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 State Forest 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

Top-rated campgrounds near Birch Lakes State Forest

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Pearsons Century Farm

16 sites · RVs, Tents79 acres · Litchfield , MN

Homesteaded more than 100 years ago this farm is somewhat stuck in time. Once this was a prosperous dairy operation. Location location location, this place is my slice of heaven on earth. Located in the corner of 4 townships on an extremely quiet road. Our farm now raises grass fed beef and wooly pigs pastured along driveway along with the usual cast of a farm, dogs, cats, chickens, guineas and goats

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Oak Park Nature Nook

1 site · RV, Tent36 acres · Oak Park, MN

Set on 36 acres we have a campsite back away from the house so you can have your own private area to camp! We have several maintained trails for walking or biking. Two small ponds on the property, one of which usually has turtles and the other brings in ducks, geese, deer and other wildlife. Eagles and cranes are often seen flying overhead. We do have a few hobby farm animals on the property that would love a visit from you if you request it for your stay. We are now offering our out house to our guests if needed, shown in the picture gallery. The outhouse is located closer to the resident's property, and you will have to go into our gated duck area to get to it. Milaca is about 10 miles away with great parks, biking trails, splash pad, Rum River and Frisbee golf. Foley is about 7 miles away and has a great family pool for summertime and nice parks. We are also about 25 minutes from St. Cloud if you want to venture further!

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Dancing the Land Farm Camp

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents56 acres · Clearwater, MN

Dancing the Land Farm is a small, organic farm in Central Minnesota. Owned and operated by Liz and Curtis, and their little daughter Lulu, the farm raises veggies, flowers, medicinal herbs, goats for milk and fiber, sheep, and pigs, as well as lots of chickens, ducks, quail, guineas, and a pair of peacocks. We also have two friendly farm dogs who both believe you all come here just to give them belly rubs. The land is dotted with rolling glacial moraine hills surrounded by marshes. Sandhill Cranes, herons, swans, geese, ducks and all other kind of water loving critters are common sights here. Even otters and beaver have been seen! Eagles are everywhere these days, harriers, and hawks of all kinds. A birders dream! Spring/early summer is baby goat and lamb season, so come prepared for antics and adorableness! From midsummer to frost the gardens and flower fields really start to explode with color and fragrance, and bushels of farm fresh produce. Be sure to book a tour! In the fall the aspens around the farm start shimmering golden, while the oaks deepen to rich, flame-hearted earth tones. Opening early summer of 2022, the Dancing the Land Farm Store will be stocked with all manner of delicious produce, pastured pork (bacon over the campfire!), goat, lamb, eggs, flowers, and dry goods, along with yarn and fiber arts for campers to shop at their leisure. A luxurious glamp PLUS delicious, organically grown food? Yes, please!

Swift Falls County Park

23 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Benson, MN

The Swift Falls County Park is located on the banks of the Chippewa River in the village of Swift Falls, Minnesota. The park is open for camping from May to October and online registration is available below. Swift Falls Park is a great place to hike, fish, or enjoy the playground. Pets are allowed. Need Firewood? Firewood can be purchased from the white building across the river (over the bridge) by the dam.

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Lower Elk Lake - Full RV Hookup

1 site · RV2 acres · Hoffman, MN

Full hookup RV site on a natural environment lake and 2 acres to spread out. The site is just a short drive on a well maintained gravel dead end road. The bay is very shallow so unfortunately fishing and swimming are not recommended. The view of the lake and gentle slope to the lake make it a perfect setting for your RV. For reference, the site is roughly 25 miles west of Alexandria, 90 miles north west of St. Cloud and 155 miles north west of Minneapolis.

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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 small group campers or RVers who want private lake views. The property is next to a government nature preserve and located near various cabins. Fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing and swimming can all be enjoyed on Fish Trap Lake. We are less than a mile from the boat launch on Lake Alexander which is great for fishing.

Booked 8 times

Canary Beach Resort

32 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!

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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.

Walleye Retreat On Lake Osakis

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Osakis, MN

Staying at this centrally-located cabin ensures your family is close to everything. It's less than 15 minutes away from Alexandria, nestled among numerous lakes, with hundreds of miles of bike and snowmobile trails accessible by foot or bike from our cabin. Osakis is charming, offering everything you need within walking distance. You can bring your boat and dock it from mid-May to the end of September. Feel free to use our kayaks, or rent a boat in the area! Enjoy snowmobiling or ice fishing? Our new furnace will keep you cozy after a day in the cold! Our cabin can sleep 6 comfortably and we have one full bathroom.

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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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Alexandria Lakes Area Camp

6 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Alexandria, MN

This property is unavailable until farther notice. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

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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 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.