Bergamo Campground

For Minnesota residents and those traveling through the North Star State, discovering a campground that perfectly balances spacious, modern amenities with genuine, friendly hospitality is a true find. Bergamo Campground, situated in the welcoming community of Solway, MN, just a short drive from Bemidji, is exactly that kind of destination. This newer, family-owned campground has quickly become known as an ideal spot for seasonal campers and short-term visitors alike, especially those traveling with large RVs or looking to explore Minnesota's extensive ATV and outdoor trail systems.

The core mission of the owners, Dale and Patti Thormodsgard, is to provide a place to "get your mind right"—a relaxing haven where families can commune with nature, have fun, and enjoy a strong sense of community. The property spans a remarkable 232 acres of beautiful wooded landscape, ensuring a private and spacious feel for all guests. The campground is a testament to the owners' long-standing dream, and their dedication is evident in the quality of the facilities and the personal touch in customer service, with visitors frequently praising the owners' welcoming nature, often greeting campers on a golf cart and offering kind gestures like providing firewood or fresh vegetables from their garden. Bergamo Campground isn't just a place to park; it’s a commitment to an enjoyable, stress-free Minnesota camping experience.

Bergamo Campground boasts a highly convenient location that makes it an excellent base camp for exploring Northern Minnesota. It is situated in Solway, MN, which is positioned just 7 miles west of the vibrant, amenity-rich city of Bemidji. This strategic location offers the peace of a country retreat while keeping major shopping, dining, and attractions—such as Lake Bemidji and the famous Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues—within easy reach.

The official address is 15661 Tom Jefferson Dr NW, Solway, MN 56678, USA.

Accessibility to the campground is straightforward, as it is located near US Highway 2, a main artery through the region. This proximity makes arrivals and departures simple, even for large rigs. The camp is also surrounded by the vast natural resources of Beltrami County, placing campers close to hundreds of other major lakes including Upper Red Lake and Cass Lake. Crucially for adventure enthusiasts, some of the best ATV and horseback riding trails in Minnesota are just 2.5 miles away, offering direct access to the state's outdoor playground. The long, lovely country lane leading to the grounds only heightens the anticipation of a secluded and peaceful retreat awaiting at the end of the drive.

Bergamo Campground is designed with the modern RVer and extended-stay seasonal camper in mind, offering a suite of premium, full-service amenities that go beyond the basics. The focus here is on providing a hassle-free, comfortable retreat, ensuring a "wonderful stay."

• Full Hookups: Every one of the 49 campsites is a full hookup site, providing water, septic system access, and metered electrical service.
• Variable Electrical Service: Sites are equipped with 50, 30, and 20 Amp metered electric service to accommodate all types of RVs and trailers.
• High-Speed Connectivity: Fiber optic/cable services are available to sites (fees may apply), offering a level of connectivity that is increasingly rare in secluded camping environments.
• Bathhouse and Laundry: A modern shower and bathhouse facility is available, with a future laundry facility planned as part of the ongoing development to ensure full home-away-from-home convenience.
• Firewood and Produce: The owners are known for their exceptional hospitality, which has included providing complimentary firewood and fresh vegetables from their garden to guests.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Bergamo is a pet-friendly campground (with a small fee), ensuring that your furry friends can join in the vacation fun, provided they are kept on a leash and cleaned up after.
• Seasonal Camping Priority: The campground actively caters to seasonal campers, offering priority site selection and long-term rates from May 1st through September 30th.

What makes Bergamo Campground a stand-out choice in the Minnesota camping landscape is the combination of its expansive property and the personalized hospitality of its owners, which often transforms a short stay into a memorable experience.

• Oversized, Spacious Campsites: With 49 sites, each measuring a generous 60 feet wide by 100 feet deep (6,000 square feet), the campsites are among the largest you will find, providing ample room for RVs, tow vehicles, and outdoor living space. This unique layout ensures maximum privacy and comfort.
• Owner Hospitality: The reputation for friendly, welcoming, and helpful owners (Dale and Patti) is consistently highlighted in guest reviews. Their personal attention and thoughtful gestures, such as greeting guests on a golf cart and offering fresh produce, exemplify the dedication to a truly hospitable environment.
• Dedicated Trail System: The property encompasses 232 acres with miles of on-site private trails designed for walking, biking, and golf cart use, perfect for leisurely exploration and wildlife viewing.
• ATV/OHV Access: As an ATV and golf cart-friendly destination, the campground offers easy, direct access to the region's top-rated ATV and Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) trailheads, located just 2.5 miles away.
• New, Modern Playground: A great, modern playground with swings and slides is available for children, ensuring entertainment and fun for the youngest campers.
• Event Hosting: Beyond camping, the grounds are being developed to host special events, concerts, and even a future wedding venue, creating a dynamic, community-focused atmosphere for both campers and the local community.
• Natural Surroundings: The vast acreage provides excellent opportunities for wildlife and bird viewing, allowing campers to connect deeply with the serene natural environment of Northern Minnesota.

Booking a stay or seeking more information about Bergamo Campground is simple. The owners encourage direct communication to ensure the best possible experience.

• Address: 15661 Tom Jefferson Dr NW, Solway, MN 56678, USA
• Phone: (218) 467-3529 (Also referred to as 218-GO RELAX)
• Mobile Phone: +1 218-467-3529
• Business Hours: Monday–Sunday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Check-in available until 8 pm with late check-ins welcome with notice)

Bergamo Campground stands out in the Minnesota camping landscape for three core reasons: unmatched space, premium amenities, and exceptional owner care.

For the Minnesota resident, choosing Bergamo means choosing comfort and community. The fact that the sites are a massive 60x100 feet means you will never feel cramped, a common frustration at other campgrounds. This space is particularly valuable for owners of large RVs, multiple vehicles, or those who simply enjoy an expansive outdoor living area. The provision of full hookups, including septic, water, and varied electric service, ensures that your stay is comfortable and convenient, whether it's for one night or an entire season.

Furthermore, the genuine warmth and hands-on approach of the owners, as highlighted in guest reviews, truly elevate the experience. Guests often note feeling immediately welcomed and cared for, a level of personalized hospitality that transforms a typical camping trip into a truly restorative vacation. When you factor in the dedicated on-site trails for walking and golf carts, and the easy access to local ATV trails, Bergamo Campground solidifies its position as the premier choice for RV and seasonal campers looking for a safe, beautiful, and friendly home base near Bemidji. The wish of one short-term visitor—"In hindsight I wish we booked for a longer stay!"—perfectly encapsulates the quality of the experience.