Is Backpack Campsites Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Backpack Campsites Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Are there showers at Backpack Campsites Campground?

Backpack Campsites Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Backpack Campsites Campground?

Fire policies at Backpack Campsites Campground: Purchase firewood at the park office when open or via the Yodel app; use approved/local firewood and do not move firewood between areas. Follow park rules regarding fires and fire rings.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Backpack Campsites Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Backpack Campsites Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Backpack Campsites Campground?

Backpack Campsites Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Backpack Campsites Campground?

Popular activities at Backpack Campsites Campground include Hiking, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Backpack Campsites Campground

4 reviews

15066 Kathio State Park Road, Onamia, MN 56359

Top 7% in MNFall

Summer Destination

Featured in:Fall Camping Minnesota Forest Camping Minnesota Spring Camping Minnesota

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,289 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Book on Minnesota State Parks (Minnesota DNR)Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,289 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Book on Minnesota State Parks (Minnesota DNR)Official Website

Get Directions

Backpack Campsites Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Vehicle permit required for park entry. A non-refundable reservation fee is charged for advance campsite reservations ($10 by phone / $8 online)....

No paid fee categories listed.

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Minnesota State Parks

Provider

320-532-3523

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Campground Map

15066 Kathio State Park Road, Onamia, MN 56359

Backpack Campsites Campground

15066 Kathio State Park Road, Onamia, MN 56359

Weather at Backpack Campsites Campground

Best Time to Camp at Backpack Campsites Campground

Fall is the standout season here for brilliant hardwood color and calm, reflective lake paddling. Expect crisp days in the 45–65°F range and cool nights as trails and eskers reach their most scenic for hiking and wildlife viewing. Leaves turn orange and red, the park quiets noticeably from summer crowds, and canoeing and photography peak. Bring layered clothing and be aware of deer hunting seasons in parts of the region. Peak leaf weekends can still draw visitors. Summer offers shaded trails and swimming. Winter transforms the park for cross-country skiing on 20 miles of trails and snowshoeing, though you'll contend with seasonal insects like deer flies in warmer months.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 7% in MN

Fall is highlighted as the standout season for brilliant hardwood color and reflective paddling.

Planning Tips

About Backpack Campsites Campground

Backpack Campsites Campground sits within Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, a National Historic Landmark one mile west of Onamia off Highway 169. The park protects 9,000 years of human history across rolling hardwood forests, wetlands, and glacial eskers. Vault toilets and parking at the sanitation station past the park office; expect to carry gear on potentially wet or uneven trail sections to reach sites.

Named backpack campsites are offered at the park. Specific campsite type details (hookups, number of sites, reservation categories) are not listed on the official park page.

Historical Significance

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park protects significant archaeological sites representing 9,000 years of Dakota and Ojibwe history, who relied on wild rice, fish, and local resources. The park holds National Historic Landmark status, with interpretive displays at the visitor center covering this deep Indigenous legacy.

Weather and SeasonsFall is the standout season here for brilliant hardwood color and calm, reflective lake paddling. Expect crisp days in the 45–65°F range and cool nights as trails and eskers reach their most scenic for hiking and wildlife viewing. Leaves turn orange and red, the park quiets noticeably from summer crowds, and canoeing and photography peak. Bring layered clothing and be aware of deer hunting seasons in parts of the region. Peak leaf weekends can still draw visitors. Summer offers shaded trails and swimming. Winter transforms the park for cross-country skiing on 20 miles of trails and snowshoeing, though you'll contend with seasonal insects like deer flies in warmer months.

Natural Features and SceneryGlacial landforms shape the landscape here. Rolling eskers, quiet marshes, and second-growth hardwood forests of birch, maple, and oak at 1,289 feet elevation. Shakopee and Ogechie Lakes reflect the canopy within park boundaries, while the Rum River meanders through wetlands and Mille Lacs Lake stretches beyond. The park's 100-foot fire tower offers sweeping views across the undulating forest canopy toward the lake on clear days. Deer feed at dusk along trails, beavers maintain lodges in quieter waterways, and occasional foxes appear near the edges of hardwood stands.

Geological RegionGlacial landforms and rolling hills with lakes, wetlands, and hardwood forests (eskers, marshes, second-growth hardwoods)

Scenic ViewsViews include forested canopy vistas and lake views from the 100-foot observation/fire tower, and wooded, shoreline and river corridor scenery throughout the park.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations required for all campsites. Online reservations can be made up to 120 days in advance. Call center: 866-857-2757 (Oct-Mar: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sat-Sun; Apr-Sep: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily).

Cancellation PolicyA non-refundable reservation fee is charged for each advance reservation (call center $10 / web $8).

Best CampsitesReviewers highlight scenic lake views and privacy at backpack sites, with proximity to trails, interpretive programs, and the fire tower. One reviewer reports parking at the sanitation station just past the park office. Plan to carry gear on potentially wet or uneven trail sections and make reservations in advance.

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Minnesota State Parks Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Firewood is available for purchase at the park office or via the Yodel app. Reservations are required for all campsites; park contact and reservation information is provided on the official park page.

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The park offers interpretive/nature programs, hiking on a varied trail system, a 100-foot fire tower to climb, a swimming beach, canoe and rowboat rentals for trips on the Rum River and Ogechie and Shakopee lakes, and winter activities including cross-country skiing and sledding. The river, lakes, and trails provide strong wildlife-viewing opportunities.

Hiking

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsOfficial guidance stresses not moving firewood to prevent spread of tree-killing insects; purchase and use approved/local firewood (available at the office or via the Yodel app). Visitors report seasonal biting insects (deer flies) and some trails/backcountry approaches may include wet or difficult terrain. Follow park alerts and notices for current hazards.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

0.0

4 reviews

Limited Reviews

Backpack Campsites Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews and available reports are generally positive, highlighting scenic, private sites, strong fall color and lake views. Reviewers note some access challenges to backpack sites and basic restroom facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 4 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic lake views and privacy; strong fall colors; proximity to trails, interpretive programs and the fire tower; good wildlife viewing opportunities.

Based on 4 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Make reservations in advance. One reviewer reports parking for backpack sites at the sanitation station just past the park office; expect to carry gear on potentially wet/uneven trail sections and...

Based on 4 reviews

Camper Quotes

Beautiful campsite... parking is located at the sanitation station, just past the park office. The campsite does have a vault toilet. | Gorgeous lake and fairly private! About 2 mi from civilization.

Based on 4 reviews

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Go if

Fall hikers and canoeists who can handle wet, uneven trail sections to reach their site will find real seclusion here. Canoe and rowboat rentals on the Rum River and Shakopee Lake are on-site, and the 100-foot fire tower is worth the climb during peak foliage.

Skip if

No potable water, no fire rings, no cell service, and a pack-in approach over potentially muddy terrain make this a bad fit for anyone expecting drive-up convenience. Pets aren't allowed, and vault toilets are the only restroom option.

Nearby Campgrounds

0.0

(4)

Backpack Campsites

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

Escape into the solitude of Minnesota's northwoods at these primitive backpack campsites, where dense mixed forests of hardwoods and conifers create a true wilderness retreat. A short hike brings you to secluded tent sites wrapped in shade and tranquility, with easy access to miles of trails and the park's rich interpretive history—just remember to reserve your spot through the Minnesota state parks system.

Equestrian Campground - Horse Required

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

Saddle up for an unforgettable stay at the Equestrian Campground, where you and your horse can explore the scenic trails of Mille Lacs Kathio State Park together. This horse-required camping area offers the perfect basecamp for riders, with reservations required to secure your spot. Don't miss climbing the park's iconic 100-foot fire tower for sweeping views across the rolling hardwood forest toward the shimmering expanse of Mille Lacs Lake.

Mille Lacs Kathio Petaga Campground

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

From rustic tent sites tucked among the trees to cozy cabins and convenient camper rentals, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park offers your perfect basecamp for Minnesota adventure. Join fellow campers around crackling evening campfires, discover the night sky on moonlit walks, and learn from engaging naturalist programs that bring the park's stories to life.

Isle, MN (no street address found in available sources)

Camper cabins at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park put you in the middle of Minnesota's hardwood and pine forests, where the Rum River begins its journey from Mille Lacs Lake. The park offers year-round cabin rentals (some are ADA accessible), electric hookups for RVs, and trails that connect directly to the surrounding woods. Staff are helpful, and the campground stays quiet even during summer weekends.

Isle, Minnesota (no street address found)

Ogechie Campground sits in the forested interior of Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, offering gravel tent pads and vault toilets under a thick tree canopy. The park's hiking trails and lake access draw campers looking for wildlife viewing and forest solitude, though summer visitors face heavy mosquitoes and biting flies. Rangers lead naturalist programs during the main season, and evening walks along marshy shorelines reveal loons and owls.

Father Hennepin State Park

Father Hennepin State Park's group campground sits on the southeast shore of Mille Lacs Lake, designed for organized groups of roughly 12–25 people. The sites are located near parking and central facilities, with easy walking access to the park's long sandy beach and swimming area. Summer weekends fill fast. Reserve early.

41294 Father Hennepin Park Road, Isle, MN 56342

As daylight fades over Mille Lacs Lake, your camping experience at Lakeview Campground is just beginning. Gather around a crackling campfire under the stars, join ranger-led evening programs, or explore moonlit trails that wind through Father Hennepin State Park's beautiful landscape.

41294 Father Hennepin Park Road, Isle, MN 56342, USA

Gather your crew for an authentic outdoor adventure at Father Hennepin State Park's rustic group camp, where wooded campsites await just a short distance from the sparkling shores of Mille Lacs Lake. These primitive tent camping sites are designed for groups ready to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature, with easy access to sandy beaches, scenic trails, and endless lake recreation.

Maple Grove Campground

41294 Father Hennepin Park Road, Isle, MN 56342

Maple Grove Campground sits on 320 acres along the shore of Mille Lacs Lake, Minnesota's second-largest lake. The park offers tent and RV camping with electric hookups, showers, and flush toilets. Sites are generally shaded and spacious, though mosquitoes can be heavy and facilities show their age.

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Father Hennepin State Park

Track Chair Campground

3124 State Park Road, Brainerd, MN 56401

Track Chair Campground sits at the confluence of the Crow Wing and Mississippi Rivers in Crow Wing State Park, nine miles south of Brainerd. The campground offers tent and RV sites with electric hookups, flush toilets, showers, and a dump station. Reservations are required.

Campgrounds

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

Backpack Campsites Campground

About Arrowrock Reservoir

Context for the broader area surrounding Backpack Campsites Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Arrowrock Reservoir is formed by <A HREF="http://www.usbr.gov/projects/Facility.jsp?fac_Name=Arrowrock+Dam">Arrowrock Dam</a> which is part of the <A HREF="http://www.usbr.gov/projects/Project.jsp?proj_Name=Boise%20Project">Boise Project</a>. The Reservoir is managed by the <A HREF="http://fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_RU4?ss=110402&navtype=forestBean&navid=091000000000000&pnavid=null&cid=null&ttype=main&pname=Boise%20National%20Forest%20-%20Home">Boise National Forest,</a> (<A HREF="http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/boise/map.html">Boise National Forest map</a>). This 18 mile narrow canyon reservoir of 3,150-acres has limited access to 60 miles of shoreline. Boating, canoeing, windsurfing, and fishing are the major recreation activities at Arrowrock, located east of Boise. The reservoir is only 30 minutes from Boise and provides access to the city's nearest national forest. Fish species include rainbow trout, kokanee, yellow perch, whitefish, and the protected bull trout. Season open year-round. Reservoir acre feet and total reservoir capacity and cubic feet/second release rates for rivers below <A HREF="http://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/boipaytea.cfm">Boise & Payette River Basins</a> reservoirs and select river locations are updated daily and graphically provided. Site offers: vault toilets, boat ramps and dock, parking, and dispersed camping.

Directions

Follow Idaho 21 to Mores Creek Bridge, about 18 miles, then take the road to the right to Arrowrock Dam.