Winnie Campground
4.0743 reviews417 Forestry Drive, Blackduck, MN 56630, USA
Winnie Campground
$16.00 - $16.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
The nightly fee for reserving a Standard Nonelectric campsite during the peak season (May 9 to September 1) is $16. Additional fees may apply for reservation services and modifications.
About this campground
Escape to the tranquil shores of Lake Winnibigoshish where Winnie Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. Tucked away on the western edge of this magnificent 67,000-acre lake within the Chippewa National Forest, this remote sanctuary offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and natural beauty. Days here unfold with endless possibilities – cast your line into the abundant waters, paddle along pristine shorelines, explore forest trails, or simply settle in to watch eagles soar overhead. While amenities remain purposefully simple with vault toilets and hand-pumped water, the real luxury lies in the untouched wilderness that surrounds you.
Winnie Campground primarily offers rustic camping options with emphasis on tent and RV camping. Sites accommodate different needs, including large sites suitable for groups.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms this northern retreat into a sun-drenched paradise where warm days invite endless outdoor adventures, though afternoon thunderstorms occasionally roll across the lake, bringing dramatic skies and refreshing coolness. The lush environment comes with its own wilderness reality – mosquitoes and biting flies thrive in the mid-summer months, making insect protection essential for comfortable camping. These minor inconveniences fade quickly when you're watching sunset paint the lake in golden hues or listening to loons call across the still morning water.
ElevationElevation details are not provided in source materials.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a cathedral of towering red and white pines that have stood sentinel along these shores for generations, their ancient branches creating a natural canopy over your campsite. Select sites reward early arrivals with coveted lake views where morning mist dances across the water. This pristine ecosystem serves as nature's amphitheater – bald eagles patrol the skies while haunting loon calls echo across the water at dusk. The interplay of forest and lake creates countless vignettes of natural beauty, from sun-dappled forest floors to moonlit waters that stretch to the horizon.
Geological RegionNestled within Minnesota's legendary Chippewa National Forest, Winnie Campground showcases the region's stunning boreal landscape where ancient glaciers carved out what would become Lake Winnibigoshish – affectionately known as 'Big Winnie' to locals. This ecological wonderland spans 67,000 acres of pristine waters surrounded by dense forests of majestic red and white pines. The lake's remarkably irregular shoreline creates countless hidden coves and peninsulas, making it one of Minnesota's most biodiverse aquatic ecosystems and a cornerstone of the state's natural heritage.
Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets and picnic areas are listed as accessible. However, detailed accessibility reviews and features like wheelchair ramps are not explicitly mentioned.
Sites SizeSites vary in size, with some being very large and suitable for groups. Specific reviews note: 'Outside loop lots are pretty large, very long' and 'Huge lakeside sites.'
Sites PrivacyThe campground offers a mix of private and lakeside sites. User reviews state: 'Very private lots' and 'Quiet campground with privacy for individual sites.'
Total Campsites33 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites located closest to the lake are praised for their views and privacy. Non-shore sites are described as smaller with limited space.
Best CampsitesLakefront sites are highly recommended for their views and privacy.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not explicitly stated in source materials.
Check-out
Not explicitly stated in source materials.
Stay Limit
Not explicitly stated in source materials.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Fee includes one camping unit per site. Additional units will incur extra fees.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are arranged in a loop with some very large sites suitable for groups. Lakefront sites offer the best views and privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 9 to September 1, 2025. Reservations begin June 24, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov and affiliated platforms.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites may be available outside the reservation season, but specific details are not provided.
Cancellation PolicyNo refunds, modifications, cancellations, or fee changes allowed with Scan & Pay payments. Late cancellations for reserved campsites will incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's fees.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Winnie Campground provides diverse recreational activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, and biking. The 67,000-acre Lake Winnibigoshish is a highlight for fishing enthusiasts, offering opportunities to catch walleye, perch, and muskie. A boat ramp and harbor are conveniently located near the campground. Hiking and biking trails meander around the lake and its 141 miles of shoreline. Hunting areas are also accessible in the surrounding forest. User reviews vary, with some praising the activities and others noting limitations. One review stated, 'Amazing campground. Rustic and remote,' while another mentioned, 'There isn't much to do if you don't have a boat.'
Hiking
The campground offers access to hiking trails that wind around the lake and forest area. Specific details like trail difficulty levels or lengths are not provided.Fishing
Lake Winnibigoshish is renowned for its trophy muskie fishing and ample opportunities to catch walleye and perch. However, some reviews note difficulties, such as 'Fishing was terrible. The only thing biting were the biting flies.'Biking
Biking trails are available around the lake's extensive shoreline. User reviews generally praise the biking options, with one stating, 'We loved being able to bike all around the campground.'Boating
Boating is a popular activity at Lake Winnibigoshish, supported by a boat ramp and harbor adjacent to the campground. Some users noted that boaters cannot beach their boats directly in front of campsites due to the boulder-lined shoreline.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.Water Sports
Boating, fishing, and other water-related activities are available on Lake Winnibigoshish.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted in designated rings. Firewood must be sourced locally to avoid invasive species.
- Quiet hours are User reviews indicate issues with noise compliance from generators and loud groups, but official quiet hours are not stated.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes and biting flies are prevalent during the summer months. User reviews mention active black bear sightings and challenges with wildlife. Some mention falling trees as potential hazards.
Weather forecast
67
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 38%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 9.6 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are likely in Cass Lake, MN, 25 miles from the campground, including a bank, grocery and hardware stores, a movie theater, and a museum. Specific hospitals or ranger stations are not detailed.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 9, 2025 - September 1, 2025
Trash and recyclingRecycling services are available on-site. Trash disposal methods are not explicitly detailed in authoritative sources.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground features direct access to Lake Winnibigoshish, a 67,000-acre lake known for fishing and boating. Shorelines near campsites consist of boulders, limiting beaching of boats.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include noise from generators and large groups, lack of a campground host, unmowed grass, poor maintenance of tent pads, and biting insects.
HostNo campground host available, confirmed by user reviews.
Campground Map
417 Forestry Drive, Blackduck, MN 56630, USA
Driving directionsTake Highway 2 six miles east of Cass Lake. Turn north on County Road 10 and drive two miles to County Road 91. Turn right onto County Road 91 and continue for just over three miles, to Forest Road 2171. Drive six miles northeast on Forest Road 2171 to Forest Road 2168, then four miles south to the campground.
The campground is accessible by paved roads until the final stretch, which consists of forest roads. Some user reviews mention difficulty following directions, indicating navigation challenges. Seasonal conditions could affect road accessibility.Nearby places
Cass Lake, MN: 25 miles west (approximately 40 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Supplies including groceries, hardware, restaurants, and other essentials can be found in Cass Lake, MN, 25 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.1
43 reviews
Winnie Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Winnie Campground are mixed, with some praising its natural beauty and peacefulness, while others criticize maintenance and noise issues. Positive sentiments include 'Quiet, secluded, beautiful' and 'Nice sites with lake views.' Complaints often focus on issues such as unmowed grass, lack of a campground host, and generator noise.
Review Summaries
Based on 43 reviews
What Campers Love
The campground's scenic location, privacy, and large campsites are frequently highlighted in reviews. One user stated, 'Love this campground. Like the size of the campsites and the privacy they...
Based on 43 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include unmowed grass, lack of running water, absence of a campground host, and noise disturbances from generators and loud groups. One review noted, 'No host so people were doing...
Based on 43 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users advise future campers to bring mosquito repellent, lawn-cutting tools, and prepare for a rustic experience without running water or flush toilets. One camper suggested, 'Bring a lawnmower.'
Based on 43 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that midsummer can be bug-heavy, while cooler weather in early or late-season reduces mosquito activity. Thunderstorms and rain are noted as common in summer months.
Based on 43 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Best campground on earth!' 2. 'Vault toilets are clean, but far from some campsites.' 3. 'Our spot was perfect to accommodate our pooch.' 4. 'Lots of bugs. Mosquitos were bad and the biting flies...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Specific campsite reviews include: - Site 026: Praised for size but criticized for dock placement by one user. - Site 017: Complaints about noise and lack of firewood availability. - Site 013:...
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Accessibility Features
Accessibility reviews are sparse, but vault toilets and picnic areas are noted as accessible in official descriptions.
Based on 43 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and some users have shared positive experiences, such as 'Our spot was perfect to accommodate our pooch.' However, issues like unleashed dogs are also highlighted in negative...
Based on 43 reviewsShow more
Last updated August 10, 2025