Guide to (Designated) Dispersed Camping
Chippewa National Forest
Chippewa National Forest
Ways to Camp # 4/8/10/16 | Guide to (Designated) Dispersed Campsites
1 Forest 76 dispersed sites $Free 0% reservable
The Chippewa.
The first of two national forests in the state, established in 1908.
Located in the heart of Northern Minnesota these 666,000 acres contain more water than any other national forest in the nation. Over 1,300 lakes including some of the state's largest - Cass, Leech and Winnibigoshish, host innumerable shoreline campsites, public boat launches, carry-in paddle accesses and a diversity of local fisheries. A few of the forest's best kept secrets include deep, spring fed lakes of Caribbean aquamarine color and clarity. 923 miles of rivers and streams, including the most wild & scenic portions of the Mississippi River invite the paddle.
Nesting it all is a diversity of woodland, mixes of old growth conifer, aspen groves, birch and sugar maple - basswood bush. Here are found some of the largest and most mature examples of individual tree species and native plant communities.
Threaded by gravel forest roads, 41 miles of paved bike trail, 298 miles of non-motorized hiking or biking trails including Suomi Hills, Trout Lake, Shingobee, Cut Foot Sioux and a transect by the North Country National Scenic Trail - all delivering the outdoorist deeper into remote and beautiful backwoods experiences.
The natural and scenic quality, notable history and access to wildlife and recreation is of some of the highest caliber the state of Minnesota has to offer. It deserves many days to explore it fully. Those nights necessary to accomplish this, will be best spent with the service of this guide to the wild but comfortable camping experiences introduced below.
About This Guide
Minnesota Camp Guide believes there are 23 Ways to Camp on Minnesota Public Lands.
The Chippewa National Forest offers opportunities to experience about half of them.
What is this guide is not about?
This particular guide is not about Way to Camp #3. Car Camping In U.S. National Forests In Minnesota.
These include the 15 developed drive-in car campgrounds, where many campsite amenities are exchanged for a nightly fee.
Nor is this guide about the many hundreds of forest roads and land acres available for dispersed camping opportunities which are allowed in this national forest. By standard definition; the totally wild, zero amenities provided bush camps you can pitch anywhere on public land that is at least 150 feet away from any road, trail or otherwise improved or developed area.
What this guide is about?
This guide is about a collection of 76 designated dispersed camping sites in the Chippewa National Forest, including those packaged and promoted by the USDA & US Forest Service in their Dispersed Camping Site Map Index. Learn more about this resource below.
These campsite locations and experiences are;
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free to use (they are not within one of the 15 fee car campgrounds) for up to 14 days
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offer moderate amenities, possibly but probably (a fire ring, toilet, picnic table, bench, boat landing, dock)
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and are located in a desirable position (cleared and level tent space, near a water feature or trail)
In the world of Minnesota Camp Guide's 23 Ways to Camp on Minnesota Public Lands, they are included in Way's to Camp:
#4. Free Car Camping In U.S. National Forests In Minnesota
#8. Backpack Camping in U.S. National Forests in Minnesota
#10. Backpack Camping on a National Scenic Trail
#21. Paddle Camping in U.S. National Forests in Minnesota
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8
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At many of these campsites, your car can join you, with all of the extra equipment, security and easy exit strategy they provide.
For many others, you will need to rely on your comfort and capability in being remote; a mile down a hiking trail or out on the water in whatever conditions or events are presented.
At all of these campsite experiences, you will need to trust your equipment and ability for;
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treating water from a natural source
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keeping your food away from wild animals (hanging bear bags, using bear boxes or barrels)
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preparing food in the backcountry (using stove systems, if conditions don't allow a fire)
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packing out everything you pack in (especially your trash)
Camping in the designated dispersed campsites of the Chippewa take you away from the company of campground crowds and offer you the basic furnishings of a campsite for no cost, other than a willingness to exercise some extra self-reliance and head a little deeper into the wilder corners of this amazing national forest.
Interactive Campsites Map
The default map layer includes all campsites, but you may toggle three other layers to filter by approach; car, backpack, paddle.
Click here for a mobile friendly version of this map.
Area Overview Map
The Chippewa National Forest divides these designated dispersed campsites into five geographic areas.
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Blackduck, Cass Lake, Deer River, Marcell and Walker.
The Campsites Catalog
Chippewa National Forest | 'Designated' Dispersed Campsites
Blackduck Area
Scenic site on a hilltop on the shore of Glove Lake. Good shoreline and water for swimming.
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94° 5' 59.618" W 47° 47' 32.447" N
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☑ Drive-In: Forest Road 2240, no difficulty on approach.
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Space for 2-3 tents, and trees for hammocks.
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Parking space is limited.
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☐ No toilet.
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☑ Rock fire ring.
1 B42 Moose Lake ★ 3
A lush, grassy and open to the stars space on the shore of Moose Lake. Not much of a boat landing, steep shoreline bank.
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94° 9' 19.258" W 47° 49' 8.519" N
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☐ Drive-In: Forest Road 3357, very difficult. Beaver dam washouts and deep pools, inaccessible to most vehicles.
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☑ Hike-In: ~1 mile.
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☑ Paddle-In: half mile in from public boat launch at south end of Moose Lake.
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☑ Primitive amenities include a dug out fire pit.
16 B7 North Twin Hike-In ★4
Open but shaded, breezy peninsula on the shore of North Twin Lake. Good shoreline access to water suitable for swimming.
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94° 36' 10.780" W 47° 35' 51.502" N
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☑ Drive-In: Forest Road 2091, semi rugged approach.
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☑ Hike -In: .10 miles
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Space for several tents.
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☐ No toilet.
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☑ Rock fire ring.
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Overflow camping up the wooded hill with a second rock fire ring.
16 B8 North Twin ★4
A roomy and grassy shoreline with excellent sand-bottomed swimming area. Narrow between hillside and water but space for 4-5 tents. Can't drive into directly, requires short carry in. Rope swing at site.
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94° 36' 1.911" W 47° 35' 57.198" N
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☑ Drive-In: Requires a 40 yard carry-in from parking up a hill.
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☑ Paddle-In: .6 miles from public boat launch in SW corner of lake.
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☐ No toilet.
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☑ Rock fire ring.
16 B9 North Twin Remote ★3
Smaller grassy space with room for a couple of camping tents along the raised shoreline of lake. Fine swimming, but vegetated. Adjacent pine grove for hammocks.
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94° 36' 31.357" W 47° 35' 35.957" N
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☐ Drive-In: Closed gate on approach road, Forest Road 2238.
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☑ Hike -In: ~ 1 mile, through very vegetated unmaintained trail.
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☑ Paddle-In: .35 miles from public boat launch in SW corner of lake.
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☐ No toilet.
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☑ Rock fire ring.
Cass Lake Area
17 C16 Lake Windigo ★4
A very distinct campsite - 1 of only 26 recursive lakes on an island on a lake in the entire world. Space for several tents on the pine needle carpeted ground below mature trees. Scenic and good swimming area.
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94° 34' 16.891" W 47° 24' 54.516" N
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☑ Paddle-In: ~ 4 miles from public launch west of Star Island on CR 148. Portage into Lake Windigo on northern shore.
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Access or approach via 6 miles of Star Island hiking trail system.
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Yes, wilderness toilet and metal fire ring.
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☑ Pit toilet.
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☑ Metal fire ring.
17 C17 Star Island, S. Shore ★4
A wide open grassy acreage adjacent the South Shore beach of Star Island. Not private, but you may prefer the likely present boat party. Room for many tents, this should even be considered multiple campsites.
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94° 34' 28.023" W 47° 24' 25.076" N
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☑ Paddle-In:~ 1 mile from public launch west of Star Island on CR 148.
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Access or approach via 6 miles of Star Island hiking trail system.
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☑ Pit toilet.
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☑ Metal fire ring.
17 C18 Star Island, N. Shore ★ 4
Two campsites, right next to each other. Share a small beach (with rock fire ring) on north shore of O'Neils Point. Grassy space tucked back in the trees for several backpacking tents.
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94° 33' 32.899" W 47° 25' 32.093" N
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☑ Paddle-In:~ 4 miles from public launch west of Star Island on CR 148.
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Access or approach via 6 miles of Star Island hiking trail system.
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☑ Pit toilet.
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☑ Metal fire ring.
18 C29 Lydick Lake ★ 5
Absolutely top notch, super spacious, cedar shaded shoreline with excellent views of Lydick Lake. Plenty of access to sandy swimming. Could be considered two campsite sections, partitioned by shrubbery,
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94° 25' 5.083" W 47° 23' 54.508" N
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☑ Drive-In: Forest Road 2958, no difficulty. Plenty of parking space.
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Space for many tents, several campers and trees for hammocks.
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☐ No toilet.
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☑ Rock fire rings, multiple.
18 C33 Mississippi River ★ 3
Moderately sized, grassy and open space alongside the vegetated riverbank of the Mississippi as it flows between Cass Lake and Winni. Narrow opening amongst cattails for paddle craft access. Limited but pleasant view of river plain.
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94° 23' 7.082" W 47° 25' 36.891" N
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☑ Drive-In: Forest Road 2167F. Parking space is limited.
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Space for 2-3 tents.
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☐ No toilet. No fire ring.
Deer River Area
10 D2 Mississippi River ★ 4
Wide open views of Cut Sioux Lake and across Winnibigoshish. Dirty, weedy water alongside campsite. Adjacent to dirt road, but not a busy one.
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94° 4' 20.654" W 47° 28' 36.619" N
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☑ Drive-In: on the side of County Road 148, no difficulty. Parking space is limited.
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Small space for 1-2 tents.
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☐ No toilet.
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☑ Rock fire rings.
11 D28 Battle Point South ★ 3
Wide open views of Cut Sioux Lake and across Winnibigoshish. Dirty, weedy water alongside campsite. Adjacent to dirt road, but not a busy one.
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94° 4' 20.654" W 47° 28' 36.619" N
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☑ Drive-In: on the side of County Road 148, no difficulty. Parking space is limited.
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Small space for 1-2 tents.
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☐ No toilet.
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☑ Rock fire rings.
11 D29 Battle Point North ★ 4
Wide open views of Cut Sioux Lake. Spacious. Mucky, weedy water along shore but great access for watercraft. Would be 5 star if water quality was higher. Significantly larger than nearby D28.
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94° 4' 39.721" W 47° 28' 44.603" N
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☑ Drive-In: Forest Road 2240, no difficulty.
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Space for multiple tents, campers and vehicles.
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☐ No toilet.
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☑ Rock fire ring.
11 D32 First River Lake ★ 4
Remote and private open area below the pines alongside First River and Lake. Watercraft accessible. Very scenic.
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94° 1' 2.423" W 47° 29' 34.255" N
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☑ Drive-In: Long but not too rugged approach; Forest Road 3107.
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Space for multiple tents or campers, parking, and trees for hammocks.
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Could be considered two sites.
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☑ Rock fire ring. ☑ Pit toilet. ☑ Picnic table. ☑ Makeshift dock.
11 D71 O-ne-gum-e ★ ?
Guidemaker could not locate this campsite, supposedly existing near the lake launch.
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94° 2' 21.592" W 47° 30' 10.700" N
12 D1 Cut Foot Sioux Lake ★ 1
A somewhat open space remains in the woods, where this campsite is going feral. Vegetation, including poison ivy, has grown in too thick by either land or water access, but a metal fire grate remains.
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94° 3' 50.446" W 47° 30' 32.447" N
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☐ Paddle-In: Hidden access from water. Overgrown with cattails, no landing.
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☐ Hike-In: No maintained access from Simpson Creek Trail system.
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☑ Pit toilet. ☑ Metal fire ring with grate.
12 D3 Cut Foot Sioux Lake ★ 3
A broad lake view of long swimming beach, from a wide open space below the pines. Space for a couple of backpacking tents. Watch out for poison ivy.
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94° 4' 26.885" W 47° 30' 36.091" N
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☑ Paddle-In: a half mile from Deer River public boat launch.
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☐ Hike-In: No maintained access from Simpson Creek Trail system.
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☑ Pit toilet.
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☑ Metal fire ring with grate.
12 D5 Cut Foot Sioux Lake ★ 4
A quite large pine needle carpet for a collection of tents offers a slightly veiled view of the lake with a sandy beach access. Hammockable.
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94° 4' 38.585" W 47° 30' 49.797" N
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☑ Paddle-In: ~ 1 mile from Deer River public boat launch.
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☐ Hike-In: No maintained access from Simpson Creek Trail system.
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☑ Picnic table. ☑ Pit toilet. ☑ Metal grate fire ring.
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Can hike between here and nearby campsite D7.
12 D7 Cut Foot Sioux Lake ★ 3
A smaller space for 2-3 backpacking tents, sheltered among the trees with a little sandy beach in the cattails, good for wading & swimming.
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94° 4' 44.585" W 47° 30' 49.797" N
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☑ Paddle-In: ~ 1 mile from Deer River public boat launch.
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☐ Hike-In: No maintained access from Simpson Creek Trail system.
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☑ Picnic table. ☑ Pit toilet. ☑ Metal grate fire ring.
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Can hike between here and nearby campsite D5.
13 D8 Mosomo Point ★ 4
Grassy open space for several tents with mix of sun and shade on top a tall ridge jutting out into Cut Foot Sioux Lake. Eroded staircase descent to a wooded, rocky shoreline with swimming and paddle craft access.
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94° 5' 39.264" W 47° 31' 5.921" N
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☐ Drive-In: Trailhead parking on Forest Road 2198.
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☑ Hike -In: From car parking is .70 miles.
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☑ Paddle-In: from East Seelye Bay campground is one half mile.
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☐ No toilet. ☑ Metal grate fire ring.
13 D10 Sunken Lake ★ 4
Quite open coniferous shoreline on remote Sunken Lake. Very swimmable shoreline access. Five star if you like the hike in, four star if you like similarly quality sites without the walk.
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94° 5' 55.302'' W 47° 32' 11.2524'' N
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☐ Drive-In: Semi rugged approach on Forest Road 2091.
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☑ Hike -In: From t railhead parking on Forest Road 2198 is .75 miles.
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Space for several tents. Trees for hammocks.
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☐ No toilet. ☑ Open ground fire ring.
13 D11 Cut Foot Sioux Lake ★ 0
Gone feral. All shoreline access is blocked by thick growth of cattails. Hike - in approach may exist by forest road hike, but this is unconfirmed.
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94° 6' 16.832" W 47° 30' 18.996" N
13 D13 Deer Lake Point ★ 4
Bring rum. This very distinct beach area is some castaway style, hyper primitive dispersed camping. Expansive view. Sandy swimming, mixed with some gravel and mussel shells. Pitch on the sand or in a couple of spots behind the tree line.
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94° 6' 38.076" W 47° 29' 54.852" N
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☑ Paddle-In: ~ 2.5 miles of paddling from Deer River or Pigeon River boat launches.
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☐ No fire ring. Have a driftwood beach fire.
13 D16 Battle Point ★ 3
A small, flat, sheltered nook for a couple of tents on the northeast side of Battle Point. Shoreline bank with a tiny sandy landing, good swimming.
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94° 5' 16.05" W 47° 30' 31.12" N
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Not included in 'Site Map Index'
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☑ Paddle-In: ~ 1.5 miles of paddling from East Seelye or Williams Narrows launches.
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☑ Picnic table. ☑ Pit toilet. ☑ Rock fire ring. ☑ Rope swing nearby.
14 D42 Pigeon Dam Lake ★ 3
One small grassy campsite and one very large open area adjacent a not busy public boat landing. If one is occupied, the other is not very private. Limited view of calm, marshy lake - not high quality swimming.
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94° 9' 44.693" W 47° 31' 2.097" N
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☑ Drive-In: Forest Road 3148, Easy to take wrong turn, but enjoyable approach.
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Space for multiple tents or campers, parking. Could be considered two sites.
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☑ Rock fire ring. ☑ Picnic table ☑ access to calm backwater.
15 D47 Mosomo Lake ★ 2
This campsite belongs to the plants now. It would go to a 2 star if someone took it back from them. All overgrown, including very limited shoreline access.
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94° 8' 6.763" W 47° 33' 38.225" N
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☑ Drive-In: Forest Road 3832, difficult to recognize the on rough approach.
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Limited space for shelters, some space for parking.
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☐ Rock fire ring in the vegetation. Toilet probably is somewhere too.
15 D50 Lower Pigeon Lake ★ 0
Author found no campsite existing at this GPS location.
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94° 9' 37.217" W 47° 33' 36.882" N
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☐ Paddle-In: No clear access from lake. Overgrown.
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All overgrown and forest blowdown.
15 D55 Middle Pigeon Lake ★ 5
Very open and easily accessible camping area alongside a public boat launch the sizeable lake. Consider this two campsites, with open views of each other. Seems popular.
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94° 9' 56.587" W 47° 35' 11.111" N
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☑ Drive-In: Forest Road 2958, no difficulty on approach. Plenty of parking space.
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Space for many tents, campers, boat trailers and trees for hammocks.
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☑ Pit toilet. ☑ Metal grate fire ring. ☑ an actual dock.
15 D56 One Loaf Lake ★ 1
Very small and claustrophobic. Highly vegetated shoreline with a narrow boat landing or a very large beaver run. This may be a feeding area for very large beavers. Small lake though.
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94° 9' 17.058" W 47° 35' 23.513" N
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☑ Drive-In: some difficulty navigating on approach; Forest Road 2196F or 2196D.
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Little space, for tents or anything else.
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☐ No amenities.
24 D74 Six Mile Lake ★ 3
A small car campground, with six campsites. Open spaces surrounded by young woodland groves. Public boat launch nearby, and accessible from paddling elsewhere on the lake. Not very scenic, sort of milquetoast.
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94° 7' 28.231" W 47° 18' 37.129" N
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☑ Drive-In: Accessible approach from Forest Road 2127.
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Space for multiple tents or campers, parking. Many campsite spaces.
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☑ Outhouse toilet.
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☑ Metal fire grates in many sites, rock fire rings in others.
Marcell Area
2 M75 East Lake ★ 2
Grassy open space on the shore of a vegetated "lake" impoundment. Feels remote, but is located on a dirt road. Not very swimmable.
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93° 51' 16.684" W 47° 40' 16.651" N
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☑ Drive-In: Nice approach on Forest Road 2460.
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Space for a backpacking size tents or two. Limited parking.
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☐ No amenities.
3 M115 Turtle Lake ★ 4
A scenic and small wooded space on Government Point. Small, sandy beach between mature cedar trees gives access to clean and clear water.
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93° 42' 11.327" W 47° 36' 58.599" N
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☑ Paddle-In: ~ 2 miles from Maple/Turtle public boat launch.
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☑ Pit toilet, ☑ Metal fire pit and extra metal grill pit.
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Mediocre rope swing present.
3 M44 Big Dick Lake ★ 5
She's a real beauty. No need to overcompensate with the name. Gorgeous, spacious, shaded by mature pines. Great sandy bottomed shoreline and swimming area.
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93° 36' 10.858" W 47° 36' 55.080" N
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☑ Drive-In: easy approach on Forest Road 2460, lots of parking.
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Very spacious, multiple hammock sites.
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☐ No toilet. ☑ rock fire ring with metal grate. ☑ Picnic table.
4 M19 Grave Lake ★ 4
Spacious lakeside. Seems popular. Open and grassy, mix of sun and shade. Has a swimming beach.
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93° 39' 58.097" W 47° 31' 3.109" N
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☑ Drive-In: Accessible turn off approach from Forest Road 3545.
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Plenty of space for many tents or a couple of campers.
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☑ Pit toilet ☑ metal fire ring.
4 M60 Caribou Lake ★ 4
Three primitive campsites at developed public boat launch. Popularly occupied. Spacious sites, with scenic overlooks but not super private.
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93° 38' 22.832" W 47° 31' 25.108" N
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☑ Drive-In: Accessible turn off approach from Highway 38.
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Plenty of space for many tents or a couple of campers.
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☑ Pit toilet ☑ Metal fire ring.
4 M74 Duck Lake ★ 3
Difficult to access even with SUV to reach a reasonably scenic space with lake access thats reasonably swimmable. Moderately sized lake.
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93° 37' 3.177" W 47° 32' 7.043" N
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☐ Drive-In: Remote, difficult approach from Forest Road 2361. Almost impassable.
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Many tent campsite spaces or campers, parking.
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☐ No amenities.
4 M83 Hole in the Wall Lake ★ 1
Difficult to drive-in, required a hike-in approach. Small and vegetated space with overgrown shoreline. More of a paddling put-in than a campsite.
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93° 38' 36.656" W 47° 33' 37.715" N
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☐ Drive-In: very difficult approach from Forest Road 2671A. Consider classed for true off highway vehicles.
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☑ Hike -In: .3 miles.
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☐No amenities.
5 M100 Ruby Lake ★ 2
Small pull out with poor view of lake and pretty terrible shoreline access to water.
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93° 32' 51.084" W 47° 30' 29.688" N
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☑ Drive-In: Pull out right off the adjacent fire road. Exposed and not private.
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Limited space for 2-3 backpacking tents.
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☑ rock fire ring.
Some trees down the shore for hammocks with better view of lake.
5 M122 Snowshoe Lake ★ ?
Guidemaker cannot locate this campsite.
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93° 32' 50.419" W 47° 30' 4.959" N
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The closest possible candidate for this site feels more live an overgrown watercraft put-in rather than a campsite.
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Parking here overnight directly on the Forest Road should be avoided.
6 M33 Trout Lake ★ 4
Very scenic view of the spectacular colored Trout Lake. Wide, sandy landing beach between the swimmable water and a mostly gently sloped campsite. Not the flattest terrain, but open space for several camp tents. Lots of trees for hammocks.
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93° 32' 1.266" W 47° 27' 55.717" N
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☑ Paddle-In: Nearest paddle is 1.5 mile approach from put-in at Trout Lake trailhead.
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☑ metal fire grate, ☑ pit toilet and ☑ picnic table.
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Hike short distance to neighboring campsite M34.
6 M34 Trout Lake ★ 4
Very scenic view of the spectacular colored Trout Lake. Wide, sandy landing beach between the swimmable water and a mostly gently sloped campsite. Not the flattest terrain, but open space for several camp tents. Lots of trees for hammocks.
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93° 32' 1.266" W 47° 27' 55.717" N
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☑ Paddle-In: Nearest paddle is 1.5 mile approach from put-in at Trout Lake trailhead.
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☑ metal fire grate, ☑ pit toilet and ☑ picnic table.
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Hike short distance to neighboring campsite M34.
6 MX1 Trout Lake ★ 5
One of the best sites in the Forest. A large sandy beach on the calm bay behind the historic Joyce Estate peninsula. Centuries old white pines shade a spacious, grassy lakeside hill. Very scenic. Not in 'Site Index Map'.
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93°33'31.90"W 47°27'56.65"N
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☐ Drive-In: Approach on County Road 326 through a private resort.
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☑ Hike -In: from Trout Lake trailhead car parking is 1.8 miles.
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☑ Paddle-In: from same trailhead put-in is 2 miles.
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☑ Metal fire grate ☑ picnic table ☑ outhouse like pit toilet.
6 MX2 Trout Lake ★ 3
A small additional or overflow site adjacent to MX1, a short walk along the shoreline. Access to water without any beach. Cramped, sheltered confines amongst the brush. Not in 'Site Index Map'.
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93°33'34.34"W 47°27'56.65"N
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☑ Hike -In: from car parking is 1.8 miles.
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☑ Metal fire grate ☑ Picnic table.
6 M36 Spider Lake ★ 5
Scenic views of lake from a mostly grassy space below a tall pine grove. Small sandy boat landing with good swimming. Short hike to adjacent M37.
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93° 34' 50.915" W 47° 28' 35.950" N
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☑ Paddle-In: from north end launch put-in a distance of 2 miles.
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☑ Paddle-In: from Little Long Lake launch with portage is 1.5 miles.
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Space for several camping tents and trees for hammocks.
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☑ metal fire grate ☑ picnic table.
6 M37 Spider Lake ★ 3
Consider overflow from adjacent site M36. Views disrupted by brush. Picnic table in state of disrepair. Vegetated boat landing, poor swimming point.
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93° 34' 50.915" W 47° 28' 35.950" N
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☑ Paddle-In: from north end launch put-in a distance of 2 miles.
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☑ Paddle-In: from Little Long Lake launch with portage is 1.5 miles.
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Space for a couple of backpacking tents.
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☑ metal fire grate ☑ picnic table.
6 M38 Spider Lake ★ 4
Spacious, mostly dirt opening beneath tall, healthy pine grove with scenic views from this long point into the lake. Wind protected cove with sloped landing and sandy swimming shelf.
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93° 34' 38.703" W 47° 28' 15.944" N
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☑ Paddle-In: from north end launch put-in a distance of 2.2 miles.
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☑ Paddle-In: from Little Long Lake launch with portage is 1.3 miles.
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Space for many tents, and trees for hammocks.
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☑ metal fire grate ☑ picnic table.
6 M39 Spider Lake ★ 4
Lots of open room and woodsy nooks below some fat, old pines in the forested back corner of a southern bay. Broad and sandy boat landing and swimming beach. A bit overgrown of a trail right behind campsite, but opens up to a reasonably enjoyable backpacking approach on Trout Lake trail system.
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93° 34' 52.470" W 47° 27' 55.548" N
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☑ Paddle-In: from north end launch put-in a distance of 2.5 miles.
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☑ Paddle-In: from Little Long Lake launch with portage is 1 mile.
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☑ Hike -In: from Trout Lake trailheads car parking is 2.5 miles.
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☑ metal fire grate ☑ picnic table.
6 M94 Spider Lake ★ 2
Discontinued campsite, but remains accessible. Small, overgrown with some tree downfall. A wilderness trail backpacking approach from behind on Trout Lake trail system.
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93°35'6.49"W 47°27'45.55"N
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☑ Paddle-In: from Little Long Lake launch with portage is .5 mile.
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☑ Hike -In: from Trout Lake trailheads car parking is 2.5 miles.
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☑ metal fire grate ☑ pit toilet.
6 M40 Wabana Lake ★ 5
A wooded point of large cedars, offering shade and privacy with great views. A nice boat landing with wide, sandy swimming shallows.
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93° 31' 53.153" W 47° 26' 9.975" N
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☑ Paddle-In: ~ .3 miles from public boat launch on western shore.
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☑ picnic table ☑ metal bear box ☑ rock fire ring ☑ pit toilet
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No trail connection to nearby M41.
6 M41 Wabana Lake ★ 4
An open space along the lake with small sandy beach and fire, lounge area. A long grassy clearing for tents stretches back into the woods and another tent site is up a hill rise beside that.
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93° 31' 41.61" W 47° 26' 6.41" N
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☑ Paddle-In: ~ .3 miles from public boat launch on western shore.
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☑ picnic table ☑ metal bear box ☑ rock fire ring ☑ pit toilet
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No trail connection to nearby M40.
6 MX3 Wabana Lake ★ 4
Scenic, open views from atop a woodsy hilltop point jutting into Wakerman Bay. Not much of a boat landing, with a staircase haul up to camp.
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93° 32' 44.34" W 47° 24' 20.88" N
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☑ Paddle-In: ~ 3 miles from public boat launch on northern Wabana or Birch Bay.
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☑ picnic table ☑ rock fire ring ☑ pit toilet
6 M42 Bluewater Lake ★ 4
A wooded and roomy site, quite some distance away from public access, while not feeling remote. On beautiful colored water.
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93° 32' 40.349" W 47° 25' 20.078" N
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A nearly 4 mile paddle from public launches on nearby Wabana Lake. Enter Bluewater via a small, stream channel on southern end of lake.
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Includes fire ring, picnic table, bench and bear box.
7 M1 Adele Lake ★ 4
Spacious, mix of sun and shade with ample space. Limited views with shoreline access to semi-swimmable water but great access to the Suomi Hills hiking trail system.
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93° 39' 12.170" W 47° 28' 20.761" N
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☑ Drive-In: If gate is closed for season, hike in from car parking is .50 miles.
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Space for several tents or camper.
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☑ Rock fire ring. ☑ Picnic table.
7 M2 Doctor Lake ★ 5
Very scenic campsite beneath mature pines on the beautifully swimmable shoreline of Doctor Lake. Nice, open double track hiking trail approach on Suomi Hills trail system.
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93° 39' 8.105" W 47° 28' 5.608" N
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☑ Hike -In: from nearest parking near Adele Lake is .50 miles.
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☑ metal fire grate ☑ picnic table
- Good trees for hammocks.
7 M4A Spruce Lake Island ★ ?
Scenic, coniferous forested island on Spruce Lake. Remote and private.
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93° 39' 20.760" W 47° 27' 41.403" N
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☑ Paddle-In: Put-in at Adele Lake. Portage to Spruce Lake, all in under one mile.
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☑ metal fire grate. ☐ No toilet.
7 M4B Spruce Lake ★ 4
Scenic and remote campsite on a wooded point with swimmable lake access, with some vegetation. Nice spot, but there are better options with a less difficult approach. Lengthy but enjoyable hike in.
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93° 39' 11.101" W 47° 27' 44.211" N
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Hike in from nearest parking near Adele Lake is 2.4 miles. On intermediate, open double track Suomi Hills hiking trail system.
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Space for 3-4 backpacking tents.
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Yes, metal grate fire ring and log bench.
7 M10 Kremer Lake ★ 5
Wonderful, open view of beautiful Kremer Lake. Deep, clean water with sandy shoreline bottom. An enjoyable hike-in but loses a feel of remoteness with road presence nearby.
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93° 38' 11.600" W 47° 27' 48.514" N
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☑ Hike -In: from car parking is ~ 1.8 miles.
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Scenic hike on open, double track Suomi Hills hiking trail system.
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☑ Metal fire grate. ☑ Log benches.
- Room for 4-5 backpacking tents. Trees for hammocks.
- Might be possible to hear noise from highway across the lake.
7 M13 Forjer Lake ★ 3
Moderately sized wooded opening with from the tent views of little Forjer Lake. Good water for treating or swimming.
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93° 39' 27.634" W 47° 27' 12.679" N
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☑ Drive-In: easy approach on Forest Road 2153, Orange Lake Road.
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Requires a walk-in from parking area of ~50 yards.
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Space for 2-3 backpacking tents.
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☑ Rock fire ring ☑ wooden benches
8 M6 Orange Lake ★ 0
This campsite has gone feral. Fire ring, tent space, and approach trail are all overgrown to the point of not recommending use.
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93° 37' 34.763" W 47° 27' 2.395" N
8 M7 Orange Lake ★ 3
Scenic wooded glen with views of little Orange Lake. Good shoreline access, with reasonable swimming opportunity.
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93° 37' 45.180" W 47° 26' 58.691" N
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☑ Drive-In: easy access from Forest Road 2153.
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Walk in from car parking is ~ 50 yards.
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☑ metal fire grate ☑ pit toilet☑ picnic table
8 M11 Orange Lake ★ 2
Remote site; a bit too distant for the moderate quality. Wooded shoreline with thick aquatic vegetation, not suitable for swimming.
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93° 37' 32.876" W 47° 26' 54.663" N
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☑ Hike -In: from car parking is .30 miles.
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Trailhead parking from either CR2153.
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Grassy, or pine needle matted space for several backpacking tents.
- Includes an eroded brick fire pit.
8 M15 Little Horn Lake ★ 3
A grassy opening with room for a backpacking tent or two with nice view of lake.
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93° 38' 15.251" W 47° 26' 36.225" N
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☑ Hike -In: from car parking is .09 miles.
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Trailhead parking from Forest Road 2153, look for the metal sign. Beware of false trailheads nearby.
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☐ no toilet. ☑ metal fire grate
8 M18 Lucky Lake ★ 1
Unattractive, tall grassy space alongside trail on Suomi Hills hiking trail system. Not adjacent to the lake. Descend spur trail to steep shoreline.
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93° 36' 58.842" W 47° 25' 45.931" N
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☑ Hike -In: from car parking is .50 miles.
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☐ Overgrown rock fire ring.
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Overgrown grassy space could have room for 2-3 backpacking tents.
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This is a designated trout lake.
9 M91 Li'l Cottonwood Lake ★ 2
Small grassy campsite without much view of lake. Weedy and vegetated shoreline, not the best for swimming. Remote and private.
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93° 40' 13.925" W 47° 25' 45.808" N
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☑ Drive-In: nice, but long approach on CR247 and Forest Road 3469.
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Space for a backpacking tent or two. Limited parking.
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☐ No toilet. ☑ rock fire ring ☑ makeshift dock
walker Area
19 W38 Long Lake ★ 4
Quite scenic wooded peninsula on developed Long Lake. Fairly close to a public boat launch, so less private. Lots of sandy bottom lake around shoreline. Seems popular, and some mess may be left behind.
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94° 36' 15.291" W 47° 4' 14.553" N
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☐ Drive-In: approaching via public boat launch area. Requires a short 650 foot hike and carry to campsite.
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Plenty of space for multiple tents and ample parking.
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☐ No toilet. ☑ rock fire ring
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☐ Paddle-In: approaches from elsewhere on Long Lake possible.
19 W50 Anoway Lake ★ 2
A campsite off the North Country Trail, deep in the woods amidst the pines. A couple of tent sites in the trees with an open grassy overflow nearby. A short hike away from natural water source.
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94° 37' 43.610" W 47° 2' 17.263" N
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☑ Hike -In: from car parking on nearby forest road is .5 miles.
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Access to NCT and other Shingobee Recreation Area trail network.
- Includes metal/cinder block fire pit, picnic table and pit toilet.
20 W13 Little Bass Lake ★ 4
A scenic two-combo campsite on a isle of white pines on a remote, undeveloped lake. A rocky, grassy landing with good water access still suitable for swimming. Tent sites are slightly sloped.
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94° 37' 56.751" W 46° 59' 4.705" N
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☑ Paddle-In: .35 miles from launch on northwest bay.
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☑ rock fire pit ☑ picnic table ☑ log chunk furniture.
20 W30 Big Bass Lake ★ 4
Quite remote and very scenic wood sheltered point on an attractive, mostly undeveloped lake. Paddle-in access from elsewhere on the lake.
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94° 37' 1.447" W 46° 59' 43.395" N
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☑ Drive-In: reasonable quality on Forest Roads 2804 and 2805.
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Space for several tents or a camper, trees for hammocks.
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☑ pit toilet ☑ rock fire ring
20 W68 Big Bass Lake ★ 3
Space for several tents on a wooded and brushy point but scenic views remain. A sloped boat landing to the water without sand.
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94° 36' 44.112" W 46° 59' 57.295" N
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☑ Paddle-In: of 1 mile from public landing on northeast of lake.
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☑ rock fire ring ☑ picnic table ☑ pit toilet.
21 W53 Gut Lake ★ 4
A grassy open space for several backpacking tents beneath mature red pines with view of Gut Lake. Good hammock spots. Good water access with wading and swimming possible.
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94° 25' 40.525" W 47° 0' 10.463" N
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☑ Hike -In: from car parking is .5 miles.
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Nearest trailhead parking on Forest Road 3790.
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☑ metal fire grate ☑ pit toilet ☑ bench/table furniture
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Is located on the North Country National Scenic Trail.
21 W71 Diamond Lake ★ 3
A shaded space under trees directly adjacent a gravel road turnaround. Limited views of the lake with a staircase descent to not very swimmable waters.
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94° 27' 15.960" W 46° 59' 47.362" N
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☑ Drive-In: well graded approach until final stretch on Forest Road 2867.
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☑ pit toilet ☑ metal fire grate
21 W90 Woodtick #1 ★ 3
A very distinct campsite on top of a hill, surrounded by mixed forest types and attractive views of surrounding ponds and prairie. Space for several backpacking tents. Access to natural water source is limited. Sounds from nearby highway are audible.
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94° 30' 48.886" W 46° 59' 40.793" N
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☑ Hike -In: from car parking on Forest Road 2107 is .6 miles.
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☑ metal fire pit ☑ pit toilet ☑ bench/table
- Is located on the North Country National Scenic Trail.
22 W2 Barnum Lake ★ 1
Hike in on Goose Lake Hunter Walking Trail system to a mature pine grove situated atop a tall lakeside ridge. Little use is evident and this site is going feral. Limited views and lake access. Vegetation growing tall.
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94° 19' 37.322" W 46° 58' 53.712" N
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☑ Hike -In: from car parking on Forest Road 2107 is 1.98 miles.
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☑ metal fire ring
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Would be better with hammocks.
22 W3 Goose Lake ★ 1
A very primitive, cleared, grassy space to pitch a tent - as marked on the local map of the Goose Lake Hunter Walking Trail system. Moderate view of a vegetated lake, with limited water access.
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94°19'43.62"W 46°59'24.55"N
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☑ Hike -In: from car parking on Forest Road 2107 is 1 mile.
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☐ No amenities.
- Not listed in 'Site Map Index'.
22 W57 Hazel Lake ★ 4
Spacious and shaded wooded openings on a designated trout lake. Nice, developed boat landing. Campsite right on shoreline with nice views.
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94° 17' 12.955" W 46° 59' 59.991" N
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☐ Drive-In: Almost impassable without AWD or OHV on Forest Road 2850A.
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Is located on the North Country National Scenic Trail.
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☑ pit toilet ☑ metal fire grate
23 W47 Old Pines Camp ★ 1
An offering for North Country Trail backpackers who need the pit stop - this fairly unattractive does have space to pitch a few tents but not much else going for it. Poor views, poor access to water and a mediocre experience on the approach hike.
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94° 2' 47.835" W 47° 5' 19.174" N
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☑ Hike -In: from car parking on Forest Road 2117.
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☑ metal/cinder block fire pit ☑ pit toilet ☑ bench/table
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☐ Drive-In: is not drive-in accessible.
- Is located on the North Country National Scenic Trail.
Why This Guide? And Other Resources...
There are several sources of information about these designated dispersed campsites in the Chippewa National Forest. They each have strengths and limitations.
The information from Minnesota Camp Guide updates and supplements the Dispersed Camping Site Index maps from the USDA & National Forest. Combined in this printable PDF suitable for off-grid portability.
Chippewa National Forest: Guide to (Designated) Dispersed Camping
1. Chippewa National Forest 'Dispersed Camping Site Index’
These are a series of informative maps published online.
There are 23 map pages in this index. Scaled to a local area, they depict the location of 69 particular campsites with GPS coordinates and well labeled road networks. They also include campsite amenities, number of sites and suggested activities nearby. The names, or designations of each site combine a number and a letter - corresponding to a management area of the forest. Ex. B35. B is for Blackduck Area.
Minnesota Camp Guide has added some content to these Site Index pages.
After visiting each of these campsites in the field (2020), we have added geographically relevant names, updated descriptions of notable features, a quality rating and photos. Campsites are also classified as car (drive-in), backpacking (hike-in) or paddle-in approaches, as best fits their character having experienced them on the ground.
Some campsites in the Index have been found not to exist, or to have gone feral. Other campsites have been found to exist, but were not in the Index. They are now included in this guide.
2. Chippewa National Forest Print Map
Available to order from the US Geological Survey.
This is a fantastic resource for in the field. It’s large enough to depict remote forest roads, hiking trails, fee campgrounds, boat launches and carry in access to paddling venues. Most importantly, it identifies exactly what land is public (state forest or national forest land) versus private.
What is not included on this map? These 76 designated dispersed campsites. Grab a permanent marker, and transcribe them from this guide, for a map resource that is impervious to physical abuse, water damage and won’t run out of battery life or internet connection.
3. Local Area Site Maps
Physical signage erected at certain trailheads and boat launches may host maps that include campsites no longer posted or promoted on the national forest website.
Where these campsites continue to exist in usable conditions, they have been added to this Minnesota Camp Guide.
4. Resource Pages
These physical or digital PDF pages are created to provide more in depth information of local area venues. They may be found printed and distributed in visitor or information offices, or online, linked on the national forest website or uncovered through search engines.
Where these depict campsites that continue to exist in usable conditions, they have been added to this Minnesota Camp Guide.
Happy Camping.
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If you've had an amazing outing thanks in part to any resource on this project, please send a little thank you to support keeping it online for your future trip planning and for others. This is a totally independent piece of work. It has no business model. The occasional donations help pay to maintain the website and spend time developing more resources.
Cheers!