Campers' Paradise

- 19478 Edgewater Dr, Nevis, MN 56467

Introduction / Overview

For countless Minnesotans, the search for the perfect "Up North" retreat ends at Campers' Paradise. Located in the heart of the state’s beautiful lake country in Nevis, MN, this destination is renowned for offering an authentic, traditional camping experience. What sets it apart is its spectacular location: it is situated entirely on a private 55-acre peninsula, historically known as Goat Island, in the pristine, crystal-clear waters of Lake Belle Taine. Since its founding in 1960 by Chris and Jean Swaggert, the campground has been dedicated to creating a family-focused environment where privacy and nature take center stage.

As many long-time visitors can attest, Campers' Paradise is more than just a place to park an RV or pitch a tent; it’s a living tradition. The reviews speak volumes, with patrons saying, "I am not sure why this place doesn't have 1,000 stars," and noting, "People have been coming here for generations and once you visit, you will see why." The key to its enduring popularity is the thoughtful layout—the campsites are intentionally spread out amongst hundreds of mature trees, ensuring a secluded, peaceful setting that feels a world away from the crowded parks found elsewhere. It is a place where time slows down, allowing families to reconnect over campfires, spend days on the water, and create cherished memories in a stunning, natural environment.

Location and Accessibility

Campers' Paradise is centrally located within Minnesota’s prime vacation territory, specifically at 19478 Edgewater Dr, Nevis, MN 56467, USA. The campground is nestled on a private peninsula that extends into Lake Belle Taine, a large, beautiful lake that is part of the famous Mantrap Chain. Its unique access point is a "long gravel road that turns in to a causeway leading to Goat Island," providing an immediate sense of exclusivity and escape upon arrival.

The location is perfectly suited for a full range of recreation. Lake Belle Taine itself is prized for its excellent water clarity and is a top spot for fishing various species, including walleyes, northerns, bass, and sunfish. Furthermore, the area is a gateway to the region’s extensive trail system, providing easy bicycling access to the nearby Heartland Trail. For campers bringing their own boat, launching is typically done at the Nevis public access, which is required for Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) inspection, before docking the vessel right by a waterfront campsite or in a designated parking spot on the island. While seemingly remote, the charming small towns of Nevis, Akeley, Park Rapids, and Walker are all within a short driving distance, providing access to local attractions and necessary supplies.

Services Offered

The management at Campers' Paradise expertly balances a rustic, back-to-nature atmosphere with modern conveniences essential for a comfortable family vacation:

• Campsite Utilities: Every campsite, regardless of whether it is an interior or lakeside site, is equipped with an electrical hookup (some sites offering 50-amp service). Importantly, the resort focuses on preserving the natural island environment, so individual water and sewer hookups are not provided at the sites. Campers can fill their fresh water tanks at the main bathroom/shower house area.
• Sanitation Services: The campground maintains "very clean and well kept" shower and restroom facilities throughout the island. For RV and trailer owners, a professional tank pumping service visits every Thursday to pump black tanks for a fee, offering a convenient alternative to using the nearest public dump site located in Akeley.
• Retail and Essentials: The small office acts as a hub, complete with a "friendly face behind the desk." Here, guests can purchase key essentials, including ice, firewood (which is restricted from being brought onto the island to prevent DNR concerns), a small selection of groceries, souvenirs, and, of course, ice cream.
• Equipment Rentals: To fully enjoy Lake Belle Taine, the office provides a range of rental equipment, including a pontoon, fishing boats, kayaks, and other watercraft. They also have information for local camper rental places for those who prefer not to tow their own rig or would like a different size camper.
• Diverse Lodging Options: The park accommodates a great variety of camping equipment, including tents, pop-up campers, and RVs, though campers are strongly advised to call ahead to confirm that their specific rig size can be accommodated by the site they intend to reserve. Additionally, the park offers three historic, lakeside log cabins for a different, comfortable type of "camping" experience.

Features / Highlights

The draw of Campers' Paradise comes from its unique features that prioritize privacy, family fun, and lakeside recreation:

• Unrivaled Privacy and Site Layout: The 80 campsites are "thoughtfully spread throughout the island" and are surrounded by "hundreds of mature trees" and natural brush to maximize separation and privacy, which is the cornerstone of the island experience. Even waterfront sites like the reviewed Site 65 have "plenty of trees between sites for privacy."
• Prime Beach and Water Recreation: The main beach area, located behind the office, is a major draw. It features soft, "gorgeous sandy beach" access, a playground, a volleyball court, and "all kinds of fun things," most notably the water trampolines that provide hours of fun for all ages. The water itself is clear and shallow near the shore, making it ideal for young swimmers.
• Boat-Up Convenience: For those staying in a waterfront site, the convenience is unparalleled. Campers with a boat can bring their vessel "right up to our site," allowing for immediate water access throughout the day.
• Nostalgic Entertainment: The campground features a small arcade that is a hit with kids and adults alike. Reviewers highlight the "fun games" and that they are the classic kind "that you can actually play until you win," fostering a fun, retro atmosphere reminiscent of family trips in the 1980s.
• Heartland Trail Proximity: Located near the island, the Heartland State Trail offers a safe and scenic corridor for bicyclists and walkers, making it easy to enjoy the natural beauty and cover significant distances to explore the local towns.

Contact Information

Given the campground's highly sought-after nature and unique reservation policies, contacting the office directly is always the best approach. Prospective campers are advised to note the two key phone numbers for reservations and inquiries.

Address:

Campers' Paradise

19478 Edgewater Dr,

Nevis, MN 56467, USA

Phone:

Summer Phone: (612) 799-6329

Off-Season / Reservation Specialist: +1 763-477-5401

Reservations are typically required well in advance, and payment is accepted by check or cash only. Those seeking to book a lakeside site should be aware that a six-day minimum stay is required, and these spots are highly competitive.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Campers' Paradise is the embodiment of the idealized Minnesota lake vacation, making it profoundly suitable for locals. Its legacy as a multi-generational, family-run campground means it understands and delivers on the core values Minnesotans seek in a summer retreat: a connection to pristine nature, a strong sense of community, and the simple joy of outdoor life. The challenge of getting a reservation—as "it is difficult to get in to"—is a testament to its value, indicating that once a family discovers the paradise of Goat Island, they tend to make it a cherished annual tradition.

The private, tree-lined sites, the "crystal clear" waters of Lake Belle Taine, and the clean, modern facilities ensure comfort without compromising the wilderness feel. It provides a rare opportunity for local families to truly unplug, with kids "riding their bikes all over like we were back in 1980," while enjoying the dedicated recreational features like the water trampolines and arcade. For Minnesotans, Campers' Paradise offers a return to the simplicity and magic of traditional 'Up North' camping, a truly stunning environment that goes on for days and fosters the creation of priceless family memories.

Campers' Paradise

19478 Edgewater Dr, Nevis, MN 56467, USA