Pine Ridge Campground

For Minnesotans seeking a quintessential camping experience that perfectly blends natural beauty with convenient amenities, Pine Ridge Campground in Itasca State Park stands out as a top choice. Located in Shevlin, MN, this beloved campground offers a tranquil escape amidst towering pines, providing that sought-after feeling of seclusion without being too far from the park's iconic attractions. It's a place where the fresh scent of pine fills the air, and the sounds of nature invite relaxation, making it a "great place to camp with the Family!"

Pine Ridge Campground is frequently praised by visitors for its peaceful atmosphere and well-maintained facilities. Campers consistently highlight the cleanliness of the restrooms and the availability of hot water, a welcome comfort after a day of exploring. Its dog-friendly policy and the presence of a playground make it an excellent destination for families with children and furry companions alike. While the occasional wildlife encounter, like a curious bear rummaging through trash (a thrilling, albeit cautionary, tale from a recent visitor!), serves as a reminder of the wild setting, it underscores the genuine connection to nature that defines a stay here.

This article will provide a comprehensive guide to Pine Ridge Campground, detailing its picturesque location within Itasca State Park, the array of services it offers to ensure a comfortable stay, and the numerous features and highlights that make it a premier choice for Minnesota locals. We'll also cover essential contact information and explain why this campground is perfectly suited for those looking to create lasting outdoor memories in one of Minnesota's most treasured natural landmarks.

Pine Ridge Campground is situated within the historic Itasca State Park, near Shevlin, MN 56676, USA. Itasca State Park, established in 1891, is Minnesota's oldest state park and is globally renowned as the official source of the Mississippi River. This location places the campground in the heart of Minnesota's beautiful north woods, characterized by its mature forests of red and white pines, numerous lakes, and diverse wildlife.

Accessibility to Pine Ridge Campground is remarkably easy for both first-time and experienced campers. The park boasts "well-marked roads and parking close to each campsite," making it convenient for vehicles of various sizes, including RVs up to 60 feet long, with many sites offering drive-in access. The campground is located on the eastern side of Lake Itasca, providing proximity to many of the park's main attractions.

For Minnesota locals, the drive to Itasca State Park is manageable from across the state. From major metropolitan areas like the Twin Cities (Minneapolis-Saint Paul), the park is approximately a 3.5 to 4-hour drive northwest, making it a feasible weekend or extended getaway. The primary routes involve well-maintained highways, leading directly to the park entrance. Once inside the park, clear signage guides visitors to Pine Ridge Campground. The convenience of access ensures that campers can easily transport their gear and settle into their site with minimal hassle, setting the stage for a relaxing and enjoyable stay.

Pine Ridge Campground offers a comprehensive range of services designed to enhance the comfort and enjoyment of its visitors, blending the rustic charm of camping with essential modern conveniences.

• Campsites: Pine Ridge Campground is a large, developed campground with 155 sites, making it one of the two primary campgrounds in Itasca State Park. Sites are generally spacious and shaded by tall pines, offering a peaceful and secluded feel. There are various loops (Pine, Poplar, Oak, Spruce, Maple) with different characteristics regarding privacy and amenities.

• Electrical Hookups: Approximately 65 of the 155 sites at Pine Ridge offer electrical hookups, accommodating RVs and trailers. This is a significant convenience for campers desiring power for their equipment.

• Clean Restrooms and Showers: A standout feature consistently praised by visitors is the cleanliness and maintenance of the restrooms and showers. Reviewers note "clean bathrooms with plenty of hot water" and "very well maintained modern showers/toilets," providing a welcome comfort in a camping setting. These facilities are seasonally available from roughly May until National Indigenous Peoples Day.

• Potable Water: Drinking water is readily available throughout the campground, with water spigots often located conveniently close to campsites.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a sturdy picnic table and a fire pit or fire ring, perfect for outdoor meals and evening campfires (when fire restrictions allow).

• Large Garbage Cans/Dumpsters: The campground provides large garbage cans or dumpsters for proper waste disposal. While bears have been known to rummage through unattended trash, this service encourages campers to dispose of all refuse before bedtime to prevent wildlife encounters.

• Dog-Friendly: Pine Ridge Campground welcomes dogs, with visitors seeing "a few families with their pups enjoying the trails and just hanging around the campsite." Standard pet rules, such as leashing and cleaning up after pets, apply.

• Playground: A "nice little playground nearby" caters specifically to families camping with kids, providing a dedicated space for children to play and expend energy.

• Reservable Sites: A significant portion of the campsites at Pine Ridge are reservable through the Minnesota State Parks reservation system (reservemn.usedirect.com/MinnesotaWeb/). It is highly recommended to make reservations, especially during peak season, as the park is very popular.

• Accessible Facilities: The campground includes accessible campsites and accessible restrooms, demonstrating a commitment to accommodating all visitors.

• Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is available for RVs, located within the campground or at the nearby Bear Paw Campground (during peak season).

Pine Ridge Campground's prime location within Itasca State Park means campers have immediate access to some of Minnesota's most iconic natural and historical features.

• Mississippi Headwaters: The undisputed highlight is the ability to walk across the very beginning of the mighty Mississippi River. A short path from the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center leads to the shallow waters where visitors can famously step across the rocks that mark the river's origin.

• Extensive Trail System: Itasca State Park boasts nearly 50 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy boardwalks to more challenging forest paths. Pine Ridge Campground is connected to these "amazing bike trails and hiking" opportunities, including access to the paved bike trail that runs from the Headwaters south to Douglas Lodge.

• Tall Pines and Seclusion: The campground lives up to its name, being "surrounded by tall pines" that offer ample shade and a sense of being "peaceful and secluded." While it's a large campground, reviewers note that some loops, like Poplar, offer more privacy.

• Lake Itasca Activities: Lake Itasca offers opportunities for swimming (with a nice beach area), fishing, and boating. Itasca Sports, a concessionaire within the park, offers rentals of pontoons, kayaks, canoes, paddleboats, and bicycles, making it easy to get out on the water or explore the trails.

• Wildlife Viewing: The park is home to abundant wildlife, including deer (often seen within the park), various bird species (loons, herons, woodpeckers), and even black bears (reinforcing the need for proper food storage). Observing these animals in their natural habitat is a significant draw.

• Wilderness Drive: A scenic 10-mile, one-way Wilderness Drive winds through remote portions of the park, offering views of old-growth pines, hardwoods, and various trailheads.

• Historic Landmarks: Beyond the natural wonders, the park features historic landmarks such as Wegmann's Cabin, the Itasca Indian Cemetery, and the Aiton Heights Fire Tower (offering panoramic views after a climb).

• Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center: This visitor center near the Headwaters offers interactive exhibits, a gift shop, and a cafe (seasonal), providing an educational and convenient stop.

• Naturalist Programs: Itasca State Park offers ranger-led hikes and interpretive programs, providing educational opportunities for all ages to learn about the park's ecology, history, and wildlife.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding Pine Ridge Campground and Itasca State Park, Minnesota locals should direct their inquiries to the official channels of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the park itself.

Address: Pine Ridge Campground, Itasca State Park, Shevlin, MN 56676, USA.

Phone: (218) 699-7251 (This is the general phone number for Itasca State Park.)

For reservations, which are highly recommended, particularly during the peak season (typically May through October), visitors should use the Minnesota State Parks reservation system:

Online Reservations: reservemn.usedirect.com/MinnesotaWeb/

It is always advisable to check the official Minnesota DNR website for Itasca State Park before your visit for current conditions, fire restrictions, hours of operation for facilities (like showers and visitor centers), and any alerts or closures that might impact your trip.

Pine Ridge Campground within Itasca State Park is an exceptionally suitable destination for Minnesota locals, offering a balanced and enriching outdoor experience. Its location near Shevlin, MN, places it within a reasonable drive for many across the state, making it an accessible getaway for a weekend or a longer vacation.

For Minnesotans, who deeply value their state parks and natural heritage, Pine Ridge offers a chance to connect with one of the most iconic landmarks: the Headwaters of the Mississippi River. This alone makes a visit a memorable and almost pilgrimage-like experience. Beyond this historical significance, the campground itself caters wonderfully to a diverse range of campers. Families will appreciate the dedicated playground, dog-friendly policy, and the peace of mind that comes with consistently clean restrooms and hot showers. The "peaceful and secluded" feeling, despite being a large and popular campground, allows for genuine relaxation amidst the "tall pines."

The abundance of recreational opportunities, from extensive hiking and biking trails to lake activities on Itasca, ensures that boredom is never an option. Whether you're an avid nature enthusiast, a family looking for fun, or simply someone seeking a quiet retreat to recharge, Pine Ridge Campground provides the perfect setting. Its blend of essential amenities with the immersive beauty of Itasca State Park solidifies its status as a premier camping destination, inviting Minnesota locals to return time and again to create new cherished memories in their own beautiful backyard.

Pine Ridge Campground

Shevlin, MN 56676, USA