The best camping near Kabetogama State Forest

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

100% (3 reviews)
100% (3 reviews)

Discover Kabetogama State Forest's natural beauty and outdoor activities.  

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Community favorites near Kabetogama State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Stay at a public campground in Kabetogama State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Kabetogama State Forest

63%
(4)

Rat Root River Retreat

1 site · Tent100 acres · Kabetogama, MN
The beautiful forest has been in our family for 90 years.  My great grandfather farmed the land and raised 10 children on this land.  He also worked in the pulp and paper mills in nearby International Falls.  The original house is still there which is my grandfather's son and host of the property.  A short distance down the road, my grandfather's brother had a farm and raised 13 children.  Seeing the so many stars, witnessing the Northern lights, seeing wildlife in their natural habitat has provided joy to so many descendants that lived and visited this beautiful place.  Our family would like to share the peace and tranquility that one feels when being a part of nature as our family has experienced for so many years. Learn more about this land:Breath the fresh air of one of the beautiful forests of Northern Minnesota. Examine wildlife, backpack 3 miles to breathtaking Lake Kabetogama or north into wild Canada.  Pitch your tent anywhere to relax and get away from it all.  Perfect for deer hunters, fishing, backpacking, snowshoeing or cross country skiing.  Get off the grid to life with nature, view wildlife and experience the northern lights.  
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Potable water
from 
$20
 / night
94%
(51)

Marko's grampa's cabin.

1 site · Lodging4 acres · Babbitt, MN
Our family has lived here on this property since Great Grandma Alma bought it in 1928. I am the fourth, raising the fifth generation of Carlson's living here. The log cabin was built by my grandfather, Oliver, in the 1950's and he lived there full time after he retired. The cabin is set apart from the two other homes on the property which is where our family lives full time. Birch Lake is over 6500 acres and stretches for 16 miles from our home to where HWY 1 passes over it. Most of the shoreline is federal and state land giving the lake a wild/undeveloped feel compared to more developed lakes in the area. It's known for producing walleye, northern pike, and crappie as well as other species of fish. SUMMER OF 2024 Update: The cabin will be under construction/improvement for this season. What this means is that only the main room will be available. We will be dismantling the back bedroom and old kitchen. This will impact your stay in terms of visible structural work to the cabin taking place but will not affect the main room or it's amenities. I will not be working on the cabin during any guest stays and will make sure the site is safe and clean for your stay with minimal indication work is going on. I'll make sure the main room of the cabin is clean and ready for your stay but the back bedroom will no longer be useable. The main room will still be bug free, dry, and have electricity. The grey couch is suitable for 1-2 people to sleep on, the beige couch pulls out a full/queen, and there is a cot for another. You may bring your own cot/sleeping pad or pitch a tent in the spacious and grassy lawn. Also note there is a new outhouse (the green one in pics). The old one is still pictured (hipcamp doesn't have a delete option) but not in use. Trust me, the new one is better. There is a small (12 foot) aluminum row boat and a pedalboat available for guests to use. What we provide: One room log cabin with guest only private beach. Electricity, outhouse, small kitchenette with limited utensils, fridge, small gas grille, microwave, toaster oven, hotplate, electric tea kettle, clean fitted sheets, and cot. What you'll need to bring: Sleeping bags/blankets, potable water or water treatment system, green propane cannister if you'd like to use the grille, charcoal if you'd like to use the larger grille, tp, etc. Please ask for more specifics. Can usually and am happy to accommodate.
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$90
 / night
100%
(1)

The Lodge of Whispering Pines

11 sites · RVs5 acres · Ely, MN
Lodge of Whispering Pines There’s no summer memory better than those spent at the Lake. We still have beautiful Lakefront Cabins available at Lodge of Whispering Pines this summer, just waiting for you and your family to create unforgettable memories. Before you witness spectacular sunsets and views of Big Lake from your Lakefront cabin, you’ll be treated to a secluded drive through the Superior National Forest along the Echo Trail - Along granite cliff roadways that hug the edge of wilderness landscapes to you - you'll experience an awakening to your natural surroundings and an enlightening of your spirit. The noise, the crowds are left behind, and traffic seems nonexistent. Your vacation has already begun. Just twenty miles north of Ely a secluded private drive leads you further into the Superior National Forest to Lodge of Whispering Pines on Big Lake. Poised among tall pine, picturesque birch, spruce, balsam, and aspen, you realize you are encircled by the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and are now guests of the deer, moose, black bear, timber wolves, loons, and all the other wild creatures that inhabit northern Minnesota's truly natural park. This beautiful piece of earth hides a great deal of history in it's cabins, campsites, trails and what not. If you really want to find out about all the unbelievable stories, sit back in your Adirondack chair and listen to the whispers of the Pine trees. You will be surprised how much they can tell you! ​Our entire family (which includes moose, deer, timber wolves, bald eagles, black bears and other wild creatures) welcomes you to our paddler's and angler's paradise. ​This will be one of your most-memorable vacations: swim at our natural sand beach; participate in naturalist activities and children’s programs. Enjoy free use of the Adirondack chairs along the lake front, kayaks, canoes, even a traditional wood-fired Sauna. Leave the noise and the crowds behind. Big Lake, Clean Lake, Fun Lake, No Really--it's called Big Lake Our property is surrounded by the BWCAW (Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness). Enjoy activities like hiking, Biking & Stand up paddle boarding, Fishing and wildlife viewing. The photography during Fall is amazing!​Big Lake is 2000 acre and has numerous large islands and secluded bays - the shoreline has been virtually undeveloped. ​It is one of the top walleye fishing lakes in the state. Besides that Big Lake is filled with Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, and Jumbo Perch. If you are planning on visiting another lake while staying with us, we have good news for you. We are near Hegman Lake where centuries-old pictographs can be viewed and photographed. Check it out yourself and make new fantastic memories. Our Resort Privacy and comfort complement the natural beauty of the cabins. Whether you choose to be tucked away in the trees or nearer the natural sand swimming beach and playground, with the exception of towels, everything is included -- modern kitchen appliances, barbecue grills, picnic tables, and more. Each cabin is unique in amenities. Some feature decks in private wooded areas, screen porches, private docks, log construction, or fireplaces. Cabins range from one to three bedrooms (sleeping 3-10 people). All have full kitchens and baths, Charcoal Grills, Picnic tables, outdoor fire rings. and Minnesota's truly natural park. ​Moose, deer and other wild animals inhabit the trails and forests where earlier innkeepers corralled a stable of horses for their guests' riding pleasure. Unique to Big Lake, and its relationship to the wilderness, motorized boats and canoes are both allowed and available for our guests to use.
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$38.61
 / night

The best camping near Kabetogama State Forest guide

Overview

About

The Canoe is the ultimate boat to have in Kabetogama State Forest, which features the 25,000-acre Kabetogama Lake. Over 200 islands are scattered throughout the lake, making for one amazing island-hopping adventure! People often explore the waters by canoe for days, camping on different islands as they go.

This is a year-round forest, which undergoes a beautiful transformation when the temperatures begin to drop. The lake freezes over and ice fishers come out to play, along with snowmobilers, snowshoers and cross-country skiers. So, go have some fun, whatever the season!

Notable campgrounds

  • Walter Stark Horse Campground - A serene spot for equestrian lovers to camp and connect with nature.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early to secure your preferred campsite, especially during peak seasons.
  • Check for cancellations regularly as plans change and spots may open up.
  • Consider visiting during weekdays for better availability.
  • Explore nearby camping options for alternative accommodations.

When to go

The best time to visit Kabetogama State Forest is during the summer and fall when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. Winter offers a snowy wonderland for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, though some amenities may be limited.

Know before you go

  • Check the latest park updates for any road or campsite improvements before your trip.
  • Be prepared for encounters with local wildlife by reviewing safety guidelines.
  • Accessibility may vary across different areas of the forest; inquire ahead for specific needs.
  • Remember to pack essentials as some amenities may not be available during construction.
  • Respect park regulations to preserve the natural habitat for future visitors.
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