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Bent Trout Lake Campground

Overview

Bent Trout Lake Campground offers a secluded retreat in the heart of Minnesota’s Carlton County. Situated on the shores of a private lake, this park provides a peaceful alternative to busier regional resorts. Travelers looking for a quiet nature escape will appreciate the mature trees and the gentle atmosphere. Whether you are stopping for a weekend or staying longer, the park emphasizes a relaxed pace of life centered around the water. It serves as an excellent home base for exploring the diverse landscapes of Northeast Minnesota.

Location & Surroundings

Located just outside the town of Barnum, MN, the campground is conveniently positioned near Interstate 35, making it an accessible stop for those traveling toward Duluth or the North Shore. Despite its proximity to the highway, the site feels worlds away, surrounded by dense northern forests and rolling hills. The centerpiece of the property is the pristine Bent Trout Lake, a spring-fed body of water that remains calm and scenic throughout the camping season. The air is crisp, and the surrounding wilderness provides a natural buffer from the outside world.

Amenities & Park Features

The park provides essential services for a comfortable stay, including spacious RV sites equipped with electric and water hookups. Visitors have access to clean restroom and shower facilities, ensuring the comforts of home are never far away. Key features of the park include:

  • A sandy swimming beach and boat launch area
  • A playground for families with children
  • A communal pavilion for group gatherings
  • Private fire rings and picnic tables at each site

These amenities allow guests to enjoy the outdoors while maintaining access to necessary conveniences during their stay.

Nearby Attractions & Things to Do

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in the surrounding area. The nearby Moose Lake State Park is a popular destination for hiking and agate hunting, while the Munger Trail offers miles of paved paths for biking and walking. For a day trip, the city of Duluth and Lake Superior are only a short drive north, providing access to maritime museums, shopping, and scenic harbor views. The Moose Lake Agate and Geological Center is also a must-visit for rockhounds interested in Minnesota’s state gemstone.

Who This Park Is Best For

This campground is ideal for families and retirees who prefer a quiet, low-key environment over a high-activity resort. It is a perfect fit for anglers who enjoy fishing for panfish and bass in a tranquil setting. If your travel style involves unplugging from technology and reconnecting with the outdoors, Bent Trout Lake Campground offers the right balance of basic amenities and raw natural beauty in the Minnesota woods.

Amenities

- Recreational Facilities

• Lake
• Swimming
• Fishing
• Ramp
• Boat Rental
• Body Of Water (Bent Trout Lake)
• Horseshoes
• Rec Hall
• Playground
• Kayaking/Canoeing

- Policies

• Pets Welcome
• Tent Camping Allowed

- Other Amenities & Services

• Restroom and Showers

- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)

• Fishing
• Hiking
• Boating
• Kayaking/Canoeing
• Marina
• Watersports

- Facility

• Type (Campground)

- On-Site Rentals

• 

- Sites

• Total Spaces (89)
• Spaces Available (11)
• Max Length (55)
• 30 Amp
• Grass Sites (11)
• 50 Amp
• Seasonal Sites
• Side-by-Side Hookups
• Water (11)
• Electric (11)
• Max Amps (50)
• Back-ins (25 x 55)
• Fire Rings

User Reviews

John Kosmas

June 20, 2023

Have been there many times and recommended often. Just had a friend listen to me and they had a great time. Said they will be going back lots. Thanks for everything you do and making me proud to send folks to such a great place.

Ammon Buhler

August 15, 2021

Great campground very friendly campers, staff is friendly and helpful. Looking forward to going back.

Grace Anderson

July 27, 2021

Bent Trout Lake in Barnum is the greatest! I have been coming here with my mother, my daughters and now my grandchildren since the mid-90s. Over the years, we have rented pontoons or paddle boats or just gone swimming. We are tent campers and places to camp are rapidly going away but BTL has some of the most spacious campsites I have ever encountered. We use site 80 down the hill. I haven't been here since like 2005 and while it's modernized and kept up with the times it's still a peaceful campground. There are some permanent sites there that I recognize since the 1990s and it's nice that while everything's changing you can always count on Scott and Mike and their familes, happy to greet you and treat you like an old friend and help you with whatever you may need. BTL is the only place I will ever camp in Minnesota.

Shanda Marie

October 03, 2020

Very nice place to camp, friendliest owners, we will definitely be back!!

Kenneth Hill

September 21, 2020

I've been camping at Bent trout Lake for 22 plus years I've seen a lot of families come and go. Bent Trout Lake is very family oriented.I highly recommend!!

Thomas Anstett

September 16, 2020

Amazing family orientated Campground. Scott genuinely cares for his visitors. Outstanding service.

BRENDA Wood

July 31, 2020

I have a seasonal site I love it here all the people here are very helpful friendly. The owners have been here forever they are always working to keep things cleaned up and maintained all the time. If the Covid 19 would disappear then would be able to go to the family events held at campground but this year canceled. This is my happy place.

Nichole Sahlen

June 14, 2019

Very peaceful/serene. Clean place. We would camp here again.

Matthew Anderson

August 13, 2018

A family-owned campground situated on a private lake. Both seasonal leases and "weekender" rental sites. A developed beach access to the lake surrounded by virginal untouched nature. Filled with friendly Minnesotans, I don't think camping gets any better than this (unless one desires a true, experience "roughing it" independently completely in the wild)!

Jeremy Thompson

July 28, 2018

Been a seasonal here since 2011, and staying before that. Awesome fireworks on the 4th of July weekend, and fun kids games and adult tournaments on holiday weekends.

Map for Bent Trout Lake Campground

Contact information