Fishing Campgrounds in Minnesota

Discover the best fishing campgrounds across Minnesota. Wake up to the sound of rushing water and spend your days casting lines in pristine fishing waters. Lake, river, and stream access for every angler.

20+ Campgrounds4.7★ AverageBest: Spring through Fall (April-October)

Find Minnesota Campgrounds Set Availability Alert

Fishing Campgrounds in Other States

Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Florida Georgia Idaho Louisiana Michigan Missouri Montana New York North Carolina Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Tennessee Texas Utah Virginia Washington Wisconsin Wyoming

View all Fishing Campgrounds nationwide →

Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

4.8

(597)

Fall Lake

Ely
Superior National Forest

Anglers pull walleye, northern pike, crappie, perch, and bluegill from these pristine waters, with recent catches including a 17-inch northern pike right off the shoreline.

Gull Lake Recreation Area

Brainerd
Mississippi River Headwaters - Gull Lake

The pristine junction where Gull Lake meets the river delivers exceptional action for walleye, northern pike, bass, and panfish throughout the season. Anglers can work the shoreline along the Gull River or launch their boats to explore deeper waters where trophy fish patrol the drop-offs.

Federal Dam
Mississippi River Headwaters - Leech Lake

Direct access to 640,000 acres of pristine waters delivers consistent catches of walleye, perch, bass, northern pike, and trophy-sized musky that have anglers returning season after season.

Tents

RVs

About Fishing Campgrounds in Minnesota

Fishing camping Minnesota offers anglers access to some of North America's finest freshwater fishing destinations, from the pristine wilderness lakes of the Boundary Waters to the legendary walleye waters of Leech Lake and the trophy musky haunts of the Mississippi Headwaters region. Minnesota's 10,000 lakes aren't just a marketing slogan—they represent an unparalleled diversity of fishing opportunities where campers can wake up steps from productive waters teeming with walleye, northern pike, bass, crappie, and panfish.

Best Time

The prime fishing camping season in Minnesota runs from late May through September, with distinct advantages to different periods depending on target species and weather preferences. Late May through June offers excellent walleye fishing as fish move shallow after spawn, along with aggressive northern pike and the start of bass season on the third Saturday in May.

Activity Highlights

Direct lake and river access
Boat launches and marinas
Fish cleaning stations
Local fishing guides available

More Fishing Campgrounds in Minnesota

Discover 14 additional top-rated fishing campgrounds in Minnesota

4.5

(416)

Pokegama Dam Campground

Grand Rapids
Mississippi River Headwaters - Pokegema Lake

Anglers cast their lines into the Mississippi River's currents, where walleye, northern pike, and both species of bass strike with satisfying regularity. The riverside location delivers a dynamic fishing experience as moving water concentrates predatory fish along current breaks and dam structures.

Aurora
Superior National Forest

Anglers launch into 4,980 acres of walleye, northern pike, and panfish habitat, with a convenient fish-cleaning house stationed right at the boat ramp. Cast your line into Superior National Forest waters where pristine wilderness surrounds every fishing expedition.

Fenske Lake Campground

Ely
Superior National Forest

Cast your line into 130 acres of water teeming with bass, northern pike, crappie, and sunfish from your choice of an accessible fishing pier or boat launch. The quiet lake serves as your private fishing haven before paddlers venture deeper into the Boundary Waters beyond.

Ninemile Lake Campground

Finland
Superior National Forest

Anglers cast their lines across 300 acres of pristine water teeming with walleye, northern pike, bass, and panfish in the heart of Superior National Forest. A convenient boat ramp launches you toward remote islands where you can drop anchor in secluded coves that see few other fishing parties.

Birch Lake Campground

Ely
Superior National Forest

Anglers cast lines into Birch Lake's waters teeming with northern pike, walleye, crappie, and perch, with direct water access from camp. The on-site boat launch—though weathered—gets your vessel into productive fishing zones where multiple species strike throughout the season.

Tofte
Superior National Forest

Anglers can pursue trophy walleye, northern pike, and muskie from the fishing pier or by launching their boats into these pristine waters. Waterfront campsites put you steps from your first cast at sunrise, where the glass-smooth surface erupts with strikes in Superior National Forest's...

DEER RIVER
Chippewa National Forest

Crystal-clear waters plunge 90 feet deep, creating prime habitat where northern pike, bass, and panfish thrive in the cold depths. Anglers can cast from the fishing pier or wade from the beach into waters so clear you can watch your lure descend into the abyss.

Altura, MN
Whitewater State Park

Spring-fed waters nurture thriving populations of brown, brook, and rainbow trout right alongside your campsite, with crystal-clear tributaries weaving through dramatic limestone bluffs.

Photo coming soon

4.5

(137)

Backpack Campsites Campground

St. Croix State Park

Cast your line into the St. Croix and Kettle rivers, where smallmouth bass and catfish thrive in waters flowing through 34,000 acres of untouched northern Minnesota forest.

Campground Locations

Showing top 17 campgrounds near Fishing Campgrounds in Minnesota

Map of campgrounds near Fishing Campgrounds in Minnesota

Explore Interactive Map →

Map Key

Fall Lake

Gull Lake Recreation Area

Leech Lake Rec Area

Pokegama Dam Campground

Whiteface Reservoir

Fenske Lake Campground

Ninemile Lake Campground

Birch Lake Campground

Crescent Lake (Mn)

Clubhouse Lake

Group Campground

Backpack Campsites Campground

Temperance River Campground

Camper Cabins Campground

Ojibway And Triangle Lakes

Cass Lake Campground Loop

Group Campground

View all 173 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Lake fishing for walleye, northern pike, bass, and panfishRiver fishing along the Mississippi and its tributariesFly fishing for smallmouth bass in rocky wilderness areasTrolling for trophy musky on premier watersShore fishing from accessible piers and designated areasBoat fishing with access to launches and marinas

Tips & Recommendations

1Minnesota requires a valid fishing license for all anglers over 16, available online or at license vendors statewide, with special regulations on many lakes regarding size and possession limits—always check current regulations for your specific destination.
2Reserve campsites well in advance for summer weekends at popular fishing destinations like Leech Lake, Gull Lake, and Boundary Waters entry points, as prime waterfront sites book up months ahead.
3Bring a detailed lake map or GPS unit with lake contours, as Minnesota's larger lakes feature complex structure with reefs, points, and drop-offs that concentrate fish.
4Pack a variety of presentations since conditions change—jigs and live bait for walleye, spinnerbaits and crankbaits for bass and pike, and slip bobbers for panfish are essential.

17 campgrounds ranked

Based on real camper reviews

Curated for Fishing Campgrounds in Minnesota

Fishing Campgrounds in Minnesota FAQ

We've ranked 20+ fishing campgrounds in Minnesota based on review ratings, lake/river access, and amenities. The top-rated options include campgrounds with boat launches, fish cleaning stations, and proximity to stocked waters.

Yes, Minnesota requires a valid fishing license for most anglers. Check the Minnesota Fish & Wildlife agency for current license requirements, fees, and regulations before your trip.

Spring through Fall (April-October) is typically the best time for fishing camping in Minnesota. Specific peak times vary by fish species and water body—check local fishing reports for current conditions.

Availability Alerts

Popular Minnesota Campgrounds Book Fast

The best fishing campgrounds in Minnesota book up quickly, especially during peak season. Set up free alerts to catch cancellations.

Checks every 2 min

SMS, email, push

150,000+ campsites

Outdoorithm

Just now

🎉 Site opened up!

Fall Lake
Your preferred dates

Quick! This site typically books within hours.

Find Your Perfect Minnesota Campground

Create your free account to save favorites, set availability alerts, and get personalized recommendations.

Search 20+ fishing campgrounds in Minnesota
Set alerts for hard-to-book sites
Get personalized recommendations for your trip
Compare campground amenities
Check weather forecasts

Create Free Account Browse First

No credit card required. Every feature is free to use.