About SOUTH PIKE BAY
Overview South Pike Bay Campground is located on the south shore of beautiful Pike Bay, on Cass Lake in north central Minnesota. Visitors enjoy the area for its excellent boating, canoeing and fishing opportunities. Recreation South Pike Bay offers offers many recreational activities, including boating, canoeing, water skiing and swimming. Anglers fish for walleye, northern pike, perch and trophy muskie. A boat ramp is located within the campground. A trailhead for the Migizi Bike Trail is on-site. The paved trail stretches 14 miles along the lakeshore and is open to biking, walking and rollerblading. The campground is a portage point for the 128-mile Chippewa Headwaters Loop Canoe Route. With six portages, the historic waterway is considered the most difficult in the forest, but is a beautiful trip through history.Facilities The campground offers 23 non-electric campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided. Natural Features The campground is a long spur stretching along the shore of Pike Bay in a pleasant stand of mixed hardwoods and old growth pine. Some of the campsites are situated on the beautiful sand beach. Nearby Attractions The town of Cass Lake, Minn., is six miles northwest of the campground, offering restaurants, a bank, grocery and hardware stores, a movie theater and museum.
How to Get There
From Cass Lake, Minn., travel 3 miles south on Highway 371. Turn east onto Forest Road 2137 and travel 2 miles to the campground.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
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 SOUTH PIKE BAY
Heading to SOUTH PIKE BAY? 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 SOUTH PIKE BAY?
No central reservation system listed for SOUTH PIKE BAY. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233134) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to SOUTH PIKE BAY?
From Cass Lake, Minn., travel 3 miles south on Highway 371. Turn east onto Forest Road 2137 and travel 2 miles to the campground.
How do I contact SOUTH PIKE BAY?
You can reach the park at phone: 218-547-1044 or email: tshackman@fs.fed.us.
References & Official Resources
