Savanna Portage State Park Campground

For us, the proud residents of Minnesota, escaping into the embrace of our state's diverse wilderness is a cherished pastime. When the call of the wild beckons, and you're seeking a blend of serene natural beauty with comfortable amenities, Savanna Portage State Park Campground stands out as an exceptional choice. Nestled within one of Minnesota's largest and most historically significant state parks, this campground offers a truly immersive outdoor experience, inviting campers to unwind amidst towering pines, explore diverse ecosystems, and connect with a rich past.

Savanna Portage State Park Campground isn't just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a gateway to an expansive landscape shaped by glaciers and history. Known for its quiet atmosphere and well-maintained facilities, it consistently receives praise from visitors for its peaceful setting and access to stunning natural features. Whether you're a family looking for a shaded spot near a lake, a hiker eager to explore miles of trails, or a history buff tracing the footsteps of voyageurs, Savanna Portage offers something truly special. Let's explore what makes this northern Minnesota gem such a suitable and appealing destination for us, the locals, seeking authentic outdoor adventures.

Savanna Portage State Park Campground is located in Balsam Township, MN 55760, USA. This places it in the heart of northern Minnesota's vast forest and lake country, approximately 17 miles northeast of McGregor. While it offers a wonderfully remote and wild feel, it remains quite accessible for many Minnesotans. Major state highways connect to the general area, and once you're on the local roads leading into the park, the journey is typically straightforward.

The park’s location is a key part of its appeal. It's far enough removed from major population centers to provide a true sense of escape and solitude, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in nature. Yet, it's not so remote that accessing supplies or reaching emergency services becomes a significant challenge. The drive through the surrounding woodlands sets the tone for the tranquility that awaits. For those coming from the Twin Cities or other parts of Minnesota, it’s a manageable drive that leads to a genuine wilderness experience, balancing convenience with a profound sense of natural immersion.

Savanna Portage State Park Campground offers a range of services designed to make your stay comfortable while preserving the park's natural integrity. It provides a good balance of modern conveniences within a rustic setting.

• Diverse Campsite Options: The campground boasts 61 single-family campsites. Of these, 18 sites come with electric hookups (30/50 amp), catering to RVs and trailers up to 55 feet. The remaining sites are non-electric, ideal for tent camping or RVs that don't require power. There are also 6 backpack sites, 1 canoe site, a camper cabin, and a primitive group camp capable of accommodating up to 30 people, offering a variety of experiences.
• Modern Sanitation Building: The campground features a semi-modern sanitation building with flush toilets and hot showers. Reviews consistently note these facilities as clean, although some mention they might be "a tad dated," indicating they are well-maintained despite their age.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill grate, perfect for outdoor cooking and enjoying campfires.
• Drinking Water: Potable water is available throughout the campground, ensuring campers have access to fresh drinking water. Some sites might also have spigots nearby.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available for RVs, allowing for proper waste disposal.
• Firewood for Sale: Firewood can be purchased directly from the park office or camp host, helping to prevent the spread of invasive species by discouraging outside firewood.
• Boat Launch: A boat ramp near the campground provides easy access to Shumway Lake for boating and fishing.
• Boat, Canoe, Kayak, and Motor Rentals: During summer months, the park offers rentals for boats, motors, canoes, and kayaks, making it easy to get out on the park's four lakes even if you don't bring your own equipment.
• Camp Host: A camp host is typically on-site to assist campers with questions, provide local information, and help maintain the campground.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome in Minnesota State Parks, including the campground, provided they are on a six-foot leash and cleaned up after.
• Online Reservations: Campsites can be reserved through the Minnesota DNR's online reservation system, allowing campers to plan their trip in advance.

• Shaded, Wooded Campsites: A prominent feature is the abundance of "large pines" and overall shade, creating a cool and pleasant environment. Many sites are described as "real nice," with some offering considerable privacy, especially those on the outer loops.
• Lakeside Sites on Lake Shumway: Several highly sought-after campsites are located directly by Lake Shumway, including specific sites like 27, 29, 41, 43, 44, 45, 49, and 51, providing beautiful water views and easy lake access.
• Peaceful and Quiet Atmosphere: Reviewers consistently highlight the campground as "definitely quiet and not too busy," making it an ideal retreat for those seeking tranquility and a break from noise.
• Four Fishing Lakes: The park boasts four lakes (Shumway, Loon, Wolf, and Savanna Lakes), offering abundant opportunities for fishing northern pike, bass, trout, and panfish. Electric motors are permitted on these lakes.
• Extensive Trail System: Savanna Portage State Park features over 26 miles of hiking trails and 10 miles of mountain bike trails. These trails traverse diverse landscapes, including rolling hills, bogs, and forests, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing (deer, bear, moose, wolves, various birds) and historical exploration (Savanna Portage Trail, Continental Divide Trail).
• Loon Lake Swimming Beach: A beautiful, pine-covered swimming beach at Loon Lake offers a fantastic spot to cool off and enjoy the water, particularly popular with families.
• Historic Significance: The park preserves the historic Savanna Portage, a centuries-old footpath used by indigenous peoples and voyageurs as a vital trade link. Exploring this trail offers a unique glimpse into Minnesota's past.
• Playground and Recreation Area: A playground for children and amenities like a volleyball court and horseshoe pits (at the Loon Lake picnic grounds) add to the family-friendly appeal.
• Variety of Lodging: Beyond standard campsites, the availability of a camper cabin (accessible, year-round) and remote backpack/canoe sites caters to a wider range of outdoor enthusiasts.

For more information, to inquire about current conditions, or to make a reservation at Savanna Portage State Park Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: 55626 Lake Place, McGregor, MN 55760 (This is the primary mailing/physical address for the park office, which oversees the campground. The provided Balsam Township address is a general area.)

Phone: (218) 426-3271

Toll-Free Phone (for general DNR info/reservations): (888) 646-6367

Reservations for campsites are managed through the Minnesota DNR's online reservation system. It is highly recommended to book your site in advance, especially for electric sites or during peak seasons, as this popular park's campsites can fill up quickly.

For us, the residents of Minnesota, Savanna Portage State Park Campground embodies much of what we seek in a truly enriching outdoor experience, making it an ideal local destination. Its appeal lies in its combination of a genuinely wild, peaceful setting and the thoughtful amenities that enhance comfort without detracting from nature's appeal. Unlike more commercialized parks, Savanna Portage offers a tranquil escape, where the sounds of rustling leaves and calling loons replace urban noise, allowing for true relaxation and rejuvenation.

We Minnesotans cherish our state parks for their natural beauty and recreational opportunities, and Savanna Portage delivers on all fronts. With numerous shaded, often private campsites nestled among large pines and some offering picturesque views of Lake Shumway, it provides the perfect backdrop for setting up camp. The availability of clean, well-maintained restrooms and showers, even if "a tad dated," shows a commitment to guest comfort that we appreciate.

Beyond the campground itself, the extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails, the opportunities for fishing and paddling on its four lakes, and the presence of a lovely swimming beach on Loon Lake ensure there's always an adventure waiting. Its historical significance, preserving the ancient Savanna Portage, adds a unique educational dimension that deepens our connection to Minnesota's heritage. For a quiet, activity-rich, and authentically Minnesotan camping experience that feels remote yet is easily accessible, Savanna Portage State Park Campground is a top-tier choice for us, the locals, seeking to explore the beauty of our own backyard.

Savanna Portage State Park Campground

Balsam Township, MN 55760, USA