Lake Bemidji Campground

The Great Outdoors

A highlight of this RV campground is being surrounded by the Lake Bemidji State Park, which protects a spruce-tamarack bog that was created by a retreating glacier. The area was long inhabited by the Dakota people who fished and hunted around the waters of Lake Bemidji before the Anishinabe settled here. It was a mistaken European pronunciation of their name that resulted in “Bemidji.” There are around 15 miles of hiking trails that access the park’s pine, aspen, and hardwood forests, as well as six miles of paved cycling and mountain biking trails. If you’re visiting during the winter months, it’s also a popular destination for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, while in the summer, fishing and swimming are options. Take note of the rustic-style log shelter building that was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.Campsites at the Lake Bemidji Campground are also on the doorstep of the Chippewa National Forest, which encompasses some of the oldest forests in Minnesota. Trees within the Lost Forty area have been dated to more than 350 years old, while over 3,000 archaeological and historical sites scatter the region. Explore along one of the four scenic byways, which include the Great River Road and the Edge of the Wilderness National Scenic Byway, then admire the beautifully preserved Civilian Conservation Corps buildings of Camp Rabideau. The Chippewa National Forest also boasts hundreds of miles of trails that can be accessed by hikers and mountain bikers.Just under an hour’s drive from the RV park lies the Itasca State Park, which was established in 1891 as Minnesota's first state park. It encompasses the headwaters of the Mississippi River, Lake Itasca, which is a popular destination for catching walleye, northern pike, and bass. Slowly paddle along the shores while spotting migrating birdlife or hit one of the recreational trails, which include a 9.6-mile stretch of the North Country National Scenic Trail. Winter pursuits include ice fishing on Lake Itasca, not to mention snowmobile and cross-country skiing on the park’s well-groomed trails.

Exploring the City

When you’re camping at the Lake Bemidji Campground, you can pick up groceries at one of the supermarkets in Bemidji. There are also numerous gas stations here if you need to fill up your RV rental and a good selection of fast-food restaurants and eateries if you don’t feel like cooking.Bemidji is a destination in itself and renowned for the huge statues of Paul Bunyan (a local lumberjack folk hero) and Babe the Blue Ox. They were built in 1937 as part of a winter carnival and have watched over the city ever since, with the statues now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. If you’re interested in the local history, stop in at the Beltrami County History Center, which occupies a restored Great Northern Depot from 1912. Artifacts and photographs detail the people and events that have shaped the region, from Native American settlements to the modern-day.If you’re traveling with kids, then the Headwaters Science Center makes for an entertaining afternoon, with plenty of hands-on exhibits. It’s dedicated to the worlds of science, technology, engineering, and math, with regular events and programs on the calendar. Bemidji City Park is home to a children’s playground and skate park where they can let off some steam, as well as a disc golf course. Another destination worth exploring is the Bemidji State University, which lies adjacent to Diamond Point Park. Coincide your visit with a home game at Chet Anderson Stadium to experience the campus at its most lively.Whether you want to relax on the shores of Lake Bemidji or explore the city museums, book an RV in Beltrami County and start planning your next vacation.