US Forestry Department, Walker, MN

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesotans seeking the quintessential "Up North" camping experience—complete with towering old-growth trees, the call of the loon, and world-class fishing—Stony Point Campground stands as a premier destination. Located on the majestic shores of Leech Lake in the heart of the Chippewa National Forest, Stony Point is a cherished federal campground offering 44 sites designed for both RVs and tent campers. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), this location is renowned for its open, grassy setting surrounded by an impressive old-growth forest of oak, elm, maple, and ash, with some trees reaching over 200 years old. It’s a true haven for outdoor enthusiasts, placing visitors directly on one of Minnesota’s largest and most popular lakes, known for its superb walleye, muskie, and bass fishing. The campground is well-equipped with amenities to ensure a comfortable stay, including electric hookups, flush toilets, hot showers, and a dedicated boat launch. However, as an outdoor facility managed by a federal agency, the operational experience can occasionally be inconsistent. Visitors should be aware that the USFS has planned major infrastructure improvements, including a new well, water system, and electrical upgrades (upgrading sites to 50-amp service), which are scheduled to cause an early closure of the 2025 season (May 9 through August 4, 2025) to allow for necessary construction. This commitment to long-term enhancement is a strong indicator of the agency's dedication to improving the visitor experience for the years to come, with a full return to regular operations expected in the 2026 season. Despite temporary disruptions, Stony Point remains a beloved, well-kept, and spacious choice for local families returning year after year to enjoy the beauty of the Leech Lake area.

Location and Accessibility

Stony Point Campground is strategically located approximately 14 miles east of the popular resort town of Walker, Minnesota, providing the ideal balance of quiet seclusion and convenient access to local amenities. The campground’s official administrative contact office is the Walker Ranger District of the Chippewa National Forest, located at 201 Minnesota Ave E, Walker, MN 56484, USA. The campground site itself is found at 3290 Stony Point Camp Road NW, directly on the shores of Leech Lake. The proximity to Walker means campers are only a short, scenic drive away from restaurants, grocery stores, unique gift shops, and annual festivals, making it easy to resupply or enjoy an evening out. Furthermore, the location is a gateway to some of Northern Minnesota’s most famous recreational corridors. The campground offers direct access points to expansive trail systems that meander around Leech Lake, including the Paul Bunyan State Trail, the Heartland Trail, and the North Country National Scenic Trail, offering miles of hiking and biking for local adventurers. This prime location, deeply embedded in the Chippewa National Forest, ensures an authentic and accessible Northwoods experience for local users.

Services Offered

As a US Forest Service facility, Stony Point Campground provides essential and high-quality services designed for a multi-day stay in the Northwoods:

Campsites: A total of 44 designated campsites, primarily designed for RVs and trailers, with a majority offering electrical hookups (30 amp service, with 50 amp service planned for 2026 upgrades). There is also at least one designated walk-to tent site.
Water and Sanitation: The campground provides potable drinking water, flush toilets, and hot shower facilities for the comfort of its guests.
RV Services: A central sanitary RV dump station is provided on-site for the convenience of recreational vehicle campers.
Boating Access: The facility includes a developed boat access ramp and two boat harbors, as well as dock slips and mooring buoys, allowing easy and protected access to Leech Lake.
Fishing Amenities: A fish-cleaning shed is available, equipped to handle the day's catch from Leech Lake.
Picnic Areas: Dedicated day-use picnic areas are provided for non-camping visitors or for a lakeside lunch.
Reservations: All sites are now reservable, and reservations should be made through the National Recreation Reservation System (Recreation.gov) or by phone.
Accessibility: The facility includes campsites and common areas accessible to people with disabilities.

Features / Highlights

Stony Point's standout features make it a highly desirable destination for Minnesotans looking for a premium outdoor retreat without the resort price tag.

Leech Lake Frontage: The campground is positioned directly on Leech Lake, the third-largest lake in Minnesota (over 112,000 acres), providing stunning views, expansive boating opportunities, and nearly 200 miles of shoreline to explore.
World-Class Fishing: Leech Lake is nationally recognized for its superior fishing, particularly for walleye, muskie, northern pike, and perch, making the on-site boat launch and fish-cleaning house invaluable.
Old-Growth Forest Setting: The campsites are surrounded by an ecologically significant forest of mature oak, elm, maple, and ash trees, creating a quiet, shaded, and aesthetically beautiful environment that defines the Northwoods experience.
Sandy Swimming Beach: A designated, well-maintained sandy beach provides a safe and inviting area for swimming and water play directly from the campground, catering perfectly to families.
Trail Access Hub: The campground acts as an excellent basecamp for accessing major state and national trails, including the Paul Bunyan State Trail, perfect for local cyclists and hikers.
Spacious and Private Sites: Unlike some commercial parks, the sites are generally described as large, spacious, and well-spaced, many backed up to the woods, offering a higher degree of privacy and room for family recreation.

Contact Information

For questions about the campground, including current conditions, operating hours, or the upcoming 2025 construction schedule, please contact the managing office.

Managing Office: Walker Ranger District, Chippewa National Forest

Address: 201 Minnesota Ave E, Walker, MN 56484, USA

Phone: (218) 547-1044

Mobile Phone (Office Line): +1 218-547-1044

Reservations: 1-877-444-6777 or www.recreation.gov

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Stony Point Campground is exceptionally well-suited for local Minnesotans because it delivers an authentic, amenity-rich, and affordable federal land camping experience on a scale that is uniquely Northern Minnesota. For the Minnesota resident, this is a chance to camp directly on the revered Leech Lake—a premier fishing and recreation destination—without the crowds of a private resort. The USFS management ensures the focus is purely on natural beauty, spacious sites, and public access to recreational treasures like the old-growth forest and extensive hiking/biking trails. The combination of electric hookups, hot showers, and a fish-cleaning shed provides the necessary convenience for a comfortable family vacation, while the two on-site boat harbors are a significant benefit for local boat owners. The commitment to infrastructure upgrades (new water and 50-amp electric service planned for 2026) shows a dedication to improving the quality of the stay for future generations of local campers. Although the 2025 season will be shortened due to these essential repairs, the long-term result will be a significantly enhanced, modernized facility. Stony Point Campground is more than just a place to park an RV; it is a gateway to the best of the Chippewa National Forest and a timeless, traditional Minnesota family retreat.