Snake River Campground

For those of us in Minnesota who truly relish the call of the wild, a place where the roar of an ATV blends with the gentle flow of a river, Snake River Campground in McGrath, MN, offers an unparalleled experience. This isn't your typical full-service resort; it's a rustic, primitive campground designed for adventurers who appreciate direct access to vast trail systems and the tranquility of a riverside setting. If you're eager to embrace dry camping, explore miles of trails, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of our state, this hidden gem is definitely worth checking out.

Minnesota's diverse landscape provides endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, from its dense forests to its winding rivers and expansive trail networks. Snake River Campground perfectly embodies this spirit, serving as a prime base camp for ATV enthusiasts, hikers, and those simply looking for a quiet escape. This article will guide you through the essential details of Snake River Campground, including its unique location and accessibility, the services it provides, its standout features, and why it's an ideal destination for Minnesota locals seeking an authentic and adventurous outdoor getaway.

Introduction / Overview

Snake River Campground, located approximately 6 miles south of McGrath on State Highway 65, offers a genuine primitive camping experience along the scenic Snake River. This campground is explicitly designed for those who enjoy a more rugged and self-sufficient approach to the outdoors, featuring "dry camping" with no electric or water hookups at individual sites. This simplicity, however, is a key part of its appeal, providing an authentic connection to nature that many modern campgrounds lack.

What truly sets Snake River Campground apart is its direct and easy access to the renowned Red Top and Soo Line ATV trails. This makes it a mecca for riders looking to spend their days exploring vast networks of off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails. Even without extensive amenities, visitors find the experience to be "great" and "perfect" for pitching a tent after a day of riding. The presence of a beaver dam accessible via a walking trail along the river adds a unique natural attraction, enhancing the overall experience for nature lovers. The campground, managed by the Aitkin County Land Department, maintains a reasonable fee of $15-$20 per night, making it an affordable option for an immersive outdoor adventure.

Location and Accessibility

Snake River Campground is conveniently situated at 10890 MN-65, McGrath, MN 56350, USA. This address places it directly on State Highway 65, approximately 6 miles south of the small community of McGrath. The direct highway access makes it relatively easy to find for those traveling by vehicle, even for a primitive campground. McGrath, while small, provides basic services and a sense of connection to the broader region.

The campground's location along the Snake River is a significant advantage, offering scenic views and opportunities for water-based activities like canoeing and fishing. More importantly, its strategic position provides direct access to the expansive Red Top trails and the Soo Line ATV trail system. These trails are a major draw, attracting ATV and off-highway motorcycle enthusiasts from across the state. Being able to ride directly from your campsite onto these popular trails without needing to trailer your vehicles is an unparalleled convenience. The campground's setting in the "heart of large acreages of public land" further emphasizes its integration with Minnesota's vast natural spaces, providing a sense of privacy and immersion for campers.

Services Offered

Snake River Campground is a primitive campground, focusing on essential amenities to support an authentic outdoor experience. While it does not offer electricity or water hookups at individual sites, it provides the following:

• Campsites: 12 well-maintained camping sites suitable for pitching tents. These are considered "dry camping" sites.
• Pit Toilets: Basic restroom facilities in the form of pit toilets are available for campers.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is accessible within the campground, a crucial amenity for primitive camping.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining and convenience.
• Fire Rings: Individual fire rings are typically provided at each site for campfires and cooking.
• Canoe Landing: Direct access to the Snake River via a canoe landing, facilitating water-based recreation.
• Direct Trail Access: Immediate and direct access to the Red Top trails and the Soo Line ATV trails from the campground, ideal for recreational vehicle users.
• Walking Trail: A designated walking trail along the river, providing opportunities for leisurely strolls and access to natural features like the beaver dam.
• Affordable Rates: Camping is offered at a reasonable fee per night ($15-$20 per site), making it an accessible option for many.
• First-Come, First-Served: Sites are typically available on a first-come, first-served basis, indicating no advance reservation system, which can be convenient for spontaneous trips.

Features / Highlights

• Direct ATV Trail Access: The standout feature is the immediate access to the Red Top and Soo Line ATV trails, making it a prime destination for off-roading enthusiasts.
• Primitive and Rustic Experience: Offers an authentic "dry camping" experience, appealing to those who prefer a less developed, more natural setting.
• Riverside Location: Situated directly on the Snake River, providing picturesque views, opportunities for canoeing, fishing, and enjoying the sounds of flowing water.
• Beaver Dam Access: A unique natural attraction, a beaver dam, is accessible via a walking trail from the campground, offering a chance for wildlife observation.
• Affordable Camping: The $15-$20 per night fee makes it a highly economical option for enjoying extended stays in the outdoors.
• Quiet and Peaceful: Despite the ATV access, the primitive nature and location contribute to a generally quiet and peaceful atmosphere, especially for tent campers.
• Well-Maintained Sites: Despite being primitive, the campsites are described as "well-maintained," indicating care from the managing authorities.
• Situated on Public Land: Being in the "heart of large acreages of public land" means abundant opportunities for exploration beyond the immediate campground.
• Ideal for Trail Riders: Explicitly noted as a "great place for 4 wheeling fun" and "perfect to pitch a tent after riding the trails all day."
• Natural Immersion: Encourages campers to disconnect and immerse themselves in the surrounding forests and river ecosystem.

Contact Information

Address: 10890 MN-65, McGrath, MN 56350, USA

Phone: (218) 927-7364

Mobile Phone: +1 218-927-7364

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Minnesota locals who are passionate about off-roading, river activities, or simply finding a peaceful, no-frills escape into nature, Snake River Campground in McGrath is an exceptionally suitable destination. Its primary appeal lies in its direct and immediate access to the extensive Red Top and Soo Line ATV trails. For those living in Minnesota who own ATVs or enjoy exploring on two wheels, the ability to ride directly from their campsite without the hassle of trailering to a separate access point is an invaluable convenience, making spontaneous day trips or multi-day adventures incredibly easy and enjoyable.

Beyond the trails, the campground's primitive nature and picturesque location right on the Snake River resonate deeply with the spirit of Minnesota's outdoor culture. Locals often seek out places where they can truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the natural environment. With dry camping, pit toilets, and drinking water, Snake River Campground offers just enough amenities to be comfortable while retaining a rugged authenticity. The presence of the beaver dam and walking trails further enhances the experience, providing opportunities for quiet nature observation and leisurely strolls along the river, catering to all types of outdoor enthusiasts.

Furthermore, the affordability of the sites (at $15-$20 a night) makes it an accessible and attractive option for regular local getaways. It's a place where you can quickly pitch a tent after a day on the trails, enjoy a campfire under the vast Minnesota sky, and truly embrace the freedom of the wilderness without breaking the bank. For Minnesotans who value adventure, simplicity, and direct access to the state's incredible trail systems and waterways, Snake River Campground is an undiscovered gem waiting to become a regular fixture in their outdoor plans.

Snake River Campground

10890 MN-65, McGrath, MN 56350, USA