About Deer Lake
Number of accommodations: 28
Nearby Activities & Attractions
Boating
Fishing
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Mountain Biking
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
Water Access
- Beach Access
- Lake Access
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Rates, Sites & Availability
28 Sites Available
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Site Details
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28 Sites Available
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Reviews (96)
What Guests Are Saying
Deer Lake offers a clean and picturesque camping experience right by the water, with many guests appreciating the peaceful atmosphere and fishing opportunities. However, issues with the camp host's responsiveness to disturbances and site maintenance have been noted, including a double booking incident and unkempt conditions following a storm. Overall, while the location is enjoyed, improvements in management and site upkeep are needed.
What Guests Are Saying
Deer Lake offers a clean and picturesque camping experience right by the water, with many guests appreciating the peaceful atmosphere and fishing opportunities. However, issues with the camp host's responsiveness to disturbances and site maintenance have been noted, including a double booking incident and unkempt conditions following a storm. Overall, while the location is enjoyed, improvements in management and site upkeep are needed.
Review Summary
Donna S
VerifiedJuly 14, 2025 • Stayed at: 001N, Loop: NORTH
The site was a mess a lot of divots, ruts, leaves and brush down. We had to take a rake and shovel so that we didn't twist and ankle or knee.
I know that a storm came through a couple of weeks before we arrived but it could have been cleared up better.
Donna S
VerifiedJuly 14, 2025 • Stayed at: 001N, Loop: NORTH
The site was a mess a lot of divots, ruts, leaves and brush down. We had to take a rake and shovel so that we didn't twist and ankle or knee.
I know that a storm came through a couple of weeks before we arrived but it could have been cleared up better.
Susan L
VerifiedJune 25, 2025 • Stayed at: 009N, Loop: NORTH
Our reservations for an adjoining site with family were made six months in advance . When we arrived at the campground another unit was occupying our site. We were told that the site had been double booked. Everyone we dealt with in the matter were very polite and we moved into a different site. Staff stated that they were able to confirm the site had actually been double booked and that the situation had never been seen before. If other campers run into this situation please report the issue as it is unacceptable.
Susan L
VerifiedJune 25, 2025 • Stayed at: 009N, Loop: NORTH
Our reservations for an adjoining site with family were made six months in advance . When we arrived at the campground another unit was occupying our site. We were told that the site had been double booked. Everyone we dealt with in the matter were very polite and we moved into a different site. Staff stated that they were able to confirm the site had actually been double booked and that the situation had never been seen before. If other campers run into this situation please report the issue as it is unacceptable.
Susan L
VerifiedJune 25, 2025 • Stayed at: 009N, Loop: NORTH
Our reservations for an adjoining site with family were made six months in advance . When we arrived at the campground another unit was occupying our site. We were told that the site had been double booked. Everyone we dealt with in the matter were very polite and we moved into a different site. Staff stated that they were able to confirm the site had actually been double booked and that the situation had never been seen before. If other campers run into this situation please report the issue as it is unacceptable.
Michaela T
VerifiedJune 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 020S, Loop: SOUTH
Very primitive, I loved it.
Michaela T
VerifiedJune 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 020S, Loop: SOUTH
Very primitive, I loved it.
Michaela T
VerifiedJune 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 020S, Loop: SOUTH
Very primitive, I loved it.
Donald P
VerifiedJuly 4, 2024 • Stayed at: 004N, Loop: NORTH
The site across from us had a generator running 24 hours a day. It never shut off. No quiet time after 10:00 pm. This site also had 5 vehicles parked on it. It was not what we were expecting as we have camped at many forest service campgrounds.
Donald P
VerifiedJuly 4, 2024 • Stayed at: 004N, Loop: NORTH
The site across from us had a generator running 24 hours a day. It never shut off. No quiet time after 10:00 pm. This site also had 5 vehicles parked on it. It was not what we were expecting as we have camped at many forest service campgrounds.
Location Deer Lake
Address:
1235 Division St.
Deer River, MN, 56636
United States
Take Highway 46 northwest from Deer River, MN. Turn on Eagle Nest Road (Old CR 33) and travel 4 miles west. You will pass East Seelye and West Seelye Campgrounds. Deer Lake Campground is on the left. North Deer is first and South Deer is another half-mile down the road.
Deer Lake Campground is accessible via Highway 46, which connects to Deer River, MN.
Latitude & Longitude: 47.5142 / -94.1058
Elevation: 431 feet
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
- Reservations are required at least 4 days in advance; sites not reserved are first-come, first-serve.
Cancellation policy
- Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
- Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
- Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
- Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
- Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
- Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
- Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.
Fees & deposits
- The fee covers one camping unit per site; double occupancy is allowed on larger sites with an additional fee.
Safety & rules
- Generators are not allowed to run during designated quiet hours; plan for battery backup if needed.
Wildlife & food storage
- Campers must secure food and attractants to prevent bear encounters; feeding wildlife is prohibited.
Fires & fuel
- Firewood is not available for sale in the campground; bring local firewood or cut dead wood in the area, but do not bring firewood from outside.
General
- Click here for more information on the Chippewa National Forest. For more information on tribal campping, click here.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: June 3, 2026
