La Salle Lake Campground

For Minnesota locals who appreciate the great outdoors but don't want to compromise on modern conveniences, La Salle Lake Campground offers a truly unique camping solution. Situated within the La Salle Lake State Recreation Area (SRA), this is one of Minnesota’s newer camping destinations, designed with the contemporary camper in mind. It has quickly become known for a feature that is rare in many state-operated campgrounds: full utility hookups at every site.

This facility beautifully blends the wild, pristine nature of Northern Minnesota—featuring one of the state's deepest and most beautiful inland lakes—with the comfort and ease of premium RV park amenities. The campground itself is thoughtfully developed, featuring a layout that, while providing less seclusion than some traditional wooded campsites, prioritizes accessibility and functionality for all sizes of RVs and trailers. Campers consistently praise the cleanliness and the quality of the modern facilities, making it an excellent basecamp for exploring the legendary local landmarks, most notably the nearby headwaters of the mighty Mississippi River. La Salle Lake Campground provides a high-value option for those looking for a clean, convenient, and well-equipped place to stay in this gorgeous region of the North Star State.

La Salle Lake Campground is perfectly positioned in the heart of Minnesota’s stunning northwoods, making it a highly desirable location for local adventurers. It is located near Solway, Minnesota, and is strategically placed between two major hubs: the charming city of Bemidji and the iconic Itasca State Park.

The location’s prime feature is its proximity to the Mississippi River Headwaters at Itasca State Park, which is only about 15 to 20 minutes away. This makes it a convenient and superior lodging option for travelers whose main goal is to visit this important historical and natural landmark.

The specific address for the campground is in the vicinity of Coffee Pot Landing, MN 56678, USA, off of County Road 9. Accessibility is straightforward, especially for larger rigs. The main drawback for some guests has been the arrangement and width of the interior campground roads and the size of the turnaround loops. As one reviewer noted, the back-in sites can be tight for large trailers, requiring careful maneuvering. However, once situated, the large, lengthy parking spurs at each site are designed to comfortably accommodate any size of camping unit. Despite some sites having limited natural shade, the open layout is designed for easy access and utility connection.

The defining characteristic of La Salle Lake Campground is its commitment to providing premium, full-service camping facilities, which is a significant amenity for a state recreation area.

• Full Utility Hookups: All 39 campsites are equipped with a rare and valuable trifecta: electric hookups (including 50 Amp service), water hookups, and sewer hookups. This allows campers to enjoy the full convenience of their RVs.
• Modern Restroom Facilities: A dedicated, centralized sanitation and laundry building features flush toilets and hot showers. Reviewers describe the bathroom building as unique and, more importantly, clean and well-lit.
• Laundry Facilities: Campers have access to on-site laundry facilities, a major convenience for those planning longer stays or extended road trips through Minnesota.
• Campsite Essentials: Every site includes a picnic table and a fire ring for outdoor cooking and evening relaxation under the northern Minnesota sky.
• Emergency Services: A courtesy phone is available seasonally in the shower building for emergencies, acknowledging the local area's sometimes unreliable cell phone reception.

Beyond the campground amenities, the surrounding La Salle Lake State Recreation Area is rich with natural and recreational highlights that draw visitors from across the state.

• Minnesota's Deepest Inland Lake: La Salle Lake itself is a stunning feature, reaching a depth of 213 feet. Its pristine, cold water supports a healthy population of fish, including walleye, northern pike, crappie, and bluegill, offering excellent fishing opportunities.
• Proximity to Itasca State Park: Its close location to the Headwaters of the Mississippi River is a major draw, allowing campers easy access to hiking, sightseeing, and the iconic experience of walking across the mighty river’s starting point.
• Extensive Trail System: The SRA features an impressive 11.5 miles of hiking trails, winding through beautiful red pine, jack pine, and old-growth cedar forests, suitable for various skill levels, including a challenging 6.5-mile loop.
• Cabin and Guesthouse Rentals: In addition to the RV sites, the SRA offers two seasonal, heated, fully equipped rental cabins, the Black Bear Guesthouse and the Lone Wolf Cabin, providing alternatives for non-campers or for family groups needing extra lodging.
• Wildlife and Nature Viewing: The location is renowned for its diverse habitat, which includes a stretch of the pristine Mississippi River and a Scientific and Natural Area (SNA). This diversity provides exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities for deer, birds, and other northwoods creatures.
• Boat and Canoe Access: The recreation area includes a boat launch and fishing pier, giving campers direct access to enjoy La Salle Lake for paddling, fishing, and non-motorized boating.

While the physical location is near Solway, the campground is managed as a satellite operation of Itasca State Park.

Campground Address (General Area): 8RVQ+8G, Coffee Pot Landing, MN 56678, USA (The official DNR address is 10221 County 9, Solway, MN 56678)

Managing Park Phone: (218) 699-7251 (Contact for Itasca State Park, which manages La Salle Lake SRA)

Reservations are highly recommended and can be made through the Minnesota DNR state park reservation system. Note that daily or annual park permits are required for vehicle entry.

For Minnesota RV enthusiasts, La Salle Lake Campground is an absolute must-choose. What truly sets this campground apart in the state park system is the guarantee of a full hookup site (water, electric, and sewer) for all 39 camping spots. This eliminates the worry about dumping tanks or running short on fresh water, allowing you to maximize your vacation time. While the layout may not offer the deepest seclusion—sites are lined up along the road—this design is a trade-off for the unparalleled utility access and the ease of setting up camp, even with a large rig.

Furthermore, its central location near the Itasca State Park Headwaters, combined with direct access to La Salle Lake—one of the region’s best fishing and deepest, cleanest lakes—provides an incredible recreational value. You get premium RV park functionality seamlessly merged with a pristine state recreation area. For those prioritizing convenience, clean modern shower facilities, and proximity to a major natural landmark, La Salle Lake Campground is the intelligent choice for a comfortable and adventurous Minnesota Northwoods escape.