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Access Site MN

Turtle Lake

Turtle Lake

Source: minnesota_department_of_natural_resources Updated 1 year ago

City: Bigfork, MN
County: Itasca County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 47.63912290, -93.72207575
Air Temp: --
Location
Nearby Gauge Conditions
About This Access Site
Turtle Lake is a 409-acre lake located in Bigfork, Itasca County, offering a scenic paddling destination with a maximum depth of 28 feet. The county-owned boat ramp is situated in Turtle Lake County Park at the southeast corner of the lake and provides public access for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboats. The facility includes a picnic area and swimming beach, making it a well-developed launch point for water recreation.

Be aware that this is a popular access point, particularly on weekends, and the ramp can reach capacity during peak use times. The lake's 60% littoral area (245 acres of shallow water) makes it suitable for paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Shore anglers can fish from the area between the county beach and boat ramp if you're interested in combining paddling with angling.
Federal Facility Information
218-246-2123 Free Access Reservations Available

Overview
Clubhouse Lake Campground is located on its peaceful namesake in the beautiful Chippewa National Forest. Visitors enjoy the area for its fishing and canoeing opportunities in a scenic natural setting. Clubhouse Lake has limited cell phone service, giving it a remote feeling and offering a tranquil retreat from a connected world. The campground lies off 31 miles north of Grand Rapids, MN...

Overview
Clubhouse Lake Campground is located on its peaceful namesake in the beautiful Chippewa National Forest. Visitors enjoy the area for its fishing and canoeing opportunities in a scenic natural setting. Clubhouse Lake has limited cell phone service, giving it a remote feeling and offering a tranquil retreat from a connected world. The campground lies off 31 miles north of Grand Rapids, MN and just over 8 miles east of Marcell, MN off of MN State Highway 38 - the nation's first National Scenic Byway, known as "The Edge of the Wilderness." 
Recreation
Clubhouse Lake has excellent water quality and is about 90 feet deep, providing great fishing opportunities for northern pike, bass and panfish. Swimming, canoeing and kayaking are very popular activities on the lake. The Rice River Canoe Route starts its journey to the Big Fork River from waters that flow into Clubhouse Lake.A sandy swimming beach, an accessible fishing pier, and a day use area with horshoe pits are located within the campground at the water's edge.
Facilities
The campground offers 28 reservable sites and 19 first-come, first-served, single-unit campsites. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Two vault toilets and two hand pumps for drinking water are provided. The campground is patrolled regularly by Forest Service personnel and Itasca County law enforcement officers.
Natural Features
A beautiful stand of 200-year-old red and white pine trees cover the campground on the western shore of Clubhouse Lake.

Nearby Attractions
The Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center is located a half-mile north of Marcell. It is a must-see for anyone camping in the area. The brand new facility offers many excellent displays, a gift shop, and several weekly naturalist programs.

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