Winnie Dam Campground - Usace

Star4.14
213 reviews
34385 US HWY 2, GRAND RAPIDS, MN, 55744-9663, USA
FishingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,335 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Open May 1st to Octo...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens USACE (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
Winnie Dam Campground - Usace
$24.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates are $24 per night during peak season (May 1 - October 15). These rates are consistent across standard electric sites. Additional fees...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
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

4.14

Satisfactory

Based on 213 reviews

85 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanfriendlysites

Some mention

mosquitoesreservation

"User reviews for Winnie Dam Campground are generally positive, with an average rating of 4.3 stars. Common themes include spacious campsites, cleanliness, and a peaceful atmosphere. However, some users expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of swimming areas, poor cell service, and the occasional mosquito issue."

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Campground Map

34385 US HWY 2, GRAND RAPIDS, MN, 55744-9663, USA

Winnie Dam Campground - Usace

34385 US HWY 2, GRAND RAPIDS, MN, 55744-9663, USA

Driving directionsFrom Deer River, Minnesota, take Highway 2 west for one mile. Turn right on Highway 46 and go 12 miles. Turn left on Itasca County 9 and continue 2 miles, then turn left at signs and follow to the campground.
The campground is accessible by paved roads, and there are no seasonal closures or challenging terrain mentioned. The directions are straightforward and include clear landmarks.
Nearby places
Deer River (15 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Deer River, 15 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Winnie Dam Campground - Usace

Summer arrives gently in this northern paradise, bringing comfortable temperatures perfect for lazy afternoons by the lake and evening campfires under star-filled skies. While occasional rain showers nourish the verdant forest and create that distinctive fresh pine scent, they rarely dampen the camping spirit. Be prepared to share your summer evenings with Minnesota's unofficial state bird—the mosquito—whose presence during warmer months reminds visitors to pack their favorite repellent alongside their fishing gear.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Comfortable temperatures and boating, but mosquitoes are a significant summer complaint.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Fall brings beautiful foliage and quieter times; reviewers highlight it as ideal season.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Open starting May 1; spring offers quieter visits though weather/bugs vary early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 1 - Oct 15; winter stays not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 1 - October 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 1st to October 15th for reservations.

About Winnie Dam Campground - Usace

Nestled in the heart of northern Minnesota's pristine lake country, Winnie Dam Campground offers an intimate escape where the gentle lapping of Winnibigoshish Lake meets the whispering pines of Chippewa National Forest. This peaceful retreat features 22 thoughtfully designed sites, each equipped with electric hookups to enhance your outdoor experience. Modern comforts blend seamlessly with nature here, where hot showers await after days of adventure, and families gather at the picnic shelter while children explore the playground. With convenient amenities including flush and pit toilets, fresh drinking water, a dump station, and direct lake access via the boat ramp, this small but well-appointed campground provides the perfect balance of wilderness immersion and camping comfort.
The campground offers a variety of camping experiences, including RV and tent camping. Sites are spacious and include electric hookups, making it suitable for both small and large setups.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in allowed after 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out required by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights during a visit.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Winnie Dam Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and picnicking. While it is a prime destination for anglers, some campers noted limited hiking opportunities and no designated swimming areas.
HikingHiking options near the campground are limited. One camper remarked, 'If you are looking for hiking, this campground is not for you!'
FishingThe area is known for excellent fishing, particularly for walleye, perch, and musky. One user mentioned, 'This is one of Minnesota's premier fisheries.' However, another review noted that the catch was sparse during their visit.
BikingBiking trails meander around the lake and its shoreline, offering scenic rides through the natural forested areas.
BoatingBoating is a popular activity at the 67,000-acre Lake Winnie. The campground provides boat ramps for easy access to the water. Kayaking on the Mississippi River is also highly praised.
Wildlife viewingThe forested surroundings are home to diverse wildlife, including nesting bald eagles, black bears, porcupines, and chipmunks. Seasonal berry picking is another highlight.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes are abundant during summer months. Wildlife such as bears may inhabit the area, requiring caution and proper food storage.

Weather at Winnie Dam Campground - Usace

Reviews

4.1
213 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Winnie Dam Campground - Usace is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Winnie Dam Campground are generally positive, with an average rating of 4.3 stars. Common themes include spacious campsites, cleanliness, and a peaceful atmosphere. However, some users expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of swimming areas, poor cell service, and the occasional mosquito issue.
Review Summaries
Based on 213 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews frequently mention the campground's cleanliness, large and private campsites, friendly hosts, and convenient amenities like the fish cleaning station and electric hookups. One user...
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Based on 213 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include poor cell service, no water hookups at individual sites, and limited hiking and swimming opportunities. Mosquitoes were also frequently mentioned as a nuisance during the...
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Based on 213 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing a mosquito fogger during summer. Some suggest choosing sites away from the road for added privacy and less noise. Visitors also recommend stopping by the nearby 'Gosh Dam...
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Based on 213 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is described as peaceful and clean during all seasons, but mosquitoes are a significant issue in the summer. Fall brings beautiful foliage and quieter times, making it an ideal season...
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Based on 213 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Showers were clean with plenty of hot water.' - 'The campsites were huge! It was so quiet and clean.' - 'The fish cleaning house had electricity and was very clean.' - 'Our favorite campground....
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Based on 213 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 17: Close to the road but otherwise quiet. Site 22: Large with good proximity to facilities. Site 11: Spacious but mosquitoes were an issue. Site 8: Easy to back into with a 25' trailer.
Based on 213 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible paths and restrooms make the campground suitable for people with mobility challenges.
Based on 213 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and there is decent walking space for pets around the campground.
Based on 213 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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