North Country Campground & RV Park

For Minnesotans seeking a convenient camping spot, North Country Campground & RV Park in Willow River may appear as an option. Campgrounds play a vital role in providing outdoor recreation opportunities, whether for a weekend escape or an extended stay. When planning your next adventure in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, choosing the right campground is crucial for a positive experience. This involves looking beyond just the location and understanding the actual living conditions, the quality of services, and the management's approach to guest relations. North Country Campground & RV Park is situated amidst Minnesota's natural beauty, aiming to provide spaces for both RVs and campers. However, like any business, it has received public feedback that prospective visitors should consider carefully. This overview aims to provide a factual, balanced perspective based on available public information, helping local Minnesotans make an informed decision for their camping needs.

North Country Campground & RV Park is located at 31150 Countryside Ln, Willow River, MN 55795, USA. This address places the campground in the charming area of Willow River, a community nestled in the picturesque landscape of northern Minnesota. For Minnesotans, its location offers a balance between natural serenity and accessibility to surrounding towns and outdoor activities. The park is conveniently located off I-35, making it easily reachable from the Twin Cities (approximately 2 hours away) and Duluth (about 30 minutes away). This accessibility is a major plus for travelers from various parts of the state. The area around Willow River is known for its natural beauty, with various lakes such as McCormick Lake, Sturgeon Lake, and Sand Lake, as well as rivers like the Willow River and Kettle River, all nearby. This provides ample opportunities for water-based activities like fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Furthermore, the location is minutes away from ATV/UTV, snowmobile, and horse trails, making it an attractive base for a wide array of outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year. The blend of a peaceful natural setting with good road access and proximity to recreational trails makes its location quite appealing.

North Country Campground & RV Park states it offers a variety of services and amenities to its guests, aiming to provide a comprehensive camping experience. Based on public information and some contrasting reviews, here are services typically advertised or expected at such a facility, for which potential guests should seek direct confirmation:

• RV Sites with Hookups: The campground features full hook-up premium RV sites, which include water, 50-amp electric, and sewer connections. Some sites are back-in and can accommodate vehicles up to 50 feet long, with some on concrete pads.
• Lodging Options: Beyond RV sites, the park also mentions "Camper LODGING" and "BUNKHOUSE LODGING," with the latter being newly remodeled, spacious, and including amenities like a full-size Murphy bed, futon, kitchen table, refrigerator, microwave, and big screen TV. These units are air-conditioned and heated, suggesting year-round availability.
• Bathrooms and Showers: Public restrooms and shower facilities are typically offered for campers. However, some reviews indicate concerns about the consistent availability of supplies like toilet paper and hand soap in these facilities.
• Dump Station: A dump station is a common feature for RV parks, allowing guests to empty their waste tanks.
• Garbage Disposal: Facilities for garbage disposal are usually provided for guests.
• Fire Rings: Sites are generally equipped with fire rings for campfires.
• Bike Rental: The park's features list includes bike rental, suggesting opportunities for exploring nearby trails.
• Canoeing/Kayaking: The mention of canoeing/kayaking suggests access to water bodies or related services, though specifics should be confirmed.
• Restaurant: A restaurant is listed as a park feature on some platforms, which would be a significant convenience for guests.
• Playground: A playground is also listed as a feature, indicating family-friendly amenities.
• On-site Activities: Beyond basic camping, the park implies opportunities for hiking, fishing, and access to nearby ATV/UTV, snowmobile, and horse trails.

Due to conflicting public feedback regarding the actual availability and maintenance of some services, prospective guests are strongly advised to contact the campground directly to verify current offerings, their condition, and any policies, especially concerning amenities, supplies, and guest rules.

The features and highlights of North Country Campground & RV Park, gleaned from various sources including customer reviews, present a complex picture. It's crucial for Minnesotans to consider both the advertised benefits and reported issues:

• Natural Setting: The campground is situated on a "23-acre park among beautiful trees," offering a "peaceful haven" and opportunities for relaxation in nature.
• Proximity to Outdoor Recreation: It's just minutes from a variety of trails for ATV/UTV, snowmobiling, and horseback riding, as well as several lakes and rivers for fishing and boating.
• Convenient Location: Being 2 hours from the Twin Cities and 30 minutes from Duluth makes it accessible for many Minnesotans.
• Variety of Site Types: Offers various RV sites, including full hookup premium sites, and also boasts lodging options like bunkhouses and campers for rent.
• Positive Site Experience (for some): One positive review highlighted quiet spots with "nicest showers and bathroom" seen, and a "nice fenced trail to walk the dogs."
• Concerns about Owner Behavior: Multiple reviews strongly criticize the owners, describing them as "awful, dishonest," "rude and hostile," and accusing them of "nasty behavior." Allegations include changing stories, yelling at guests, and making false accusations.
• Deposit Issues: Reports suggest difficulty in getting deposits back, with claims that owners "come up with anything and everything to take your deposit."
• Lack of Amenities/Maintenance (as reported by some): Contrary to some advertised features, a review stated the campground "offers absolutely nothing but spaces on a busy dirt road," and pointed out that toilet paper and hand soap were never refilled in bathrooms.
• Guest Policy Confusion: One review mentioned being told guests were not allowed, despite previous assurances, indicating inconsistent policy enforcement.
• Uncontrolled Dog Behavior: A specific complaint mentioned a "rude other guest with a not trained dog that barks all night long." While general pet-friendly, one review also oddly stated "the ad says no dogs 😂", suggesting conflicting information.
• "Busy Dirt Road": Despite mentions of peace, one review noted the sites are on a "busy dirt road," which could imply dust or noise.

For direct inquiries, availability, or to address any specific concerns regarding North Country Campground & RV Park, please use the following contact information:

Address: 31150 Countryside Ln, Willow River, MN 55795, USA

Phone: (218) 718-2267

Mobile Phone: +1 218-718-2267

For Minnesotans considering North Country Campground & RV Park in Willow River, its suitability is highly dependent on individual priorities and willingness to navigate potential challenges. The park's geographical advantages are clear: it's conveniently located between the Twin Cities and Duluth, offers access to a wealth of outdoor recreational trails and water bodies, and provides various site and lodging options. These aspects could make it an attractive base for exploring northern Minnesota. However, the consistent and severe negative feedback regarding owner conduct, allegations of dishonesty concerning deposits and camper rentals, perceived lack of maintenance (e.g., in bathrooms), and inconsistent guest policies are significant red flags that any prospective camper should take seriously. While some experiences may be positive, as indicated by some online listings, the recurring themes of rudeness and unreliability in negative reviews paint a concerning picture. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that any local considering this campground performs extensive due diligence. This should include direct, detailed inquiries about all policies (especially regarding guests, pets, and deposits), verifying the current condition of facilities in person if possible, and preparing for potentially difficult interactions. For those prioritizing a truly hassle-free, consistently maintained, and positively managed camping experience, exploring other options in the abundant Minnesota campground landscape may be a more reassuring choice.

North Country Campground & RV Park

31150 Countryside Ln, Willow River, MN 55795, USA