Fall Leaves and Cool Nights Camping Adventures | Visit Grand Rapids Skip to content

Fall Leaves and Cool Nights Camping Adventures | Visit Grand Rapids

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Fall Camping in Minnesota's nature

fall fun for everyone

When looking to book your fall leaves and cool nights camping adventures, consider booking in the Grad Rapids, MN area. There are several places to camp in the fall around the Grand Rapids, MN area.  Visit Grand Rapids has put together a list of top places to book fall camping, a fall camping itinerary to consider the includes things to do, outdoor recreation, places to shop, and fun places to eat & drink.

Before you arrive in Grand Rapids, make sure to download our Grand Rapids, MN Area Visitor Guide so you can learn more about the area.

The cooler temperatures in the fall is perfect for a sweatshirt, campfires, taking hikes in the surrounding forests, biking on the Mesabi Trail, and trying new bites and sips at local restaurants. There are a wide variety of places to camp in the Grand Rapids, Minnesota area. Whether you are looking for a location close to town or you prefer a more off the beaten path location near a lake. You will find that all of these places are very scenic, a mix of hardwood and pine trees, area lakes and rivers, and close to the trails. There is a campsite for everyone in the Grand Rapids, Minnesota area: tent camping, camper or RV with partial or full hook-ups, and seasonal sites as well. Below you will find our top list of places to fall camp.

Campgrounds and Resorts in the grand rapids, MN area

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Bowstring Shores Resort

Address: 49231 Co Rd 173, Deer River, MN 56636
Phone: 218-256-6150
Website: https://www.bowstringshores.com/

A classic year-round, northern Minnesota resort on the shores of Bowstring Lake. 14 vacation cabins with full kitchens, 13 seasonal campgrounds, and ample dock space at the 160-foot fishing dock. Resort amenities include a heated outdoor pool and sun deck, lodging with games, books, and snacks, on-site laundry facilities, a large children’s playground, and kayaks.

Bowstring Lake has long been a favorite year-round fishing destination for anglers in search of walleye, crappie, perch, and northern pike. Boat rentals, bait, and gas are available on-site. Bowstring Shores is located northwest of Grand Rapids in the Chippewa National Forest.

Amenities: Pet Friendly, Pool, Private Boat Landing, Wifi, Laundry, Microwave/Fridge, Full Kitchen, Cabin 5 is fully handicapped accessible, and there’s a fish cleaning room, but not a service.

top camping spots

Itasca County Trailhead Campground
Address: 1336 Fairgrounds Rd, Grand Rapids
Phone: 
Itasca County Land Department at 218-327-2855
Website: https://www.co.itasca.mn.us/284/Fairgrounds-Park-and-Campground

15 Rustic Site, 2 30/50 Amp Electric/Water sites, 38 30/50 Amp Deluxe Full Hookup sites, Shower House, Laundry Room. We have a Quaint Campground at the backside of Grand Rapids, MN. We are close to all the amenities that Grand Rapids has to offer, nice restaurant, wonderful parks, shopping, lots of Lakes within driving distance and all the fun stuff to do. Within the park, you can walk across the road and go to Crystal Lake, a public water access and Fishing Peir, there is also access to Mesabi Bike Trail, Taconite Snowmobile Trail, Fit Itasca Walking Trail, North County Trail, The Grand Rapids Speedway.

top camping spots

Jessie View Resort
Address: 45756 Co Rd 35, Deer River, MN 56636
Phone: (218) 259-2594
Website: https://jessieviewresort.com/

Located on Big Jessie Lake they are centrally located among 1,000 area lakes and within minutes from Big Winnie and Bowstring Lakes. The Lake is one of Minnesota’s top walleye and northern pike lakes and is stocked 2 out of every 4 years with almost 2 million walleye fry. The RV camping area is in the center of Jessie View Resort on a slight plateau overlooking the lake. It has 28 seasonal sites and 3 short-term full hook-up sites, complete with water, sewer and 30 Amp electric (3 pull-through sites and 7 back-in sites also have 50 Amp). The campground is open May 1 – October 15. All registered campers receive full use of resort amenities. These include showers, trailer parking, use of boat launch, and reserved dock slips may be available. There are also picnic tables and fire rings at each site. All campers have access to the Lodge – it is perfect for potlucks and other gatherings. This room is generally open to all resort guests 7 days a week in the summer season, but it can also be privately rented. In addition to camping, they have cabins for rent as well. 

top camping spots

Rising Eagle Resort
Address: 47405 Co Rd 135, Talmoon, MN 56637
Phone: (218) 832-3955
Website: https://www.risingeagleresort.com/

A seasonal resort, open May through Nov, located on the Northwest end of Big Jessie Lake in Itasca County. Known for walleye and northern pike.  This property is surrounded by state and federal lands making it a perfect place to get away from it all.  Centrally located in the Chippewa National Forest our guests enjoy all the outdoors has to offer, with a multitude of lakes, trails, and public lands for everyone to enjoy. They offer 8 RV sites with full hookups that can also be rented as primitive camping sites for tenters. The lodge is approximately 900 square feet and has seating for about 20 people. Rates include use of the resort paddle boats and kayaks. Access to the boat launch and use of the bathroom and laundry facilities during lodge hours. Dock space is included with cabin rental and additional boats and dock space can be rented during the stay. The RV and campground are available for seasonal, week or weekend. In addition to the campground, they also offer cabins to rent.

top camping spots

Two Rivers RV and Campground
Address: 2413 Campfire Ln, La Prairie, MN 55744
Website: https://tworiversrvandcampground.co

Nestled among 50 acres of lush forests, the campground is a nature lover’s paradise. There are plentiful wildlife sightings, seasonal berry picking possibilities and fishing, canoeing or kayaking opportunities on the picturesque Prairie and Mississippi rivers. Our campground makes for an unforgettable experience each time you visit! They have 49 electric back-in sites with fire rings and picnic tables.  Other campground amenities include flush toilets, showers, drinking water and dump station.  A playground is under construction as well as scenic walking trails along towering bluffs, offering breathtaking views.

top camping spots

Trout Lake Campground

Address: 25709 Co Rd 10, Bovey, MN 55709
Website: https://www.troutlakecampground.com/

46 campsites are designed for comfort, featuring spacious layouts, 30 and 50-amp electric service, water hookups, and easy access for larger rigs. Many sites are located right along the shoreline, allowing campers to enjoy the unique experience of true lakefront RV camping—something that is increasingly rare in Minnesota. In addition to traditional RV sites, Trout Lake Campground also offers lakefront glamping-style RV rentals. These fully set-up, furnished campers provide a simple and comfortable way to enjoy the Northwoods without owning an RV. Guests can enjoy lake views, outdoor living space, and a turnkey camping experience ideal for weekend getaways, couples, and families.

ADDITIONAL CAMPING OPTIONS

Fall leaves and cool nights camping

Bass Lake County Park and Campground
Website: https://co.itasca.mn.us/282/Bass-Lake-County-Park-and-Campground

Chippewa National Forest Camping
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/chippewa/recreation/camping-cabin

MN DNR Mississippi River Camping

Website: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/watertrails/mississippiriver/segments-maps.html#map3

Vermilion to Jacobson
Jacobson to Aitkin

Pokegama Dam Campground
Address: 34385 US-2, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Phone: (218) 326-6128
Website: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233588

Scenic State Park Camping
Address: 56956 Scenic Hwy, Bigfork, MN 566
Phone: 218-571-2600
Website: 
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00262#homepage

Warba American Legion Campground
Address: 21066 US-2, Warba, MN 55793
Phone: (218) 256-0822
Website: https://www.facebook.com/americanlegioncampground56956
Scenic Hwy, Bigfork, MN 56628

Wildfire Alerts

At this time there are no wildfires in the Grand Rapids, and Itasca County, Minnesota area. The wildfire smoke from the Cook, Lake, and northern St Louis County fires has moved into the greater Grand Rapids, and Itasca County, Minnesota area today. Predictions with wind and weather conditions that it will clear up significantly this weekend (July 17-19, 2026). Below are some resources and updated information regarding the air quality and wildfires in Cook, Lake, and northern St Louis County:

MN DNR Wildfire Updates/Alerts:
 https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/index.html

US Forest Department, Superior National Forest Updates/Alerts: 
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/superior/alerts

MPCA Information:
 https://www.pca.state.mn.us/news-and-stories/air-quality-alert-issued-due-to-wildfire-smoke-for-wednesday-july-15-through-friday-july-17-for-east-0

INCI Information : 
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-publication/mnsuf-july-2026-superior-nf-wildfires/superior-national-forest-and-july-lightning-event-combined-daily-update-07-14-2026