RVezyRV rental marketplace
List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near Barnum, MN
72 campgrounds and RV Parks near Barnum, MN. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
72 campgrounds
3879 campsites
37 RVs available for delivery
From $17/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Best campgrounds near Barnum, MN
Moose Lake City Campground
Moose Lake, MN (5 miles away)
Bent Trout Lake Campground
Barnum, MN (5 miles away)
$$$$$
(102 sites)
+8
Moose Lake State Park
Moose Lake, MN (5 miles away)
$$$$$
(33 sites)
+4
Red Fox Campgrounds and RV Park
Moose Lake, MN (6 miles away)
+3
Oak Lake Campground
Minnesota (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(13 sites)
+10
Timberline Campground
Minnesota (10 miles away)
+4
Big Lake Shores Campground and The Lounge
Cloquet, MN (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(60 sites)
+9
North Country Campground & RV Park
Willow River, MN (15 miles away)
Cloquet / Duluth KOA Journey
Cloquet, MN (17 miles away)
$$$$$
(50 sites)
+8
Main - Jay Cooke State Park
Carlton, MN (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(79 sites)
+5
Knife Island Campground
Esko, MN (19 miles away)
Countryside Campground
Minnesota (22 miles away)
$$$$$
(52 sites)
+6
Most common amenities
Showers Tables Toilets Pet friendly Grills Dump station Playground Firewood Internet Laundry
Camping near Barnum, Minnesota
Barnum sits in Carlton County along Interstate 35 in east-central Minnesota, roughly midway between the Twin Cities and Duluth. The surrounding area is a mix of lakes, mixed hardwood forest, and state forest land, which puts RV travelers within a short drive of both state-run and privately operated campgrounds.
The closest public option is Moose Lake State Park, about ten miles north of town, with a developed campground on a wooded hill above Echo Lake. Moose Lake City Campground sits in town on Moosehead Lake, and Red Fox Campgrounds and RV Park is located just outside Moose Lake with direct state ATV trail access. Bent Trout Lake Campground is a family-run resort just outside Barnum on a private, spring-fed lake, and Oak Lake Campground offers a larger private lake resort in the same general area.
Most campgrounds in the area are seasonal and cater to a mix of RV travelers passing through on I-35 and destination campers who come for the fishing, ATV trails, and swimming beaches.
Things to do near Barnum
Fishing and paddling drive most trips. Moose Lake State Park has a swimming beach and fishing dock on Echo Lake, boat and canoe rentals, and about five miles of hiking trails, plus the Agate and Geological Interpretive Center focused on the Lake Superior agate, Minnesota's state gemstone.
Bent Trout Lake Campground centers on a private, spring-fed lake with a sand beach and swimming raft, restricted to electric motors and human-powered watercraft, and rents fishing boats, pontoons, paddleboats, and canoes. Oak Lake Campground offers additional lake-based fishing and swimming for guests.
ATV riders base out of Red Fox Campgrounds and RV Park for its state trail connection, and Banning and Jay Cooke state parks are within easy day-trip range for hiking and river scenery.
Camping spots and RV parks near Barnum, MN
Seasons and when to visit
- spring
March - May
49° / 32°F 55 mmLate thaw; most campgrounds open by mid-May
- summer
June - August
76° / 56°F 105 mmPeak season; book state park sites well ahead
- fall
September - November
51° / 35°F 60 mmCool nights and fall color into early October
- winter
December - February
21° / 7°F 22 mmDeep cold and snow cover; most private parks closed
The camping season in this part of Minnesota is short and concentrated. Moose Lake State Park's drive-in campground is generally used from spring through fall, and private parks in the area follow a similar pattern, with Bent Trout Lake typically operating from mid-May into October.
July and early August are peak months for warm-weather activities, swimming, and mosquito-tolerant camping, and they are also when reservations fill fastest at the state park and at popular private resorts. Late May, June, and September are quieter, with cooler nights and fewer bugs; fall color through the mixed hardwoods usually peaks in late September and early October.
Winter camping is limited. Minnesota state parks require reservations year-round, but most local private campgrounds close for the season, and water hookups are shut down through the freezing months. Measurable snowfall typically runs from October into April.
How to book
Moose Lake State Park is reserved through the Minnesota DNR's ReserveMN system, online or by phone at 866-857-2757. Sites open on a rolling 120-day window, and if a reservation is made on the opening day for dates beyond that window, it cannot be modified or canceled for 21 days. All state park and recreation area campsites in Minnesota require a reservation, and overnight guests also need a state park vehicle permit in addition to the camping fee.
Private campgrounds handle their own bookings. Bent Trout Lake Campground, Red Fox Campgrounds and RV Park, and Oak Lake Campground each take reservations directly by phone or through their own websites. Moose Lake City Campground is booked through the city.
Holiday weekends, especially Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day, sell out well in advance across all of these campgrounds.
What to expect on site
Moose Lake State Park has 35 drive-in campsites, 20 with electric hookups and 15 non-electric, plus two walk-in sites, in a wooded area near Echo Lake. Sites accommodate RVs up to 60 feet, and the park has drinking water, flush and vault toilets, hot-water showers, and a dump station.
Red Fox Campgrounds and RV Park offers water-and-electric sites with 30- and 50-amp service, pull-throughs, showers, and a dump station. Bent Trout Lake Campground has around 90 sites with 30-amp electric and water, pull-through access, flush toilets, hot showers, laundry, and a dump station. Oak Lake Campground is a larger private resort with lakeside sites and standard resort amenities.
Cell coverage is generally reliable along the I-35 corridor and at Moose Lake State Park, but can be spotty at the more remote private lakes.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Barnum, MN
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Barnum, MN?
RV rental in Barnum, MN is one of the most affordable ways to experience Minnesota's lake country. Travel trailers typically run $90 to $160 per night, Class C motorhomes range from $175 to $275, and larger Class A rigs land between $250 and $400 nightly. Shoulder season trips in May or September often unlock the best deals, since hosts drop prices once peak summer demand cools. For a cheap RV rental in Barnum, filter by travel trailers with delivery included so you skip towing fees. Pro tip: bundle weekday nights with a weekend, since many Barnum hosts offer multi-night discounts that make a five-day RV camping Barnum trip far cheaper than a four-day weekend.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Barnum,MinnesotaWhat license do I need to rent an RV in Barnum, MN?
Good news: a regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Barnum, MN, whether you're picking up a campervan or a 32-foot Class C motorhome. Minnesota does not require a Commercial Driver's License for personal RVs, which covers every rig on the RVezy platform. You'll need to be 25 or older as an approved driver, and RVezy verifies your ID securely through the booking flow, so there's no paperwork shuffle at pickup. Visiting from abroad? Bring an International Driving Permit along with your home license. Most first-time renters are surprised how simple the handoff is once they meet their host at the Moose Lake or Barnum pickup spot.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsIs my RV rental in Barnum protected if something goes wrong?
Yes, every RV rental in Barnum, MN booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can hit I-35 or the Willard Munger State Trail corridor with real peace of mind. The protection plan covers most damages to the vehicle and gives you meaningful financial protection during your trip. You'll choose your coverage level during checkout, picking the package that fits your comfort level, hosts do not select your coverage, you do. That means a flat tire on County Road 6 or a windshield chip on I-35 won't derail your Minnesota RV trip.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat happens if I need to cancel my Barnum RV rental?
Booking with confidence is the whole point: RVezy sets the cancellation policy (not individual hosts), and your refund depends on how far in advance you cancel. Special circumstances like severe weather or natural disasters can factor in, which matters in northern Minnesota where spring storms and summer thunderstorms can pop up fast. You don't have to negotiate anything with the owner, RVezy's support team handles it. Pro tip: book your Barnum RV trip earlier in the planning process to lock in the best rigs near Moose Lake State Park and Banning State Park, knowing the cancellation policy has you covered if your schedule shifts.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a Barnum RV trip?
Absolutely, a pet-friendly RV rental in Barnum is easy to find: just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy and you'll see rigs whose owners welcome dogs. Minnesota is incredibly dog-friendly for RV camping, and Moose Lake State Park allows leashed pets on trails and at campsites, as does Banning State Park 20 minutes south and Jay Cooke State Park 30 minutes north. The Willard Munger State Trail is a paved 60-mile dog walker's dream running from Hinckley to Duluth. Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm pet fees and ask about any breed or size notes. Many Barnum hosts even leave bowls and towels for your pup.
dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/pets.htmlCan the RV be delivered to my campground near Barnum?
Yes, RV delivery in Barnum is one of the most popular options on RVezy, especially for first-timers who'd rather skip towing a trailer up I-35. Many local hosts will deliver and set up your motorhome rental in Barnum directly at Moose Lake State Park, Bear Lake County Park, Timberline Campground in Sturgeon Lake, or even a private lakeside property. They'll level the rig, connect water and electric, fire up the fridge, and walk you through every system before handing over the keys. Just filter by Delivery on the search page and enter your destination address. Pro tip: delivery to state park campsites is a game-changer because backing a 30-foot trailer into a wooded site is the one thing that stresses out new renters.
dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00239How far can I drive from Barnum on an RV road trip?
You're perfectly positioned for an RV road trip from Barnum thanks to its spot on I-35 in Carlton County. Duluth and Lake Superior are 35 miles north (about 40 minutes), Minneapolis-St. Paul is 110 miles south (under 2 hours), the North Shore's Gooseberry Falls is 90 miles northeast, Voyageurs National Park sits roughly 200 miles north, and the Apostle Islands in Wisconsin are about 110 miles east. Most Barnum hosts include 100 to 150 free miles per night, and you can request RV rental with unlimited mileage by messaging the listing directly. Pro tip: a 5-night loop from Barnum to Duluth to Two Harbors to Grand Marais covers under 400 miles total, which keeps you well inside most mileage allowances.
dot.state.mn.us/maps/Where are the best campgrounds near Barnum, MN?
The best campgrounds near Barnum cluster within a 15-mile radius and book up fast in summer. Moose Lake State Park (3 miles east) offers 35 sites with electric hookups, hot showers, and access to Echo Lake. Barnum City Park Campground sits right in town with budget-friendly hookup sites. Bear Lake County Park (about 7 miles away) is a quiet, lesser-known gem on a clear walleye lake. Timberline RV Resort in Sturgeon Lake (9 miles south) caters specifically to big rigs with full hookups. Banning State Park 20 minutes south adds whitewater on the Kettle River. Pro tip: Moose Lake State Park accommodates RVs up to 60 feet, so even a Class A motorhome rental in Barnum fits comfortably.
dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00239When is the best time of year for RV camping in Barnum?
Mid-June through mid-September is the sweet spot for RV camping in Barnum, when daytime highs sit in the upper 70s to low 80s°F and nights cool to a comfortable 55 to 60°F. Late September brings spectacular fall color through the basswood, birch, and maple forests around Moose Lake State Park, with crisp 60s°F days perfect for hiking the Tall Pines Trail. Spring (May to early June) is gorgeous but mosquito-heavy after ice-out. Winter brings hard freezes well below 0°F, so most local hosts pause rentals from November through March. Pro tip: book the third week of September to catch peak Northwoods foliage without summer crowds, this is the local insider move.
weather.gov/dlh/I've never rented an RV before. Will I be okay driving one around Barnum?
You've got this, and first time renting an RV in Barnum is honestly one of the easier places to learn. Roads here are flat, lightly trafficked, and well-maintained, with I-35 running straight through Carlton County and County Road 6 connecting the lakes. Every RVezy host gives you a full pickup orientation, walking through driving, leveling, propane, water, and dumping. You can also message your host any time during the trip with questions. If even backing into a campsite makes you nervous, choose Delivery so the rig is set up before you arrive. Pro tip: take a 20-minute practice loop through the quiet streets of Moose Lake before heading up to Duluth's hillier terrain.
dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/programs/driver-education/Pages/default.aspxWhat happens if my RV breaks down during my Barnum trip?
You're never stranded: every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection plan, so help is one phone call away whether you're near the Willard Munger Trail in Carlton or pulled over on Highway 23 near Sandstone. The service covers tire changes, jump starts, lockouts, fuel delivery, and towing to the nearest qualified shop. Your host is also a direct lifeline by message for quirks specific to their rig, and RVezy's support team backs all of it from booking to drop-off. Pro tip: snap a photo of the fuse panel and propane shutoff during your walkthrough so you can troubleshoot small issues yourself before calling.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I cross into Wisconsin or Canada with my Barnum RV rental?
Crossing into Wisconsin is completely standard, the Apostle Islands and Bayfield are just 110 miles east, and most Barnum hosts welcome trips to neighboring states with no extra paperwork. Canada is allowed on many rentals but not all, since it depends on the host's insurance coverage, so message the listing before booking if Thunder Bay or Lake Superior Provincial Park is on your itinerary. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on any RVezy rental because insurance doesn't extend there. Pro tip: a popular RV road trip from Barnum heads east through Superior, WI then up the South Shore to Cornucopia for a 3-night loop that stays well inside U.S. borders and most mileage allowances.
cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-goHow much will fuel cost for an RV trip around Barnum?
Fuel is one of your biggest budget items, but it's manageable. Minnesota gas prices typically run around $3.10 to $3.50 per gallon, slightly below the national average. A Class C motorhome rental in Barnum averages 8 to 10 mpg, a campervan rental in Barnum can hit 16 to 20 mpg, and travel trailers depend on your tow vehicle. For a 4-night loop covering 400 miles in a Class C, budget about $150 to $180 in fuel. Diesel pull-throughs are easy at Holiday and Kwik Trip stations along I-35 in Moose Lake and Cloquet. Pro tip: a Kwik Trip rewards card saves a few cents per gallon, and the chain has tall canopies that fit even Class A motorhomes.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Barnum?
Book early and you'll have your pick of the best spots. Moose Lake State Park and other Minnesota state parks open reservations 120 days in advance through the Minnesota DNR reservation system, and electric sites at Moose Lake State Park routinely sell out for summer weekends within the first hour. For Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends, lock in your site as soon as the 120-day window opens. Private campgrounds like Timberline RV Resort in Sturgeon Lake and Red Fox Campgrounds usually have more flexibility, often bookable 2 to 6 weeks out. Pro tip: mid-week stays Sunday through Thursday are often wide open even in July, perfect for spontaneous RV camping in Barnum.
dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/reservations.htmlWhat are the driving conditions like around Barnum?
Driving around Barnum is genuinely beginner-friendly. I-35 runs straight through town with wide shoulders and gentle grades, and County Roads 6 and 137 to Moose Lake State Park are flat, paved, and lightly trafficked. Watch for deer at dawn and dusk year-round, and logging trucks on rural highways. Late spring can bring frost heaves to back roads, and winter (November through March) brings real snow and ice, so most rentals operate April through October. Summer thunderstorms can roll across the prairie quickly. Pro tip: download the MnDOT 511 app before your Barnum RV trip for real-time road conditions and construction alerts, especially handy if you're heading up to Duluth where I-35 narrows through the city's steep hillside.
511mn.org/What amenities will I find at campgrounds near Barnum?
Local campgrounds are well-equipped for a smooth RV trip. Moose Lake State Park has 20 electric sites (no on-site dump station, but a public dump is a few miles away in Moose Lake), flush toilets, hot pay-showers, and potable water spigots. Timberline RV Resort offers full hookups including sewer for big rigs. Barnum City Park Campground has electric and water hookups at very budget-friendly rates. Bear Lake County Park is more rustic with vault toilets and water only. Propane refills are available in Moose Lake and Cloquet. Pro tip: top off fresh water before leaving Moose Lake State Park since the next reliable fill is in Cloquet, 25 minutes north, and dump your tanks at the public station on Highway 73.
dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00239What's actually inside the RVs available in Barnum?
You'll be surprised how loaded these rigs are. Most RV rentals in Barnum, MN come with a queen or king bed, convertible dinette, full kitchen (fridge, stove, microwave, sink), bathroom with toilet and shower, roof air conditioning, propane furnace (a big deal for cool Minnesota nights), and seatbelted seating for everyone in your party. Class C and Class A motorhomes often add a generator for boondocking and a TV with DVD. Many hosts include linens, kitchenware, camp chairs, and an outdoor mat. WiFi varies, so plan to rely on your phone's hotspot once you're past Moose Lake. Pro tip: confirm seatbelt count on the listing if you're traveling with kids, since Minnesota law requires belted seating for every passenger.
dps.mn.gov/divisions/ots/seat-belts/Pages/default.aspxWhat add-ons can I get with my Barnum RV rental?
Hosts in Barnum offer terrific add-ons that turn a basic rental into a fully outfitted family RV trip in Barnum. Popular extras include kayak and SUP rentals ($20 to $50 per day, perfect for Echo Lake and Moose Lake), bike racks, generators, propane fire pits, bedding and towel packages, kitchen kits, and even fishing gear since this is walleye country. Delivery and setup typically runs $2 to $5 per mile from the host's base. Pickup is usually at the host's home, but many will meet you at Moose Lake State Park or another campground. Mileage policies range from 100 to 200 free miles per night with overages around $0.35 each. Pro tip: bundle delivery plus the kayak add-on for the easiest possible lake weekend.
dnr.state.mn.us/fishing/index.htmlHow does payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment is straightforward and fully handled through RVezy, so there's no cash or e-transfer with the host. You'll pay your booking total securely online when you reserve, and the security deposit is held separately from your booking payment, typically authorized on your card before pickup. As long as you return the rig in the same condition with tanks emptied and fuel topped off per your host's instructions, the hold is released after drop-off. Deposit amounts vary by rig. Pro tip: take time-stamped photos of the interior, exterior, and fuel gauge at pickup and drop-off, this single 5-minute habit prevents nearly every deposit dispute on a Barnum RV trip.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksCan I rent an RV in Barnum during the winter?
Winter RV rentals in Barnum are limited but possible if you want a true Northwoods adventure. Carlton County winters are no joke, with January lows often dropping to -10°F or colder and significant snowfall, so most hosts pause bookings from November through March. A handful of hosts list four-season rigs with heated holding tanks, enclosed underbellies, and shore-power-ready setups for ice fishing trips on Moose Head Lake or snowmobiling the Willard Munger Trail. Filter for winter availability and message the host directly about cold-weather prep. Pro tip: if you're chasing snow, target late February for sunny days, frozen lakes thick enough for ice houses, and the best chance at clear roads between storms, then warm up with pie in nearby Moose Lake.
dnr.state.mn.us/snow_depth/index.htmlNearby cities with campgrounds
Minneapolis, MNDuluth, MNApple Valley, MNHopkins, MNPrior Lake, MNRice, MNLong Lake, MNHudson, WIChamplin, MNDurand, WIMaplewood, MNAitkin, MNSaint Anthony, MNCoon Rapids, MNSandstone, MNBecker, MNSaint Francis, MNSavage, MNBelle Plaine, MNOtsego, MNLake Wissota, WIGlenwood, MNRichfield, MNRamsey, MN