Favorite Camp Site

[CampYJewel]

I was just curious as to some of the great camping spots around MN.  Where you have went and why or why not you would or would not go back?  And of course what you did while you were there.

Jewel

[Randy Kaar]

depends on if were talkin primitive or like rv type parks..
for primative type i like mcandrews state forest or my
property!

randy aka bh

[Woody]

One campground I simply will never forget is East Bearskin Campground on East Bearskin Lake-Gunflint Trail.  I have soooo many fond memories of camping there as a kid.  I've been there 3-4 times so far.  One memory in particular was when I was able to feed a chipmunk (Alvin I believe) Planters peanuts from my hand!  When you're 9 yrs. old it's pretty cool. 

And there was/is a tiny island that you can get to by a foot path.  It's not a very big island, but kinda cool to just sit out there and listen and watch for wildlife.  There were a couple of fallen logs you walked on to get on the island.  And the water is so clear, when you are swimming, if you go under and look around, you'll see fish looking back at you. 

And the fishing was awesome!  We caught walleyes mostly and I believe some small mouth bass as well.  It's been a couple of decades now since I've been there, but one year I plan on taking my family there.  I also love the drive along the north shore, and stopping along the way to take in some sights.

That's my favorite campground experience.     ::rockon:: :rock:

[Realtree]

Kiesler's Campground in Waseca right across Hwy 14 from Clear Lake is one we used to frequent alot growing up when we lived in Austin. We enjoyed the area so much, that we moved to Waseca and spent much more time on Clear Lake went to visit friends at Kiesler's that would come from northern and sw Minnesota to visit us and fish.

We would get up early in the am and have breakfast, then us kids would hit the arcade til all the parents had cleaned up from breakfast and woke up. Then it was off for a full day of fishing for Eyes and Northerns on the NE shoreline or Crappies and Sunnies along the west side of the lake later in the day.

The evenings were a potluck of mini-golf, bingo, dances, and of course sitting around the camp fire telling stories and having fun.

Ahhhhh, what memories!   ::   ::

[CampYJewel]

Thanks guys!!!  In camping I guess I had in mind more primitive sites, not the KOA type.  Don't get me wrong they are very nice but you can find them on the web   Never been a big fan of "camping" with an RV.  Just not the same as a tent. 

[Woody]

That's what I call camping-in a tent!  You go get your own water from a pump jack/well.  Where you get your wood for campfires/cooking from the pile the USFS provides.  Actually, I've never camped in a camper-and I don't intend to until I'm retired.  I don't know what campsites were affected by the fires and the blowdown years ago on the Gunflint trail, but if there were ever a place I'd go again-it would be on the Gunflint!  Keep in mind, many of the lakes on the Gunflint have motor restrictions-so your best bet would be to bring a canoe and enjoy nature in it's serenity!

*I could be wrong, but I don't believe there are water or electrical hookups at many of the campsites-that's just fine by me!  I prefer to rough it when camping.

Here is a link for campgrounds on the Gunflint:

http://www.gunflint-trail.com

And this is the link for East Bearskin Campground I mentioned before:

http://www.bearskin.com/campground.html

[Randy Kaar]

what area you looking at? i did a lot of tent camping
when i was younger. mcandrews state forest has
a few unknown spots on the river.

randy aka bh

[CampYJewel]

I went up to the Boundry Waters two years ago and camped/portaged/fished and some other fun stuff :ROTFLMAO:  I would have to look at a map to figure out where I was but it was tons of fun!!!  I can't wait to go back again.  Though the RME??  Can't remeber what they were but they were nasty!!  I would re-think the food before.

I just love camping and wanted to find a few ideas for this summer.  Places that are within an easy driving distance.  The old "Trip on a Tankfull" to see what all MN has to offer.

Thanks Woody for the info, you always come through!!

Jewel

[Woody]

Jewel-I believe you are referring to the MRE's (Meal Ready to Eat).  Although they aren't the best-they have improved over the past few years.  My opinion though is-nothing will EVER be as good as REAL food.  There isn't a freeze dried food, or MRE out there that can compare to a fresh meal!  My favorite is waking up to the smell of bacon cooking over the fire!

As far as other camp grounds-what about State Parks?  I've visited Glacial Lakes State Park near Starbuck-and it's a nice place.  And I breifly visited Itasca State Park-which looked nice.  I think that state parks have been a bit under rated, and are really nice places to stay (although I've never stayed at one).  A State Park sticker -seasonal is $25.00.  I don't know what camping runs at them.  I do know many have "primitive" campsites as well as ones for RV's. 

Here is the link for Minnesota's State Parks:

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/index.html

[Cbxboy]

George Washington National Forest.  Togo MN Button Box Lake campground should reveal some results.  Now I'm not saying to stay there, although some find this to be rustic in itself, I call it the "bathtub" as we swim there and fill the water. 

Find Button Box Lake and then keep on driving.  Your ON STATE LAND.  Find a place to pitch a tent.  I could give you a few more directions, but always circle back to Button Box for water from the well.  The lake is gorgeous and the Bass fishing is great.

The campsite has toilets (non flush) and a fire ring.  Rustic enough?

I LOVE it, bringt he Jeep and a GPS and go for some WAY cool offroad rides as well.

[Mayfly]

There are so many great places to camp here in Minnesota! A sure bet is the north shore. Gooseberry is nice. I don't know the other names but there are a few more that way. We used to camp at Jay Cooke a lot and always liked that.

[thunderpout]

Not including the BWCA, Lake Jeanette campground, up on the echo trail, has my favorite campsite up on a giant outcropping of granite.  I go grouse hunting up there, but not as often as I wish I could.... the lake is really rocky, too much for a large boat, but ya can catch eater walleyes from a small boat or a canoe.  The area is actually north of some of the BWCA, which is the best MN has to offer, if you like the primative camping thing....            -thunderpout 8)

[Woody]

If you ride horses-Pillsbury State Forest would be a good choice for you.  It's nearest to Pillager (west of Brainerd on hwy 210). 
Here is the link:

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_forests/sft00039/index.html

I've never camped there, but used to hike the trails alot as a kid.  The 4 wheeler may have accidentally been on a couple trails too-not sure-bad memory.