Corps updates its Mississippi River Headwaters camping reservation policy

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, is updating its camping reservation policies for its Mississippi River Headwaters campsites effective immediately. 

All six Corps Mississippi River Headwaters campgrounds are now 100 percent reservable during the peak season, which is generally during the summer months. Season dates may vary at each campground due to demand, please refer to individual locations for the reservation periods.  

The Mississippi River Headwaters campgrounds include Leech Lake, near Federal Dam, Minnesota; Winnibigoshish Lake, near Deer River, Minnesota; Pokegama Lake, near Grand Rapids, Minnesota; Big Sandy Lake, near McGregor, Minnesota; Cross Lake; near Crosslake, Minnesota; and Gull Lake, near Brainerd, Minnesota.  

Camping reservations can be made up to six months in advance. Reservations can be made for one night and up to 14 nights within a 30-day period at each location. Reservations and availability inquiries for campsites and day-use picnic shelters can be made online at www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.  

Some locations may offer same day registration within park offices if vacancies are available. Visitors must confirm campsite availability before occupying campsites.  

The Corps accepts the America the Beautiful Senior and Access passes. Pass holders are entitled to a 50 percent reduction in camping fees. You must have a valid pass at the time of the reservation and present it to park staff upon arrival for the discount to be valid.  

The nearly 600 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, employees working at more than 40 sites in five upper-Midwest states serve the American public in the areas of environmental enhancement, navigation, flood damage reduction, water and wetlands regulation, recreation sites and disaster response. Through the St. Paul District Fiscal Year 2016 $78 million budget, nearly 1,250 non-Corps jobs were added to the regional economy as well as $120 million to the national economy. For more information, see www.mvp.usace.army.mil.

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