The best camping near Birch Lakes State Forest

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

Discover the natural splendor of Birch Lakes State Forest.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Birch Lakes State Forest

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Birch Lakes State Forest

Birch Lakes Campground

30 sites · RVs, Tents In Birch Lakes State Forest

from

$14

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Birch Lakes State Forest

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Rusty Star Ranch Riverview

2 sites · RVs, Tents34 acres · Melrose, MN

The Rusty Star Ranch is nestled along side the Sauk River. The site is slightly elevated which give you a picturesque view of the river and the natural beauty of country scenery. Perfect access to the river if you want to enjoy canoeing, kayaking or fishing. Level sites for campingLearn more about this land:On the banks of the Sauk River. Kayaking. Tubing, bicycle access to the Wobegon trail. Fishing for pike. The view over the river is breathtaking at sunset

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The Country School

2 sites · Tents5 acres · Avon, MN

Once a country school built in 1938 and used into the 1960s, this property with 5 wooded acres surrounded by pasture and farmland, has been our family home since 1982. We are less than 10 minutes from I-94 , Lake Wobegon bike trail, St John's University, Avon Hills Folk School, county parks with hiking trails , and lots of lakes. Fire ring, and picnic table on each site. Learn more about this land: We provide a walk-in only, primitive, private camping experience. Pitch your tent in our woods, just a short walk in from the road. Campsite 1 is close to the road and house, just about 50 paces in from the road. Campsite 2 is farther into the woods, uphill and offers more privacy. The night and early morning sounds can be incredible! Coyotes, owls, loons, frogs, sandhill cranes, wild turkey, cattle, sheep and chickens too. While we currently do not have many amenities, we do offer a get away from humanity, darkness , nature sounds , and campfires. While our property does not include a lake , there are many within a few short miles. The small town of Avon on 1-94 is just 3 1/2 miles away. It offers access to the 65 mile long Lake Wobegon bike trail, the Avon beach, a fishing pier, and legendary "Fisher's Club" , home of the best darn walleye, all on Middle Spunk Lake. St John's University is a few short scenic miles away. Hiking trails, maple syrup festival, bird watching, fall colors , and many more reasons to visit this Benedictine campus. Stearns county has 8 county parks with miles of hiking trails. Birdwatching is excellent year around. Avon Hills Folk School is little over a mile away. El Rancho Manana is within 8 miles and offers horseback riding.

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The Woods

5 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Greenwald, MN

Welcome to "The Woods"!

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The Land - Alexandria Lakes Area

6 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Alexandria, MN

Located outside of the city, this beautiful oasis offers much more privacy and serenity than a typical campground. The 2.5 acres offers plenty of room for large campers and small tents. With just a few sites, you will have company with some other hipcampers but also the privacy you want as you relax and enjoy living life. ** Starting October 1st, there will not be a toilet on the property due to the end of the season. Camping is still open but you'll need your own accommodations for the toilet. Thanks for understanding. **

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Wold Ranch

1 site · RV5 acres · Belgrade, MN

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.

Canary Beach Resort

33 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Villard, MN

The past 100 years have given us the experience to make every detail of your Minnesota lake vacation memorable and relaxing! We are a family-friendly resort, operated as a family, and open all four seasons of the year. We offer 11 comfortable and immaculate lakefront cabins and vacation homes set on a thousand feet of pristine, sandy shoreline along Lake Villard. We are the fifth generation of families to own and operate Canary Beach Resort and have made it into the popular, award-winning year-round lake vacation destination that it is today. Canary Beach Resort has been awarded the 2022 Readers' Choice Award for Best Family Resort by our readers! We have also been mentioned in Minnesota Monthly, AAA Magazine, featured in Lakes and Loons, and in the Pope County Tribune, to name a few. Canary Beach Resort is also the winner of the Minnesota Resort and Campground 2016 Resort Operators of the Year award, in recognition of our passion for excellence in hospitality. We take pride in maintaining our property and cabins so that you and your family can relax and enjoy your time at the lake. It’s our goal to make our place at the lake, your place at the lake!

Saved 10 times

Acorn Farm Country Family Camp

3 sites · RVs10 acres · Villard, MN

This property was once old farm land. The old barn with a dirt floor still has some old horse equipment. We're proud that this family has been in our family for 30 years. We are happy have plenty of crops on the other side of the tree line and love spending time here to watch wild life! Learn more about this land:10 acre lot located between Sauk Center and Alexandria. Great place to get out and enjoy nature. Mix between beautiful flowers, grassy areas wooded areas to explore. We see lots of wildlife such as deer, turkey, pheasants, sand hill cranes, eagles and much more.Must bring your own accommodations.

Booked 2 times

RV There Yet?

40 sites · RVs3 acres · Alexandria, MN

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 tonnes 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.

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Kobi’s Backyard Getaway

1 site · RV, Tent51 acres · Alexandria, MN

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

Fish Trap Oasis

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Cushing, MN

Come relax and restore at a quiet lakeside camp spot on Fish Trap Lake! The property is perfect for any campers or RVers who want private lake views. It is located on a quiet street next to state land. Fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing and swimming can all be enjoyed on Fish Trap Lake. We are 40 minutes from the Brainerd and Nisswa area where there are plenty of restaurants, shops and outdoor activities as well.

Saved 19 times

Rosie's Ranch

1 site · RV, TentBrooten, MN

We have a small sheep & lamb operation on our small farm nestled into the Glacial Lakes area in West Central MN. We are right off of the Glacial Ridge Scenic Byway. Surrounded by over 1000 acres of public land and Nature Conservancy preserves within a quick drive, our ranch rotationally grazes sheep on diverse native prairie pastures. Our operation is rustic, quiet, private and humble but inviting. Learn more about this land:Primitive, quiet private campsite on a small farm with sheep and dogs (dog lovers only please)! Native prairie hills hug a lake loaded with wild rice and wild waterfowl adjacent to oak woods. Abundant hiking options as well as some local access to the Chippewa river as well as some fishing holes we can guide you to. About 10 min drive to Green Lake/ Norway lake areas with great public beaches. Sunburg is close by with a bar & grill, New London is 17 miles with a great brewery and tons of outdoor events all summer long. We allow limited access to our mudroom/ bathroom area for campers.

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Welle's Campsite

1 site · RV, Tent40 acres · Lastrup, MN

40 acres of peaceful hunting land with a mixture of woods, swamp, hay fields, and a permanent campsite established in the corner. There are trails throughout the woods that can be used for hiking/biking. Plenty of room for parking and multiple campers/tents. Campsite is well maintained and has 30/50 amp hookups and an outhouse.

The best camping near Birch Lakes State Forest 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.