Mississippi River Headwaters - Pokegema Lake — lakeside, fishingLive availability via Recreation.gov· synced every 30 min
GRAND RAPIDS, MN, MN★ 4.4 (275 reviews)From $14/nightFederal campground · book on Recreation.gov
Pokegama Dam Campground (USACE) is situated in the heart of northern Minnesota’s lake country next to the Mississippi River. Popular activities include boating, fishing, picnicking and wildlife viewing. The Mississippi River offers great opportunities for boating and fishing.
Best for:AnglersBoatersFamiliesSites:TentRV
LIVE · weather + fire + AQI + availability + wildlife
Verified facts
RIDB / Recreation.gov official databaseCheck-in2:00 PM
Check-out12:00 PM
SeasonMay through October
Stay limit14 days
Max RV79 ft
Hookups20 electric sites
ADA sites2 sites
PetsAllowed
CampfiresAllowed
Max/site6 people
Amenities
RIDB /facilities /campsites · owner-verifiedEssentials
Fire RingsDrinking WaterElectric Hookups
Recreation
Picnic TablesShowersFishing
Family & Pets
Flush ToiletsDump StationBoat Launch
Straight talk
CamperWatch intel · curated from camper reportsKnown issues, each with the workaround. Read before you book.
Known issuesFederal campground — book early. No hookups at most sites. Seasonal operations.
Skip it if:✕ You need full RV hookups — only electric hookups available, not suitable for non-self-contained RVs.✕ You plan to camp outside May-October — seasonal closure.✕ You visit during peak season without advance reservations — small campground books up quickly.
Insider tips & when to go
CamperWatch intel · hand-curated entryBook early
this is a popular federal campground with only 22 sites.
Electric hookups available at most sites despite listing noting 'no hookups' for some sites.
Sites are level and shaded with river views; ask for Mississippi River-adjacent locations.
Dump station on-site available for RV waste.
Best: May-October
Campground operates seasonally during these months only.
Things to do nearby
RIDB /activities /recareas + intelConditions today
LiveCell signal
FCC BDC · quarterly datasetT-Mobile
4G · 100%
Verizon
4G · 100%
AT&T
4G + 5G · 100%
FCC maps are theoretical — camper reports confirm signal. Best carrier: AT&T.
Wildlife nearby
iNaturalist · research-grade · 8 kmAlert: American Black Bear, American Mink, Common Loon, and Snowy Owl documented in the area within 8km radius.
Location
Leaflet · OpenStreetMap tiles
218-326-6128· Mississippi River Headwaters - Pokegema Lake
Getting there →
From Grand Rapids, Minnesota, take Highway 2 west for 2 miles, turn left at signs and follow to campground.
Campground entrance
Google Maps APICommunity
#community · posts, photos & Q&A · AI-moderated (Claude Vision)Pro tips
- Book on recreation.gov exactly 6 months ahead at 10am ET — Mississippi River Headwaters - Pokegema Lake fills fast in peak season.
- Check current road conditions at Mississippi River Headwaters - Pokegema Lake before arrival — seasonal closures common.
- Bear country — store all food in bear boxes or locked vehicle at all times.
Frequently asked questions
RIDB facts + intel · FAQPage schema, speakableHow much does Pokegama Dam Campground cost per night?+
Pokegama Dam Campground costs $14–$35 per night. Hookup options: No hookups. Suitable for self-contained RVs.
What season is Pokegama Dam Campground open?+
Pokegama Dam Campground is open May through October. Check-in is 2:00 PM, check-out is 12:00 PM.
Does Pokegama Dam Campground have hookups?+
No hookups. Suitable for self-contained RVs.
What is the maximum RV length at Pokegama Dam Campground?+
Pokegama Dam Campground can accommodate RVs up to 79 feet.
How do I make reservations at Pokegama Dam Campground?+
Pokegama Dam Campground is a federal campground — book 6 months ahead at Recreation.gov. Set a free CamperWatch cancellation alert to be notified the moment a site opens.
What is the cell service like at Pokegama Dam Campground?+
According to FCC coverage maps, cell signal at Pokegama Dam Campground is rated strong. Best carrier: AT&T. FCC maps show theoretical coverage — actual signal in remote or heavily forested areas may be weaker.
What season is Pokegama Dam Campground open, and what are check-in times?+
Pokegama Dam Campground is open May through October. Check-in is 2:00 PM, check-out is 12:00 PM.
●Data sources on this page
Recreation.gov — Live site availability — updated every 30 min
recreation.gov · RIDB API
National Weather Service — Live hourly forecast + active alerts
api.weather.gov · open-meteo.com
Google Air Quality API — Live AQI at exact campground coordinates
airquality.googleapis.com
iNaturalist — Research-grade wildlife within 8km
api.inaturalist.org
Google Pollen API — Today’s tree, grass & weed pollen forecast
pollen.googleapis.com
FCC Broadband Map — Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile 4G/5G coverage data
broadbandmap.fcc.gov · quarterly
Sunrise-Sunset.org — Sunrise, sunset & golden hour for today
api.sunrise-sunset.org
Google Street View — Campground entrance & access road imagery
maps.googleapis.com
RIDB — ADA sites, hookups, toilets, pets, campfire rules, bear boxes, max RV, activities, contact, directions
ridb.recreation.gov · /facilities /campsites /activities /links /recareas
CamperWatch never fabricates data. Where data is unavailable, it is not shown.
$14 /night★ 4.4 (275)
SeasonMay through October
Check-in2:00 PM
Check-out12:00 PM
Dates full? Get an availability alert
FAQ
How much does Pokegama Dam Campground cost per night?+
What season is Pokegama Dam Campground open?+
Does Pokegama Dam Campground have hookups?+
All 7 questions →Nearby Campgrounds
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