Best Camping in and near Huntersville State Forest

Discover the natural allure of Huntersville State Forest.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Huntersville State Forest

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 Huntersville State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Huntersville State Forest

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Harvest Loon Camp

1 site · Lodging24 acres · Outing, MN

📌Update: Cabin now complete with an indoor shower and toilet. ❄Cabin is now available year-round. 🌲 Picturesque lakeshore property located on 24 acres, with almost 2,000 feet of lake access right in front of the cabin. ⛵Lake public access is located at the end of the cabin driveway. Kayaking State Land surrounds Harvest Loon Camp for peace and relaxation. 🏕 Serene, peaceful and unrivaled privacy. Water sports and trails for hiking and quads make Harvest Loon Camp the perfect spot to relaxation and fun. 😊Radiant heat, wood stove, air conditioning and fans. 🔥Wood available for use with woodstove and campfires. 🛌 Campers WILL NEED to provide own bedding, (pillows, linens, blankets) for twin bunk, twin daybed and trundle and queen sized bed depending on sleeping needs. Also bring your own towels. 🍳 Kitchen has antique pots, pans, utensils, coffeepot, microwave, toaster, stove and refrigerator for your use. 🌟 Gorgeous furnished porch to watch wildlife. Grocery store within 5 miles. 🦆 This location is also perfect for horseback riding and snowmobiling and ice fishing. George lake is known to have nice sized pan fish.

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Northland Paradise

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Park Rapids, MN

Welcome to the north woods! Camper available 150 meters from a large public beach, two fishing piers, and a boat access onto Long Lake! Very close to a nice little restaurant. You'll have access to paddle boards and kayaks and assorted water toys for your stay. The camper is a no frills 37 foot '97 Dutchmen Royal that has been updated, it features a queen bed and a full size futon. Sleeps 4. There is cold water and air conditioning, simple pots and pans for cooking and a fire pit with outdoor furniture. It's a pretty nice spot!

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Wise Woods on Fool Lake

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · MN

Located at the end of a private road on Fool Lake with wooded mature trees that offer privacy. The lake is quiet and calm. Fool Lake is a private, environmental lake, with many varieties of fish. Perfect for kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and swimming. Boating is allowed up to 40 hp via gated private launch (no tubing or skiing). The land slopes to the lake where you will find small dock and a few stairs into the water. Well for water and electricity available including a 30 amp hookup for RV campers. Large outhouse also has electricity. Minutes away from access to Cuyuna trails, Crosby, and Emily, as well as nearby Nisswa and Crosslake. This central location offers access to any and all amenities. After a day on the trails, in town, or on the water, an evening at the fire pit overlooking the lake is a perfect way to end the day. Wind down, relax and enjoy the trees, lake and nature surrounding you. We expect all guests to respect the neighborhood, lake and nature! **November to early spring the water access will be winterized and NOT available for use. Any winter camping is at your own digression and snow removal will only be provided on the neighborhood road(s) up to the entrance of the site. Getting into the site could be difficult depending on the snow conditions.** Note: there is currently a locked camper & small kids house on site not available for use. Things To Do: Cuyuna Mountain Bike Trails - https://www.cuyunalakesmtb.com/ https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/cuyuna/mtnbiking.html Cuyuna Lakes State Trail: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/cuyuna_lakes/index.html Super Premium Gourmet Cheeses, Artisan Ice-Cream, Wine & Spirits, MN Goodies & More - https://shopvictual.com/ Bike Rental, Sales, Service, Food, Coffee, Etc. - https://www.redraven.bike/ Soo Line Museum - http://www.cuyunahistory.org/museum.html Milford Mine Memorial Park - https://www.crowwing.us/294/Milford-Mine-Memorial-Park Serpent Lake and Crosby Memorial Park/Playground Hard Water Lounge - https://www.hardwaterlounge.com/ Paul Bunyan Land - https://paulbunyanland.com/ Paul Bunyan Trail: the longest Minnesota bike/hike trail at 120 miles! Dennis Drummond Winery - https://ddwco.com/ 20-min drive from Crosby! Traditions Mini Golf - https://www.traditionsminigolf.com/ Mille Lacs Lake - Minnesota’s second-largest inland lake. Places To Eat: Iron Range Eatery - http://ironrange.3cheersmn.com/ Rafferty's Wood Fired Pizza - https://raffertyspizza.com/location/crosby/ North Country Cafe - https://north-country-cafe.business.site/ Cuyuna Brewing Company - http://www.cuyunabrewing.com/ The Bridge Tavern - http://bridgetavernmn.com/ Jack Pine Brewery - https://www.jackpinebrewery.com/This is in Baxter, MN. Fire Shack - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069785463122 Burritos California - https://zmenu.com/burritos-califirnia-crosby-online-menu/ Mixed Company - http://www.enjoymixedcompany.com/ Hill City Coffee - https://www.facebook.com/C4HillCity

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The Forest Container

1 site · Lodging4 acres · Deerwood, MN

Tree house, tiny home, shipping container, luxury hotel - the Forest Container is all of these things. Set in a lush forest valley, this is an incredible and unique place to stay. The property is within the Cuyuna mountain bike area, between the Yawkey and the Cruser's Kettle trailheads. There is a fire ring as well as a great deck upon which you can camp or otherwise relax and enjoy the view of the forested valley. The container is heated and cooled, and the container has a luxurious warm tiled shower, sink, toilet (cassette style), power and of course, as pictured, a beautiful small bedroom and living room. Coffee machine and mini fridge included on the deck. 👍🏼

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Velkommen to Norske Camp!

5 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Backus, MN

I bought this land near Pine River in August 2018. I wanted to have my own hunting land and something that was close to town and trails. A property that had a potential of multi-recreational use for people to enjoy while visiting. There are about 40 acres of county land surrounding three sides of the property. The main trail on my land goes thru the majority of the county land and loops back connecting to my main trail again.

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Paul’s Lakeside Cottage

2 sites · Lodging36 acres · Park Rapids, MN

Very Quiet, Peaceful, Private, Off the Grid, Dark Sky, Wooded 36 acre+ homesteaded property with nice lakeshore guest cottage. Close to Itasca State Park, Nevis, Park Rapids, Dorset, Walker or Bemidji for Good Music, Food and Fun! Dock space for smaller fishing boats and close to many area lakes. Close to the North Country National Scenic Trail for some great hiking. Or just stay put here in nature amongst its non-human inhabitants. We look forward to meeting YOU! 😎Paul+Piper🐕

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Wise Lake Association

1 site · RV1 acre · Brainerd, MN

RV lot with beach and lake access 100 feet away. Wise lake is a beautiful clean and clear lake_. Located in the heart of brainerd just minutes away from everything Brainerd has to offer. Fishing doc, swim raft and nice sandy beach to spend those warm summer days. Picnic table and room to put your own fire pit on the lot.

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Sunset Pines MN

71 sites · Lodging, RVs50 acres · Backus, MN

Mike and Loellen discovered Ruttger’s Camping Resort in the winter of 2005 while driving around the area and scanning websites for trailers. We bought a trailer on a seasonal site and have thoroughly enjoyed our summers here ever since! Our sons grew up on the lake, boating and fishing and exploring the area and we have developed a wonderful lake-family. We have watched Bill and Candy Ruttger build the resort into the beautiful property that it is today and feel privileged to have the opportunity to now share it with you. Under our new ownership and with a new name, Sunset Pines MN in January 2023, we are eager to carry on the legacy created by our friends and mentors. We welcome you to enjoy our piece of “Up North” Minnesota lake-life with your family and friends, and don’t forget to enjoy a sunset or two! Mike & Loellen

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Forest Cleanse on 40 Acres!

2 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Nevis, MN

We are so excited to offer this very secluded property with nothing but wilderness all around you. Hike, Bike, visit the Mississippi Headwaters, shop in Park Rapids, or hit the famous Iron Horse Smoke House in Nevis! This place will remind you of the finer things and refresh your soul! You get 40 Acres all to yourself!Learn more about this land:You will not find a place like this! Ducks, Geese, Beaver, Deer and everything right out the front of your tent! Overlooking a huge Beaver Lodge with trails around the water to Hike. Raised enclose stands to sit and watch wildlife. Best of all, you get the entire 40 acres of Woods all to yourself! IMPORTANT NOTE - Rustic Seclusion is not for Everyone. This is for unplugging and enjoying the finer things in life. If thats you, this is your paradise. You must drive to Fishing and Swimming from here. Under 10 minutes to Dorset, Nevis and Park Rapids.

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I Live in the Country

4 sites · Tents200 acres · Becida, MN

This is home, a realization of a lifelong dream of living in the country. The land is magical. Our animals are our family. Learn more about this land:If you like privacy you'll love our 200 acre haven. Come up the long driveway the spacious view of the open hay field. Camp in the open or tucked away in the trees. You choose the spot as long as it's not in the horse pasture, cow pasture when cows are in, or in the hay field when hay is long before it's cut. Hay field would be off limits roughly late June to Mid July during optimal growth time and cutting. We are a 20 minute drive from the North Entrance to Itasca State Park and the Headwaters of the Mississippi. Also LaSalle Lake Recreation Area is only about six or seven miles down the road.

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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.

Saved 10 times

Horse Ranch camping

6 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Pequot Lakes, MN

Learn more about this land:Private setting away from main house. Open mowed pasture with plenty of space to host a group. Horse friendly accommodations close to horse riding paths or down country dirt road. Indoor riding arena for daytime use only. Open fenced pasture for grazing and stretching legs. Water provided plus generator or electricity hookup.

The best camping near Huntersville State Forest guide

Overview

About

Find the very center of Minnesota on a map, put your finger on it, and then move it up just a little bit. What you are now pointing at is Huntersville State Forest, 52 square miles of nuthin’ but trees and pure wilderness. Can you smell the pines? Even Yankee Candle can’t recreate that.

For every tree you see there are ten reasons you should visit this place. Huntersville Forest is like an office for outdoorsy types. Hikers, campers, fishers and adventurers, it’s time to leave the computers behind and log some serious work on these rivers and trails.

Notable campgrounds

Walter Stark Horse Campground – A haven for equestrian campers, featuring road and campsite improvements for an enhanced wilderness experience.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early to secure your spot at the popular Walter Stark Horse Campground, especially during peak seasons.
Check for cancellations regularly as plans change and spots may open up unexpectedly.
Consider mid-week stays for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
Explore nearby camping options if your preferred dates are not available.

When to go

The best time to visit Huntersville State Forest is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer offers lush greenery but can be busy, while winter presents a quiet, snowy wonderland, albeit with some accessibility challenges.

Know before you go

Verify road and campsite conditions prior to arrival, as construction may affect access.
Be prepared for encounters with local wildlife by reviewing safety guidelines.
Check the forest's website for the latest updates on closures and restrictions.
Ensure you have the necessary permits for activities like fishing and hunting.
Remember to pack out all trash and respect the forest's natural environment.