Lodge Campground, Bigfork, MN

Introduction / Overview

For generations of Minnesotans, the call of the Northwoods is an essential part of life. Lodge Campground, nestled within the spectacular natural beauty of Scenic State Park near Bigfork, Minnesota, is a prime example of a classic, reliable northern getaway. Situated directly alongside the picturesque Coon Lake, this campground offers a truly authentic, wilderness-like experience without sacrificing key comforts. The park itself is celebrated for preserving some of the state’s last remaining virgin pines along its shorelines, creating a stunning and peaceful canopy for your camping adventure. The Lodge Campground is often favored for its proximity to the lake, beach, and fishing pier, serving as an ideal basecamp for water recreation and exploration of the unique geological features and abundant wildlife of the area. Whether you're a seasoned camper or looking for a memorable family retreat, this location offers a curated slice of Minnesota's most treasured landscapes.

Location and Accessibility

Lodge Campground is located deep in the heart of northern Minnesota, offering a tranquil escape that feels remote yet remains fully accessible for both local and regional visitors. It is officially part of Scenic State Park, which sits in Itasca County, just seven miles east of the town of Bigfork. The specific location of the campground is indicated by the address: PCCJ+85, Co Hwy 75, Bigfork, MN 56628, USA. County Highway 75 provides the primary access, connecting the park to the wider network of regional highways, including State Highway 7 and State Highway 38, the latter being the scenic “Edge of the Wilderness” Byway. This positioning places the campground conveniently off the main roads, ensuring quiet nights while still being reachable for weekend trips or longer vacations. For those driving from the central or southern metro areas, the journey provides a gradual transition from urban settings into the dense forests and numerous lakes that define this magnificent section of the state. The relatively central location within the park makes it an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the park office, historic structures, and major trailheads.

Services Offered

Lodge Campground is designed to provide a comfortable and functional camping experience. While it maintains a rustic, Northwoods atmosphere, it offers essential amenities that enhance your stay and cater to various camping styles, from tenting to small RVs. The facilities are noted for their cleanliness and accessibility, ensuring a pleasant visit for all park guests.

Camp Sites: A decent selection of sites is available, predominantly open under a canopy of large white pines. Options include both electric and non-electric sites, suitable for tents, RVs, and camper trailers.
Sanitation Facilities: The campground provides access to clean, modern sanitation facilities, including flush toilets. Showers are also available for campers during the peak season (typically Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend).
Potable Water: Easily accessible sources of safe, potable water are available throughout the campground.
Picnic Amenities: Each campsite includes a picnic table and a fire ring for cooking and campfires.
Vehicle Support: A sanitary dump station is available within the park for RV and trailer use.
Accessibility: The campground offers camping sites and facilities that are accessible to people with disabilities.
Park Rentals: Canoe, kayak, and boat rentals are available at the park office, allowing easy access to the water for non-boat owners.
Recreational Gear: A free fishing kit can be checked out at the park office for those who want to cast a line.
Waste Management: Recycling stations are conveniently located next to the dumpsters.

Features / Highlights

The true allure of Lodge Campground lies in its exceptional setting and the wealth of natural and historical features within a short walk or paddle. These highlights make it a truly "scenic" destination, as its park name suggests, and provide endless opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Direct Lake Access: Lodge Campground is the closest drive-in loop to the Coon Lake beach and the public fishing pier. This makes it ideal for families and anyone prioritizing swimming and fishing.
Fishing Opportunities: Coon-Sandwick Lake and the surrounding water bodies are stocked with Walleye, Northern Pike, Bass, and Panfish. Campers have reported great success fishing right off the pier or from a canoe.
Chase Point Trail Access: The park's most popular hike, the Chase Point Trail, is nearby. This trail follows an esker—a unique, long, winding ridge of stratified sand and gravel deposited by a meltwater stream flowing beneath a glacier—that juts out into the lake, offering stunning panoramic views and educational interpretive signs.
Historic Lodge Building: Close to the campground is the Historic Lodge, a magnificent log building constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. It features a stone fireplace and interpretive displays, offering a glimpse into local history and a cozy indoor space.
Pristine Shorelines and Virgin Pines: The area is protected to preserve old-growth white and red pines, creating a breathtaking, towering forest canopy that provides shade and a true Northwoods ambiance.
Canoe-in and Backpack Sites: For the more adventurous, the park offers remote boat-in and backpack campsites, providing a deeply isolated and rewarding wilderness camping experience.
Wildlife Viewing: The remote setting means an abundance of wildlife. Visitors should keep an eye out for otters, beavers, bald eagles, and even the occasional moose.

Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries about seasonal openings, or to contact the park staff, please use the following information. Note that reservations for Minnesota State Park sites are typically managed through the state's reservation system, and early booking is highly recommended, especially for the desirable lakeside and electric sites.

Address: PCCJ+85, Co Hwy 75, Bigfork, MN 56628, USA

Phone: (888) 990-4322

Mobile Phone: +1 888-990-4322

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Lodge Campground at Scenic State Park is more than just a place to pitch a tent—it is a cherished Minnesota institution that offers the quintessential "Up North" experience right in our backyard. For those of us living in the state, this campground represents an accessible, reliable, and deeply rewarding natural retreat. The dual offering of both reliable facilities (flush toilets, showers, electric hookups) and genuine wilderness (virgin pine forest, remote hike-in sites, abundant wildlife) makes it perfect for a wide range of local campers. Whether you are introducing children to fishing off a dock, hiking the famous esker on the Chase Point Trail, or simply seeking a quiet spot beneath the tall pines, Lodge Campground provides the perfect backdrop. As one long-time visitor noted, it’s a "reliable campground with a good selection of sites with varying views." It allows Minnesotans to reconnect with the state’s natural heritage—the clean water, the towering forests, and the quiet solitude—in an environment that is both safe and breathtakingly beautiful. It's a treasured local escape that truly lives up to the name "Scenic."