Advice on campground by or on fishing lake

[freebledsoe]

Greetings, folks.

I would like to get some recommendations for places to go for a tent camping/ fishing trip. I am in Saint Paul, and would like to go north within about 2 hours drive time. I prefer very scenic, less developed areas, but the female accompanying me has a list of must-haves...

1) Running water

2) Electricity

3) Showers

4) Real toilets

5) a beach (unfortunately, she does not enjoy fishing... so she can tan all day while I fish)

I was thinking maybe the Brainerd area? Just an idea since I have not been up there in probably 15 years. I would like the lake to have a good walleye fishery, I can catch bass anywhere/ anytime.

I will be bringing my boat, its small (12' w/ 10 hp) so I would prefer the lake not be huge. Maybe up to around 1,000 acres, around 500 would be perfect.

Too much to ask for? Well, as far as I'm concerned I can compromise on anything but the fishing!

Thanks in advance

[koochiching]

Hi Free,

Jessie Lake is a small lake located about 20 miles north of Deer River on State Hwy 6. I don't know how it's ranked today, but about three years ago it had more walleyes based on its size than any lake in Minnesota. There's a private campground favored by RV owners on the SW side of the lake that also accepts tenters.

I never used the amenities, so I don't know just what they have, but the walleye fishing on Jessie is usually very good, and there are numerous other lakes within a few miles in all directions.

Any possible spot would be the new Big Bog State Park at Washkish, on Upper Red Lake. All the amenities you asked for, plus great walleye and crappie fishing... only you have to throw the walleyes back!

And your 12' boat might be a bit small in really windy weather...

[freebledsoe]

Thanks, I appreciate the reply koochiching. I think I'll check out the area.

[cyberamish]

There is a real nice resort that we go to every year for a week on North Long Lake. Train Bell Resort is the name of it and while the primarily rent out cabins, condos, and lodge rooms they do have a small tent/trailer area available as well. Terrific people to deal with and the facility is top notch. They have a nice, well manicured beach area and the lake is a great lake for fishing. I tend to target the pike and walleyes but also spend alot of time fishing sunnies with the kids and there is a good LM pop as well. While North Long is a big lake it is broken up into three basins so your boat would not be too small.

[HaywardBound]

I've heard there is a nice Corps of Army Engineers campground on Cross lake. I've never been there, but I'd like to check it out.

Anyone know anything about it?

[HaywardBound]

Oh, one I have been to is Crow Wing campground (also known as Don & Mavis I think) just south of Brainard. A little spendy, and the host seemed craby, but a nice place. You may not get in on a weekend, so try for a weekday.

We camped right on the lake (great view) and close to the outdoor pool.

If you can get her to drive 3.5-4 hours, check out Itaska State Park. It has everything she wants and is one of the most beautiful places I have been to in MN. Lots of stuff to check out also. I don't know about the fishing though.

[Big Roy]

The campground on Cross lake is a great place,nice launch,beachs,close to town. I have been camping at it since the 60's and you cannot beat it. I have also stayed at Gull lake and Sandy lake. You can reserve online at Reserve usa.