East Seelye Bay

Star3.60
12 reviews
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,342 ft

Price

$16/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Open season starts M...

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
East Seelye Bay
$16.00 - $16.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates: $16 per night for the first-come, first-served standard non-electric sites. Fees are inclusive of one camping unit per site. Double...
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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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What Campers Say

3.60

Mixed Reviews

Based on 12 reviews

8 Google reviews

Most mentioned

lake

"East Seelye Bay received mixed reviews, with an average general sentiment of 4.0 and a lower sentiment of 3.0 specific to campgrounds. Some users appreciated the serene lakeside location, while others criticized the campground's limitations for larger RVs and trailers."

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Campground Map

East Seelye Bay

47.5247, -94.0956

Driving directionsEast Seelye Bay Campground is located 20 miles north of Deer River off Highway 46 and 4 miles west on Eagle Nest Road (FR 2198). Follow the road for 2.5 miles.
"Don't bother trying to bring a trailer over 26'. There was no turn around point like the map said, and it took me forever to back it out in the middle of the night." (Source: User review by Matt Sprenger). Road access is noted to be challenging for trailers over 26 feet.
Nearby places
Deer River - 20 miles (approximately 30 minutes by car).
Nearby supplies
Bundle firewood is no longer available at Chippewa National Forest campgrounds. Campers are advised to check local vendors or bring their own firewood from within Itasca County. Information about grocery stores, camping supplies, or fuel services is unavailable.

Best Time to Camp at East Seelye Bay

Summer transforms East Seelye Bay into an outdoor paradise, with comfortable temperatures hovering between 43°F and 64°F (6°C to 18°C) during peak season. The first week typically welcomes visitors with dry conditions, gentle breezes, and minimal rainfall—perfect weather for swimming, boating, and evening campfires. These moderate summer conditions create ideal opportunities for both relaxation and adventure, making it the prime time to experience all the campground has to offer.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer is peak season (May 2 - Sep 2) and described as an 'outdoor paradise' for activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Campground closes Sep 2, so fall access is very limited (early Sept only).

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 2, so late spring is usable but early spring not available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed in winter; open season is May 2 - Sep 2.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 02, 2025 - September 02, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season starts May 2, 2025, and closes September 2, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: 2025 Chippewa National Forest Campground Food Storage Order prohibits sparklers, fireworks, and external firewood from outside Itasca County.

About East Seelye Bay

Tucked away in the heart of Chippewa National Forest, East Seelye Bay Campground offers an intimate escape with just 13 first-come, first-served campsites. This hidden gem invites adventurers to discover its pristine swimming beach, convenient boat ramp, and peaceful picnic areas. Far from the crowds yet complete with essential amenities, this small campground provides the perfect basecamp for those seeking authentic wilderness experiences along the shores of Lake Winnibigoshish.
East Seelye Bay Campground is designed for tent and RV camping with 13 first-come, first-served sites. Group camping and cabin options are not available.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

East Seelye Bay offers a range of recreational activities, including fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, and horseback riding, as well as opportunities for wildlife viewing, birding, stargazing, and berry picking. The Cut Foot Sioux National Recreation Trail and East Seelye Point Trail provide access to unpaved hiking and horseback riding paths.
HikingThe campground features the Cut Foot Sioux National Recreation Trail and the East Seelye Point Trail. Both are unpaved and suitable for hiking and horseback riding.
FishingFishing opportunities are available on Lake Winnibigoshish, although specific details about fish species or quality are not mentioned.
SwimmingThere is a swimming beach at the campground. No safety or facility details are provided.
BikingBiking is listed as an activity, but no additional information about trails or terrain is provided.
BoatingBoating and canoeing are supported with a boat ramp for water access. Details about the types of boats allowed are not provided.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities include birding and the presence of black bears. Campers are advised to secure food and avoid feeding wildlife.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBlack bears are active in the area; campers must secure food and attractants. Roads may be difficult for trailers over 26 feet.
Active Alerts2025 Chippewa National Forest Campground Food Storage Order prohibits sparklers, fireworks, and external firewood from outside Itasca County.

Weather at East Seelye Bay

Reviews

3.6
12 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
East Seelye Bay has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
East Seelye Bay received mixed reviews, with an average general sentiment of 4.0 and a lower sentiment of 3.0 specific to campgrounds. Some users appreciated the serene lakeside location, while others criticized the campground's limitations for larger RVs and trailers.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the campground for its proximity to Lake Winnibigoshish, opportunities for tent camping, and connection to recreational trails.
Based on 12 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints included the lack of turnaround space for trailers over 26 feet, limited site availability, and the absence of facilities for ATVs/UTVs.
Based on 12 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

One reviewer advised against bringing trailers longer than 26 feet due to difficult maneuvering. Another recommended the campground for tent camping.
Based on 12 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews did not explicitly mention seasonal variations.
Based on 12 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice campground." - Scott Groth. "Don't bother trying to bring a trailer over 26'. There was no turn around point like the map said, and it took me forever to back it out in the middle of the night....
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Based on 12 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One review specifically mentioned difficulties with larger trailers, suggesting the sites may be better suited for smaller RVs or tent setups.
Based on 12 reviews

Accessibility Features

There were no user reviews specifically addressing accessibility features.
Based on 12 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed and are prohibited from beach areas. No specific user reviews about pet experiences were found.
Based on 12 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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