South Pike Bay

4.38

109 reviews

201 Minnesota Ave. East, Walker, MN 56484, USA

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Primitive Camping Minnesota RV Camping Minnesota

Quick Facts

1,329 ft

Price

$16/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Opens May 23, 2025, ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Chippewa National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,329 ft

Price

$16/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Opens May 23, 2025, ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Chippewa National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

South 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,...

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

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

218-547-1044tshackman@fs.fed.us

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What Campers Say

4.38

Recommended

Based on 109 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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

201 Minnesota Ave. East, Walker, MN 56484, USA

South Pike Bay

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.

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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season for swimming, boating and biking; many positive summer reviews (some bugs/leeches reported).

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Hardwoods offer seasonal color; quieter after peak season and scenic foliage expected.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Opens late May for reservations; spring conditions likely variable and fewer water activities early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Reservation season is May–Sept and no winter activities or access described.

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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 camping is 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.

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.

AccessibilityNo detailed information about accessibility features was provided.

Site 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.

PrivacyCampsites are described as private, often surrounded by trees, providing good seclusion.

Total Campsites23 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 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.

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.

FishingFishing is a key activity with opportunities to catch walleye, northern pike, perch, and muskie.

SwimmingSwimming is available, with some campsites offering direct beach access. However, one user noted the presence of leeches in the lake.

BikingThe Migizi Bike Trail, a 14-mile paved trail, is accessible from the campground and is suitable for biking, walking, and rollerblading.

BoatingA boat ramp is available within the campground. Boating activities include canoeing and water skiing.

Beach activitiesSome campsites have direct access to sandy beaches, allowing for activities like sunbathing and beachcombing.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews mention poison ivy and Zebra mussels near beaches. Theft has also been reported in user reviews, with warnings about securing belongings.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed using local firewood purchased nearby to prevent the spread of invasive pests.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not explicitly mentioned; some reviews suggest noise disturbances from barking dogs and generators at night.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are in Cass Lake, including a hospital, police station, and ranger station.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available on-site, but no specific details about recycling facilities were provided.

Water FeaturesLocated directly along Pike Bay, many campsites provide access to the sandy shoreline. A boat ramp is available for use.

Camp 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.

Weather at South Pike Bay

Reviews

4.4

109 reviews

Recommended

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 109 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 109 reviews

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 109 reviews

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 109 reviews

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 109 reviews

Camper 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 109 reviews

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 109 reviews