Camp Nushka

Nestled in the pristine natural beauty of Northern Minnesota, Camp Nushka offers a truly authentic primitive camping experience. Located on the shores of majestic Cass Lake, within the expansive Chippewa National Forest, this campground is a cherished gem for those seeking to disconnect from the everyday and immerse themselves in the tranquility of the Northwoods. For many Minnesotans, Camp Nushka represents an ideal blend of rugged outdoor adventure and serene natural surroundings, making it a beloved spot for both individual and group wilderness exploration, especially for Scouting activities.

What sets Camp Nushka apart is its dedication to providing a "beautiful primitive group camping site." It’s designed for those who appreciate a rustic experience, where the sounds of nature, the crackle of a campfire, and the clear waters of Cass Lake define the stay. Visitors consistently praise its quiet atmosphere and stunning natural setting, highlighting it as a perfect retreat for those who love traditional camping. Whether you're a long-time Scout leader bringing a troop to learn about the wilderness or a group of friends seeking a peaceful lakeside escape, Camp Nushka offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with Minnesota's rich outdoor heritage.

This camp isn't just about pitching a tent; it's about embracing the wilderness, developing outdoor skills, and creating lasting memories amidst towering pines and glistening waters. It serves as a fantastic basecamp for exploring the surrounding national forest, offering a sense of seclusion while still providing access to essential natural resources and outdoor activities.

Camp Nushka is located at Forest Rte 2360, Pennington, MN 56663, USA. This address places it strategically on the eastern shores of Cass Lake, a significant body of water in the mighty Mississippi chain, deep within the heart of the Chippewa National Forest.

Accessibility to Camp Nushka is part of its charm, offering a balance between remote wilderness and reasonable proximity to established towns. It is situated approximately 5.5 miles east of the city of Cass Lake and about 4.2 miles north on the Scenic Highway SR10. From there, visitors turn west onto Cass Bluff Loop Road for approximately 1.2 miles to reach the camp entrance. While the final stretch is on a forest route, it is only 1.25 miles off a paved road, making it accessible by typical vehicles.

The location within the Chippewa National Forest means that while you feel truly immersed in nature, you're not entirely cut off. Cass Lake is about 13 miles away, offering a small town with basic amenities, and the larger city of Bemidji is roughly 25 miles distant. This balance ensures that while the camping experience is primitive, essential supplies or emergency services are within a reasonable drive. The camp's direct access to Cass Lake also makes it highly accessible for those arriving by boat or canoe, providing a unique entry point for long-distance treks down the Mississippi or for exploring the numerous routes on area lakes and rivers.

Camp Nushka emphasizes a primitive camping experience, focusing on essential facilities that support outdoor activities while maintaining the natural environment.

Services Offered:

• Primitive Group Camping Sites: The primary offering, designed to accommodate groups, with two main camp areas. The North site (Site B) can hold 50+ Scouts and leaders, and the South site (Site A) can hold 25+ Scouts and leaders.
• Picnic Shelters: Two picnic shelters are available on-site, providing cover for meals or gatherings.
• Fire Rings: Designated fire rings are provided at campsites for safe and enjoyable campfires.
• Water Access: While water is not available directly on every campsite, drinking water is accessible. During the summer months, water is specifically available at Knutson Dam campsite, which is approximately 1.4 miles away.
• Toilets: Pit toilets are available on-site, consistent with a primitive camping experience.
• Year-Round Operation: The camp is available for four-season camping opportunities, catering to various outdoor interests throughout the year.
• Canoe Rental Program: The Northern Lights Council (the managing entity) offers a canoeing rental program that can be utilized in conjunction with the camp, making it easy to access watercraft.
• Service Projects: Service projects can be arranged with prior notice, offering opportunities for groups to contribute to the camp's upkeep and the surrounding environment.

Camp Nushka is celebrated for its distinctive features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for primitive camping and outdoor education in Northern Minnesota.

Features / Highlights:

• Beautiful Primitive Setting: Consistently praised for its "quiet and beautiful primitive camping sites" nestled within a 200-year-old pine grove, offering a serene and immersive wilderness experience.
• Direct Cass Lake Access: Located directly on the shores of Cass Lake, providing endless opportunities for fishing, boating, canoeing, and enjoying the water. Cass Lake is part of the mighty Mississippi chain.
• Ideal for Scouting Activities: A core focus of the campground, offering a perfect environment for Scouting events, outdoor education, and leadership development. Activities such as archery, BB gun, and slingshot ranges may be offered during specific Scouting events.
• Extensive Trail System Access: Situated next to over 300 acres of forest land, which can be used for pioneering, orienteering, GPS'ing, hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing. Numerous hiking, mountain biking, and paved bike trails (like the MA GIZ E trail) are within riding distance.
• Orienteering/GPS Course: Features a 36-point Orienteering, GPS, and UTM course on-site, with pre-determined beginner, intermediate, and expert routes available for navigation practice and challenge.
• "Lake Within a Lake" Proximity: Star Island, famous for its "lake within a lake" (Lake Windigo) and hiking trails, is just 1.5 miles across Cass Lake from Camp Nushka, offering an exciting nearby exploration opportunity.
• Four-Season Camping: The camp is open and available year-round, allowing for winter camping experiences such as skiing and snowshoeing.
• Secluded and Quiet: Reviews highlight the peaceful and quiet nature of the sites, providing a true escape from noise and crowds.
• Base for Mississippi Chain Exploration: Serves as an excellent base for long-distance treks by canoe down the Mississippi River or for exploring various routes on area lakes and rivers.

Camp Nushka is managed by the Northern Lights Council of the Boy Scouts of America, which oversees its operation and availability for both Scouting activities and general public rentals.

Contact Information:

Address: Forest Rte 2360, Pennington, MN 56663, USA

For specific inquiries regarding reservations, availability, or details about the camp, it is best to contact the Northern Lights Council directly. While direct phone numbers for the camp itself are not universally published for public bookings, the council provides contact information for their properties and camping directors:

Northern Lights Council - Camping Director: Missy Hendrickx at (218) 252-8706

Northern Lights Council - Staff Advisor for Properties: Andy Kietzman at (218) 732-4674

General Council Phone: (701) 293-5011 (while often associated with their main office in Fargo, ND, this is the overarching council contact)

Given its primary use for Scouting events, interested parties for non-Scouting group rentals should specifically inquire about public availability and booking procedures through the contacts provided by the Northern Lights Council. It is always advisable to call ahead to confirm details such as water availability during your intended visit, as some amenities are seasonal or rely on nearby facilities.

Camp Nushka is an incredibly suitable destination for locals in Minnesota, offering a quintessential Northwoods camping experience that resonates deeply with the state's outdoor culture. For Minnesotans, the appeal of a "quiet and beautiful primitive camping site" off eastern Cass Lake is undeniable. It provides an accessible yet truly immersive wilderness escape, allowing residents to reconnect with nature without venturing too far from home.

The camp’s focus on primitive group camping makes it perfect for families, friends, or community groups seeking a shared outdoor adventure. Its deep roots in Scouting activities mean that it's designed to foster a love for the outdoors, develop practical skills, and create strong bonds—qualities that many Minnesota families value. The access to Cass Lake, part of the legendary Mississippi chain, opens up endless opportunities for local anglers, paddlers, and boaters to enjoy the state's iconic waters.

Furthermore, being nestled within the Chippewa National Forest means locals have a vast playground for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing right at their doorstep. The presence of specialized features like the Orienteering/GPS course adds an educational and engaging dimension, appealing to those looking to refine their outdoor skills. Whether it's a summer canoe trip, a fall hiking excursion, or even a winter snowshoeing adventure, Camp Nushka's year-round availability makes it a versatile hub for experiencing Minnesota's diverse seasons. It’s a place where generations of Minnesotans can continue to build cherished outdoor traditions, making it a truly invaluable local resource for authentic wilderness enjoyment.

Camp Nushka

Forest Rte 2360, Pennington, MN 56663, USA