Pokegama Dam Campground

Star4.52
416 reviews
34385 US HWY 2

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

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 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
Pokegama Dam Campground
$14.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates include $26 for Standard Electric sites, $14 for Tent Only Non-electric sites, and $35 for Group Shelter Electric sites. These...
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Standard Site Fee$26.00
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
218-326-6128
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What Campers Say

4.52

Top-Rated

Based on 416 reviews

261 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspacioussites

Some mention

noisetrain

"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."

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Campground Map

34385 US HWY 2

Pokegama Dam Campground

34385 US HWY 2

Driving directionsFrom Grand Rapids, Minnesota, take Highway 2 west for 2 miles, turn left at signs and follow to campground.
The campground is accessible via Highway 2 west from Grand Rapids, MN, with no specific challenges or seasonal closures mentioned.
Nearby places
Grand Rapids - 2 miles
Nearby supplies
Closest groceries, camping supplies, and fuel stations are located in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, approximately 2 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Pokegama Dam Campground

From May through October, Pokegama Dam transforms into a vibrant outdoor paradise where warm sunshine filters through the canopy and gentle breezes carry the scent of pine. Summer days invite lazy afternoons by the water, though nature occasionally refreshes the landscape with passing showers. Early May arrives with a delightful unpredictability—brilliant sunshine one moment, dramatic clouds the next—keeping each day full of surprise. As autumn approaches, the campground prepares for its winter slumber, closing for the season as northern Minnesota's famous cold settles over the land.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer is peak season; sunny weather and activities get many positive reviews though noise rises.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through Oct 15; fall foliage and fewer crowds likely make for a strong visit.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opens May 1; late spring offers good weather and activities but early spring not available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed outside May 1–Oct 15; winter season not applicable.

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

About Pokegama Dam Campground

Nestled along the gentle banks of the Mississippi River, Pokegama Dam Campground invites adventurers to experience where pristine wilderness meets modern comfort. Whether you're casting a line into the river's legendary waters, paddling through morning mist, or following the calls of rare birds through wooded trails, this riverside sanctuary offers endless ways to connect with Minnesota's natural splendor. Each campsite serves as your personal basecamp for exploration, complete with thoughtful amenities that enhance rather than intrude upon your outdoor experience.
Pokegama Dam Campground caters to a variety of camping preferences, including tent camping, RV camping, and group sites.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
  • Check-in time not explicitly mentioned
  • general check-in policies apply.
Check-out
  • Check-out time not explicitly mentioned
  • general check-out policies apply.
Stay Limit
  • 14 nights maximum stay during a visit
  • 14 nights total within a rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingThere are hiking trails on the other side of the dam, described as 'very nice' and 'well-maintained.' Trails offer scenic views and opportunities to explore the area.
FishingFishing is a major attraction, with species such as Walleye, Northern Pike, and Large and Smallmouth Bass available. Some reviews described the fishing experience as excellent.
BikingBiking opportunities include routes within the campground and nearby trails such as the Mesabi Bike Trail, which is highly rated.
BoatingBoating is popular at Pokegama Dam Campground, with access to the Mississippi River. However, one user review highlighted the inadequacy of the boat ramp for larger boats.
Wildlife viewingVisitors can see bald eagles, loons, ducks, geese, and other species. One user mentioned finding turtles laying eggs near their site.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe campground features occasional ranger-led activities, such as dam tours. Nearby attractions include the Judy Garland Museum and Forest History Center.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNoise pollution from trains and Highway 2. Seasonal berry picking might involve wildlife encounters.

Weather at Pokegama Dam Campground

Reviews

4.5
416 reviews
Top-Rated
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 416 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 416 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 416 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 416 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 416 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...
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Based on 416 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 416 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible features receive positive feedback, particularly the clean and well-maintained restrooms and showers.
Based on 416 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but some campers complained about off-leash dogs and pet waste not being cleaned up.
Based on 416 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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