Third River Flowage

This boat ramp at Deer Lake Campground provides convenient access to Lake Winnibigoshish, one of Minnesota's largest lakes at over 67,000 acres. The ramp connects to the lake via Biauswah Creek and the Third River Flowage, making it an excellent launch point for kayakers, canoeists, and boaters heading to Winnibigoshish's expansive waters. A large parking lot and picnic shelter are available at the recreation area near the ramp.

Deer Lake Campground offers both lodging and day-use access, with 48 total campsites split between North and South loops. The facility is located on the west shore of Cut Foot Sioux Lake, adjacent to Lake Winnibigoshish. The area is popular for walleye, northern pike, sunfish, and crappie fishing, as well as general boating and water recreation. The campground is situated within the scenic Chippewa National Forest near the Mississippi River Headwaters region.

To reach the ramp, take Highway 46 northwest from Deer River, then turn onto Eagle Nest Road (Old CR 33) and travel 4 miles west. For camping reservations and facility information, contact Deer Lake Campground at 218-246-2123. Several other USFS campgrounds are located nearby if additional camping options are needed.

Overview
Deer Lake campground is located on the west shore of Cut Foot Sioux Lake, next to Lake Winnibigoshish, and is split into two separate loops. North Deer Lake campground has 17 sites; South Deer Lake has 31 campsites. A boat ramp is centrally located between the loops and provides lake access via Biauswah Creek. Visitors come to the area for boating, walleye, northern, sunfish, and crappie...

Overview
Deer Lake campground is located on the west shore of Cut Foot Sioux Lake, next to Lake Winnibigoshish, and is split into two separate loops. North Deer Lake campground has 17 sites; South Deer Lake has 31 campsites. A boat ramp is centrally located between the loops and provides lake access via Biauswah Creek. Visitors come to the area for boating, walleye, northern, sunfish, and crappie fishing, and beautiful scenery. The 26-mile Cut Foot Sioux National Recreation Trail runs through the Deer Lake campgrounds and is designated for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.
The Chippewa National Forest and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe work together to co-steward resources - making the Forest a great place to recreate as well as a special place where cultural and traditional resources are protected and preserved and the Band’s treaty rights are respected.  
Recreation
Boating, swimming, and fishing are popular activities on Cut Foot Sioux Lake. A boat ramp is centrally located between the campground's two loops and provides lake access via Biauswah Creek. A large swimming beach is located at the North Deer Loop and a smaller beach is located at South Deer Loop. Boats may be moored offshore.Miles of trails in the area provide great hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and birding opportunities. The 26-mile Cut Foot Sioux National RecreationTrail runs through the campground and connects with the Simpson Creek Trail. Off-highway vehicles, including ATVs and UTVs, may be brought to the campground. However, OHVs must be trailered to roads legal for riding outside the campground. OHV use is not permitted on Eagle Nest Road.Cut Foot Sioux Lake is located next to Lake Winnibigoshish, which can be accessed from Cut Foot Sioux. Lake Winnie offers excellent fishing opportunities for walleye, northern, panfish, and muskie. It is one of Minnesota's premier fisheries. Boating and water skiing are popular activities.
Facilities
The campground offers several single-unit campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring.
Vault toilets and handpumps for drinking water are provided. There are no electric hook ups in the campground.
Firewood is available from local vendors. 
Natural Features
A sandy swimming beach is located at North Deer Lake campground.
North Deer Loop is covered by a hardwood forest of maple and oak, with some mature pine trees scattered throughout the site. South Deer Loop is forested with mature red and white pines.
The Cut Foot Sioux area is home to a variety of waterfowl and birds of prey, including loons, osprey, and bald eagles. The much larger Lake Winnibigoshish is accessible by boat and within sight of these two campgrounds.

Nearby Attractions
Down the road, East Seelye Bay offers a large picnic area, boat landing with dock and a swimming beach.

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