Huntersville Forest Campground

- 35550 Campsite Dr, Menahga, MN 56464

For Minnesotans seeking a genuine, unplugged wilderness experience, the Huntersville Forest Campground offers a return to the roots of state-forest camping. Situated deep within the sprawling beauty of the Huntersville State Forest near Menahga, this campground is celebrated by locals for its deliberately primitive atmosphere. It is the perfect antidote to the high-tech, full-service RV park, providing a quiet, wooded retreat where the natural soundtrack of the forest replaces the hum of generators.

This is a place of tradition for many families, including those with Finnish heritage in the region, who value its simplicity and natural setting. The campground serves as a prime access point to the legendary Crow Wing River, making it an essential destination for those who love to fish, canoe, or, most famously, enjoy a leisurely day of tubing down the river's clear waters. Its rustic nature—lack of electric hookups, minimal plumbing, and spotty cell service—is precisely what defines its appeal for those looking to truly disconnect and connect with nature.

Huntersville Forest Campground, often referred to as Huntersville Forest Landing Campground, is a key component of the recreational offerings within the State Forest, which is managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). While some older or neighboring campgrounds in the area may have transitioned to private outfitter basecamps, the established Huntersville Forest Campground continues to offer first-come, first-served sites for rustic camping, embodying the low-impact, high-nature experience many local users crave. It’s a setting that invites multi-generational families to gather and build lasting Minnesota memories.

The commitment to a primitive setting means that visitors must embrace self-reliance and the unpredictable charm of the Northwoods. While the overwhelming majority of visitors cherish this rustic charm, the campground's simplicity means that user experience can sometimes depend on the respectful behavior of fellow campers, a testament to the fact that maintaining this beautiful wild space is a community effort.

Huntersville Forest Campground is nestled deep in the forest approximately 12 miles southeast of Park Rapids, and is officially associated with the nearby community of Menahga, MN. It is a true forest destination, requiring travel on local roads within the Huntersville State Forest.

The campground is centrally located within the 33,963 acres of the State Forest, which spans both Wadena and Hubbard Counties. Its strategic position on the scenic Crow Wing River ensures excellent accessibility for water-based activities. The address—35550 Campsite Dr, Menahga, MN 56464, USA—places it in a beautiful, forested landscape that provides a secluded escape, yet it remains close enough to Menahga and Park Rapids for essential supply runs.

Accessing the campground typically involves navigating paved roads followed by well-maintained gravel or dirt roads within the State Forest. Local users planning their trip should be prepared for the final few miles to be an unpaved forest experience. Crucially, its location offers direct access to a carry-in site on the Crow Wing River, a designated State Water Trail known for its clear water and sandy beaches, making it a perfect launch point for paddlers.

The services at Huntersville Forest Campground are intentionally minimalist, reflecting its designation as a primitive, rustic State Forest campground. The focus is on providing the essentials needed for a traditional camping experience.

• No Electric Hookups: Campsites are non-electric, ensuring a quiet, generator-free camping atmosphere.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is typically available from hand pumps or a well on-site.
• Vault Toilets: Basic, latrine-style vault toilets are provided for sanitation, often available year-round.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each cleared campsite includes a picnic table and a metal fire ring or grate.
• First-Come, First-Served: Campsites are generally offered on a non-reservable, first-come, first-served basis, maintaining flexibility for local spontaneous trips.
• River Access: A designated carry-in access point allows campers to easily launch canoes, kayaks, and inner tubes into the Crow Wing River.
• Garbage Cans: Trash receptacles are available, though campers are always encouraged to minimize waste and follow 'pack-it-in, pack-it-out' principles.

The true highlights of Huntersville Forest Campground are its natural surroundings and the wealth of recreational opportunities afforded by its location within the State Forest.

• Crow Wing River Tubing and Canoeing: The campground is legendary among locals for its access to the Crow Wing River. This section of the river is known for its clear, clean water, sandy bottom, and perfect flow for tubing, canoeing, and kayaking. Outfitters are often nearby to assist with shuttle services.
• Huntersville State Forest Trails: The surrounding forest boasts an extensive network of trails, including over 150 miles of logging trails available for hiking and nature exploration. The forest also features designated trails for Off-Highway Motorcycles (OHM) and Off-Road Vehicles (ORV), offering diverse experiences for different enthusiasts.
• Fishing: The Crow Wing River and nearby bodies of water offer excellent fishing opportunities for species like Walleye, Northern Pike, and Bass.
• Seclusion and Scenery: Sites are often described as well-cleared and naturally screened by forest growth, offering a good degree of privacy and a peaceful, deep-woods atmosphere.
• Finnish Heritage Connection: The area holds a special historical and cultural significance for local families of Finnish descent, adding a layer of regional heritage to the camping experience.

As a State Forest campground, management is handled through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), though a local phone number is often provided for immediate area inquiries.

Address: 35550 Campsite Dr, Menahga, MN 56464, USA

Phone: (218) 699-7251

For more detailed information on reservations (if applicable) or for State Forest regulations, local users should contact the nearest DNR office or check the official Minnesota DNR website.

Huntersville Forest Campground is an ideal and suitable destination for Minnesotans because it perfectly aligns with the state's rugged, outdoor-loving culture. It provides a highly valued, affordable, and accessible option for traditional, non-electrified camping. For the local family, this site is not just a place to pitch a tent; it is a vital recreational basecamp.

The ability to effortlessly transition from a peaceful wooded campsite to a river adventure via tubing or canoeing on the Crow Wing River is a unique and celebrated local highlight. Furthermore, its location within the Huntersville State Forest makes it a hub for a variety of year-round activities—from summer hiking and riding forest trails to potential winter snowmobiling access. This campsite embodies the simplicity and natural beauty that many local Minnesotans seek when they need a true Northwoods getaway, offering a chance to escape modern distractions and reconnect with family and the land, often across multiple generations.

Huntersville Forest Campground

35550 Campsite Dr, Menahga, MN 56464, USA