Big Winnie Store RV Park & Campground

Are you a Minnesotan looking for a quiet, comfortable RV or camping experience that also offers a touch of local history and convenience? Big Winnie Store RV Park & Campground in Bena, MN, is a hidden gem that combines the peacefulness of a natural setting with the practicality of on-site amenities. This isn't just a place to set up camp; it's a historic landmark that has been serving travelers and locals since 1932, offering a unique glimpse into Northern Minnesota's past, all while providing modern comforts for your stay.

Nestled in the heart of the Chippewa National Forest, Big Winnie Store RV Park & Campground consistently receives praise for its tranquil atmosphere and well-maintained facilities. Guests often highlight the quiet environment, the convenience of the on-site store (which even sells local beer!), and the ease of setting up their RVs or tents. Whether you're a seasoned RVer, a tent camping enthusiast, or simply passing through, Big Winnie offers a welcoming and peaceful retreat, making it an excellent choice for a quintessential Minnesota outdoor experience.

Big Winnie Store RV Park & Campground is ideally situated at 1510 US-2, Bena, MN 56626, USA. This prime location offers exceptional accessibility for travelers, being directly on US Highway 2, a major east-west route through northern Minnesota. This makes it incredibly easy to find and access, whether you're arriving from across the state or just heading up for a weekend getaway.

The park's setting within the Chippewa National Forest immediately immerses visitors in Minnesota's stunning natural landscapes. Despite its roadside convenience, the park maintains a peaceful ambiance, as noted by many satisfied campers. A significant highlight of its location is its close proximity to Lake Winnibigoshish, one of Minnesota's premier fishing lakes, often referred to as "Big Winnie." Public access points and boat launches to Lake Winnibigoshish are nearby, making it incredibly convenient for anglers and water enthusiasts. The surrounding area also offers extensive opportunities for outdoor activities, including miles of walking, ATV, and snowmobile trails directly accessible from the park. Additionally, a public beach is within walking distance, perfect for a refreshing swim on a warm day. The historic Big Winnie Store, with its distinctive Bavarian architecture, is an attraction in itself, adding character and convenience to your stay. This blend of natural beauty, recreational access, and historical charm makes Big Winnie Store RV Park & Campground a truly appealing destination for any Minnesotan.

Big Winnie Store RV Park & Campground provides a range of services designed to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay for all types of campers, from RVers to tent enthusiasts. Their offerings are geared towards meeting essential needs while enhancing the overall outdoor experience:

• Full Hookup RV Sites: The campground offers full hookup RV sites, which include water, electric (30 and 50 amp options), and sewer connections. This provides all the necessary utilities for a comfortable RV stay.
• Tent Sites: Dedicated tent sites are available for traditional campers, offering a more rustic experience while still providing access to communal facilities.
• Convenience Store / General Store: A significant amenity is the historic Big Winnie Store located on-site. This full-service convenience store and trading post offers a variety of essentials, including groceries, bait, snacks, drinks, coffee, cappuccino, beer, wine, and off-sale liquor. It also has new, top-of-the-line gasoline pumps.
• Restrooms and Showers: Clean and well-maintained restrooms with full showers are available for all guests, including tent campers, ensuring comfort and hygiene during your stay.
• Laundromat: On-site laundry facilities are provided, allowing campers to wash and dry clothes conveniently without leaving the park.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for purchase at the store or designated woodsheds, essential for enjoying campfires at your site.
• Water Access: Potable water access is available at sites and communal points.
• Pet-Friendly: Well-behaved pets are welcome at the facility, though guests are responsible for cleanup and leashing, and it's advisable to call for any specific restrictions or fees.
• Seasonal RV Lots: For those seeking a more permanent summer retreat, seasonal RV lot rentals are available, offering a long-term base in the beautiful Northwoods.
• Cabins: In addition to RV and tent sites, the property also offers vintage cabins for rent, providing alternative accommodation options.

Big Winnie Store RV Park & Campground is rich with features and highlights that make it a distinctive and enjoyable destination in Northern Minnesota. These aspects contribute to its charm and popularity among a variety of campers:

• Historic Landmark Status: The Big Winnie Store itself is a federally recognized historic landmark, established in 1932, with unique 1930s Bavarian architecture. This adds a unique cultural and historical dimension to your camping experience.
• Peaceful and Quiet Atmosphere: Despite its location on US Highway 2, the campground is consistently described by visitors as very quiet and peaceful, offering a serene escape.
• On-Site Full-Service General Store: The presence of a well-stocked historic general store right at the campground is a major convenience, offering everything from groceries and bait to gas, beer, and camping essentials.
• Proximity to Lake Winnibigoshish: The campground offers easy access to Lake Winnibigoshish (Big Winnie), a renowned fishing lake, with public beach access and boat launches nearby, perfect for water activities.
• Direct Access to Trails: Guests have direct access to various walking, ATV, and snowmobile trails that extend into the surrounding Chippewa National Forest, providing endless opportunities for outdoor exploration.
• Clean Facilities: The bathrooms and showers are noted by guests as being clean and well-maintained, contributing to a comfortable stay.
• Tent Camping Friendly: Beyond RVs, the park is well-suited for tent campers, providing good spots near amenities like the woodshed and restrooms.
• Pet-Friendly Environment: The park welcomes well-behaved pets, allowing guests to enjoy their outdoor adventures with their furry companions.
• Playground: A children's playground is available, making the campground family-friendly and providing entertainment for younger guests.
• Beautiful Natural Setting: Nestled within the Chippewa National Forest, the park offers a scenic environment with mature trees and a natural ambiance.

Big Winnie Store RV Park & Campground offers a straightforward pricing structure that caters to different lengths of stay, providing value for both short-term visits and extended seasonal enjoyment. While highly specific, fluctuating daily promotions like those found at large chains might not be a regular feature, the park focuses on competitive base rates and long-term savings. Here’s what’s typically offered:

• Competitive Daily Rates: The park offers attractive daily rates for both full hookup RV sites and tent sites. For example, full hookup RV sites are listed at $45.00 per day (for 4 persons), and tent sites at $25.00 per day (for 2 persons), with additional charges for extra persons. Holiday weekends may have slightly higher daily rates and a minimum stay requirement.
• Weekly Rates: Guests planning a longer visit can take advantage of weekly rates, which provide a discount compared to booking individual daily nights. For example, weekly rates are $250.00 for RV sites and $130.00 for tent sites.
• Seasonal RV Lot Rentals: A significant "offer" for Minnesotans looking for a consistent summer retreat is the availability of seasonal RV lots. These are offered at $2100.00 annually (plus electricity), providing a dedicated spot for the entire camping season, allowing for maximum enjoyment of the area without the hassle of frequent setup and breakdown.
• Long-Term Home Lot Rentals: For those seeking a more permanent manufactured home solution, 12-month home lots are available at $2700 annually.

For the most current rates, availability, and to inquire about any specific specials that might be running, especially for group bookings or extended stays beyond the listed weekly options, it is always best to contact Big Winnie Store RV Park & Campground directly using the provided phone number. Given its popularity and unique offerings, booking in advance, particularly for peak season and seasonal sites, is highly recommended.

• Address: 1510 US-2, Bena, MN 56626, USA
• Phone: (218) 665-2585
• Mobile Phone: +1 218-665-2585

For Minnesotans, Big Winnie Store RV Park & Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination that taps into our love for the outdoors, our appreciation for local history, and our desire for convenient, comfortable getaways. As locals, we understand the allure of our state's vast forests and pristine lakes, and this park's location in the Chippewa National Forest with easy access to Lake Winnibigoshish perfectly embodies that. Whether you're an avid angler heading to "Big Winnie," a family looking for a peaceful base for hiking and ATV riding, or simply someone who enjoys the tranquility of a campfire under the stars, this park caters to it all.

The added charm of the historic Big Winnie Store on-site isn't just a novelty; it's a practical convenience that distinguishes this park from many others. Being able to grab groceries, bait, or even a local beer without leaving the campground truly enhances the relaxed vacation experience. The consistent feedback praising the park's quiet nature, cleanliness, and helpful amenities like showers and laundry facilities resonates with the expectations of Minnesota campers. Furthermore, the option for seasonal sites makes it an ideal "home away from home" for those looking to immerse themselves in the Northwoods for an entire summer. For a blend of historical charm, natural beauty, and modern camping conveniences, all within an easy drive for most of us in Minnesota, Big Winnie Store RV Park & Campground offers an authentic and highly enjoyable experience.

Big Winnie Store RV Park & Campground

1510 US-2, Bena, MN 56626, USA