Williams Narrows

Star3.82
12 reviews
1235 DIVISION ST.
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,293 ft

Price

$16/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

24 campsites

Season

Campground opens May...

Cell

Unknown

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
Williams Narrows
$16.00 - $16.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly fee is $16.00 per campsite, applicable for both reservations and first-come-first-served stays.
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

3.82

Mixed Reviews

Based on 12 reviews

Most mentioned

viewsprivacyquietclean

"User reviews for Williams Narrows Campground are generally positive, highlighting its natural beauty, spacious sites, and peaceful atmosphere. However, some concerns were raised about maintenance and the absence of certain amenities like firewood."

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Campground Map

1235 DIVISION ST.

Williams Narrows

1235 DIVISION ST.

Driving directionsFrom Deer River, take Highway 46 north 15 miles. Turn west on Bowen/Williams Narrows Road (County Road 148) and travel two miles to the campground.
The route is paved and well-maintained; no seasonal closures are mentioned. The campground is accessible year-round but may have additional challenges during winter.
Nearby places
Deer River: 17 miles (approximately 20-minute drive)
Grand Rapids: 35 miles (approximately 45-minute drive).
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies are available in Deer River, MN, approximately 17 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Williams Narrows

Each season paints Williams Narrows in dramatically different colors. Summer brings warm, comfortable days perfect for swimming and exploring, though wise campers come prepared with bug spray to ward off the mosquitoes that thrive in the lush wetlands. Fall transforms the surrounding forest into a tapestry of gold and crimson, while crisp air makes for ideal hiking conditions. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for those hardy enough to brave the bone-chilling temperatures that can plunge well below freezing.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season; swimming, boating and trails are in full use though bugs can be an issue.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Dramatic fall colors and quieter conditions before seasonal closure.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 9; late-spring use possible but season is limited and bugs noted.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is seasonally closed outside the May–Sept window.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 9, 2025 - September 1, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Campground opens May 9, 2025, and closes September 1, 2025, for reservations; September 2-15 operates on a first-come-first-served basis.
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts or advisories are provided.

About Williams Narrows

Tucked away along the pristine shores of Cut Foot Sioux Lake, Williams Narrows Campground offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking solitude in Minnesota's northwoods. This hidden gem within the Chippewa National Forest draws anglers eager to cast their lines into productive waters, while boaters explore quiet coves and narrows that give the campground its name. Far from the crowds, visitors find themselves immersed in the rhythms of the forest, where the call of loons echoes across the water at dawn and the gentle lapping of waves provides nature's soundtrack.
Williams Narrows Campground accommodates a mix of camping styles, primarily focusing on single-family campsites with basic amenities.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time is not mentioned, but standard practices indicate noon or 3 PM.
Check-out
Check-out time is not mentioned, but standard practices indicate 11 AM.
Stay Limit
Reservations must adhere to the campground's stay limit policies.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Williams Narrows Campground offers a broad range of recreational activities. The lake allows for fishing, boating, and swimming, with a dedicated boat ramp and swimming beach available on-site. The area also features several hiking trails, including the Simpson Creek Trail and Cut Foot Sioux National Recreation Area Trail, which are accessible by boat. Additional activities include mountain biking, horseback riding, birding, and water sports. Wildlife viewing is particularly notable, with frequent sightings of loons, ospreys, and bald eagles. The nearby Lake Winnibigoshish also provides excellent opportunities for fishing and water skiing.
HikingMiles of trails are accessible from the campground, including the Simpson Creek Trail and Cut Foot Sioux National Recreation Area Trail. These trails offer options for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
FishingFishing is a major attraction at Williams Narrows. Cut Foot Sioux Lake and neighboring Lake Winnibigoshish are known for excellent trophy muskie, walleye, and perch fishing opportunities, making it a destination for anglers.
SwimmingA designated swimming beach is located between the campground's two loops, providing a convenient option for campers looking to enjoy the water.
BikingMountain biking is supported on the trails in the area, which also cater to hikers and horseback riders.
BoatingBoating is a key activity at the campground, with a boat ramp conveniently located between the two loops. Visitors can also boat across the narrows to access additional trails.
Wildlife viewingThe area is rich in wildlife, including loons, ospreys, and bald eagles. Birding is a popular activity due to the variety of species that frequent the lake and forest.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNorthern Minnesota is home to black bears. Campers must secure food and coolers to prevent bear activity.
Active AlertsNo current alerts or advisories are provided.

Weather at Williams Narrows

Reviews

3.8
12 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Williams Narrows has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Williams Narrows Campground are generally positive, highlighting its natural beauty, spacious sites, and peaceful atmosphere. However, some concerns were raised about maintenance and the absence of certain amenities like firewood.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the spacious campsites, scenic lake views, and clean facilities. A reviewer stated, "Beautiful area, pines, birches, lake, very nice privacy of campsites." Another wrote, "Campground...
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Based on 12 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common complaints were related to maintenance issues, such as lack of attention to site upkeep and the absence of firewood for purchase. One review noted, "The main issue is the lack of...
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Based on 12 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing your own firewood, as it may not always be available on-site, and using the boat launch for lake access. Headsets to deter mosquitoes were also suggested during summer...
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Based on 12 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews emphasize the campground's serenity and beauty during summer months, although bugs can be an issue. Windy conditions in early summer help keep bugs away.
Based on 12 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "The sunsets were beautiful from that vantage point. It's a small, quiet campground." (Joyce L.) 2. "Beautiful area, pines, birches, lake, very nice privacy of campsites." (Karen U.) 3....
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Based on 12 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 14 offers a beautiful vantage point for sunsets. Site 15 is described as spacious and ideal for accommodating larger setups, offering scenic views and proximity to the lake. Site 8 was noted for...
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Based on 12 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews explicitly focused on accessibility features.
Based on 12 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are permitted, and no major issues were highlighted by pet owners in the reviews.
Based on 12 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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