About Winnie Dam Campground - USACE
Overview USACE Winnie Dam Campground & Recreation Area. This is a Corps of Engineers Campground, located just walking distance from the Mississippi River. Activities include camping, fishing, boating, picnicking, kayaking, and playground areas. All sites offer 30/50 AMP electric with water, restrooms & showers nearby. Recreation Lake Winnie offers excellent fishing opportunities for walleye, perch and musky. It is one of Minnesota's premier fisheries. Boating on this 67,000-acre lake is also very popular. A boat ramp to access the Mississippi River can be found near the picnic shelter. The closest boat access to Lake Winnie is located 1 mile northeast of the park down Plug Hat Road. Facilities The campground, pronounced "win-uh-big-osh-ish," offers 22 sites with electric hookups. Amenities include showers, flush toilets, pit toilets, drinking water, a dump station, boat ramp, picnic shelter and playground. Natural Features A forest of mixed hardwoods and towering red pines covers the area, housing an abundance of wildlife including nesting bald eagles, porcupines, black bears, chipmunks and many others. Wild blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries grow seasonally on the forest floor.
How to Get There
From Deer River, Minnesota, take Highway 2 west for one mile. Turn right on Highway 46 and go 12 miles. Turn left on Itasca County 9 and continue 2 miles, then turn left at signs and follow to the campground.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 6)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
- 🛍
Dry bags for electronics
Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Winnie Dam Campground - USACE
Heading to Winnie Dam Campground - USACE? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Winnie Dam Campground - USACE?
No central reservation system listed for Winnie Dam Campground - USACE. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233533) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Winnie Dam Campground - USACE?
From Deer River, Minnesota, take Highway 2 west for one mile. Turn right on Highway 46 and go 12 miles. Turn left on Itasca County 9 and continue 2 miles, then turn left at signs and follow to the campground.
How do I contact Winnie Dam Campground - USACE?
You can reach the park at phone: 218-326-6128.
References & Official Resources
