DEER LAKE

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.