)
100% (15 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Itasca State Park adventure.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Itasca State Park

100%
(234)

Tumbleweed Base Camp

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Detroit Lakes, MN
This old homestead belonged to my belated brother Steve, and after he passed unexpectedly, we decided to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for those interested in sharing a peaceful and modest property. The old barn is a work in progress to eventually become the base to accommodating more travelers and outdoor enthusiasts as finances permit. My son Logan, after having worked in the service industry bartending for 14 years and hosting 100+ global travelers via CouchSurfing out in San Diego, is well-versed in creating an inviting space, enjoying the merits of hard work through the hospitality industry. We look forward to meeting you and sharing/swapping stories around the campfire! Learn more about this land: Our property and profile are in constant change as we are in a stage of development, but we look to share our land with those seeking to enjoy a warm, welcome environment for those fellow wanderers, outdoor enthusiasts, vagabonds, and globetrotters. Logan is a well-traveled backpacker and together we share 5 1/2 acres here in a bustling little touristy town. We enjoy the company of those who endorse small footprint, sustainable practices and like to establish meaningful connections.  All we ask is that you respect the property, our neighbors, and make an effort to add one more new friend before you depart.
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$30
 / night
97%
(100)

Mikko Kamp on the 4th Crow

2 sites · RVs4 acres · Nevis, MN
Very private 4 acre campsite in stand of Norway Pines and Birch overlooking the 4th Crow Wing Lake. Not off grid, but close to it. There is no potable water, just a peaceful Pine and Birch wooded area overlooking the lake. This location has two power stands 175ft apart. (20, 30, 50 amp Electric) and a Glamper. Ideal if you’re camping with friends/family. Pull your RV's in or pitch a tent and stay as long as you like. 8 miles south of Nevis in the Heartland Lakes area. Adjacent 8 acres of 'Common Use' woods and picnic area with dock for fishing. Or bring a canoe/Kayak to launch. 4th Crow is NOT a recreational lake, but great for fishing, waterfowl and wildlife spotting. Fire pit, picnic table and swing on site. 9 miles from Heartland Biking Trail and within 3 miles of OHV/Snowmobile trails access. Wonderful public swimming beach 3 miles away on Big Stony Lake.
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$50
 / night
100%
(5)

Sunset Pines MN

71 sites · Lodging, RVs50 acres · Backus, MN
Mike and Loellen discovered Ruttger’s Camping Resort in the winter of 2005 while driving around the area and scanning websites for trailers. We bought a trailer on a seasonal site and have thoroughly enjoyed our summers here ever since! Our sons grew up on the lake, boating and fishing and exploring the area and we have developed a wonderful lake-family. We have watched Bill and Candy Ruttger build the resort into the beautiful property that it is today and feel privileged to have the opportunity to now share it with you. Under our new ownership and with a new name, Sunset Pines MN in January 2023, we are eager to carry on the legacy created by our friends and mentors. We welcome you to enjoy our piece of “Up North” Minnesota lake-life with your family and friends, and don’t forget to enjoy a sunset or two! Mike & Loellen
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$55
 / night
100%
(23)

Goldie The Caboose

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Nevis, MN
Goldie is an original early 1900's wooden caboose that ran on the DMIR railroad. She was re-designed in 1912 to be safer on the railroad (and her length extended so she wouldn't fall over). She ran the tracks of the Iron Range until retirement in 1968. It's been fully renovated with a few modern conveniences. We've re-used as much of the original wood as possible, and repurposed many things into other things so that we could keep the history alive. My husband is the carpenter that brought her to life and I'm the one that gave her some paint and design. Now, she's ready for people again, and to keep telling her story to others. Please...be our guest...and let Goldie be your host. Goldie has a max occupancy of 2 people due to space constraints. She also offers: ~ 1 very generous bundle of firewood included with stay ~ Hot and cold running water ~ A shower ~A/C and heat ~Hot water kettle for coffee, tea and cocoa (or oatmeal, etc) ~Paper dishes, plastic utensils and ceramic mugs ~Microwave ~Mini fridge ~One queen sized memory foam bed ~ Bath Towels, hand towel and wash towels ~Flush Toilet ~Fire ring, picnic table and lake access (kayaks available to use for free) ~Wifi access ** There is no cable TV, but we have a DVD player and some movies to choose from. Also there are some games to play. We do have pets and they do run around the yard freely. There are two dogs that love to romp and say hi (a female Golden Retriever and a female Griffon mix) and a female cat that does the same. They are super friendly, but they will come to visit you at the lake. Our lake is an "environmental lake" so while we keep a small beach area that you are welcome to use, it is not free of lily pads or weeds. It's simple, but fully swimm-able (the Golden Retriever keeps the first 8 feet of water weed free with her swimming!). You are welcome to use the dock and chairs we keep there for breezy evenings or to take a dip to cool off. We are only 2ish miles from town with gas, food, ice cream and a donut shop. There is a paved rail trail just down our street that runs both directions for many miles. Bikes are welcome! (please leave ATVs at home).
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$140
 / night
93%
(30)

Willow Acres an RV Resort

8 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Park Rapids, MN
Being in the resort business my whole life, I had a dream of developing this one of a kind property into something I could share with vacationers. To build something that has never been done. Travelers that experience these sites agree they are truly exceptional! Learn more about this land: Check out the web site for Willow Acres in Park Rapids!  parkrapidsrvpark. com Do you want to get off the beaten path and get away from the crowds? Then this Park is for you! Sit under the stars by you fire with no one else around! All sites are PULL THROUGH, level and wooded, which offers great privacy. Full hook ups with 50 amp service, water and sewer. Easily accessible. Great camper setup area. There are many local amenities near by and tourist attractions nearby. 5 minutes from town and approximately 20 minutes from Itasca State Park. Rental opportunities are available by Weekly $250 Monthly $700.
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$50
 / night
100%
(6)

Safe And Sound In Nevis, MN

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · 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, or you can borrow our kayaks. 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!
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$100
 / night

Other options near Itasca State Park

Camping in Itasca State Park guide

Overview

About

The crown jewel of the Minnesota state park system, Itasca State Park in northern Minnesota offers two main campgrounds, several cabins and lodges, and more than 32,000 acres of glacier-carved wilderness. A must-do is walking across the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi River before it begins its 2,552-mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico. But don’t miss the other park highlights, including towering old-growth white and red pines, historic sites, a scenic drive past a wilderness sanctuary, more than 100 lakes, and recreational opportunities that include hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and canoeing. In winter, explore groomed and ungroomed trails on skis, snowshoes, or snowmobiles. 

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for lake views: Bear Paw Campground offers 79 RV and tent camping sites, including the aptly named Lakeview Loop on the shores of Lake Itasca.
  • Best for convenience: Pine Ridge Campground offers 155 sites, and is the closest to the headwaters of the Mississippi and historic sites such as the Indian Cemetery.
  • Best for escaping the crowds: Eleven backcountry sites sit away from the crowds, each with a fire ring and pit toilet.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Plan ahead. Campsites can be reserved up to 120 days in advance, either by phone or online.
  2. All campsites, including backpacking sites in winter, require a reservation. Same-day reservations can be made with no fees.
  3. If your plans are flexible, plan for a less busy time, such as a weekday or non-holiday period. If you plan to camp in winter, be aware that options are limited.

When to go

Itasca State Park is busiest during July and August. Besides the crowds of people, you’ll also meet lots of bugs. Visit in spring and summer to see orchids in bloom, and fall to see the foliage change colors. Campsites are only open from May to October, with the exception of backpacking sites and select electric sites at the Pine Ridge Campground. Winter is a great time to visit to escape the crowds—just be sure to bundle up, as temperatures often drop below freezing.

Know before you go

  • Some campsites offer hookups and can accommodate RVs up to 60 feet. Both campgrounds have two ADA-accessible sites, restrooms with flush toilets, and hot showers. Find a dump station at the Bear Paw Campground.
  • Canoes, kayaks, pontoon boats, and bikes can be rented within the park.
  • The park has several gift shops, plus a seasonal restaurant inside the Douglas Lodge. Groceries can be found near the north and east entrances.
  • Wifi is available at the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center, the Visitor Center, the Pine Ridge Campground, and the Four-Season Suites.
  • Campers should only burn approved firewood, which is available at the Visitor Center and from camp hosts.
100%
15 ratings · 5 reviews
  1. Itasca State Park