Grand Marais Campsite

🎣 **Introduction / Overview: Northern Minnesota's Trout Sanctuary**

For Minnesotans who cherish the unique combination of prime fishing and serene Northwoods ambiance, the **Bad Medicine Resort & Campground** is a truly special destination. Located near the community of Ponsford in Becker County, this family-run establishment sits on the east side of Bad Medicine Lake, which is celebrated across the state as Minnesota's best-known Rainbow Trout lake.

This destination successfully blends the amenities of a traditional Minnesota lake resort with a comprehensive campground facility. It caters to a range of visitors, from those seeking full hook-up RV sites (electric, water, and sewer) to those who prefer the simplicity of rustic tent camping. The campground is intentionally nestled among the beautiful Birch and Pine trees, with terraced sites that maximize the scenic setting.

The resort operates seasonally, with the camping area typically opening for the Fishing Opener weekend (usually the second week of May) and closing around the end of September. The clear, cool, and well-oxygenated waters of Bad Medicine Lake—which is spring-fed with no inlet or outlet—not only create an ideal trout habitat but also contribute to the lake's stunning clarity and peaceful nature. This dedication to preserving the quiet, natural environment is evident in the request for no jet skis or jet boats, ensuring campers can "listen to the Loons" instead.

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📍 **Location and Accessibility: Near Itasca and the Great Outdoors**

Bad Medicine Resort & Campground is conveniently located at 40195 Hunters Rd, Ponsford, MN 56575, placing it in the heart of Minnesota's vacation country, known for its concentration of lakes and forests.

**Accessibility:** The campground enjoys a strategic position, approximately 10 miles west of Itasca State Park along State Highway 113. It is also easily reached by turning onto Highway 113 if traveling north from Park Rapids on Highway 71. The final stretch typically involves a two-mile drive on East Bad Medicine Road to reach the resort, making the location both remote enough for peace but accessible enough for travelers.

Its location just below the South boundary of Itasca State Park makes it an excellent base camp for exploring the park where the Mississippi River begins, as well as the numerous other recreational opportunities in the area, including the Tamarac National Park and the North Country Trail. Guests should note that the resort is focused on lakeside activities, with sites spaced among the trees and terraced up from the lake.

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🛠️ **Services Offered (Full-Service Lakeside Comfort)**

Bad Medicine Resort & Campground offers a spectrum of services to ensure comfort and convenience for both short-term and seasonal campers, emphasizing a high level of amenity for a resort environment:

• Campsites: Campsites are spaced among the pine and birch trees on terraced sites overlooking the lake. Options include:
• **Full Hook-up Sites:** Include 50 amp or 20 amp electricity, water, and sewer connections for RVs and motor homes.
• **Electric/Water Sites:** Offer partial hookups for smaller RVs or trailers.
• **Rustic Sites:** Designated areas for tents with no hookups.
• Sanitation: A modern shower house is included with the campsite fees, providing clean, contemporary restrooms and showers for all campground guests.
• Lakeside Access: A Launch Area is available for boats or pontoons, along with docks (guests should check with management regarding dock space). A Fish Cleaning House is also on-site.
• Camp Essentials: Picnic tables & fire rings are provided at all sites. Firewood can be delivered to your site until 7 PM, and ice is available for sale.
• Recreation Rentals:** Paddle boat and canoe rentals are available on-site for exploring the lake.
• Convenience:** A Laundry Mat is provided for guest use, and High Speed Wireless Internet is available.
• Swimming:** A sandy swimming beach area is available for cooling off in the clear, spring-fed lake.