Mantrap Lake - Paul Bunyan State Forest campground
Mantrap Lake - Paul Bunyan State Forest
Reservations are not accepted at Mantrap Lake campground, making it a first-come, first-served camping area. Therefore, it is advisable to arrive early, especially during peak seasons, to secure a campsite. The best time to visit is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities like swimming, fishing, and hiking.
Campers should take note of a few specific items of interest and be cautious of their surroundings. Mantrap Lake is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for walleye and northern pike, attracting many anglers. Additionally, the area is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, so it is necessary to properly store food and dispose of trash to avoid attracting them. Campers should also be aware of any fire restrictions or regulations in place to prevent wildfires and ensure the safety of everyone in the camping area. Overall, Mantrap Lake in Paul Bunyan State Forest offers a serene and picturesque camping experience, with a range of activities to enjoy and precautions to keep in mind for a safe and enjoyable stay.
What's on-site at Mantrap Lake - Paul Bunyan State Forest
Key facilities Snoflo tracks for this campground. Confirm with the operator before booking -- amenities can change seasonally.
Plan your trip down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max so trends jump out at a glance.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks. Hover any point for the full breakdown.
Other campgrounds in the area
Snoflo-tracked campsites within driving distance of Mantrap Lake - Paul Bunyan State Forest, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mantrap - Paul Bunyan State Forest | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Mantrap Lake Campground | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| Gulch Lake Campground | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| Akeley City Campground & Park | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Hungryman Forest Campground | ✗ | ✓ | → |
Nearby streamflow
USGS streamgauges within reach of Mantrap Lake - Paul Bunyan State Forest -- pulled live from the National Water Information System.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Straight River Near Park Rapids | 45 cfs | → |
| Crow Wing River At Nimrod | 338 cfs | → |
| Mississippi River Near Bemidji | 222 cfs | → |
| Crow Wing River Near Pillager | 1,250 cfs | → |
| Mississippi River At Brainerd | 2,150 cfs | → |
Nearby snow depths
NRCS SNOTEL stations within reach of Mantrap Lake - Paul Bunyan State Forest -- relevant when planning a shoulder-season or alpine trip.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack | 24h Snowfall | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park Rapids 1.0 Nne | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Cass Lake | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Bemidji 7.8 Ene | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Leech Lake Dam | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| New York Mills | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Cross Lake Dam | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, boat launches, and paddle runs so a camping night can grow into a full weekend.
Camping essentials & Leave No Trace
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you to keep campsites clean and protect wildlife.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe animals from a distance, store food securely, and never feed wildlife to maintain natural behavior and safety.
- Know before you go
- Check weather, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and permit requirements to ensure a safe and well-planned trip.
- Minimize campfire impact
- Use established fire rings, keep fires small, fully extinguish them, or opt for a camp stove when fires are restricted.
- Leave what you find
- Preserve natural and cultural features by avoiding removal of plants, rocks, artifacts, or other elements of the environment.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Mantrap Lake - Paul Bunyan State Forest as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, snowpack, freezing temperatures), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Mantrap Lake - Paul Bunyan State Forest
Can I make reservations at Mantrap Lake - Paul Bunyan State Forest?
This campground does not appear to accept reservations -- it's typically first-come, first-served. Arrive early on summer weekends.
How fresh is the weather data on this page?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from the NOAA / yr.no public feeds. Streamflow data is pulled live from USGS streamgauges and snowpack from the NRCS SNOTEL network.
What's the best time of year to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation. For longer trips, the 5-day hourly meteogram shows snow + rain accumulation hour-by-hour.
How do I get to Mantrap Lake - Paul Bunyan State Forest?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the campground.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed through the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this campground, set a threshold (temperature, snowpack, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other campgrounds near here
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within driving distance of Mantrap Lake - Paul Bunyan State Forest.