Northern Acres Resort & Campground

For Minnesotans seeking an authentic "up north" experience that perfectly balances rustic charm with a welcoming, family-like atmosphere, Northern Acres Resort & Campground in Deer River is a true hidden gem. Nestled on the picturesque shores of Bowstring Lake within the vast Chippewa National Forest, this resort and campground offers an ideal escape for those who cherish unspoiled wilderness, exceptional fishing, and genuine hospitality. It’s a place where you can truly unwind, reconnect with nature, and make lasting memories with loved ones.

Northern Acres Resort & Campground stands out for its commitment to making guests feel like family. Owner Dave, often described as a wonderful host, ensures that every visitor feels right at home. As one delighted guest shared, "Our host and owner Dave. Made us feel like family." This personal touch, combined with the "very affordable accommodations," makes Northern Acres an accessible and highly appealing choice for a Minnesota getaway. The resort prides itself on offering a "rustic yet a good getaway from home," providing a comfortable base for all your Northwoods adventures.

Whether you're looking for a cozy cabin by the lake or a spacious campsite, Northern Acres delivers. The focus here is on genuine outdoor experiences – excellent walleye, crappie, and jumbo perch fishing, scenic trails, and the simple joy of watching sunrises over Bowstring Lake. While embracing its rustic nature, the resort also offers key amenities to ensure a comfortable stay, making it a perfect launchpad for local explorations or simply a peaceful retreat from the everyday. It's a place that captures the true spirit of Minnesota's natural beauty and friendly demeanor.

Northern Acres Resort & Campground is ideally situated at 47292 Bowstring Acc, Deer River, MN 56636, USA. This prime location places it directly on Bowstring Lake, a renowned fishing destination, and within the expansive beauty of the Chippewa National Forest. For Minnesotans, this means a relatively straightforward journey to a truly immersive wilderness experience.

The resort is approximately 38 miles northwest of Grand Rapids, a well-known northern Minnesota hub. Access typically involves well-maintained state and county roads leading to the Bowstring Lake area. While offering a sense of seclusion and escape, it remains accessible for families and individuals traveling from various parts of Minnesota, allowing for convenient weekend trips or extended vacations without excessive travel time. The proximity to Deer River provides nearby access to basic supplies and services, striking a good balance between wilderness immersion and practical convenience.

Its position on Bowstring Lake provides direct lake access, crucial for fishing and boating enthusiasts. The surrounding Chippewa National Forest also offers a vast network of trails and natural attractions easily reachable from the resort. This strategic location truly enhances the appeal for local users, offering a comprehensive outdoor experience right in their home state's beautiful backyard.

• Rustic yet comfortable cabins, including three-bedroom options, for weekly, monthly, or seasonal rental.
• Campgrounds with options for daily or weekly camping, including lakeshore/lakeview sites with water and 30/15 amp electric service, and woodland sites without water or electric.
• Seasonal camping sites available (includes water, electric, boat docking, shower house, coin-op laundry, and dump station).
• Newly remodeled shower house with modern restrooms, hot showers, and coin-operated laundry facilities.
• On-site dump station for RVs.
• Cabin rentals include linens, cooking & dining utensils, microwave, coffee pot, charcoal grill, fire-ring, picnic table, and window air conditioners.
• Each cabin rental includes dock space for one boat.
• Boat, motor, and pontoon rentals available.
• Bait, gas, and ice available at the office.
• Sandy swimming beach and large playground for children.
• Complimentary Orca kayaks available for guest use (with parental supervision).
• Restaurant on-site, open for lunch and dinner (Thursday through Sunday, 11 am to 8 pm).
• Grocery/supply store on-site for convenience.
• WiFi available throughout the resort (though reliability may vary).
• Pet-friendly policy for both cabins and campsites (pets allowed in indoor units and campsites).

• Exceptional Hospitality and Family Atmosphere: The most resounding praise for Northern Acres Resort & Campground centers on the owners, particularly Dave, who "Made us feel like family." This genuine, warm hospitality creates a welcoming and comfortable environment, making guests feel valued and eager to return. The resort fosters an "old-fashioned 'up north' atmosphere" perfect for family and friends.
• Rustic Charm with Essential Comforts: The accommodations are described as "very rustic yet a good getaway from home." Cabins are "quirky but clearly maintained," offering a genuine cabin experience with necessary amenities like well-stocked kitchens (though some specific gadgets might be missing), and the ability for the hot water heater to handle multiple showers. Window AC units and box fans provide comfort during warmer days, making them "comfy for sleeping or as a launch pad for local adventures."
• Premier Fishing on Bowstring Lake: Situated on Bowstring Lake, the resort offers access to "excellent walleye fishing, bird and wildlife watching." Bowstring Lake is known as a premier walleye, crappie, and jumbo perch lake with no slot limit for walleye, providing outstanding opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. Boat and motor rentals are available to enhance the fishing experience.
• Affordable Accommodations: Reviewers highlight the "very affordable accommodations," making Northern Acres an excellent value for a lakeside vacation in Minnesota. This affordability, combined with the range of amenities, provides a great option for budget-conscious travelers.
• Pet-Friendly: The resort welcomes pets in both indoor units (cabins) and campsites, making it an ideal choice for Minnesotans who wish to bring their beloved canine companions along for their Northwoods adventure.
• On-Site Amenities for Convenience: Northern Acres offers a range of convenient on-site amenities, including a restaurant, grocery/supply store, laundry facilities, and a dump station. This means guests have many necessities readily available without needing to leave the resort.
• Recreational Opportunities: Beyond fishing, the resort provides a sandy swimming beach, a large playground, and complimentary kayaks. It also offers access to "scenic trails through the woods" for hiking and biking, ensuring plenty of activities for all ages and interests.
• Improved Facilities: The resort continually improves its facilities, evidenced by a "newly remodeled shower house with modern restrooms, showers & coin-operated laundry," and a "new 80 foot aluminum dock" added for 2025, ensuring a comfortable stay even in a rustic setting.
• WiFi Availability (with considerations): While WiFi is available, guests should manage expectations regarding reliability, as one review noted it "wasn't reliable" and recommended cell phones closer to the amplifier. This suggests it's best for basic connectivity rather than heavy streaming.
• Water Quality for Non-Drinking Use: The water is described as "just fine for showering, cooking, and coffee," but guests are advised that "we definitely needed to bring drinking water with us." This is a helpful tip for planning.

Address: 47292 Bowstring Acc, Deer River, MN 56636, USA

Phone: (218) 910-4073

Mobile Phone: +1 218-910-4073

Email: nacres@paulbunyan.net

For Minnesotans seeking an authentic, affordable, and family-friendly retreat in the heart of their beloved Northwoods, Northern Acres Resort & Campground on Bowstring Lake is an exceptional choice. Its location within the Chippewa National Forest provides convenient access to a vast natural playground, allowing locals to enjoy the stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife that define their home state, all without the need for extensive travel.

What makes Northern Acres particularly suitable for local users is the genuine warmth and dedication of owner Dave, who consistently makes guests "feel like family." This personal touch, combined with the resort's commitment to providing "very affordable accommodations," ensures that a high-quality "up north" experience is accessible to many. Whether you're looking for a rustic cabin or a campsite with essential hookups, the resort offers flexible options for various camping styles.

The stellar fishing opportunities on Bowstring Lake, coupled with the availability of boat rentals and on-site amenities like a restaurant and supply store, cater perfectly to the Minnesotan outdoor enthusiast. While it embraces its rustic charm, ongoing improvements like a remodeled shower house demonstrate a commitment to guest comfort. Northern Acres Resort & Campground is more than just a place to stay; it's a cherished local haven where Minnesotans can truly unplug, reconnect with nature, and create enduring memories year after year, experiencing the true spirit of Minnesota's natural beauty and welcoming community.

Northern Acres Resort & Campground

47292 Bowstring Acc, Deer River, MN 56636, USA