Tenting area near Big Falls

[M.T. Bucket]

Anyone have any good ideas for campsites to stay in a tent near Big Falls other than the municipal campground right in town?

[koochiching]

Bucket,

There's a lovely county campsite at the point where the Sturgeon River joins the Big Fork River, a few miles downriver from Big Falls. From US Hwy 71, drive west on Cty Hwy 30 about 3 1/2 miles, then north about 1 1/2 miles on a gravel road that ends at the campsite. Should be a sign on Hwy 30... Room for about 3 separate tent camps, right on the west bank of the Big Fork.

There are also two other county campsites on the east bank of the Big Fork, a bit further downriver. Head north on US Hwy 71 from Big Falls, until that highway curves to the right; take a left onto Cty Hwy 13, which goes straight north... Take a left about 1 1/2 miles north of the turnoff from Hwy 71, and follow the signs... it's about 5 miles to the campsite with a boat/canoe launch; the other campsite is a bit closer, but the road may not be marked...

There's another nice county campsite on Lake Seretha, about 15 miles south of Big Fork on Hwy 71, and about a mile NW on a gravel road that may or may not be marked...

You're aware, of course, that you can camp anywhere in a state forest, as long as you don't make a mess, etc...

Bring your own firewood. I have no trouble finding dead wood along the road into such sites, which I can set in my boat, or on the roof of the pickup topper, and saw up when I make camp...

All these county sites are free, maintained by the county road crews. Sometimes slobs use them, and abuse the privilege. And unfortunately, very few clean out the firepits before they leave, so I carry a short-handled rake and shovel, and extra trash bags.

Hope you find the sites cleaned up and ready to welcome you.

Good Campin'

k