Chase Point Campground, Bigfork, MN

Introduction / Overview

When the urge to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in Minnesota’s legendary Northwoods takes hold, Chase Point Campground is a premier destination. Located within the breathtaking boundaries of Scenic State Park near Bigfork, this campground provides an exceptional blend of modern convenience and pristine wilderness. Chase Point is one of two drive-in campgrounds in the park, and it is particularly favored for its expansive size, its significant number of electric sites suitable for RVs, and its close proximity to the park office and the famous Chase Point Trail. Situated on a hill above the shimmering Coon Lake, the campground offers elevated views and a unique atmosphere beneath a towering canopy of old-growth white and red pines. Since its establishment, Scenic State Park has been a guardian of Minnesota’s natural heritage, preserving acres of virgin timber and stunning lake shoreline. Chase Point Campground embodies this commitment, offering a well-maintained, welcoming, and deeply tranquil environment for all visitors looking to experience the true beauty of Itasca County.

Location and Accessibility

Chase Point Campground is perfectly positioned to serve as a gateway to the adventure and quiet solitude of northern Minnesota. It is located seven miles east of the small town of Bigfork on Scenic Highway 7 (also County Road 7), placing it comfortably off the beaten path while remaining straightforward to navigate. The full address places it within the Scenic State Park boundary: Bigfork, MN 56628, USA. This location makes it an essential stop along the region’s scenic drives and places it conveniently close to the park's key facilities, including the main office, where you can check in, browse the gift shop, and rent recreational equipment. For RV and trailer enthusiasts, the campground’s access roads and the availability of multiple pull-through sites in the Chase Point loop make maneuvering larger vehicles notably easier. Though the setting is deeply forested, accessibility is a priority, ensuring that a stunning Northwoods escape is within reach for all Minnesota locals.

Services Offered

Chase Point Campground provides a semi-modern camping experience, offering the amenities required for a comfortable stay while keeping the focus firmly on the natural surroundings. The cleanliness and maintenance of the facilities are regularly praised by visitors, ensuring a pleasant and worry-free stay.

Campsite Varieties: The Chase Point loop offers a total of 69 drive-in campsites. This includes a significant number of electric hookup sites (21 sites), many of which are pull-through, catering primarily to RVs and trailers, in addition to non-electric tent camping sites.
Sanitary Facilities: Clean, well-maintained comfort stations are available, featuring both flush toilets and hot showers. Flush toilets and showers in the Chase Point campground are typically available from the fishing opener in May until early October.
Water and Waste: Accessible potable water sources (including well water pumps) are available, along with a convenient sanitary dump station for RVers.
Campsite Amenities: Every drive-in campsite includes a picnic table and a fire ring for cooking and campfires. Firewood and ice are often available for purchase at the park office or from the camp host.
Recreational Rentals: Canoe, kayak, and fishing boat rentals are available at the park office, located near the campground, providing easy access to water sports on Coon Lake.
Group and Primitive Sites: The park also offers group camp facilities, as well as primitive boat-in and backpack campsites for those seeking a more isolated, deep-wilderness experience.
Visitor Support: A small gift shop is available at the park office for essentials and souvenirs.

Features / Highlights

What sets Chase Point Campground apart are the unique natural and historical features it allows visitors to access, blending outdoor activity with magnificent scenery and regional history. It is a genuine highlight of the Minnesota State Park system.

The Chase Point Trail: This is the park’s most impressive and popular feature. The trail runs along a stunning, narrow esker—a geological ridge formed by an ancient river flowing beneath a glacier—that extends into the lake, offering incredible, elevated views of both Coon and Sandwick Lakes.
Waterfront Boardwalk and Docks: A charming boardwalk runs along the edge of Coon Lake below the campground, featuring multiple docks that are perfect for fishing, mooring a canoe or kayak, or simply watching the sunset. This area is a local favorite for a peaceful stroll.
Old-Growth Pines: The entire park, and Chase Point specifically, is noted for its spectacular stands of virgin white and red pines, which create an imposing and beautiful forest environment unmatched in many other parts of the state.
Excellent Water Recreation: Coon Lake and Sandwick Lake provide excellent opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing for Walleye, Northern Pike, Bass, and Panfish. A fish cleaning station is provided for convenience.
Proximity to Park Hub: Being the larger campground, Chase Point is closer to the park office, where the gift shop and informational displays are located, making it convenient for visitors who value quick access to services and information.
Historic CCC Buildings: The park is home to historic log buildings constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s, including the picturesque Historic Lodge, which is available for public use when not reserved.

Contact Information

For reservations, current seasonal hours, or general park information, please use the following contact details. Note that reservations are highly recommended, particularly for the electric sites at Chase Point Campground, and should be made through the Minnesota State Park reservation system.

Address: 56956 Scenic Highway 7, Bigfork, MN 56628, USA (for Scenic State Park)

Phone: (218) 743-3362 (Scenic State Park Office)

Toll-Free Reservations: (866) 857-2757

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For any Minnesota resident seeking a genuine Northwoods camping experience, Chase Point Campground is an unparalleled choice. It perfectly balances the deep, quiet solitude of the northern forests with the necessary comforts that make a family trip enjoyable. As local users, we appreciate a campground that is "well maintained" and offers the variety of activities—swimming, kayaking, and excellent fishing—that define a classic Minnesota summer. The abundance of electric, pull-through sites in the Chase Point loop is particularly appealing for local RV and trailer owners, offering the most comfortable setup for a home away from home amidst the pines. Critically, the proximity to the Chase Point Trail, one of the state's most unique geological features, provides a one-of-a-kind hiking experience. This is not just a place to camp; it's an opportunity to create lasting memories in one of Minnesota's most revered and naturally beautiful state parks. From the clear waters of Coon Lake to the soaring, ancient pines, Chase Point Campground provides the perfect, accessible escape to the true wilderness Minnesotans know and love.