Fishing and camping go hand-in-hand in Minnesota. The state has an abundance of natural resources that encourage visitors to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you want a primitive campsite with basic amenities or a modern campground experience, you can find plenty of options that will give you access to prime fishing spots. Most campsites also let you enjoy opportunities for other recreational pursuits to keep you on the move.
Trout Streams
The Whitewater and Root River Valleys of southeastern Minnesota hold hundreds of miles of trout streams. Pitch your tent along some spring-fed rapids and wade the waters in search of rainbow, brown and brook trout. Numerous public and private campgrounds offer direct access to blue-ribbon waters. Hiking trails abound in Whitewater and Forestville State Parks where you can traverse limestone bluffs on challenging routes. The intimate Gribben Creek in Fillmore County is a hidden gem with remote campsites available on state forest land.
Wilderness Camping
The northern wilderness is blanketed with seldom-fished waters that hold walleye, lake trout and northern pike. Getting to your campsite may require challenging hikes through rugged terrain or long paddles in your canoe with frequent portages. Your efforts may be rewarded with moose sightings, trophy-size catches and the serene beauty of undisturbed nature. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Voyageurs National Park both border the Canadian wilds and hold some of the best fishing in the state.
Lake Superior
Fishing from a sea kayak can be an exciting way to experience the world's largest freshwater lake. Trout, salmon, walleye, northern pike and a number of other game fish reside in Lake Superior's cold, deep waters. Campsites are numerous along the rocky north shore, especially at the seven state parks that line the coast. Rugged hiking along the Superior Hiking Trail and rock-climbing the shoreline cliffs can give you plenty of activity on land. Palisade Head in Tettagouche State Park is a 200-foot vertical thrill.
River Trails
Minnesota has more than 30 designated water trails throughout the state. You can travel these routes via canoe or kayak while searching for walleye, smallmouth bass, trout or northern pike. Many routes offer shoreline campsites available without reservations and numerous public and private campgrounds line the routes. The Mississippi River below the Twin Cities spreads its footprint on the land and creates large areas of backwater webs. If you're and experienced with the paddles, the St. Louis River near Duluth offers whitewater adventure and challenging rapids.
10,000 Lakes
Minnesota is lake country and offers a wealth of waterfront campsites along the shores. Mille Lacs Lake is a renowned walleye destination, as are Upper Red Lake and Lake of the Woods in northern Minnesota. Bemidji and Brainerd lie in the heart of Paul Bunyan territory and offer numerous chains of lakes to go along with miles of hiking and biking trails to occupy your time on land. Faribault is host to a popular cluster of lakes in southern Minnesota. Sakatah State Park lies on Sakatah Lake and will give you access to the 39-mile Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail.
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