Two Inlets State Forest
RV Guide
Introduction
Are you looking for the perfect getaway in northern Minnesota? Because then Two Inlets State Forest could be the ideal destination to enjoy beautiful nature. Get your family together to camp at the Hungryman Lake Campground and Day Use Area.
Here you can spend your days swimming, picnicking, fishing, and exploring nature on your ATV. The Two Inlets Trail has over 27 miles of snowmobile trails which give adventurers a unique perspective on the countryside during winter. During hunting season, many hunters flock to the area to hunt deer, ruffer grouse, and other small game. There are also many places to hike, ride bikes, fish, or watch wildlife during the summer months.
In particular, the Two Inlets Lake is a popular swimming and fishing destination. There is a dock and a boat ramp to lower your own vessel and explore the beautiful surroundings. You can grab yourself a canoe and spend the day on Cedar Lake, Hungryman Lake, or Two Inlets Lake. All three have unique views and surroundings.
The landscape around the campground features gently rolling hills and forests which used to be farmed. The soil, however, was deemed unproductive, so the land got the opportunity to return back to jack pine and aspen wilderness. Now its a great place for a family holiday and a place to be in nature. There are 14 drive-in campsites which are large enough to accommodate most campervans, RVs, and tents.
RV Rentals in Two Inlets State Forest
Transportation
Driving
Two Inlets State Forest is located a short distance from Park Rapids in Minnesota. This State Forest covers a massive area of over 26,000 acres, so vehicles are the only way to get around all areas of the park. There are plenty of paved roads crossing the park, which provide ample exploration and driving opportunities in the summer. Winter time brings a lot of snow, so the campground closes for the winter, only having access for snowmobiles. If you need to purchase any necessities, there are several towns nearby including Park Rapids, Osage, and Ponsford. The campsites are mostly compact gravel, with sufficient space to drive through with campervans, trailers, and RVs.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Two Inlets State Forest
Campsites in Two Inlets State Forest
First-come first-served
Hungryman Lake Campground and Day-Use Area
The Hungryman Lake Campground and Day Use Area is located in the northern part of the Two Inlets State Forest. It is managed by the Itasca State Park and provides a great starting place for visitors to enjoy hiking, boating, and fishing opportunities.
There are 14 campsites located on pine-covered shores of Hungry Man Lake. The campground has minimal facilities with vault toilets, garbage cans, and drinking water. Each campsite is a cleared area in the pine woodlands with a fire ring, and a picnic table. They are first-come, first-served, so make sure to get there early to claim your spot.
The campground allows pets and is open during the peak season. All the sites are ADA-accessible. The pine trees will enable you to enjoy the idyllic nature without interference from other guests. If you are only interested in visiting for the day, then there is a parking section for visitors and two picnic tables.
Seasonal activities in Two Inlets State Forest
In-Season
Boating
If you wish to bring your boat for a day out on the water, Two Inlets State Forest has several lakes you can explore. There is boat access provided for Hungryman, Cedar, and Two Inlets Lakes. There is a public boat launch with plenty of parking for your car and trailer, available free of charge.
Two Inlets Lake is the perfect size that it's not too big for the wind to create massive waves or too small to run out of places to explore. There are plenty of bays and islands where you and your family will lose yourself in the stunning nature.
No jet skis are allowed on the lakes, so you get to enjoy the tranquility of nature without the loud water craft. The nearby Two Inlet resort also provides paddle boat, kayak, paddle board, or canoe rentals available for guests.
Swimming
Cedar Lake, Hungryman Lake, and Two Inlets Lake are all popular destinations for all sorts of water activities. These three lakes in Two Inlets State Forest are all great options for swimming in the warm summer months. Combine your days picnicking and playing on the banks with a refreshing dip in one of the lakes. There is easy access from the shore and shallow areas perfect for children to play in. Most of the areas are not supervised, so make sure to keep a close eye on your kids.
Fishing
Each of the three lakes provides a slightly different habitat inviting different types of fishing. Two Inlets Lake has a clarity of around six feet which makes fish eager to bite even in daylight hours. There are many structures and extensive weed growths where game fish enjoy foraging. Make sure to check around the islands, inlets, humps, flats, and bays.
The lake has a good population of walleyes since they're added both through artificial stocking and extensive natural reproduction. The best time to catch them is in the last week of May and early weeks of June. There is also a healthy population of northern pike that provide plenty of fishing opportunities for eager anglers. Try early in the mornings or late afternoons for the best catch.
The lake also has a large population of crappies, largemouth bass, sunnies, and bluegills.
So grab your fishing rod out of your rig and head out for a great day on the water or on the shore.
Off-Season
Hiking
Extensive trails are criss-cross Two Inlets State Forest which you and your family can enjoy during the spring, summer, and fall months. There are maps available at the local resorts and campground which can guide your way through the forest. The whole area spans many acres of unspoiled woodland and beautiful hiking trails. Keep an eye out for birds and meandering wildlife. Make sure to grab yourself some bug repellent and mosquito repellent since there are plenty of bugs in the forests. There are also plenty of ticks in these forests, so make sure to check yourself after your walk before you get back in the camper or trailer.
ATVing
There are over 27 miles of snowmobiles and ATV trails available for guests to explore the beautiful natural surroundings of Minnesota. Every year trails are expanding, and the state is adding new paths through the woods for adventurers to explore. If you are an out-of-state rider, you will need to purchase yourself a Minnesota ATV trails pass. ATV riders have the option of powering through the trails and getting their adventure thrills or taking it slow to enjoy the nature around. If you do not have your own ATV, you can rent one out and learn how to ride on a tour.
Snow Sports
February is the absolute best time for snow lovers since the days are longer, temperatures are rising, and there are so many activities one can pursue. The Forest Riders Snowmobile Club takes care of grooming trails in the Two Inlets State Forest. In the last 30 years, the popularity of snow trails has risen, which means over 200 trails have been added. These extensive trails now expand beyond Two Inlets State Forest to the surrounding Itasca State Park, the Paul Bunyan State Forest, Smokey Hills State Forest, and White Earth State Forest.
There are also opportunities to go ice fishing in the lakes, snowshoeing on the snow-covered trails, cross-country skiing, or even dog sledding. The long winters in Minnesota mean there is an absolute abundance of winter-friendly activities in the beautiful State Forests. Grab your warm winter gear out of the campervan and get ready for a fantastic winter holiday.
