South Pike Bay
4.4251 reviews201 Minnesota Ave. East, Walker, MN 56484, USA
Quick Facts
Price
$16/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
23 campsites
Season
Opens May 23, 2025, ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$16/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
23 campsites
Season
Opens May 23, 2025, ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsSouth Pike Bay
$16.00 - $16.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard nonelectric site fee is $16 per night during both peak and first-come-first-served seasons. Additional fees for reservations may apply,...
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Standard Site Fee$16.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$16.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider218-547-1044tshackman@fs.fed.us
What Campers Say
4.42
Recommended
Based on 51 reviews
40 Google reviews
Most mentioned
cleanspaciouslakesites
Some mention
reservation
"User reviews highlight the campground's scenic beauty, spacious sites, and peaceful atmosphere. The proximity to the lake and beach access are recurring positive themes. Some users noted maintenance issues such as overgrown vegetation and loud generators."
Fees & Passes at South Pike Bay
$16/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum of 8 occupants per campsite.
Cancellation: Reservations made through Scan and Pay are non-refundable and cannot be modified. Late cancellations...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Chippewa National Forest website.
Best Time to Camp at South Pike Bay
Northern Minnesota's dramatic seasons transform South Pike Bay into distinctly different wonderlands throughout the year. Summer arrives with warm, inviting days perfect for swimming and water sports, while gentle breezes keep the moderate humidity comfortable even during peak season. As autumn approaches, the mixed hardwoods burst into brilliant reds and golds, creating a photographer's paradise. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, turning the campground into a frozen wilderness playground. The most coveted camping weeks feature those magical combinations of dry conditions, crystal-clear skies, and temperatures that make both daytime adventures and evening campfires equally enjoyable.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - September 1, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Opens May 23, 2025, closes September 1, 2025 for reservations. First-come, first-served sites available until September 22, 2025.
About South Pike Bay
Nestled along the pristine shores of Pike Bay in Cass Lake, Minnesota, South Pike Bay Campground invites you to experience the raw beauty of the North Woods. Here, where ancient pines tower overhead and hardwoods paint the landscape in seasonal splendor, you'll find your perfect basecamp for adventure. Wake to the gentle lapping of waves on sandy beaches, launch your boat from the convenient ramp for a day of fishing, or explore the scenic Migizi Bike Trail that winds through the forest. Whether you're casting a line for walleye, taking a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters, or simply relaxing by your campfire under a canopy of stars, this rustic retreat offers an authentic wilderness experience that calls you back to nature's rhythms.
South Pike Bay Campground caters to primitive camping and offers non-electric sites that accommodate both tent and RV camping. The campground is known for its privacy and proximity to the lake.
Historical SignificanceSouth Pike Bay Campground holds its place as a vital waypoint along the legendary Chippewa Headwaters Loop Canoe Route, where generations of paddlers have traced the same waterways once navigated by indigenous peoples and early explorers. This historic water trail, marked by six challenging portages, connects modern adventurers to centuries of wilderness travel tradition, making every paddle stroke a journey through time.
Weather and SeasonsNorthern Minnesota's dramatic seasons transform South Pike Bay into distinctly different wonderlands throughout the year. Summer arrives with warm, inviting days perfect for swimming and water sports, while gentle breezes keep the moderate humidity comfortable even during peak season. As autumn approaches, the mixed hardwoods burst into brilliant reds and golds, creating a photographer's paradise. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, turning the campground into a frozen wilderness playground. The most coveted camping weeks feature those magical combinations of dry conditions, crystal-clear skies, and temperatures that make both daytime adventures and evening campfires equally enjoyable.
Natural Features and ScenerySandy shores stretch along Pike Bay's edge, where clear waters meet forests of towering old-growth pines and mature hardwoods that have stood sentinel for generations. This peaceful sanctuary creates a symphony of natural sounds – from the evening chorus of frogs to the whisper of wind through ancient branches. The interplay of water and forest creates countless scenic vistas, whether you're watching sunrise paint the bay in gold or discovering hidden coves where wildlife comes to drink. The pristine waters reflect the surrounding forest like a mirror, creating double the beauty at dawn and dusk.
Geological RegionSet within the magnificent Chippewa National Forest, South Pike Bay showcases the geological artistry of Minnesota's lake country. The campground rests along Pike Bay, an integral part of the greater Cass Lake system, where millennia of natural forces have sculpted sandy beaches and carved pristine freshwater bays. This unique ecosystem, where ancient pine forests meet crystal-clear waters, represents the best of Minnesota's northern wilderness – a landscape shaped by glaciers, nurtured by time, and preserved for those seeking authentic outdoor experiences.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo detailed information about accessibility features was provided.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious, accommodating both large and small camping setups. However, some sites have noted constraints due to recent additions of railroad ties.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are described as private, often surrounded by trees, providing good seclusion.
Total Campsites23 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 18 is recommended for lakeside views but noted to have space constraints. Sites 3, 5, and 7 are located near the campground host and are well-maintained.
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum of 8 occupants per campsite.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 occupants per campsite.
Groups
No specific group camping facilities or details about group site capacities are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is laid out along a long spur on the south shore of Pike Bay, with sites dispersed for privacy and some directly on sandy beaches.
Open and Closed SeasonOpens May 23, 2025, closes September 1, 2025 for reservations. First-come, first-served sites available until September 22, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online, mobile app, or by calling the contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityFrom September 2-22, 2025, first-come-first-served sites are available for $16 per night. No reservation required.
Cancellation PolicyReservations made through Scan and Pay are non-refundable and cannot be modified. Late cancellations incur a $10 fee and loss of the first night's fees.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
South Pike Bay Campground offers a wide range of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, canoeing, biking, and swimming. The Migizi Bike Trail, a 14-mile paved trail along the lakeshore, is a notable feature. Anglers can fish for walleye, northern pike, perch, and trophy muskie. The campground also serves as a portage point for the challenging yet scenic 128-mile Chippewa Headwaters Loop Canoe Route.
Fishing
Fishing is a key activity with opportunities to catch walleye, northern pike, perch, and muskie.Swimming
Swimming is available, with some campsites offering direct beach access. However, one user noted the presence of leeches in the lake.Biking
The Migizi Bike Trail, a 14-mile paved trail, is accessible from the campground and is suitable for biking, walking, and rollerblading.Boating
A boat ramp is available within the campground. Boating activities include canoeing and water skiing.Beach activities
Some campsites have direct access to sandy beaches, allowing for activities like sunbathing and beachcombing.Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Water sports like canoeing and water skiing are popular at this campground.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed using local firewood purchased nearby to prevent the spread of invasive pests.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly mentioned; some reviews suggest noise disturbances from barking dogs and generators at night.
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews mention poison ivy and Zebra mussels near beaches. Theft has also been reported in user reviews, with warnings about securing belongings.
Weather at South Pike Bay
-5
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 82%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are in Cass Lake, including a hospital, police station, and ranger station.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23, 2025 - September 1, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available on-site, but no specific details about recycling facilities were provided.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly along Pike Bay, many campsites provide access to the sandy shoreline. A boat ramp is available for use.
Common complaintsComplaints include loud generators, barking dogs, poison ivy, and theft. Issues with reservation mix-ups during peak times were also noted.
HostThe camp host receives high praise for being friendly, attentive, and keeping the campground clean. Mike Shaffer, frequently mentioned, is described as one of the best hosts by long-term visitors.
Campground Map
201 Minnesota Ave. East, Walker, MN 56484, USA
Driving directionsFrom Cass Lake, Minn., travel 3 miles south on Highway 371. Turn east onto Forest Road 2137 and travel 2 miles to the campground.
The road into the campground is gravel. User reviews mention it as a 'washboard road' with uneven surfaces, which can be difficult for some vehicles. It is also well off the main roads.Nearby places
Cass Lake (6 miles northwest), Walker (approximately 20 miles southwest), Bemidji (approximately 35 miles northwest)
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as food, firewood, and camping essentials are available in Cass Lake, which is 6 miles northwest of the campground.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.4
51 reviews
South Pike Bay is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's scenic beauty, spacious sites, and peaceful atmosphere. The proximity to the lake and beach access are recurring positive themes. Some users noted maintenance issues such as overgrown vegetation and loud generators.
Review Summaries
Based on 51 reviews
What Campers Love
Users frequently praised the campground's natural beauty, spacious and private campsites, clean facilities, and the friendliness of the camp host. The Migizi Bike Trail and lake access were also...
Based on 51 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the presence of loud generators, poison ivy near campsites, and maintenance issues like overgrown vegetation and inadequate road conditions. Some users also mentioned theft...
Based on 51 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing your own firewood due to its unavailability on-site and preparing for the rustic nature of the campground, which lacks electricity and water hookups. They also suggest...
Based on 51 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is the peak season, with activities like swimming and biking being most popular. In mid-to-late summer, some users reported concerns about mosquitoes and leeches in the lake.
Based on 51 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Lovely clear lake with nice large campsites.' - Sharon Shea
2. 'Gorgeous area, peaceful - fell asleep to the sound of waves hitting the shore.' - Elaine Rea
3. 'The lakeside spots are worth it...
Based on 51 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 007 is frequently praised for its proximity to the lake and privacy. Site 018 received negative feedback for obstructive timbers that limited parking. Users noted that lakeside spots like 003...
Based on 51 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features were provided.
Based on 51 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
There were no specific reviews addressing pet-related experiences.
Based on 51 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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