Campground near Winnie

🎣 **Introduction / Overview: Experience the Northwoods at Winnie Campground**

For Minnesota outdoor lovers seeking a pristine, nature-focused getaway, **Winnie Campground** offers an ideal escape. This US Forest Service (USFS) managed site is remotely located on the western shore of the massive **Lake Winnibigoshish**, often referred to simply as "Big Winnie," right in the heart of the picturesque **Chippewa National Forest**. This is true Northwoods camping, surrounded by a scenic forest of mature red and white pines that provide beautiful shade and a genuine rustic atmosphere.

Winnie Campground is known for its quiet, laid-back environment, making it a favorite for those who prioritize fishing, boating, and scenic forest relaxation over extensive modern amenities. With 33 designated campsites, including some that offer stunning lake views, it serves as a perfect base camp for accessing one of Minnesota’s premier fisheries. Visitors here are primarily focused on the natural splendor of the area and the legendary fishing opportunities on the 67,000-acre Lake Winnibigoshish.

The campground’s design maintains a rustic feel, with sites spread out in a wooded setting. Whether you’re parking an RV, pitching a family tent, or looking for a group site, Winnie provides the space and tranquil setting for an unforgettable Minnesota camping tradition.

---

🗺️ **Location and Accessibility: Lakeside Retreat Near Squaw Lake, MN**

Winnie Campground is tucked away in the beautiful wilderness of the Chippewa National Forest. While it feels remote, it is accessible via forest roads and is conveniently located near the community of Squaw Lake, MN. The general location is:

GR9P+8W, Squaw Lake, MN 56636, USA

The campground sits directly on the western shoreline of Lake Winnibigoshish, providing direct, easy access to the water. This remote setting is part of its charm; however, access requires navigating some national forest roads. It is located roughly 25 miles from the larger town of Cass Lake, offering a sufficient degree of separation for a quiet experience while keeping essential services within a reasonable drive.

Access into the campground is straightforward for both tents and recreational vehicles (RVs). Notably, a public boat ramp and a harbor are conveniently situated next to the campground, simplifying the launch and retrieval of fishing boats and watercraft. This makes it exceptionally accessible for anglers targeting the famous walleye and muskie of Lake Winnie.

Due to its popularity, especially during peak summer fishing season, many of the 33 campsites are **reservable** through the national reservation system. Securing a site ahead of time is highly recommended, though some sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis, particularly outside of prime dates.

---

🛠️ **Services Offered (Designed for the Fishing Enthusiast)**

Winnie Campground is a developed USFS campground that offers basic, necessary services while retaining its rustic forest charm. It is designed to support a self-sufficient camping experience focused on enjoying the outdoors.

• **Campsites:** The campground features 33 reservable sites suitable for both RVs and tents. Some sites are noted as being very large, making them suitable for groups or large RVs.
• **Site Amenities:** Each campsite is equipped with a sturdy picnic table and a campfire ring, perfect for cooking and evening relaxation.
• **Water Access:** Potable drinking water is generally available via a hand pump. (Note: Campers should always check the current status of the hand pump before their trip, as conditions can change).
• **Sanitation:** Vault toilets are provided within the campground loops. Campers should be prepared for a rustic bathroom experience.
• **Waste Management:** Recycling services are available on-site, encouraging responsible environmental practice.
• **No Hookups:** No water, sewer, or electric hookups are available at the campsites, reinforcing the rustic camping experience.

---

🌟 **Features / Highlights: Lake Winnie's Best Fishing Access**

The primary draw of Winnie Campground is its unparalleled location and the surrounding recreational opportunities:

• **World-Class Lake Winnibigoshish Access:** The campground’s location on the west side of Lake Winnie puts campers steps away from one of Minnesota's top fisheries. The lake is famous for its abundant walleye, trophy muskie, northern pike, and jumbo perch.
• **On-Site Boat Launch and Harbor:** Direct access to a public boat ramp and a protected harbor area immediately adjacent to the campground is a huge benefit for boat owners and fishing groups.
• **Scenic Lakeside Sites:** Several campsites are situated along the lake, offering highly sought-after, beautiful views over the 141 miles of Lake Winnie's pristine shoreline.
• **Chippewa National Forest Trails:** Miles of hiking and biking trails meander around the lake and through the surrounding forest, offering excellent opportunities for nature viewing, bird watching, and gentle exercise.
• **Natural Forest Setting:** The sites are heavily wooded with mature red and white pine, offering excellent privacy between sites and natural shade during the day.

---

☎️ **Contact Information**

Winnie Campground is managed by the US Forest Service under the Chippewa National Forest. For reservations and specific inquiries, you can utilize the national reservation system or contact the nearest USFS district office.

• **Address (General Location):** GR9P+8W, Squaw Lake, MN 56636, USA
• **Managing Entity:** U.S. Forest Service, Chippewa National Forest
• **Phone (Blackduck Ranger District Area):** (218) 835-4291
• **Reservations:** Reservations can be made online through the Recreation.gov website or by phone for the USFS campgrounds.

---

✅ **What is Worth Choosing Winnie Campground**

Winnie Campground is definitively worth choosing for Minnesota residents whose vacation priorities revolve around **fishing, boating, and enjoying the solitude of a remote Northwoods setting.** It offers an authentic national forest camping experience on a world-class lake, providing all the necessary rustic amenities (vault toilets, water, picnic tables) without the crowds and commercial feel of private resorts.

The campground’s primary value lies in its prime location on Lake Winnibigoshish—it is the ideal launch point for a fishing trip targeting walleye and muskie. The combination of beautiful, wooded sites, the convenience of the adjacent boat harbor, and the overall peaceful, remote atmosphere of the Chippewa National Forest makes Winnie Campground a top-tier choice for a traditional, water-focused Minnesota camping vacation. For the self-sufficient camper, it offers the perfect balance of accessibility and immersion in nature.