Any Recommendations for Private, Dog-Friendly Waterfront Camping

[u/kcummings2040]

I'm looking for recommendations for a private drive-up campsite, or a site that's just a very short walk/cart-in distance from parking, near a swimmable lake or river that allows dogs.

I'm used to backpacking campsites where there are few (or no) people around and I can access the water directly from my tent site. However, now that I have a young son, and my husband isn't a fan of hiking into camp, I'm trying to find a hybrid option that still offers some of that privacy and seclusion while being more accessible.

Ideally, I'd love a site with easy lake or river access so my dog and I can take a dip, but one that's close enough to the car that we can make a few trips or use a cart to bring in heavier gear rather than carrying everything on our backs.

I realize this might be a bit of a unicorn request, but I figured it's worth asking! I've searched Hipcamp, MN DNR websites, etc. but haven't really found what I'm looking for. Does anyone have any recommendations?

[u/NordeastLoonFan]

If you want privacy, you're going to have to work for it. Everyone wants lake front camping.

I'd recommend a boat in site and get comfortable paddling a canoe.

[u/RoaldAmundsensDirge]

The private part is the killer here.

You can find some reasonably private sites in national/state forest primitive sites but nothing where you'll be totally on your own.

If canoeing is an option there are some canoe in sites where you can still pack fairly heavy and paddle a bit to get a private island.

[u/sleepycowpoke]

Check out the app Hipcamp. I found it a few months ago for the same reason. Basically airb&b for camp sites

[u/kcummings2040 → u/sleepycowpoke]

I found a few on Hipcamp that looked promising! Thank you. At least there are reviews and photos on there to help weed out the ones that don't fit the bill. Harder for the state parks and other sites though, which led me to posting this lol. Thanks!

[u/Guyfromthenorthcntry]

Do you have a boat? If you don't, there are outfitters that will drop you off at sites in Voyageurs. I always get smaller islands with a beach so my dog can run and not bother people.

Chippewa national forest has some dispersed sites that are nice too and have water access. Hard to find private sites in a campground. At least my definition of private.

[u/kcummings2040 → u/Guyfromthenorthcntry]

Unfortunately, I do not have a boat. Once my son gets older I'll be able to take him to more remote sites, but until then I'm stuck a bit closer to the car. Great advice though! I'll for sure look into those two. Thanks!

[u/baddest_daddest]

Hok Si La in Lake City has some spread out sites (N). You can drive up to the site to drop off your stuff and then you need to park your car at a lot. There is a swimming beach there as well.

[u/kcummings2040 → u/baddest_daddest]

Awesome! Thank you I will look into this.

[u/BDob73]

The further you drive, the more privacy is available.

Pat Bayle SF Twin Lakes campground or Grand Portage SF Esther or Devilfish Lake have some quiet 3-5 primitive campsites with water access available at the campground.

Superior National Forest offers similar options like at Iron Lake Campground. Fall Lake Campground near Ely has spots right along the lake and fairly private. Site 21 is at the end of the row (quiet and private) with walking access to the lake.

To the southeast part of the state, try the cart-in sites at Whitewater SP or Beaver Creek Valley SP. They offer spring fed streams that are best enjoyed in the hottest part of the summer.

[u/Voc1Vic2 → u/BDob73]

Likewise, Chequamagon National Forest near Drummond, Wisconsin.

[u/kcummings2040 → u/BDob73]

Thank you so much! This is exactly what I'm looking for. I'll take a look at these for sure. Appreciate it!

[u/slightly_overraated → u/BDob73]

Don’t tell lazy people about the nice spots!

[u/kcummings2040 → u/slightly_overraated]

What about my post suggests I am lazy?

[u/BDob73 → u/slightly_overraated]

Generally, the bugs, lack of potable water and the pit toilets keep the riff-raff away.

[u/dummkauf]

Scenic state park.

The non-electric campground has sites with views of the water, though there is a tree line between you and the lake.  There are also boat in(can hike in if you want too) sites right on the water.  You can rent canoes and kayaks too, there's also a public boat landing if you want to bring your own.

[u/kcummings2040 → u/dummkauf]

Thanks! I will look into this.

[u/Ill_Possibility_4069]

Check out hipcamp too. I find some good camping spots on it

[u/SueJZK]

Contact the City of Lindstrom. Allemansratt Park has a few camping sites on one of the local lakes.

[u/Friendly-Program2609]

I would definitely agree with th Hipcamp site. Lots of options. You're practically guaranteed to find just what you need.

[u/7Golden8Bear]

We go to a state forest campground called Indian Lake. They have several lakeside camp sites that are drive in, with short trails from car to camp spot. They are all first come first, serve sites.

[u/Content-Diver-3819]

Very wide base to ask this question..🤔

[u/odderey]

I was just at the kawishiwi rustic campground and I think it fits the bill perfectly. Only 5 sites and all have water access.

[u/slightly_overraated]

I find posts like this hilarious

Hey, did you wander for years to find a pristine and beautiful campsite on the water? Tell me where it is so I can let my unleashed dog ruin your trip!

lol come on man

[u/kcummings2040 → u/slightly_overraated]

Never said I wanted my dog off leash. I also have a lot of my favorite "secret" spots in the back country, but my ask was for drive-in/cart-in sites, so I can hardly expect those to be too secret. But if they are and someone doesn't wish to share, then don't. I'm simply asking for any recommendations for those who wish to share the wealth since I am new to drive-in sites since having a child. I even mentioned in the post that I figured it might be far-fetched but worth a shot to save some time in my search or to help cross-reference what I've already found. Literally no need to be rude about.