Bear Bottoms Watercraft Campsite

For Minnesotans who find their deepest connection to nature on the water, paddling along scenic rivers and seeking truly secluded overnight spots, Bear Bottoms Watercraft Campsite on the Rum River State Water Trail presents an exceptional opportunity. Unlike traditional drive-up campgrounds, Bear Bottoms is designed for the adventurous spirit – those who arrive by canoe or kayak, appreciate minimal facilities, and embrace the peace and quiet of a truly primitive setting. If your idea of camping heaven involves being "off the grid" and immersed in the natural flow of a river, then Bear Bottoms is a destination to consider.

This campsite is not for everyone, and that's precisely its charm. It caters to those who prioritize the experience of paddling and self-sufficiency, offering a raw and authentic connection to Minnesota's waterways. While reviews might be succinct, a simple "Greaaaaaat" speaks volumes about the satisfaction of finding such a unique and untouched spot. This article will explore the distinctive appeal of Bear Bottoms Watercraft Campsite, detailing its location, the unique nature of its services, and the highlights that make it a perfect fit for prepared local paddlers.

Location and Accessibility

Bear Bottoms Watercraft Campsite is situated along the Rum River State Water Trail near Princeton, MN 55371, USA. It is specifically identified as one of two watercraft campsites located between the County Road 13 bridge (near Isanti) and the Highway 95 bridge (near Princeton) on the Rum River. It is approximately at river mile 95.1 (left bank, descending the river). As a watercraft-accessible campsite, its primary mode of access is by canoe, kayak, or other non-motorized boats directly from the river.

This means there is typically no vehicle parking available directly at the campsite itself. Paddlers would put in at designated public access points further upriver (such as those in Isanti or Cambridge, or even Milaca for a longer trip) and paddle downstream to reach the campsite. This unique accessibility ensures a tranquil and uncrowded experience, as only those willing to paddle can reach it. For Minnesotans who love river excursions, this provides a highly convenient and immersive way to experience a multi-day trip on the beautiful Rum River.

Services Offered

As a primitive watercraft campsite, Bear Bottoms offers very limited facilities, adhering to the principles of low-impact camping. Campers are expected to be fully self-sufficient.

• Primitive Campsites: The campsite consists of a designated cleared area suitable for pitching tents. These sites are typically available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• No Fee Charged: At the time of available information, no fee is charged for using these primitive watercraft campsites, making it a very economical option for overnight stays.
• No Facilities: There are no traditional amenities such as restrooms, showers, picnic tables, fire rings (unless primitive rings are already present from previous campers and adhering to "leave no trace" principles), or trash receptacles. Campers must carry in all their supplies and carry out all their waste.
• Human Waste Management: Campers are required to bury human waste at least 6 inches deep and 150-200 feet away from water sources, trails, and campsites, and pack out all toilet paper.
• Firewood: Campers should typically use camp stoves for cooking, as open fires may not be permitted or advisable, and there is no provision for firewood. If fires are allowed, only dead and downed wood should be gathered, and fire rings should be constructed responsibly and fully extinguished. (Note: Some water trail campsites explicitly prohibit fires, so checking current DNR guidelines is crucial).
• Water Source: While the campsite is on the river, the river water is not potable and must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption. Campers are strongly advised to bring their own drinking water.

Features / Highlights

• True Primitive/Watercraft Camping: The defining feature is its nature as a primitive campsite accessible only by water. This offers a genuine wilderness experience for paddlers seeking solitude and a break from developed campgrounds.
• Rum River State Water Trail Access: Being directly on the Rum River provides immediate access to the entire water trail, offering opportunities for extended paddling trips, fishing, and wildlife observation along the river. The Rum River is known for its scenic beauty and varied flow.
• Secluded Setting: Due to its water-only access and primitive nature, the campsite typically offers a high degree of seclusion and quiet, allowing campers to fully immerse themselves in nature.
• Wildlife Viewing: The Rum River corridor is rich in wildlife. Paddlers and campers may observe various bird species (including eagles and waterfowl), deer, and other riparian animals.
• Low-Impact Camping: The very nature of these sites encourages campers to practice strict Leave No Trace principles, fostering environmental stewardship and preserving the natural state of the area. This aligns with the values of many environmentally conscious Minnesotans.
• Overnight Stop on Multi-Day Trips: Bear Bottoms serves as an ideal overnight stop for those embarking on multi-day paddling adventures along the Rum River, providing a designated, albeit primitive, place to rest.
• No Reservations Needed: As a first-come, first-served site, it offers spontaneity for paddlers, allowing them to decide on their stop based on their pace and the day's progress.

Contact Information

Address: Located on the Rum River State Water Trail near Princeton, MN 55371, USA (Specific physical addresses are not assigned to primitive watercraft campsites. The listed address refers to the general area.)

For detailed information about the Rum River State Water Trail, current conditions, and watercraft campsite regulations, it is best to contact the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Parks and Trails Information Center or the area DNR office responsible for the Rum River.

Minnesota DNR General Information: (651) 296-6157 or (888) 646-6367 (Toll-Free)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Minnesotans, Bear Bottoms Watercraft Campsite offers a truly authentic and highly appealing river camping experience that resonates deeply with the state's paddling culture. Its unique accessibility – exclusively by water – ensures a level of solitude and immersion in nature that is hard to find in more developed campgrounds. This makes it an ideal destination for local paddlers who cherish their canoes and kayaks as their primary mode of outdoor exploration.

The "no facilities" aspect, while requiring self-sufficiency, is a draw for those who embrace the ethos of primitive camping and Leave No Trace principles. It means less human impact, and a purer natural environment. For Minnesotans, who often pride themselves on their resilience and connection to the wilderness, this isn't a drawback but a feature. It's a chance to truly disconnect, listen to the sounds of the river, and experience the Rum River in its most natural state.

Whether embarking on a multi-day journey down the Rum River or seeking a quiet, single-night primitive stop, Bear Bottoms provides the perfect backdrop. It allows locals to fully engage with Minnesota's rich network of water trails, offering a "Greaaaaaat" escape that is both challenging and incredibly rewarding. This campsite is a testament to the diverse camping opportunities available in Minnesota, catering specifically to those who love the serene beauty and quiet adventure that only a river can provide.

You can see more about Bear Bottom Resort at the Lake of the Ozarks, which shares a similar name, in this video: (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WESgYALhVE4)

Bear Bottoms Watercraft Campsite

Princeton, MN 55371, USA