State Forest · Minnesota

Cottonwood Lake Campground

State Forest · Minnesota, United States · in Bowstring State Forest

Open on the map Drive there Official page Directions
Sites
10
Cost
$17 per night, taxes included
Restrooms
Yes
Elevation
1,371 ft
Dark sky
Bortle class 1
Cell coverage
AT&T weak · Verizon weak · T-Mobile none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
Phone
218-328-8982

Season dates aren't confirmed for this campground yet - opening and closing dates haven't been verified. Check the operator's page or call ahead before you plan a trip.

Site map

The imagery of the campground. Press and hold the map to drop your own pins and notes; the operator publishes no site points here. Your ratings, notes, pins and photos are kept with the campground on your Saved list, the same list the camping map and the drive page keep.

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About

The campsites are considered "primitive," designed to furnish only the basic needs of the camper. The campsites consist of a cleared area, fire ring, a table, vault toilets, garbage cans, and hand-pump drinking water.

The campground is close to Cottonwood Lake, but not right on the water. The campground is very wooded, mostly pine.

Cottonwood Lake is a panfish and bass lake, with a boat launch.

This is a pretty remote area.

10 primitive campsites. First come, first served for individual sites; pay the camping fee online on the day you arrive, or at a state park ranger station. Managed from Parks and Trails Grand Rapids area office (218-328-8982). In Bowstring State Forest.

Weather, month by month

MonthTypical highTypical lowColdest nightHottest dayYears with a night below 32°F
January16°0°-27°39°11 of 11
February20°1°-26°43°11 of 11
March37°20°-9°63°11 of 11
April42°30°15°70°10 of 11
May62°44°31°80°1 of 11
June71°57°44°87°0 of 11
July78°63°52°90°0 of 11
August75°61°54°89°0 of 11
September69°56°40°83°0 of 11
October54°40°25°69°3 of 10
November36°27°6°59°9 of 10
December24°14°-20°45°10 of 10

Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.

Nearby campgrounds

All public campgrounds in Minnesota · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-09-17. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.