Map showing campground location near Bigfork, Minnesota

Camper submitted image from Little American Falls County Park and Campground

Little American Falls County Park and Campground

Off the beaten path in Koochiching County, this small campground sits alongside the Big Fork River and adjacent to Little American Falls. The county-managed site provides basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and an outhouse, though campers must pack out their own garbage and bring water. Cell service is minimal to nonexistent.

Drive-in sites can accommodate trailers and small RVs during dry conditions, though muddy seasons may limit access. The main draw centers on river access via steep stairs down the bank, opening opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing along the Big Fork Water Trail. No reservations are accepted for the first-come, first-served sites. For additional options, campers can explore camping near Bigfork or consider Scenic State Park CCC Cabin to the south.

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Location

Public Campground

Little American Falls County Park and Campground is located in Minnesota

Coordinates

47.92100019 N
93.62000036 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon5G
Good Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon5G
Good Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

Picnic Table
Toilets
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

2 hrs 28 min from Duluth, MN
3 hrs 16 min from Grand Forks, ND
3 hrs 28 min from St. Cloud, MN
3 hrs 38 min from Fargo, ND

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1 Review

Janet R.

Legend

Reviewed Mar. 12, 2025

Remote county campground by beautiful falls

This is a small county park and campground off the beaten path. It is located adjacent to the Little American Falls, and alongside the Big Fork River water trail. There are several campsites you can drive into, and if it is not the muddy season you could drive with a trailer or small RV into some of the the camping sites. Although the sites themselves are pretty well kept, campers are advised to pack out their own garbage but it seems some folks don't feel they have to--so there is some litter around, and evidence of campers burning garbage in the firepits. There is little to no cell phone service here, no on site ranger or camp host, but sites have basic picnic tables and fire rings, and there is an outhouse available. You should bring your own water; any RV's should know there are no hookups of any kind, but you are allowed to use a generator here.

The main appeal of this campground is access to the river, which involves going down a steep bank (there are stairs) but worth it for fishing or kayaking or canoeing. The falls are beautiful, and worth a visit. There arent official biking or hiking trails but you could easily walk or bike on the back roads adjacent to the campground. If you want more privacy, there is a canoe campsite on the bank opposite of the county campground, just downstream of the falls, that is maintained by the Minnesota DNR and is water-access only.

There is no cost to camp here, but also no reservations so first come first served. For maps, you can refer to the Koochiching County recreation maps to see location, which are here:

https://www.co.koochiching.mn.us/DocumentCenter/View/135/Outdoor-Recreation-Map-PDF?bidId=

https://www.co.koochiching.mn.us/DocumentCenter/View/994/Koochiching-Recreation-Map-2018-PDF

The Big Fork Water Trail map is here: https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/canoe\_routes/bigfork1.pdf

And for more info you can contact the Koochiching County Lands and Forests office here: https://www.co.koochiching.mn.us/178/Land-Forestry

Month of VisitOctober

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Little American Falls in Minnesota?

Little American Falls County Park and Campground is located off the beaten path in northern Minnesota. To reach it, you'll need to follow local roads that lead to this secluded spot alongside the Big Fork River water trail. The campground is somewhat remote, which contributes to its peaceful atmosphere. For precise directions, it's advisable to use GPS coordinates or contact the county park office before your trip, as some navigation apps may not accurately pinpoint this smaller county park location.

What other waterfalls can I visit near Little American Falls in northern Minnesota?

Northern Minnesota offers several spectacular waterfalls worth visiting near Little American Falls. The region is known for its natural water features along various river systems. Some notable waterfalls in the broader area include High Falls and Middle Falls on the Pigeon River in Grand Portage State Park, Gooseberry Falls in Gooseberry Falls State Park, and Cascade Falls in Cascade River State Park. The North Shore region particularly features numerous waterfall opportunities. Distance and driving times will vary, so plan accordingly when mapping your waterfall tour.

What amenities are available at American Falls Campground?

Little American Falls County Park and Campground offers basic amenities in a natural setting. The campground provides several drive-in campsites suitable for tents and, in dry conditions, small RVs or trailers. It's situated alongside the Big Fork River water trail, offering excellent water access for paddlers and anglers. The adjacent Little American Falls provides a scenic backdrop for camping. This is a more rustic county park experience, so visitors should be prepared for limited facilities compared to larger state parks. For specific amenity details like drinking water availability or bathroom facilities, contact the county park management before your trip.

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