Bent Trout Lake Campground

For Minnesotans looking to experience the true 'Up North' charm without sacrificing comfort, Bent Trout Lake Campground in Barnum offers an exceptional, family-focused getaway. This is more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it’s a long-established, family-run destination celebrated by local users for its friendly community and pristine setting on a private, spring-fed lake.

Locals know that finding a campground that strikes the perfect balance between developed amenities and natural beauty can be challenging, but Bent Trout Lake excels at this. Reviews consistently highlight the welcoming atmosphere, with many families returning for decades, cementing its status as a highly recommended, family-oriented vacation spot. Whether you're planning a weekend escape or seeking a seasonal lease, this is where you come to create lasting memories in the heart of Minnesota's natural landscape.

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### Introduction / Overview

Bent Trout Lake Campground is a beloved fixture in the Minnesota camping scene, operating as both a traditional Campground and a well-equipped RV Park. Situated just southwest of Duluth, the park is built around its most prized feature: a completely private, 90-foot deep, spring-fed lake. This dedication to maintaining the lake’s pristine condition is evident, as only electric motors and human-powered vessels are permitted, ensuring peaceful waters for swimming, fishing, and recreation.

The campground offers a mix of camping options, from short-term "weekender" rental sites to long-term seasonal leases, making it a flexible choice for all types of campers. The environment is described by long-time patrons as being surrounded by "virginal untouched nature," providing a genuine escape into the Minnesota woods, while the array of on-site activities fosters a warm, communal spirit that truly defines the "friendly Minnesotan" camping experience.

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### Location and Accessibility

The campground is conveniently located in Barnum, Minnesota, placing it in Carlton County, a scenic area easily accessible from the Duluth and Twin Cities regions. Its specific location on Bent Trout Lake Road is tranquil, ensuring a genuine retreat from city life while remaining easy to reach via major state highways.

• Address: 2928 Bent Trout Lake Rd, Barnum, MN 55707, USA

For visitors with accessibility needs, the campground makes a clear effort to accommodate everyone. It features a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot. The grounds are generally spacious, with campsites often nestled among the trees, yet still offering easy access to the main facilities.

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### Services Offered

The facility provides a comprehensive set of services and amenities designed to ensure a comfortable and active stay for all guests, particularly families:

• Diverse Sites: Offers both Tent Sites and numerous RV sites, many of which are pull-through and can accommodate big rigs. Sites often include electric (30 & 50 amp) and water hookups.
• Rental Options: A variety of watercraft are available for rent, including fishing boats, pontoons, paddle boats, and canoes, allowing all guests to enjoy the private lake.
• Essential Facilities: Clean, well-maintained public restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers are provided, along with a sanitary dump station and on-site laundry facilities for longer stays.
• On-Site Convenience: A small grocery/supply store (often functioning as a gift shop/market) and a fish cleaning house are available to meet immediate needs.
• Lease Options: Provides highly sought-after seasonal lease opportunities, allowing families to secure a basecamp for the entire summer season (typically May 15 to October 1).
• Parking: Ample on-site parking is provided for both campers and their vehicles.
• Pet Policy: Dogs are allowed, ensuring the whole family can enjoy the Minnesota wilderness.

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### Features / Highlights

What truly sets Bent Trout Lake Campground apart from other Minnesota camping destinations are its distinct recreational features and the strong community atmosphere:

• Private, Pristine Lake Access: Enjoy a dedicated, developed sand beach and a swimming raft on the clean, spring-fed Bent Trout Lake, which is exclusive to campground guests and offers excellent fishing opportunities.
• Community Events & Atmosphere: The campground is famous for its lively, family-friendly activities, especially on holiday weekends. Events include kids' games, canoe races, horseshoe and volleyball tournaments, an annual chili cook-off, and even a fun “Halloween in July” celebration.
• Land Activities: Beyond the water, guests can enjoy a sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and a well-equipped children's playground. There are also dedicated trails for hiking and biking available on the property.
• Cozy Campsites: Campsites are intentionally nestled among the trees and described as secluded, featuring private fire pits and picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable blend of convenience and rustic ambiance.
• High Customer Satisfaction: Consistently receives top ratings for cleanliness of restrooms and visual appeal, often scoring a perfect 10/10/10 in independent recreational ratings, confirming its dedication to quality.

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### Contact Information

To reserve a site—especially for holiday weekends or to inquire about seasonal leases—please use the following contact information. Reservations are highly recommended to guarantee your spot, particularly during the peak summer season.

• Address: 2928 Bent Trout Lake Rd, Barnum, MN 55707, USA
• Phone: (218) 389-6322

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### What is Worth Choosing

Bent Trout Lake Campground is the ideal choice for Minnesota families seeking a consistent, high-quality, and deeply communal camping experience. You should choose this location for three main reasons: The Private Lake, The Family-Run Care, and The Community Spirit. The private, non-motorized lake access guarantees a quiet, clean, and safe environment for swimming and fishing—a luxury hard to find at public venues. The dedication of the family owners is reflected in the pristine condition of the sites and facilities, including the clean bathrooms and hot showers. Most importantly, the strong, friendly atmosphere cultivated through seasonal leases and organized family events truly elevates the experience beyond simple camping. It is, as many local patrons say, a place where camping 'doesn't get any better' for those who value tradition, cleanliness, and the classic, friendly spirit of a Minnesota summer.

Bent Trout Lake Campground

2928 Bent Trout Lake Rd, Barnum, MN 55707, USA