The northern state of Minnesota is widely known for being the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” and boasts a large number of freshwater pools that blanket most of the state area. Along with dense forests and quiet parks that dot the landscape, Minnesota is the perfect spot for family camping. For some of the best waterside camping locations, here are a few of the choice lakes to check out when visiting Minnesota during the summer.
Fall Lake
The Fall Lake State Recreation Area is a 12,000-acre property that’s situated in the north-central region of Minnesota. Campers can find more than 300 RV campsites at the four access areas to choose from, and the lake offers five beautiful beaches for swimming, boating, and fishing activities. Additionally, the Beaver Dam area (which is close by) is ideal for mountain biking and hiking along forest trails.
The Fall Lake Campground lies east of Ely and has 64 campsites complete with electrical hookups. The site has many different amenities available, including a pet-friendly campground, hot showers, modern bathrooms, canoe rentals, and a camp store for purchasing firewood, ice, beverages, snacks, and other camping supplies.
Leech Lake
Leech Lake is located in the breathtaking Chippewa National Forest and is widely popular for boating and fishing. The lake features 316 miles of shoreline and includes 14 different lakes and waterways.
The Leech Lake Recreation Area campground is full of trees and wildlife and has more than 70 different sites with electrical and full hookups. The amenities here include modern bathrooms with hot/cold water, flushing toilets, showers, and clean drinking water. Campers have access to laundry facilities, dump stations, playgrounds, and picnic shelters. And with endless activities on-site from volleyball and basketball to shuffleboard and horseshoe pits, it’s a great spot for the whole family to enjoy.
Cross Lake
The 13,660-acre Cross Lake exists in the heart of Minnesota and has over 118 miles of picturesque shoreline. The Cross Lake Recreation Area is an excellent destination for boating, fishing, swimming, and other water-based sports and contains 122 campsites that accommodate primitive and RV campers. Amenities include two sandy beaches, boat ramps, boat beaching, dump stations, fishing docks, hot showers, modern bathrooms, playgrounds, a pay phone, and picnic shelters.
The campsite is also a mere 10 minutes away from a paved biking and hiking trail that leads to shopping opportunities. Venturing over to Crow Wing State Park also allows campers to experience the Chippewa Lookout, which overlooks the mighty Mississippi River.
East Bearskin Lake
East Bearskin Lake is close to the community of Grand Marais in the northeastern corner of Minnesota and is popular year-round for the many different recreational activities it hosts. The shallow bays around the lake regularly attract native wildlife and the forested landscape features numerous hiking and biking trails.
The East Bearskin Lake Campground accommodates primitive and RV campers with four loops of sites that are located along a peaceful lakeside peninsula. Within the camp lodge, campers have access to groceries, bait and fishing supplies, firewood, and boat or canoe rentals, and the campsite offers cabins that can sleep up to seven guests.