The best camping near Itasca State Park

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

100% (15 reviews)
100% (15 reviews)

Explore the wild headwaters of the Mississippi River at Minnesota’s oldest state park.  

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Community favorites near Itasca State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Itasca State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Itasca State Park

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Tumbleweed Base Camp

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Detroit Lakes, MN
This old homestead belonged to my belated uncle Steve, and after he passed unexpectedly, I had returned to Minnesota from California and wanted to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for those interested in sharing a peaceful and modest property. The old barn is a work in progress to eventually become the base to accommodating more travelers and outdoor enthusiasts as finances permit. After working in the service industry bartending for 14 years and hosting 100+ global travelers via CouchSurfing out of San Diego, I am well versed in creating an inviting space, it has been a fulfilling endeavor. We look forward to meeting you and sharing/swapping stories around the campfire! Learn more about this land: Our property and profile are in constant change as we are in a stage of development, but we look to share our land with those seeking to enjoy a warm, welcome environment for those fellow wanderers, outdoor enthusiasts, vagabonds, and globetrotters. I am a well-traveled backpacker myself and share 5 1/2 acres with my father here in a bustling little touristy town. We enjoy the company of those who endorse small footprint, sustainable practices and like to establish meaningful connections.  All we ask is that you respect the property, our neighbors, and make an effort to add one more new friend before you depart.
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$30
 / night
100%
(12)

The Heart of Paul Bunyan Forest

1 site · RV2 acres · Laporte, MN
This has been a special property for us, its 2 private acres in the heart of the forest. Make sure you have a compass! This is prime property, especially if you are an ATV or OHM enthusiast! This puts you in the heart of it all! 10 minutes from Stomping Grounds, Akeley and Fort Benedict Outpost!IMPORTANT NOTE - Rustic Seclusion is not for Everyone. This is for unplugging and enjoying the finer things in life. If that's you, this is your paradise. You must drive to Fishing and Swimming from here.  Under 15 minutes to Akeley or Walker. Learn more about this land:We are very excited to share this super Private 2 acre property in the heart of the Paul Bunyan forest within 200 yards of the ATV trailheads in both directions. Very Awesome camping for those that just want to get away! If you don't ride, that's ok, you will never find a better forest cleanse than planting yourself in the middle of 100,000 acres of natural forest! Property has 3 cleared spots for Campers and multiple spots for tents. There is an AFrame on the property that you will not have access to. You get this spot all to yourself!
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$50
 / night
100%
(4)

Strawberry Lake Cabin

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Ogema, MN
Winter Wonderland in a Classic, Cozy Cabin - Strawberry Lake Cabin Here Up North, we know about winter. How to get cozy, enjoy good company, and, of course, how to deeply appreciate the downy white blanket of snow that envelops us for several months of the year. With our winter smarts and fondness for the season, we created what we think is the ideal wintertime getaway here at Strawberry Lake Cabin. Built in 2013 by local Minnesota craftsmen, our cabin wall and floors boast radiant heat (great for defrosting your toes after a snowy hike), its comfy indoor spaces are great for long conversations and warm drinks, and its spotless kitchen encourages you to prepare some snowed-in comfort food together. Or, maybe you'd like to be pampered and treated to a local homemade catered breakfast, lunch or dinner - we can help make that happen. Not to mention the world of winter activities waiting just outside the cabin. Watch thick snowflakes drift to the snow-blanketed ground and frozen lake through the prism of the cabin’s cathedral windows, which reach from the living area to the lofted bedroom. Then venture out to explore the glittering, snowbound landscape for yourself! Update: We are now offering you a complimentary ski pass, up to four persons, at Maplelag Resort, located 7 miles away. If cross-country skiing, skate skiing, fat tire biking on groomed trails and snowshoeing piques your interest, take advantage of our ski pass! A RETREAT FOR COUPLES, FRIENDS & FAMILIES; MOREOVER, A PLACE TO REUNITE WHERE EVERYONE CAN SPREAD OUT Couples love it here at our Strawberry Lake Cabin—no matter the season. Experience the easy romance of tucking into nature together and shaking off the stresses of everyday life. From the cozy, lofted bedroom, views of an unpolluted Minnesota sky full of stars will lull you into a deep sleep, and a winter wonderland will greet you in the morning. When you and your sweetheart are ready to venture out, a whole slew of winter activities await. From ice fishing, ice skating at a local pond, to traversing 250 miles of snowmobiling trails, to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing across beautiful landscapes…including at lovely Pine Lake in the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, just 3 miles from the cabin, or at the nearby winter-sports haven Maplelag Resort. Your complimentary Maplelag ski pass for four people is waiting for you! Friends’ getaways of two to four people—complimented by a bottle of Minnesota wine, maybe? — find a wonderful setting here, as well. And families find a home-away-from home at Strawberry Lake Cabin. We have a highchair, a baby crib, and a washer/dryer for warm, fresh clothes for everyone mid-week. And, like your home, you can plug-in to our complimentary Wi-Fi service. If the conditions are just right, Strawberry Lake will offer up one of winter’s classic treats—ice skating! If it’s cold outside, but not buried in snow, you can hit the ice, and afterward, build a bonfire in the outdoor fire-pit and sip hot chocolate beside the warming flames. Unfortunately, our fickle winters don’t always allow for this, but keep an eye on the lake if you visit to see if it’s a possibility! MAKE NEW MEMORIES WITH US There’s a timeless quality to Strawberry Lake and Northern Minnesota. As the setting for many of my own happy childhood memories (and the place where I proposed to my wife), the woods and lakes Up North hold a special place in my heart. I love being able to share the magic of this place with others—at a cabin built by people who live here in the area, too. We’ve decorated the house with items that mean a lot to us, collected locally and around the world. If you’d like to capture the essence of that “feeling of premium” – we’d love to have you here to experience our version of paradise at Strawberry Lake! Kind regards, Don (& Cheryl) Aamodt, Owners P.S. – Are you looking for a laptop-friendly workplace away from home?... we have year-round, fiber optic high-speed internet.
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$200
 / night
96%
(28)

Willow Acres an RV Resort

8 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Park Rapids, MN
Being in the resort business my whole life, I had a dream of developing this one of a kind property into something I could share with vacationers. To build something that has never been done. Travelers that experience these sites agree they are truly exceptional!Learn more about this land:Check out the web site for Willow Acres in Park Rapids! parkrapidsrvpark. comDo you want to get off the beaten path and get away from the crowds? Then this Park is for you! Sit under the stars by you fire with no one else around!All sites are PULL THROUGH, level and wooded, which offers great privacy. Full hook ups with 50 amp service, water and sewer. Easily accessible. Great camper setup area.There are many local amenities near by and tourist attractions nearby. 5 minutes from town and approximately 20 minutes from Itasca State Park. Rental opportunities are available by Weekly $175, Monthly $550.
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$45
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The best camping near Itasca State Park guide

Overview

About

The crown jewel of the Minnesota state park system, Itasca State Park in northern Minnesota offers two main campgrounds, several cabins and lodges, and more than 32,000 acres of glacier-carved wilderness. A must-do is walking across the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi River before it begins its 2,552-mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico. But don’t miss the other park highlights, including towering old-growth white and red pines, historic sites, a scenic drive past a wilderness sanctuary, more than 100 lakes, and recreational opportunities that include hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and canoeing. In winter, explore groomed and ungroomed trails on skis, snowshoes, or snowmobiles. 

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for lake views: Bear Paw Campground offers 79 RV and tent camping sites, including the aptly named Lakeview Loop on the shores of Lake Itasca.
  • Best for convenience: Pine Ridge Campground offers 155 sites, and is the closest to the headwaters of the Mississippi and historic sites such as the Indian Cemetery.
  • Best for escaping the crowds: Eleven backcountry sites sit away from the crowds, each with a fire ring and pit toilet.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Plan ahead. Campsites can be reserved up to 120 days in advance, either by phone or online.
  2. All campsites, including backpacking sites in winter, require a reservation. Same-day reservations can be made with no fees.
  3. If your plans are flexible, plan for a less busy time, such as a weekday or non-holiday period. If you plan to camp in winter, be aware that options are limited.

When to go

Itasca State Park is busiest during July and August. Besides the crowds of people, you’ll also meet lots of bugs. Visit in spring and summer to see orchids in bloom, and fall to see the foliage change colors. Campsites are only open from May to October, with the exception of backpacking sites and select electric sites at the Pine Ridge Campground. Winter is a great time to visit to escape the crowds—just be sure to bundle up, as temperatures often drop below freezing.

Know before you go

  • Some campsites offer hookups and can accommodate RVs up to 60 feet. Both campgrounds have two ADA-accessible sites, restrooms with flush toilets, and hot showers. Find a dump station at the Bear Paw Campground.
  • Canoes, kayaks, pontoon boats, and bikes can be rented within the park.
  • The park has several gift shops, plus a seasonal restaurant inside the Douglas Lodge. Groceries can be found near the north and east entrances.
  • Wifi is available at the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center, the Visitor Center, the Pine Ridge Campground, and the Four-Season Suites.
  • Campers should only burn approved firewood, which is available at the Visitor Center and from camp hosts.

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