Winnie Dam Campground

Nestled in the heart of Minnesota's iconic lake country, Winnie Dam Campground offers a truly exceptional camping experience for locals seeking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and world-class fishing that our state is renowned for. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), this charming campground stands out for its meticulous maintenance, spacious sites, and direct access to both the mighty Mississippi River and the vast expanse of Lake Winnibigoshish, affectionately known as "Lake Winnie." It’s a destination that perfectly balances the tranquility of the wilderness with the convenience of modern amenities, making it an ideal choice for families, avid anglers, and anyone looking for a refreshing escape into the Northwoods.

What truly sets Winnie Dam Campground apart, as consistently highlighted by visitors, is its commitment to quality and comfort. Campers frequently rave about the "beautiful small campground with spacious and immaculately maintained sites." This attention to detail ensures that your stay is not just an outdoor adventure, but a truly comfortable and enjoyable one. Each site is thoughtfully equipped with essential conveniences, allowing you to relax and focus on making memories rather than wrestling with logistics. This level of care fosters a welcoming environment, making it easy to see why so many choose to return season after season.

The campground's location is a strategic advantage for those passionate about fishing. Lake Winnie is celebrated as one of Minnesota's premier fisheries, teeming with sought-after species like walleye, northern pike, perch, musky, and even catfish. The direct access to the Mississippi River, just a short walk away, provides additional angling opportunities. Imagine spending your days reeling in impressive catches, then returning to a comfortable campsite to share stories around a crackling campfire. For families, the "nice playground for the kids" ensures that younger campers have plenty of space to play and explore, adding another layer of appeal for multi-generational trips.

Beyond the excellent fishing and family-friendly features, Winnie Dam Campground offers a serene atmosphere that allows for genuine relaxation. The sites are designed to be "spacious," providing ample room between campers, ensuring a sense of privacy and quiet that is often elusive in more crowded campgrounds. This thoughtful layout contributes significantly to the peaceful ambiance, making it easy to unwind and truly disconnect from the demands of everyday life. The natural surroundings, characterized by a forest of mixed hardwoods and towering red pines within the Chippewa National Forest, create a picturesque setting, providing opportunities to spot local wildlife, including nesting bald eagles.

The facilities at Winnie Dam Campground also receive high praise. The combination of "nice vault toilets separate from great shower building" indicates a well-planned infrastructure that prioritizes cleanliness and guest comfort. Having modern, well-maintained restrooms and showers is a significant convenience, especially after a long day of outdoor activities. The presence of a free dump station further adds to the ease of use for RV campers, simplifying the logistics of their stay. These amenities, coupled with the friendly and helpful campground hosts, create an environment where campers feel well-supported and can fully enjoy their time in the Minnesota wilderness.

In essence, Winnie Dam Campground is more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it’s a meticulously cared-for gateway to some of Minnesota’s finest outdoor experiences. Its blend of pristine natural beauty, excellent recreational opportunities, and well-maintained facilities makes it a standout choice for anyone looking to enjoy the best of what our state’s Northwoods has to offer.

Winnie Dam Campground is ideally situated on State Hwy 46 in Deer River, MN 56636, USA. This location is within the greater area of the Chippewa National Forest, placing it directly in Minnesota's famous lake country. The campground is located just walking distance from the Mississippi River and the Winnie Dam, which controls the outflow of Lake Winnibigoshish.

Accessibility to Winnie Dam Campground is highly convenient. From Deer River, Minnesota, visitors can take Highway 2 west for one mile, then turn right on Highway 46 and continue for about 12 miles. A short turn onto Itasca County 9 for 2 miles, followed by a left turn at the signs, leads directly to the campground. This straightforward access makes it easy for campers, including those with RVs and trailers, to arrive and set up their sites. Its proximity to Lake Winnibigoshish, one of Minnesota's largest lakes at 67,000 acres, is a major draw. While the campground offers a boat ramp to access the Mississippi River below the dam, the closest boat access to Lake Winnie itself is located approximately 1 mile northeast of the park down Plug Hat Road. This ensures excellent access for fishing and boating enthusiasts to both the river and the expansive lake.

• Electric Hookups: All 22 sites offer 30/50 AMP electric hookups.
• Water Access: Water spigots are conveniently located throughout the campground for potable water.
• Fire Pit with Adjustable Grill: Each site includes a fire pit, complete with an adjustable grill for cooking.
• Picnic Table: Every campsite is equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining and gathering.
• Free Dump Station: A complimentary dump station is available for RV and trailer waste.
• Shower Building: A modern and clean shower building with flush toilets.
• Vault Toilets: Additional clean vault toilets are available for convenience.
• Boat Ramp: Direct access to the Mississippi River below the dam via a boat ramp near the picnic shelter.
• Playground Area: A dedicated playground for children to enjoy.
• Camp Host: Friendly and helpful camp hosts are on-site to assist visitors.
• Picnic Shelter: A communal picnic shelter is available for gatherings.
• Reservations: Sites are reservable up to 6 months in advance via Recreation.gov.

• Immaculately Maintained Sites: Campers consistently praise the cleanliness and upkeep of the spacious campsites.
• Spacious Campsites: Sites are generously sized, providing ample room between campers for privacy and comfort.
• Excellent Fishing: Direct access to the Mississippi River and close proximity to Lake Winnibigoshish, renowned for walleye, northern pike, musky, perch, and catfish.
• Mississippi River Access: Ability to "wander down the side of the Mississippi for a long while" when water levels are low.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: Features a "nice playground for the kids" and a generally welcoming environment for families.
• Modern & Clean Restrooms/Showers: High-quality facilities, including a shower building and separate vault toilets, are frequently lauded for their cleanliness.
• Beautiful Natural Setting: Surrounded by mixed hardwoods and towering red pines of the Chippewa National Forest, offering a picturesque backdrop.
• Wildlife Observation: Opportunities to spot local wildlife, including nesting bald eagles, porcupines, and other forest creatures.
• Close to Lake Winnie Access: Just 1 mile from a boat access point to the main body of Lake Winnibigoshish at Plug Hat Road.
• Firewood Availability: While not on-site, easily accessible firewood can be purchased locally at Ken's Greenhouse or Winnie Trading Post on Rte 46 (approximately 2 miles away).

Address: State Hwy 46, Deer River, MN 56636, USA

Phone: (218) 326-6128

Mobile Phone: +1 218-326-6128

For reservations or further inquiries, you can typically use the Recreation.gov website or contact the USACE Lake Winnibigoshish office at the provided phone number.

For Minnesotans, Winnie Dam Campground truly stands out as an ideal local destination that embodies the best of our state's outdoor offerings. Its meticulous upkeep and "immaculately maintained sites" resonate deeply with the local appreciation for well-cared-for public spaces. Locals understand the value of a campsite that provides generous room, allowing them to fully relax and enjoy their surroundings without feeling crowded. The presence of electricity, fire pits with adjustable grills, and accessible water points at every site meets the practical needs of Minnesotan campers, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free experience whether they're in an RV or a tent.

The unparalleled fishing opportunities are perhaps the strongest draw for Minnesotans. Being able to easily access the legendary Lake Winnibigoshish and the Mississippi River, known for their abundant walleye, northern pike, and perch, is a dream come true for local anglers. The ability to "wander down the side of the Mississippi for a long while when the water is low" offers a unique and intimate connection to one of the state's most iconic natural features. This direct access to premier fishing spots positions Winnie Dam Campground as a top choice for those who want to maximize their time on the water.

Furthermore, the family-friendly amenities, including the "nice playground for the kids," make it a perfect spot for local families seeking quality time outdoors. Minnesotans often look for destinations that cater to all ages, and Winnie Dam Campground successfully delivers on this front. The highly praised "great shower building" and clean vault toilets also contribute significantly to guest comfort, a detail particularly valued by locals who appreciate cleanliness in shared facilities. Coupled with the helpful and friendly camp hosts, Winnie Dam Campground offers a welcoming, well-equipped, and deeply satisfying outdoor experience that perfectly aligns with the expectations and desires of Minnesotans looking for their next memorable adventure close to home.

Winnie Dam Campground

State Hwy 46, Deer River, MN 56636, USA