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Hard to BookNational Forest

East Seelye Bay Campground

Chippewa National Forest, Minnesota

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As of September 2026, East Seelye Bay Campground is a campground in Chippewa National Forest, Minnesota with 14 campsites. East Seelye Bay Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.

  • PermitSnag checks East Seelye Bay Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
  • East Seelye Bay Campground is located at 47.5247° N, 94.0956° W.

East Seelye Bay Campground reservations and next available dates

September 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Stay and booking rules

  • Tribal discount available

Published by Recreation.gov for East Seelye Bay Campground, read on September 28, 2026.

Campsites at East Seelye Bay Campground

At a glance: Setting: Forest · Access: Paved road.

Things to do: fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, wildlife, offroad, horse riding.

About East Seelye Bay Campground

Overview

East Seelye Bay Campground is located 20 Miles north of Deer River off Highway 46 and 4 miles west on Eagle Nest Road (FR 2198). East Seelye Bay has 13 first-come, first-served campsites, a picnic area, swimming beach, boat ramp, and parking area.

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

Opportunities for fishing, swimming and boating on Lake Winnibigoshish abound. The Cut Foot Sioux National Recreation Trail runs past the campground and along Seelye Point, it is an unpaved trail used for hiking and horseback riding. The East Seelye Point Trail also runs through the campground, and there is easy access down the road to the Simpson Creek Trail system.

Rules and notices at East Seelye Bay Campground

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 28, 2026. Check East Seelye Bay Campground on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Fee includes one camping unit per site. Double occupancy is not permitted on single unit sites; on large sites double occupancy is permitted. The second occupant must pay the full nightly amount for each night of stay by using a fee envelope at the entrance kiosk. Please read the fee board upon entering the campground to see what qualifies for single and double occupancy. Vehicles and/or trailers must not block any part of roadways or gates at any time.

Some important campground rules:

- Quiet hours are from 10pm – 6am. Generators cannot be run during this time. If you have a medical condition that requires powered equipment, please plan accordingly with battery backup.

- Pets are welcome but must remain on a leash 6' or shorter in length at all times. Pets are not allowed in beach areas.

- Campfires cannot be left unattended. They must be extinguished before the campsite is vacated.

- Fireworks, including sparklers, are not allowed .

- Cutting/damaging live vegetation is not allowed. You may gather dead and downed wood for campfires if it fits within the fire ring.

- The use of power saws, including electric chainsaws, is strictly prohibited.

- Off-highway vehicles are not permitted on Eagle Nest Road. If desiring to use OHVs, vehicle must be trailered to a road where OHV use is permitted.

All regulations are found under 36 CFR 261 and are punishable by fines.

Northern Minnesota is home to black bears. Campers must keep coolers and other bear attractants locked inside hard-sided campers or in vehicles when not attended, including overnight. Black bears are present and active within the campground area. Feeding any wildlife, including hanging bird feeders, is strictly prohibited.

NEW FOR 2025: Chippewa National Forest Campground Food Storage Order

Bundled firewood is no longer available in Chippewa National Forest campgrounds. Firewood may be available for sale at local vendors, or may be brought from home if within Itasca County. You may also cut dead and downed wood in the forest without a permit as long as it will be used in the campground. Chainsaw use (gas and electric) is not permitted in the campground.

Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.

Click here for more information on the Chippewa National Forest.

For more information on tribal camping, click here .

East Seelye Bay Campground FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at East Seelye Bay Campground?

East Seelye Bay Campground is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at East Seelye Bay Campground?

Cancellations happen frequently at East Seelye Bay Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does East Seelye Bay Campground have?

East Seelye Bay Campground has 14 campsites.

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