Deer River Area
The Deer River district area has a rich tradition of outdoor recreation. This area is particularly popular with anglers, thanks to the abundance of lakes and rivers teeming with fish, including the prized walleye. Within the Deer River district boundary, you will find: the historic Joyce Estate, Trout Lake, Simpson Creek, Suomi Hills, and several campgrounds
General Information
January - December
Recreation Sites
Avenue of the Pines
Site Open
The "Avenue of Pines," Minnesota State Scenic Byway 46 cuts diagonally across the heart of the Chippewa National Forest, creating a 46-mile stretch of travel ways from Highway 2 to Northhome (the…
Bowstring Landing Boat Area
Site Open
A concrete boat ramp provides access to the 9,528 acre Bowstring Lake. Bowstring is south of Itasca County Highway 35, with the landing on the northwest shore. Northern pike, walleye, perch and other…
Clubhouse Campground
Site Closed
Clubhouse Campground on the west shore of Clubhouse Lake, offers 47 sites, a sandy swimming beach, accessible fishing pier and day use area.  Clubhouse Lake is 90 feet deep, perfect fishing for…
Cut Foot Horse Camp
Site Open
This camp features 34 sites and is surrounded by over 120 miles of Forest Roads and recreation trails. Drive 3.2 miles past the Cut Foot Sioux Visitor Center along Highway 46, turn left on Forest…
Cut Foot Visitor Center
Site Closed
Stop for Chippewa National Forest information, or a chance to relax and enjoy the wildlife mounts and hands-on activities. Cut Foot Sioux Visitor Center 44623 State Hwy 46, Deer River, MN 56636Open…
Deer Lake Campground
Site Open
Deer Lake campground is located at 59829 Eagle Nest Road Deer River, MN, 20 miles northwest of Deer River off Highway 46, four miles west on Eagle Nest Road (FR 2198). The campground is located on…
Deer River Dispersed Camping
Site Open
Those interested in dispersed camping on Cut Foot Sioux Lake may boat to any one of twenty designated dispersed campsites along the shoreline. All of these sites have wilderness latrines and…
East Seelye Bay Boat Area
Site Open
A concrete boat ramp on the north side of Cut Foot Sioux Lake provides access to the 2852 acre Cut Foot Sioux Lake and the 56,470 acre Lake Winnibigoshish. Cut Foot Sioux Lake is west of MN Highway…
East Seelye Bay Campground
Site Open
Located at 58987 Eagle Nest Road Deer River, MN, 20 miles north of Deer River on Highway 46. Turn west on Eagle Nest Road (FR 2198) and follow the road for 2 ½ miles. East Seelye Bay has 13…
Edge of the Wilderness Discover Center
Site Open
The Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center located in Marcell, MN and within the Chippewa National Forest is a visitor & environmental education center that is home to a variety of interpretive…