Itasca State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Itasca State Park is in the area of Northern Minnesota known as the Boundary Waters. It contains the source of the Mississippi River and was first laid out in 1891. The famous geographer Henry Schoolcraft determined Lake Itasca to be the source of the Mississippi River in 1832. His guide on the expedition was Ozaawindib, who was an Ojibwe citizen of the Anishinaabe Confederation of First Nation tribes. Itasca State Park is the second-oldest state park in the United States behind Niagara Falls State Park in New York. Because of its fame, Itasca State Park became a National Landmark in 1965.
Spring 35-66 F
Summer 75-80 F
Fall 35-68 F
Winter -6-23 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Itasca State Park
There are two campgrounds in Itasca State Park: Bear Paw Campground and Pine Ridge Campground. The campgrounds in Itasca State Park offer a combined 223 RV campsites that accommodate big rigs up to 60 feet long. About 70% of those campsites have electrical hookups. Unlike many campgrounds in state parks throughout the United States, the two campgrounds here offer a Wi-Fi connection. They do, however, inform campers that the signal strength will vary depending on the site they choose. Itasca State Park allows leashed pets. Both campgrounds have two accessible campsites, and there are vault toilets throughout both campgrounds that are available year-round. The showers and full restrooms are seasonally available from roughly May until National Indigenous Peoples Day. Within both parks, the other amenities include a visitor center with a strong Wi-Fi signal, a dump station, a boat dock and a beach. The boat dock is currently being upgraded and should be ready in the spring of 2024. Until then, the dock is closed.
What to Do at
Itasca State Park
You're certain to enjoy hiking throughout the park and exploring the headwaters of the Mississippi River. If you visit during the winter, even though the campgrounds are closed, the trails become wonderful snowmobiling and snowshoeing trails. If you fish, then you can cast your line for largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, northern pike, and yellow perch, among other rarer species.
Hiking
There are 17 established hiking trails within Itasca State Park. From the easy Mississippi Headwaters Trail, which isn't even a half mile long, to the 14.3-mile, moderately difficult North Country Trail, there is something for all hikers. Remember to pack enough water on the longer trails even during the winter months. Taking along energy bars is also a good idea.
Stargazing
The stargazing at Itasca State Park is almost as good as it gets. It rates as Class 2 on the Bortle Scale. Although you won't see the Gegenschein without a superior camera, you can still see both the Milky Way and the stars casting shadows. There is a hint of gray in the sky rather than the true black of Class-1 skies, but with the right kind of camera, you can still capture spectacular shots of galaxies, nebulae and constellations.
Flora and Fauna
There are birds everywhere. The species include herons, tanagers, ducks of every kind, ring-necked pheasants, grebes and numerous varieties of songbirds. Although grizzly bears haven't been seen in Minnesota since 1960, you will still see black bears. Other predators include wolves and bobcats. Other than these predators, you will find deer, otters and beavers. If you love orchids, then you will find 28 species of these beautiful plants in Itasca State Park, including the ram's head lady slipper. It's among the rarest orchids in North America.
Nature Viewing
Just sitting and watching the Mississippi River begin to flow is a popular activity. Many birders take photos of their targets while appreciating the peacefulness of the flowing river.
Fishing
The fishing in Lake Itasca is not spectacular, but it offers challenges nonetheless. Be sure to have the right licenses for the species you wish to catch, and pay attention to the applicable fishing seasons.
Swimming
Lake Itasca's water is very cool even in summer, so be sure to limit your swimming time to avoid problems. Still, on a hot day, a brisk dip is quite refreshing, and as with most Minnesota lakes, the water quality is excellent. There are no lifeguards, so take proper precautions, and never swim beyond your ability.
Boating
Beginning in spring 2024, you will be able to take boats out onto Lake Itasca again. The lake is 40 feet deep, so you can take out all kinds of boats. There is a 10-horsepower limit on motors, however.
How to Get to
Itasca State Park
From all points south, proceed to Route 71, and follow it north. It takes you right to the park. From all points north, take Route 2 or Route 89 to Bemidji. Once there, take Route 71 south. It will take you all the way to Itasca State Park.
Entering Itasca State Park
You can drive into either campground with any vehicle as they have RV campsites. The sites can accommodate vehicles up to 60 feet long. Parking areas are scattered throughout the park, including near the north and south entrances, the self-service station, the bison kill site, the large white pine, the burial mounds and the historic ice house. You can also park by the Landmark Trail, the CCC Plantation/Forestry Demonstration Trail, the DeSoto Trail, the Aiton Heights Trail and the LaSalle Trail. The park features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and wheelchair-accessible parking and restrooms. You can also rent an all-terrain wheelchair. The park itself is open from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Itasca State Park Entry Fee (per vehicle) : $7.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Itasca State Park
Because there are activities all year, any time of year is great to visit this park. If you stargaze, then you will see different constellations at different times under the near-perfect night sky. Still, summer might be the best time because the fishing is good, the water is not too cold, and the hiking is terrific.
Birds, bears, wolves and deer are the most common animals seen in Itasca State Park. Bring your camera and/or binoculars to get great views of these creatures, and remember to stay back at least 150 feet from predators.
Yes, there are 223 total campsites at the two designated campgrounds, and 160 of these have electrical hookups.
Yes, you must have reservations. They may be made on the same day of arrival or up to 120 days in advance. The campgrounds at Itasca State Park cost $25 a night.
Pets are welcome, although they are not allowed in any buildings within the park or the accompanying campgrounds. They must also be on a leash no more than 6 feet long and cleaned up after.