Camp in Chippewa National Forest
Minnesota's Ultimate Commune-with-Nature Spot
Dreams of lakeside campsites, fishing, birdwatching, canoeing, hiking, wildflower walks and other outdoor pursuits become reality in a Minnesota national forest.
Searching for a campground that has lots of everything? Chippewa National Forest in north central Minnesota may be just the place you’re seeking.
Chippewa was established in 1908, the first national forest east of the Mississippi. From its source 25 or so miles west, the river flows north and then meanders east through the forest before ultimately heading south to the Gulf of Mexico.
About half of Chippewa’s 1.6 million acres are water -- 1,217 lakes, 400,000 acres of wetlands and almost 1,000 miles of streams. All this water provides an ideal habitat for 239 species of water and non-aquatic birds. A few of them, such as bald eagles, spruce grouse and great horned owls, live in the forest year round. Others, like the killdeer, spotted sandpiper and long-eared owl, breed but do not winter there. The rest are mostly migratory, stopping by during spring and/or fall, though a few species visit infrequently.
Land of Lakes
Leech Lake, third largest in the state and most heavily developed in the forest, has an unusually irregular shape and 640 miles of shoreline. Lake Winibigoshish (Win-a-big-o’-she), a few miles northeast and Minnesota’s fifth largest, remains largely undeveloped. Other lakes range in size from Cass Lake, third largest in the forest, to those small enough to swim across. Walleye, large- and small-mouth bass, bluegill, trout and muskies are the fish caught in Chippewa’s waters ( Minnesota fishing licenses required).
Historic Canoe Routes
The Turtle River (16 miles) trip, which begins north of the forest and ends at Cass Lake, follows what was the Native Americans’ travel route long before the first European fur traders and explorers arrived to search for the Northwest Passage. The Turtle River trip requires no portages, and small rapids provide a change of pace.
Points of interest on the Rice River route, followed by explorers and fur traders to link the Hudson Bay and Mississippi River, include a 200-year-old grove of pines, remnants of Cameron Lake logging dam and a pioneer homestead.
Trail Talk
Around Cut Foot Sioux Horse Camp, 120 miles of trails and old forest roads include a 22-mile loop trail that follows the Continental Divide. The 68-mile North Country Trail is a segment of the 3,200-mile National Scenic Trail that stretches from New York’s Appalachian Trail to the Lewis and Clark Trail in North Dakota. A portion of the 50-mile Heartland, Minnesota’s oldest paved trail, also passes through the forest.
Camping Information
All 23 developed campgrounds -- open from mid-May to mid-September -- are on lakes. Half of them must be reserved a minimum of four days in advance (specific spaces can be requested). Others are available on a first-come basis. Each campsite has a picnic table, tent pad and parking spot, and some have electricity.
More primitive camping is available at about 400 sites scattered throughout the forest. Although fire rings and wilderness latrines are provided and drinking water is available at some of the backcountry camping areas, don’t count on any amenities if you’re uncertain as to where you’ll be spending your nights. Remember that wherever you camp, although you might never see them, black bears, foxes, porcupine, raccoons, skunks and deer -- as well as an occasional cougar, moose or timber wolf -- live in the forest, too.
State highway 200 and U. S. highway 2 run east/west through the forest, while state highway 371 and several county roads go north/south. Racks at Visitor Centers, located on Cass Lake’s Norway Beach and in Walker, Minnesota, contain information sheets on campgrounds, canoe routes, trails, fishing and other outdoor activities.
