If there’s one thing Minnesotans know how to do, it’s enjoy the outdoors. Our hundreds of campgrounds are a testament to just how much we love being outside. But there’s more to camping than just sleeping under the stars, and Riverway Campground at William O’Brien State Park proves it.
Just an hour northeast of the Twin Cities, this epic campground is great for a weekend trip.
Riverway Campground gives you access to William O’Brien State Park’s 1,653 acres of wildlife.
advertisement
Use your campsite as a home base while you enjoy everything from oak-hickory forests to wetlands to wildflower meadows.
You’ll have access to 12 miles of hiking trails.
When you’re ready to relax, spread out a beach towel on the sandy shores of Lake Alice.
advertisement
advertisement
You can rent a canoe or kayak to paddle the St. Croix River and see the stunning cliffs that line the river.
Try to spot beavers and muskrats along the shores, or white-tailed deer and foxes among the trees.
Pack a picnic lunch to eat under a tall tree or along the riverbanks.
Break out the binoculars and catch a glimpse of one of the dozens of birds that makes its home around the campground.
Watch the leaves change in the fall, or try snowshoeing in the winter.
With so much to do, it may be time to break out the s’mores and pitch a tent a Riverway Campground in William O’Brien State Park. Have you ever camped at this epic campground? What do you like to do there?
In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, it’s not too difficult to find a beautiful body of water among the thousands of Minnesota lakes. All but four Minnesota counties have at least one natural lake. On the flip side, Otter Tail County, Minnesota, has more lakes than any other county in the United States.
advertisement
But where do you go when you’re looking for a place to get away from it all? There are plenty of lakes to choose from, but some are more remote than others. If you want to truly get away from it all, consider a trip to Knife Lake. It’s in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (“BWCAW”) on the Canadian border, not only is Knife the most remote lake in Minnesota, it’s also the most peaceful. To get there, though, you’re going to have to paddle, so make sure you’ve got all the right equipment!
Knife Lake is a huge body of water in the BWCAW along the Minnesota-Ontario border. It covers more than 3,500 acres and has 99 miles of shoreline.
This means that paddling is really the only practical way to reach the lake.
Those that do will find an incredible wilderness area that is miles from any town and hundreds of miles from any major cities. In short, it’s likely the most remote lake in Minnesota.
The scenery in and around this lake is nothing short of spectacular. Huge, thick forests surround the lake. These may make for some difficult portages depending on your route.
Along the way, you may spot some of the many critters that make homes along the lakes.
advertisement
advertisement
There will be birds aplenty, as well as small mammals such as squirrels and rabbits. Larger mammals are also around, though they are much more elusive.
There are also some historic spots in the lake. Dorothy Molter lived on the lake for decades starting in 1934. She became famous for providing root beer to passing paddlers. You can visit Isle of Pines, the island where she lived for 56 years.
You can taste still taste her root beer recipe on a visit to the Dorothy Molter Museum in Ely.
When it comes time to rest, there are many rustic campsites along the lake. You must reserve them in advance at the time your Boundary Waters permits are issued.
At night, your remote location will be underscored by the scene that stretches out above you. Far from any source of light pollution, the night sky above this Boundary Waters lake is the best entertainment you’ll ever find. It is simply spectacular!
All in all, this remote lake is a beautiful destination for those looking to truly get away from it all. With a little legwork and a lot of paddling, you can experience it for yourself!
Check out YouTuber Mark Potaczek’s trip to Knife Lake:
All in all, this remote lake is a beautiful destination for those looking to truly get away from it all. With a little legwork and a lot of paddling, you can experience it for yourself! Have you been to Knife Lake? What are your other favorite Minnesota lakes? Feel free to let us know in the comments or by filling out our nomination form!
If you're searching for some of the best river tubing in Minnesota, look no further. You don't have to be an experienced outdoor enthusiast to appreciate a day on the water, especially when temperatures are warm. One unique campground in Minnesota offers guests the chance to plan lake and river excursions, swimming pool days, camping trips, and nature walks in one wonderful trip. This fun-filled, family-centric destination even has an unbeatable option for tubing along the Rum River. When you're ready to experience the many marvels of being on the water in Minnesota in one convenient stay, round up the family and head out to Country Camping in Isanti, MN.
advertisement
Country Camping is a popular camping spot in east-central Minnesota. Located just 36 miles from the Twin Cities, this top-notch spot sits along Palm Street Northwest in the town of Isanti.
This utterly unique campground certainly lives up to its name. It's tucked away in a quiet, rural part of Isanti County, Minnesota. Surrounding trees and fields offer tranquility to anyone who stays here, so you'll truly have the chance to embrace a "countryside" experience.
Across its 40 beautiful acres, Country Camping features both tent and RV sites. The tent spots here are well-shaded and offer plenty of space to spread out with the entire family in tow.
The campground's RV spots are also quite spacious. Some sites come with full hookups, so you'll have the chance to appreciate the comforts of home while you camp. If you're traveling in a smaller RV, embrace the opportunity to try riverside camping.
As for activities, you'll never have to look far to find something to do at Country Camping. A playground will entice young kids, while parents will find plenty of space from which to observe.
advertisement
advertisement
Indoor activities such as pool, air hockey, and arcade games are ideal for rainy camping days when the great outdoors aren't so easily accessed.
The campground's splash pad is also a hit with young campers when it's hot outside. It's a great way to cool off after a day in the sun and appreciate a dose of pure glee.
The spacious pool is another popular place to cool off. With plentiful poolside seating, this is a lovely spot for families to gather and catch up.
Of course, you simply can't spend time at Country Camping without a visit to the Rum River. Kayaking this slow-moving river is a lovely way to while away a summer afternoon. And Country Camping will provide the rentals, so you don't have to worry about bringing along your own gear.
Kayaks are great, but the most relaxing thing you can do on the Rum River is go tubing.
Guests can arrange with Country Camping for convenient drop-off and pickup at designated sites along the river route.
Trips take between 90 minutes and three hours. This time commitment is well worth it for the chance to unplug and have some fun in the sun. You'll be wondering why it took you so long to float your worries away at Country Camping.
Just don't forget the sun protection! For more information and reservations for some of the best river tubing in Minnesota, check out the Country Camping website. If there's another great outdoor excursion that we should feature in an upcoming article, let us know by leaving a Facebook comment or completing our official nomination form.