Big Fork State Forest
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Big Fork State Forest is a 3,000-acre forest located in northern Iowa, near the town of Bemidji.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The forest offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. There are several reasons to visit Big Fork State Forest, including its beautiful scenery, abundant wildlife, and diverse ecosystem.
One of the main points of interest in Big Fork State Forest is the Lost 40, a 144-acre tract of virgin forest that was mistakenly spared from logging in the late 19th century. The Lost 40 is home to some of the oldest and largest trees in the state, including several that are more than 300 years old. Visitors can hike through the Lost 40 and marvel at the towering white pines and red oaks.
Other points of interest in Big Fork State Forest include the Big Fork River, which offers excellent fishing for walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass, as well as the Shingobee Hills, which provide a scenic backdrop for hiking and birdwatching. The forest is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, timber wolves, and bald eagles.
The best time of year to visit Big Fork State Forest depends on the activities you are interested in. Summer is a popular time for camping, fishing, and hiking, while fall offers spectacular foliage and excellent hunting opportunities. Winter visitors can enjoy snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, as well as the chance to see the forest in its winter splendor.
Overall, Big Fork State Forest is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and wide range of recreational activities, Big Fork State Forest offers something for everyone.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Rising Eagle Resort
|
||
North Star
|
||
North Star Campground
|
||
Scenic State Park
|
||
Clubhouse
|
||
Clubhouse Campground
|