How much does camping cost at Pokegama Dam Campground?

Camping fees at Pokegama Dam Campground are $14 - $35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Pokegama Dam Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Pokegama Dam 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.

Can I see photos of campsites at Pokegama Dam Campground before I book?

Yes! Pokegama Dam Campground has 10 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve.

What is the best time to visit Pokegama Dam Campground?

Pokegama Dam Campground is open May 01 to October 14. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Pokegama Dam Campground?

Yes, Pokegama Dam Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Pokegama Dam Campground?

Cell phone service at Pokegama Dam Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Pokegama Dam Campground have?

Pokegama Dam Campground has 22 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Pokegama Dam Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Pokegama Dam Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Pokegama Dam Campground?

Pokegama Dam Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Pokegama Dam Campground?

Popular activities at Pokegama Dam Campground include Fishing, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Pokegama Dam Campground

4.51

620 reviews

34385 US HWY 2

BReport Card

Featured in:Fishing Camping Minnesota RV Camping Minnesota Boating Camping Minnesota +1 more

Quick Facts

1,319 ft

Price

$14 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

1,319 ft

Price

$14 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Pokegama Dam Campground

$14.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC: $35.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $26.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $14.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online...

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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Provider

218-326-6128

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

34385 US HWY 2

Pokegama Dam Campground

34385 US HWY 2

Nearby places

Grand Rapids - 2 miles

Weather at Pokegama Dam Campground

Best Time to Camp at Pokegama Dam Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the fullest range of on-water and warm-weather activities — boating, paddling, shore and river fishing, and long days for hiking and biking — with daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to low-80s°F and cool nights in the 50s–60s. The river and lake access are at their best, campsites are fully accessible, and most services are operating; expect the busiest weekends (Memorial Day through Labor Day) so reserve early. Occasional afternoon thunderstorms and active mosquitoes are the主要 Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Open through Oct 15; fall offers colors, fewer crowds, and continued river access.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to October 14. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open for reservations from May 01 to October 15.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Pokegama Dam Campground

Pokegama Dam Campground sits on the Mississippi River near Grand Rapids, Minnesota, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This small campground offers electric hookups, showers, and a dump station alongside spacious sites with river views and direct access to fishing and boating on the Mississippi Headwaters. Reviewers praise the clean facilities and scenery but note train and highway noise.

Pokegama Dam Campground caters to a variety of camping preferences, including tent camping, RV camping, and group sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the fullest range of on-water and warm-weather activities — boating, paddling, shore and river fishing, and long days for hiking and biking — with daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to low-80s°F and cool nights in the 50s–60s. The river and lake access are at their best, campsites are fully accessible, and most services are operating; expect the busiest weekends (Memorial Day through Labor Day) so reserve early. Occasional afternoon thunderstorms and active mosquitoes are the主要 Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation1319 ft above sea level

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryMixed hardwoods and red pine create a shaded canopy over most sites, with the Mississippi River running along the campground's edge. The landscape reflects glacial history common to this part of Minnesota. Elevation sits at 1,319 feet. Bald eagles appear regularly overhead, and chipmunks are constant campsite visitors. Wild berries grow in the understory during summer. The river provides the main visual draw, especially from sites near the water. Train tracks and Highway 2 run close enough to the campground that noise carries, particularly at night.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground primarily offers camping facilities, including electric and primitive sites. There are no hotel-style accommodations or cabins available.

Programs & ActivitiesThe campground features occasional ranger-led activities, such as dam tours. Nearby attractions include the Judy Garland Museum and Forest History Center.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights maximum stay during a visit
14 nights total within a rolling 30-day period.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online platform, app, or contact center.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible features such as accessible boat ramps, campsites, drinking water, fishing docks, flush toilets, grills, parking, picnic areas, shelters, pit toilets, playground, showers, and walkways.

Site SizeMost sites are spacious, clean, and well-maintained. Specific reviews highlighted large sites with privacy and shade.

PrivacyThe sites offer a good degree of privacy due to spacing and tree cover, although some sites near the highway or train tracks experience noise issues.

Total Campsites22 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid tent sites 20 and 21 due to proximity to train tracks and highways. River-facing sites are ideal for campers seeking scenic views.

Best CampsitesSites 05, 06, and 12 along the river get consistent praise for views and relative quiet. For tent camping, avoid sites closest to Highway 2 and the train tracks. Some back-in sites have gravel or drop-offs that make RV maneuvering tricky.

Need help booking Pokegama Dam Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Pokegama Dam Campground offers a range of amenities catering to diverse camping needs and preferences. The campground comprises 19 electric back-in sites, two primitive tent-only non-electric sites, and one day-use picnic shelter with electricity. Additional amenities include flush toilets, showers, accessible drinking water, a dump station, a boat ramp, playground, and a fish cleaning station. Some sites are noted for their spaciousness and proximity to the Mississippi River.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Pokegama Dam Campground

Pokegama Dam Campground is rich in recreational opportunities. Popular activities include fishing, boating, hiking, wildlife viewing, and berry picking. The campground’s proximity to the Mississippi River enhances its recreational value.

Fishing4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

Popular boating with a boat ramp west of the dam giving many miles of river access.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Frequent sightings of bald eagles, loons, ducks, geese; wildlife viewing commonly cited.

Water Sports4.0/5

Canoe/paddlers praised easy river access and clean facilities; kayaking signal +1.00.

Biking3.0/5

Biking routes in campground and nearby Mesabi Bike Trail provide solid options.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5River vistas, eagles and varied wildlife make for strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

Rate Pokegama Dam Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.5

620 reviews

Top-Rated

Pokegama Dam Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews for Pokegama Dam Campground are mixed. Many praise the cleanliness, spacious sites, and proximity to the Mississippi River, while some complain about noise from the nearby highway and train tracks.

Review Summaries

Based on 620 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the clean facilities, spacious campsites, and scenic views of the river. Many recommend the campground for RV camping and highlight the good fishing opportunities.

Based on 620 reviews

Common Concerns

Noise from Route 2 and train tracks are frequent complaints. Issues with site descriptions, inadequate boat ramp facilities, and lack of monitoring by rangers were also noted.

Based on 620 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 20 is frequently criticized for being noisy due to its proximity to the highway and train tracks. Sites near the river, such as #5 and #6, receive praise for their scenic views and spaciousness.

Based on 620 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing mosquito repellent and reserving sites close to the river for scenic views. For tent camping, avoid sites near the highway and train tracks.

Based on 620 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with many positive reviews highlighting the sunny weather and outdoor activities. However, noise issues are more noticeable during peak season.

Based on 620 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This is our favorite campground, and is always our first trip of the season!' - Teresa L. 2. 'The view from our site was super great... Pokegama is one of our favorites.' - Donald L. 3. 'The...

Based on 620 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible features receive positive feedback, particularly the clean and well-maintained restrooms and showers.

Based on 620 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but some campers complained about off-leash dogs and pet waste not being cleaned up.

Based on 620 reviews

Reviews on Outdoorithm

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Pokegama Dam Campground

$14.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC: $35.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $26.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $14.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online...

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

218-326-6128

Go if

You want affordable river access with full amenities and don't mind highway and rail noise.

Skip if

You need a quiet campground or easier RV maneuvering on gravel sites.

Nearby Campgrounds

Schoolcraft State Park

Gather your group beneath the pines at this wooded campground where the day's adventures seamlessly transition into evening campfires and naturalist programs. With mature forest surroundings and easy river access, this reservable group site creates the perfect basecamp for connecting with nature and each other.

Pokegama Dam Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Pokegama Dam Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Pokegama Dam Campground

Best Time to Camp at Pokegama Dam Campground

Planning Tips

About Pokegama Dam Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Pokegama Dam Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Pokegama Dam Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Pokegama Dam Campground

Best Time to Camp at Pokegama Dam Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Pokegama Dam Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Pokegama Dam Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews