Gulch Lakes Trailhead for the North Country National Scenic Trail, Laporte, MN

The Gulch Lakes Trailhead and its adjacent primitive campground offer Minnesotans an authentic, unvarnished wilderness experience in the heart of the state's Northwoods. Serving as a crucial access point for the majestic North Country National Scenic Trail (NCNST), this location is a sanctuary for hikers, backpackers, and nature enthusiasts seeking quiet, non-motorized recreation. Situated within the vast expanse of the Paul Bunyan State Forest, this destination is defined by its rugged, hilly terrain, dense pine and hardwood forests, and proximity to a cluster of small, pristine lakes.

Unlike highly developed state park campgrounds, Gulch Lakes is deliberately "primitive," focusing on providing the basic needs for a comfortable stay while keeping the natural environment front and center. It caters to those who appreciate a rustic feel, where the soundtrack of the forest and the call of the loon replace the noise of the city. The area is renowned for its excellent hiking, fishing, and paddling opportunities, offering both challenging trail sections and peaceful lakeside retreats. Recent visitor feedback consistently praises the beautiful lake views and the abundance of natural edibles, such as ripe service berries and blueberries, making it a true foraging and exploration destination.

Gulch Lakes Trailhead and Campground is located deep within the Paul Bunyan State Forest, providing a secluded feel while remaining reasonably accessible for local users. The official address is listed as Unnamed Road, Laporte, MN 56461, USA, which guides visitors to the general area off East Gulch Forest Road.

Access is typically achieved by taking State Highway 200 west from Laporte for approximately two miles, turning south onto State Highway 64, and continuing for about 4.5 miles before turning onto East Gulch Forest Road (a gravel road) for the final two miles to the site. While the journey involves traveling on gravel forest roads, they are generally well-maintained, though travelers pulling trailers should be prepared for typical backwoods conditions. The central location in north-central Minnesota makes it a viable weekend escape, being approximately two to three hours from hubs like St. Cloud, Grand Forks, and Duluth, providing a rapid transition from city life to deep forest solitude.

The trailhead itself offers public access to the NCNST, which is marked by blue rectangle-shaped blazes, linking users to one of America’s longest and most celebrated long-distance footpaths. The nearby campground also acts as a day-use area, featuring a small parking lot for day hikers utilizing the local lake loops and access to the NCNST segment. Importantly, the entire campground and day-use area are located in a game refuge and are designated for non-motorized recreation only, ensuring a quiet, peaceful environment free from ATV noise.

As a primitive facility managed by Lake Bemidji State Park, the services offered at Gulch Lakes Campground are intentionally basic, focusing on minimizing environmental impact and maximizing the wilderness experience:

Campsites: A small number of primitive campsites (approximately 8-14, depending on the source, and a single group site) are available for both tent and small RV camping. Sites are naturally surfaced and spacious.
First-Come, First-Served Basis: All campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis; no advance reservations are taken, encouraging spontaneous visits.
Basic Amenities: Each designated campsite is equipped with a cleared area, a fire ring for campfires, and a picnic table.
Essential Utilities: Vault toilets and garbage cans are provided for convenience. A water spigot provides access to clean drinking water.
Non-Motorized Access: The campground and surrounding day-use area are strictly designated as non-motorized recreation areas (no ATV use).
Self-Pay Station: Fees are typically paid on-site via a self-pay station.
Seasonal Access: The campground is open year-round, accommodating hunters in the fall and snowshoers/cross-country skiers in the winter, although services are most robust during the traditional camping season (May to September).

The appeal of Gulch Lakes lies in its untouched natural qualities and its connection to a major national trail system. Highlights for the local outdoor enthusiast include:

North Country National Scenic Trail Access: The trailhead is a direct gateway to the NCNST, allowing users to hike short loops, such as the circuits around the Gulch Lakes, or embark on multi-day backpacking trips into the extensive trail system that winds through the Paul Bunyan State Forest.
Lake Loops: Excellent hiking options are available, including a loop trail around the two Gulch Lakes, which offers scenic views of the water, challenging ups and downs through the glacial moraine, and a chance to harvest seasonal berries like blueberries and service berries.
Non-Motorized Lake Access: The location offers carry-in water access to the surrounding lakes, including Gulch Lake itself, making it perfect for quiet activities like canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding without the disturbance of motorized boat traffic.
Primitive Fishing: The cluster of small lakes provides opportunities for fishing, appealing to anglers who prefer a quieter, less-pressured fishing environment.
Secluded Camping: With a limited number of sites and the primitive nature of the facilities, the campground offers genuine seclusion and a deep-woods ambiance that is increasingly rare in more popular park systems.
Nature and Wildlife Viewing: The area’s location within the State Forest and a game refuge enhances the opportunity for wildlife viewing and bird watching.

For information on current conditions, trail maintenance, and campground fees, you can reach the managing agency, Lake Bemidji State Park, or the Paul Bunyan State Forest:

Address:

Unnamed Road, Laporte, MN 56461, USA (located in Paul Bunyan State Forest)

Phone for Reservations/Inquiries (Managed by Lake Bemidji State Park):

(866) 857-2757 (General Minnesota State Park/Forest Reservation Line)

Alternative Phone (Paul Bunyan State Forest):

(218) 308-2300

For Minnesota's dedicated outdoor community, the Gulch Lakes Trailhead and Campground represents the ideal low-impact, high-reward destination. Its suitability lies in its primitive nature and its status as a launchpad to a national treasure: the North Country National Scenic Trail. Locals often seek escapes that genuinely reflect the state's rugged beauty, and this location delivers by limiting development and motorized noise.

It serves a dual purpose: providing easily accessible day-use hiking and paddling opportunities, and offering a true backcountry-style camping option where sites are earned on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring it remains less crowded than reservation-heavy parks. Whether you are a dedicated NCNST hiker looking to knock out a segment, an angler seeking a quiet spot to fish the smaller lakes, or a family simply wishing to experience a night of camping under a genuine dark sky, Gulch Lakes offers the chance to slow down, disconnect (though surprisingly, some cell service may be available), and immerse yourself fully in the peaceful, non-motorized wilderness of the great Minnesota Northwoods.