Pokegama Dam Campground

For Minnesota locals seeking a convenient and scenic camping experience that truly captures the essence of the Northwoods, Pokegama Dam Campground in Grand Rapids is an "emerald gem." Situated right on the iconic Mississippi River and adjacent to Pokegama Lake, this well-maintained campground, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, offers a beautiful and peaceful setting for your next outdoor adventure. Whether you're looking for a relaxing riverside retreat, a prime spot for fishing, or a convenient base to explore the Grand Rapids area, Pokegama Dam Campground provides an ideal blend of natural beauty and essential amenities. It's a place where you can unwind, enjoy spectacular views, and create cherished memories with family and friends.

Visitors consistently praise the campground for its prime location and excellent facilities. One camper loved their stay in this "perfect little campground" that was "very convenient for area as we wanted to be close to U.S. Highway 2!" The highlight for many is the direct river access, with one reviewer noting, "Our campsite was adjacent to the Mississippi River gave us a spectacular view of the river." The natural beauty is frequently mentioned, with comments like "Beautiful camp ground" reinforcing its picturesque setting. Beyond the scenery, the practicalities are also highly rated: "Reasonably priced" and the convenience of a "Dock for fishing" make it highly appealing. The campground is also praised for its cleanliness, with flush toilets and showers available, contributing to a comfortable stay. It's clear that Pokegama Dam Campground provides a high-quality, accessible, and enjoyable camping experience that invites repeat visits from those who discover its charm.

Pokegama Dam Campground is conveniently located at 34385 US-2, Grand Rapids, MN 55744, USA. This address places it just two miles west of the vibrant city of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, making it exceptionally accessible for locals. Its position directly on U.S. Highway 2 means easy navigation for travelers from across the state. Whether you're coming from the Twin Cities, Duluth, or other parts of Northern Minnesota, reaching this campground is a straightforward drive, allowing you to maximize your time enjoying the outdoors. The campground is nestled at the site of the historic Pokegama Dam, where the Mississippi River meets Pokegama Lake, offering a unique geographical advantage. This immediate proximity to both a major highway and a significant waterway enhances its appeal, providing a feeling of secluded nature without sacrificing convenience to nearby town amenities, supplies, and attractions in Grand Rapids.

Pokegama Dam Campground, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, provides a range of essential services and amenities designed for a comfortable and convenient camping experience, while still retaining a natural, scenic feel.

• Campsites with Electric Hookups: The campground offers 19 family campsites, all equipped with electric hookups (50/30 amp available), making them suitable for RVs, travel trailers, and pop-up campers. These sites are often described as spacious and well-maintained.

• Primitive Tent-Only Sites: For those seeking a more traditional and rustic experience, two primitive, non-electric tent-only sites are also available.

• Flush Toilets and Hot Showers: A key amenity highlighted by visitors is the availability of clean flush toilets and hot showers, providing comfort and convenience that is highly valued at a campground.

• Drinking Water: Safe, potable drinking water is readily available throughout the campground.

• Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is conveniently located on-site for RVers to manage their wastewater.

• Boat Ramp/Launch: The campground features an accessible boat ramp directly on the Mississippi River, facilitating easy launching of motorized and non-motorized watercraft onto both the river and Pokegama Lake.

• Fishing Pier/Dock: A dedicated dock or fishing pier is available, providing a convenient spot for anglers to cast a line without needing a boat.

• Picnic Tables & Grills/Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill, perfect for outdoor cooking and enjoying campfires.

• Playground: A playground area is available for children, offering a safe and fun space for them to play.

• Group Day-Use Shelter: A reservable group day-use picnic shelter with electric hookups is available, ideal for larger gatherings or family events.

• Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome in the campground, provided they are kept on a leash (no longer than 6 feet) and owners clean up after them.

• Year-Round Operation (Limited): While the main camping season is generally May through September, the day-use area and dam access remain available year-round.

Pokegama Dam Campground boasts several key features and highlights that elevate the camping experience, making it a truly desirable destination for Minnesota locals seeking outdoor adventure and relaxation.

• Spectacular Mississippi River Views: A standout highlight for many campers are the "spectacular view of the river" directly from their campsites, especially those adjacent to the Mississippi River. This provides a constant scenic backdrop to your stay.

• Fishing Excellence: With immediate access to both the Mississippi River and Pokegama Lake, the campground is a prime spot for fishing. Anglers can target a variety of species including Walleye, Northern Pike, Bluegills, Sunfish, Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass. The presence of a dedicated "dock for fishing" further enhances this appeal.

• Boating and Water Sports: The spacious boat landing and access to Pokegama Lake, a highly utilized lake for recreational purposes, make it perfect for boating, water skiing, personal watercraft, kayaking, and canoeing. There are "lots of areas to explore, many different bends and hidden gems" on the water.

• Family-Friendly Amenities: The inclusion of a playground for children makes it an excellent choice for families. The availability of clean restrooms and showers also adds to the comfort for all ages.

• Cleanliness and Maintenance: Reviewers consistently praise the campground's "well-maintained" status and note that the "Bathrooms were the cleanest I've seen," ensuring a pleasant and hygienic experience.

• Proximity to Grand Rapids Attractions: While offering a natural escape, the campground's close proximity to Grand Rapids means easy access to cultural and recreational attractions like the Judy Garland Museum, Forest History Center, and the Mesabi Bike Trail, allowing for diverse day trip options.

• Hiking and Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities for "walking trails" are available, and the mixed hardwood and pine forest provides a habitat for diverse wildlife, including bald eagles, porcupines, and black bears, offering excellent viewing opportunities.

• Reasonably Priced: Guests often note the campground's "reasonably priced" fees for the quality and amenities provided, offering great value for a Northwoods camping trip.

• Historic Significance: The presence of the Pokegama Dam, which began construction in 1882, adds a historical element to the area.

To plan your memorable camping trip to Pokegama Dam Campground, or for any inquiries regarding reservations, availability, or specific amenities, please use the following contact information. As it's managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, reservations are typically made through their designated online portal.

Address: 34385 US-2, Grand Rapids, MN 55744, USA

Phone: (218) 326-6128

Mobile Phone: +1 218-326-6128

For the most current information, to check site availability, or to make online reservations, it is highly recommended to visit Recreation.gov, which is the official booking platform for this US Army Corps of Engineers campground. Additionally, consulting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District website for the Pokegama Recreation Area can provide further details on rules, regulations, and any local alerts or news.

Pokegama Dam Campground is an excellent choice for Minnesota locals seeking a convenient, comfortable, and activity-rich camping experience in the heart of Northern Minnesota's lake country. Its prime location directly on the Mississippi River and adjacent to Pokegama Lake offers immediate access to unparalleled fishing, boating, and scenic water views, making it a dream destination for anglers and water enthusiasts alike. For families, the presence of a playground and clean, modern facilities like flush toilets and hot showers significantly enhances comfort, allowing for a more enjoyable and hassle-free stay. The campground's proximity to Grand Rapids means that while you're immersed in nature, you're never far from town amenities, supplies, and a wealth of local attractions, from museums to bike trails. The "reasonably priced" sites, coupled with the "beautiful camp ground" setting and the "spectacular view of the river," offer exceptional value. Whether you're looking for a peaceful weekend getaway, an active fishing trip, or a family-friendly base for exploring the Northwoods, Pokegama Dam Campground provides all the ingredients for a memorable Minnesota outdoor adventure, cementing its status as a true local "emerald gem."

Pokegama Dam Campground

34385 US-2, Grand Rapids, MN 55744, USA