Deer Lake

Star4.38
50 reviews
1235 DIVISION ST., DEER RIVER, MN, USA, 56636
FishingSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,365 ft

Price

$16/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

48 campsites

Season

Open May 09, 2025, a...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Chippewa National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Deer Lake
$16.00 - $16.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$16.00 per night fee applicable throughout the season; additional fees may apply for reservation changes or cancellations.
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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Provider
218-246-2123
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What Campers Say

4.38

Recommended

Based on 50 reviews

Most mentioned

privacypeacefulcleanwell-maintained

"Reviews of Deer Lake Campground highlight its serene setting and variety of outdoor activities. Common praises include clean facilities, beautiful natural surroundings, and good fishing opportunities. However, some users point out issues such as lack of on-site firewood sales and inconsistent enforcement of quiet hours."

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Campground Map

1235 DIVISION ST., DEER RIVER, MN, USA, 56636

Deer Lake

1235 DIVISION ST., DEER RIVER, MN, USA, 56636

Driving directionsTake Highway 46 northwest from Deer River, MN. Turn on Eagle Nest Road (Old CR 33) and travel 4 miles west. You will pass East Seelye and West Seelye Campgrounds. Deer Lake Campground is on the left. North Deer is first, and South Deer is another half-mile down the road.
Access via paved Highway 46 and unpaved Eagle Nest Road; suitable for all vehicles including large rigs.
Nearby places
Deer River, MN: Approximately 20 miles and 30 minutes by road.
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Deer River, MN, approximately 20 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Deer Lake

Experience the gentle rhythms of Minnesota's north woods, where summer brings warm days perfect for lakeside lounging and cool nights ideal for campfire stories. As spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and migrating birds, temperatures dance between crisp mornings and mild afternoons. Early fall paints the landscape in brilliant golds and crimsons, though visitors should pack layers for the cooler evenings. Those venturing beyond peak season may encounter nature's dramatic side with refreshing rain showers or even early snowflakes that dust the pine boughs.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
5.0 / 5
Top 1% in MN

Summer is peak season; reviewers praise warm days, swimming and active wildlife.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Hardwood and pine forest implies good fall color and quieter conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring awakens the forest but campground opens May 9 and conditions can be cool/wet.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Site closed outside May–Sep season; winter stays not supported by info.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 09, 2025 - September 01, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 09, 2025, and closes September 29, 2025. Between May 09 and September 01, reservations are required; sites become first-come, first-served from September 02 onwards.
  • Current Alerts: Food storage order in effect; bundled firewood no longer sold onsite.

About Deer Lake

Nestled between the tranquil waters of Cut Foot Sioux Lake, Deer Lake Campground unfolds across two distinct loops - the intimate North Deer Loop with 17 secluded sites and the sprawling South Deer Loop featuring 31 waterfront gems. Connected to the pristine waters via the meandering Biauswah Creek, this outdoor paradise beckons anglers to cast their lines at dawn, families to splash in crystal-clear swimming holes, and adventurers to launch their boats into endless summer days. Miles of hiking trails wind through ancient forests, offering glimpses of the wilderness that has captivated visitors for generations.
Deer Lake Campground caters to a range of camping preferences with primitive sites that accommodate both tent campers and RVs. There are no electric hookups, emphasizing the campground's focus on a more rustic experience.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Available from 12:00 PM local time.
Check-out
Check-out by 11:00 AM local time.
Stay Limit
14 nights maximum stay per visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Deer Lake Campground provides a variety of recreational activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Boating, fishing, and swimming are popular on Cut Foot Sioux Lake. The 26-mile Cut Foot Sioux National Recreation Trail is a highlight for hiking, horseback riding, and biking. Wildlife viewing is another attraction, with opportunities to spot eagles, loons, and osprey. During appropriate seasons, campers can engage in berry or mushroom picking.
HikingThe campground is intersected by the 26-mile Cut Foot Sioux National Recreation Trail, which connects with the Simpson Creek Trail. Activities include hiking, birding, and exploring the surrounding forest. Trail conditions cater to various skill levels.
FishingFishing is a major attraction, with opportunities to catch walleye, northern pike, panfish, and muskie. Lake Winnibigoshish, accessible by boat, is renowned as one of Minnesota's premier fisheries.
SwimmingThe campground offers two swimming beaches, a large sandy beach at North Deer Loop and a smaller beach at South Deer Loop. These swimming spots are well-suited for families.
BikingMountain biking is available along the 26-mile Cut Foot Sioux National Recreation Trail. The terrain is suitable for casual to moderately skilled cyclists.
BoatingBoating opportunities include access to Cut Foot Sioux Lake via a centrally located boat ramp. Boats can be moored offshore, and water skiing is also popular.
Wildlife viewingBird watchers and nature enthusiasts can observe loons, osprey, and bald eagles. The surrounding forest is home to diverse waterfowl and other wildlife.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBlack bears present; campers must store food safely in vehicles or campers.
Active AlertsFood storage order in effect; bundled firewood no longer sold onsite.

Weather at Deer Lake

Reviews

4.4
50 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Deer Lake is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews of Deer Lake Campground highlight its serene setting and variety of outdoor activities. Common praises include clean facilities, beautiful natural surroundings, and good fishing opportunities. However, some users point out issues such as lack of on-site firewood sales and inconsistent enforcement of quiet hours.
Review Summaries
Based on 50 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects frequently mentioned include the clean vault toilets, well-maintained campsites, peaceful atmosphere, and excellent fishing conditions. Several reviewers appreciate the sense of...
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Based on 50 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include poor enforcement of quiet hours by the campground hosts, lack of firewood for sale on-site, and maintenance needs for certain facilities like steps leading to the lake. Some users...
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Based on 50 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing firewood and water, as firewood is not sold on-site and water access may be limited. For easier access to beaches or trails, users suggest selecting sites near gradual...
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Based on 50 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer appears to be the most popular season, with numerous reviews praising warm weather, swimming opportunities, and active wildlife. Heavy vegetation is noted in some reviews as both a pro...
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Based on 50 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The vault toilets were very clean." "Loons called on the lake at night, unforgettable." "Nice, large sites! Quiet and beautiful setting." "The boat landings were sketchy at best." "The campground...
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Based on 50 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Campsite 015N, North Loop: Poorly enforced quiet hours; hosts were described as unprofessional. (Rating: 1) - Campsite 009, North Loop: Faulty steps to the lake requiring repairs. (Rating: 3) -...
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Based on 50 reviews

Accessibility Features

Access to the lake may be challenging in some areas due to steep or poorly maintained steps. A more gradual path is available near some North Loop sites.
Based on 50 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed. Some users caution against bringing pets to the beach, as they are not allowed in beach areas.
Based on 50 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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