East Seelye Bay
02 reviewsQuick Facts
Price
$16/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
13 campsites
Season
Open season starts M...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$16/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
13 campsites
Season
Open season starts M...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsEast 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
Total Campsite Fees$16.00
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ProviderWhat Campers Say
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Limited Reviews
Based on 2 reviews
8 Google reviews
Most mentioned
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"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."
Fees & Passes at East Seelye Bay
$16/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Cancellation: Cancellation includes a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night's recreation fees if ...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Chippewa National Forest website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
Historical SignificanceEast Seelye Bay sits within the storied Chippewa National Forest, a landscape rich with centuries of indigenous heritage. The forest is co-stewarded in partnership with the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, honoring a deep connection to these ancestral lands. This collaborative management ensures that cultural traditions and sacred resources are respectfully preserved, allowing visitors to experience a place where natural beauty and indigenous heritage intertwine.
Weather and SeasonsSummer 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.
Natural Features and SceneryDense northern forests create a natural amphitheater around East Seelye Bay, where towering pines and hardwoods frame stunning views of Lake Winnibigoshish. The campground's waterfront location offers endless opportunities to witness spectacular sunrises over the lake, while the surrounding wilderness provides a living backdrop of wildlife and pristine forest scenery. From your campsite, you're just steps away from both serene forest trails and the sparkling waters of one of Minnesota's most beautiful lakes.
Geological RegionNestled along the shores of Lake Winnibigoshish within Chippewa National Forest, East Seelye Bay showcases the best of Minnesota's lake country geology. This diverse landscape weaves together thriving forest ecosystems with expansive water features, creating a unique environment where northern woodlands meet pristine freshwater habitats. The interplay between forest and lake has shaped this region for millennia, resulting in the spectacular natural playground that visitors enjoy today.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible sites and trailheads are provided within the campground. Specific details on ADA compliance are not mentioned.
Sites SizeSite sizes are not specifically mentioned, but one review noted that trailers longer than 26 feet may encounter difficulties.
Sites PrivacySpecific details on site privacy are not provided in the source materials.
Total Campsites13 campsites
Recommended CampsitesTents are recommended for those seeking proximity to the lake. Larger trailers are discouraged due to challenging road access.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Groups
Group sites are not available at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is compact, featuring only 13 sites arranged near a picnic area, boat ramp, and swimming beach.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season starts May 2, 2025, and closes September 2, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsFirst-come, first-served only. Reservations cannot be made online or via phone.
Walk-in AvailabilityThis campground operates exclusively on a first-come, first-served basis. Campers must physically arrive to check site availability.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation includes a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night's recreation fees if canceled after midnight, one day before arrival. Changes are subject to fees and refunds depending on the modification.
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.
Hiking
The 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.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available on Lake Winnibigoshish, although specific details about fish species or quality are not mentioned.Swimming
There is a swimming beach at the campground. No safety or facility details are provided.Biking
Biking is listed as an activity, but no additional information about trails or terrain is provided.Boating
Boating and canoeing are supported with a boat ramp for water access. Details about the types of boats allowed are not provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities include birding and the presence of black bears. Campers are advised to secure food and avoid feeding wildlife.Beach activities
The campground includes a swimming beach, but no further details about beach quality or other activities are mentioned.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned in the source materials.Water Sports
Canoeing and kayaking are specifically mentioned as water sports options.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires cannot be left unattended and must be extinguished when vacating the site. Fireworks are prohibited.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM–6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsBlack 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
-9
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 73%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 3.7 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Mainly clear
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are unknown based on provided information.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 02, 2025 - September 02, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection facilities are available at the campground, but recycling is not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLake Winnibigoshish is nearby, offering boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities.
Common complaints"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). Some users complain about limited campsites and difficulty maneuvering larger trailers.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
2 reviews
East Seelye Bay has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 2 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 2 reviewsCommon 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 2 reviewsPro 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 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews did not explicitly mention seasonal variations.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper 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....
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
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 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
There were no user reviews specifically addressing accessibility features.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-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 2 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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0 review
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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