Chippewa National Forest Bowstring Lake Dispersed Sites
Remote dispersed sites along the northwest shore of Bowstring Lake, tucked into mixed pine and birch forest typical of Minnesota’s north woods. Sites offer direct lake access and are popular with anglers targeting walleye, northern pike, and muskie. Natural fire rings and level tent pads, but no facilities. Loons are common on the lake, and the area sees regular moose and black bear activity.
Access via Forest Road 2240 off State Highway 38, then 4 miles on narrow forest road suitable for smaller rigs only. Road can be rough after spring thaw and is typically closed December through March. The area fills up during Minnesota’s fishing opener in May and again during fall color season in late September.
Lakefront fishing and loon country solitude
Place Details
| Type | Dispersed Camping |
|---|---|
| Nearest town | Deer River, Minnesota |
| Miles from pavement | 7.4 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Access road surface | Dirt |
| Cell service | None |
| Capacity (# of rigs) | 6 rigs |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | Free |
| Reservation required | No |
| Stay limit (nights) | 14 nights |
| Best season | May-October |
| Land manager | USFS |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Fire ring |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |