Knutson Dam

Closed — The campground is currently closed due to storm damage from July 2025. Normal operating season is May 9 through September 2. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.

About

Bimijiwan Recreation Area, historically known as Knutson Dam, sits on the northeastern shore of Cass Lake where the Mississippi River flows out of the lake. The name Bimijiwan means "Flowing Water" in Ojibwe, honoring the area's cultural significance to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe who have fished, camped, and launched boats from this location for hundreds of years. The campground was originally built in the early 1900s as a logging dam site before being transferred to the Forest Service in 1926. The campground features 14 campsites arranged in a single loop, including 11 single-family sites and 2 walk-to tent sites, all situated among beautifully manicured lawns shaded by a forest of oak, spruce, and pine. Every site offers scenic lake views and includes picnic tables and campfire rings. In 2015, the failing dam was removed and replaced with an innovative rock arch rapids, which restored spawning habitat for walleye and white sucker while improving aquatic organism passage to over 30 miles of river and 72,000 acres of connected lakes. The recreation area is particularly popular during spring walleye runs. Anglers fish for walleye, northern pike, perch, and trophy muskie in world-class fisheries. Boat ramps provide access to both Cass Lake and the Mississippi River, making this an ideal location for canoeists seeking easy access to Mississippi River canoe routes. Additional facilities include a modern fishing pier, vault toilets, and a picnic area.

Directions

Located 6 miles east of Cass Lake on U.S. Highway 2, then 5 miles north on County Road 10.

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