Onegume
4.41119 reviews1235 DIVISION ST.
Onegume
$16.00 - $23.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Campsite fees are $23 per night for standard electric sites and $16 per night for tent-only non-electric sites during both peak and off-peak seasons....
Show more
Standard Site Fee$23.00
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$23.00
Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider218-246-2123
About this campground
Escape to Onegume Campground, where the pristine waters of the Chippewa National Forest create the perfect backdrop for your outdoor adventure. This beloved family destination beckons with its tranquil forest setting and crystal-clear lakes, inviting you to cast a line from the shore, launch your boat into the morning mist, or explore winding trails that disappear into stands of towering pines. Whether you're seeking a peaceful paddle at sunset or gathering around the campfire with loved ones, Onegume delivers the authentic northwoods experience that memories are made of.
Onegume Campground caters to a variety of camping preferences, including sites for tents and RVs, as well as group sites. Primitive camping and glamping options are not available. Eleven sites are located on the lakefront, offering exceptional views and direct water access.
Historical SignificanceOnegume Campground sits within the ancestral lands of the Ojibwe people, where centuries of tradition continue to shape the landscape. Today, the Chippewa National Forest stands as a model of collaborative stewardship, co-managed by the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe to honor both the natural world and the cultural heritage that runs as deep as the forest roots. This partnership ensures that every visitor experiences not just the beauty of the land, but also connects with the rich cultural tapestry that makes this place truly special.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the magic of Minnesota's north country, where warm summer days invite endless outdoor play and cool evenings are perfect for stargazing. From May through October, Onegume comes alive with the sounds of nature - loons calling across the water, leaves rustling in gentle breezes, and campfires crackling under star-filled skies. While winter brings a blanket of snow and temperatures that can plunge well below freezing, the camping season showcases the region at its finest, with comfortable days ideal for hiking and nights cool enough for cozy sleeping.
ElevationNestled in the gentle rolling terrain of Minnesota's famed lake country, Onegume rests at the comfortable low elevation characteristic of the northern forests. This accessible landscape creates an ideal setting where families of all ages and abilities can explore with ease, from lakeside strolls to woodland adventures.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a natural sanctuary where paper birch trees shimmer like silver sentinels and majestic red pines create a living cathedral overhead. Eleven coveted lakefront sites offer front-row seats to nature's daily performance on Little Cut Foot Sioux Lake, where morning mist dances across the water and sunset paints the sky in brilliant hues. Each campsite provides its own private woodland retreat, with natural spacing that ensures both shade and solitude while maintaining easy access to the water's edge.
Geological RegionDeep in the heart of the Chippewa National Forest, Onegume Campground showcases the breathtaking beauty of Minnesota's northern lake country. This remarkable ecosystem, carved by ancient glaciers and nurtured by countless seasons, supports an incredible diversity of wildlife. Keep your binoculars handy - the haunting call of loons echoes across the water, while osprey dive for fish and majestic bald eagles soar overhead. The surrounding forest of birch and red pine creates a living mosaic that changes with each season, offering visitors an ever-evolving canvas of natural wonder in one of the Midwest's most treasured landscapes.
Advertisement
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible vault toilets and a half-mile accessible trail leading to the nearby Cut Foot Sioux Visitor Center. Some campsites are also labeled as accessible, though issues with specific sites have been noted by users.
Sites SizeMost campsites are described as large, with the ability to accommodate RVs up to 38 feet in length. Some users specifically mention spacious and well-maintained sites, with one noting, "The sites are large and generally well maintained."
Sites PrivacyPrivacy between sites is one of the campground's strong points, as noted in multiple reviews. "Lots of room between sites," one user stated. Another added, "The sites have nice separation and provide privacy."
Total Campsites50 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites #020 and #045 are recommended for larger RVs due to ample space and ease of backing in. Lakeside sites are highly sought after for their views and proximity to the water.
Best CampsitesPopular lakeside sites include #012, #019, and #037, providing water access and privacy.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 consecutive days for all campsites.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Single occupancy per camping unit. Large sites allow double occupancy with additional fee.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is divided into loops with diverse sites: lakeside, wooded, and open areas. Most sites include picnic tables and fire rings.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season begins May 6th, 2025. Reservations only available through September 26th, 2025. October 13th, 2025 is the closing date for first-come, first-served camping.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov, mobile app, or contact center. Scan & Pay applies for first-come, first-serve sites.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability begins September 27th, 2025, after the reservation window closes.
Cancellation PolicyScan & Pay system is non-refundable. Advanced reservations incur $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of first night’s fees if canceled after 12:00 am the day before check-in.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Onegume offers a wide variety of activities, including fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, birding, and mountain biking. Little Cut Foot Sioux Lake provides excellent fishing and is easily accessible from the campground, with an accessible fishing dock and fish cleaning station. Hiking and biking are facilitated by nearby trails such as the Simpson Creek Trail and Cut Foot Sioux National Recreation Trail. Wildlife viewing, including sightings of loons, ospreys, and bald eagles, is another highlight. One reviewer summed it up as "a hidden gem for camping and getting away from life's worries."
Hiking
The area surrounding Onegume provides access to miles of trails, including the Simpson Creek Trail and the Cut Foot Sioux National Recreation Trail. These are suitable for hiking, horseback riding, and birding. "The Simpson Creek Trail across the highway bridge is an excellent hike through the forest (and bog) and could be bikable if you are in good bike shape," one user noted.Fishing
Fishing is a standout activity, especially during Minnesota's season opener. Little Cut Foot Sioux Lake and the adjacent Lake Winnibigoshish offer trophy muskie, walleye, and perch fishing. The campground features an accessible fishing dock and fish cleaning station. Reviews often highlight fishing as a major draw, with one user saying, "Good fishing, nice campground."Swimming
There is no designated swimming beach, but campers often swim near the fishing dock. "No swimming beach, but that didn’t stop them," a user mentioned. Another added, "We even did cannonballs off of the fishing dock (highly recommend)."Biking
The trails in the area provide excellent opportunities for mountain biking. The Simpson Creek Trail, in particular, is noted as being bikable for those in good shape.Boating
Boating is a popular activity on Little Cut Foot Sioux Lake, with a few boat slips and easy access to the water. "Nice to have a lake site for beaching boat," one reviewer commented.Wildlife viewing
The scenic forest and lake provide opportunities to view waterfowl and birds of prey, including loons, ospreys, and bald eagles. One reviewer said, "The lake is home to a variety of waterfowl and birds of prey."Cultural and Educational Programs
The nearby Cut Foot Sioux Visitor Center offers interpretive displays, educational programs, and area information. A half-mile accessible trail connects the campground to the center.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are described, but snow and cold temperatures are prevalent in the area during winter months.Water Sports
Kayaking and canoeing are popular water sports for campers. "Bring a boat, or kayaks like we did," noted a user.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires must be extinguished when vacating the site. Fireworks are prohibited.
- Quiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM. Generators cannot be operated during these hours.
Hazards
General hazardsBlack bears are present in the area. Mosquitoes can be severe, especially during summer evenings. Campers must ensure proper food storage to avoid attracting wildlife.
Active alertsFirewood must be sourced locally to prevent invasive species. Bundled firewood is no longer sold at the campground.
Weather forecast
33
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 89%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 11.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services include Deer River Hospital, approximately 18 miles away, and Deer River Police Station. There are also ranger stations within Chippewa National Forest.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season: May 6th, 2025 - September 26th, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available, but no specific recycling facilities or pickup schedules are mentioned. One reviewer noted that dumpsters were sometimes overflowing.
Proximity to water featuresLocated on Little Cut Foot Sioux Lake, which provides direct boat access to Lake Winnibigoshish. The area includes a fishing pier and small beach.
Common complaintsComplaints include lack of showers, unreliable electrical hookups, and poor camp host interactions. Some campers report issues with overflowing dumpsters and maintenance delays.
HostCampground hosts vary in reviews from being helpful and welcoming to complaints of rudeness or lack of presence.
Campground Map
1235 DIVISION ST.
Driving directionsOnegume is located on MN State Highway 46, approximately 18 miles northwest of Deer River, Minnesota.
Access via a paved road on MN State Highway 46, also known as Avenue of the Pines Scenic Byway. Road conditions are good, but travelers should note seasonal closures or local road conditions during inclement weather.Nearby places
Deer River, MN: 18 miles northwest, approximately 25-minute drive.
Nearby supplies
A small convenience store is located within a few miles of the campground, and several nearby resorts offer ice cream and other treats. Larger grocery stores and supplies can be found in Deer River, MN.
Camper Reviews
4.4
119 reviews
Onegume is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
The overall sentiment around Onegume Campground is highly positive, with an average rating of 4.18 for the campground. Campers appreciate the site's privacy, cleanliness, and proximity to outdoor activities. However, issues such as the lack of showers, unreliable electricity, and inconsistent camp host experiences have been noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 119 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers highlight the privacy between sites, excellent fishing opportunities, and well-maintained facilities. "If you are looking to disconnect and get away and not have your neighbor right next to...
Based on 119 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The most common complaints include the lack of showers and flush toilets, inconsistent camp host behavior, and occasional maintenance issues. "No firewood. Bathrooms dirty. Electric outlets don't...
Based on 119 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing bug spray, as mosquitoes can be a nuisance. They also suggest making reservations early to secure lakefront sites and preparing for limited cell service. "Don't forget the...
Based on 119 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular season, with campers enjoying the lake and trails. Mosquitoes can be a problem during this time, and evenings are best spent around the fire. Winter is less accessible due...
Based on 119 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"If they had a shower house, it would be perfect." "No swimming beach, but we did take a dip near the fishing pier as many people did." "The sites have nice separation and provide privacy. The...
Based on 119 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #45 is suitable for a 26' trailer and offers sunny and shaded spots. Site #38 is noted for being long, narrow, and better suited for a tent or small camper. Lakefront sites are considered the...
Based on 119 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
The campground includes accessible vault toilets and a trail to the visitor center. However, some accessible sites have been criticized for being difficult to maneuver, like Site #48, which was...
Based on 119 reviewsShow more
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but must be leashed at all times. Some campers have complained about dogs barking at night. "There was constant barking off in the distance like someone locked their pet in a camper...
Based on 119 reviewsShow more
Last updated November 24, 2025
Advertisement