Beltrami Island State Forest, Roseau MN
Traveling up to Roseau brings back memories of growing up in this area; I spent all my time outdoors, exploring the wooded land on our family’s farm. I built many forts in those small woods and cultivated my first experiences of sleeping under the stars when I was little. So as I am heading back north, I am saying goodbye to the endless fields of the Valley and welcoming the Wilds of Minnesota’s forest land.
I can usually get a reservation no matter what time of the year it is at Hayes Lake State Park; it is one of my favorite parks in all of Minnesota. It is quiet, never that busy, and just far enough away from the crowds you see at other parks.
The park is located on the western edge of Beltrami Island State Forest, the 2nd largest State Forest in Minnesota, about 30 minutes from Roseau and 40 minutes from Warroad. The park is off the main county road, which provides an excellent preview of driving into the park. If you visit the park in late July through August, expect to see a few extra cars parked along the roadside, as this is a great place to pick Blueberries. I have stopped many times to grab snacks before entering the park.
There are plenty of activities at the park. Horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking are allowed on the Moose Ridge Trail, which follows the south side of the lake for approximately 5 miles. There is also the Pine Ridge Trail, maybe 4 miles, which follows the Northside of the lake; this trail is a little more popular, being the campgrounds, beach, and the small, elevated Bog Walk area are located along the well-groomed path. If you follow this trail to the very end, it can connect you to the Moose Trail, but you will need to cross a small river, so plan on getting a little wet or make this an out-and-back hike.
Hayes Lake is a fantastic lake to paddle; sunrise and sunset are exceptional on this lake; the water turns to glass when the sun starts to dip down on the horizon. Fishing on this lake provides Crappies, Sunfish, Large Mouth Bass, and Northern; unfortunately, I have not had much luck, but I am not the fisherman I used to be.
The beach is NICE but can be very crowded on hot days. I get to the beach earlier in the day or later at night to avoid the other campers. There is also a boat launch area and a fishing pier down the road, where Gobee can take a dip in the lake. I wish more State Parks had dog areas for swimming; if I hear of that particular place for our dogs, I will let you know immediately. Unfortunately, Gobee is not the swimmer she used to be; old age has made her more of a sit in the lake and enjoy the waves splashing on her type of dog.
The main camping area at Hayes Lake is nice; all the sites are well-sized. The ones closer to the lake have red and white pines reaching high above the canopy; these sites are not as private, and you can see your neighbors at most of these sites. While the campsites located closer to the camping area entrance have thick bushes separating each site for more privacy. This campground does come with all the amenities. The only decision you need to make is how close you want to be to the facilities and water when booking your weekend.
At Hayes Lake, I like to camp at the walk-in sites located further down the road, these two sites are in my top 10 favorite campsites in Minnesota, and each site has its perks. W1 is very large and open; you could have a small group with you and have plenty of room for multiple tents; this site also provides less shade with an insane view at sunset. The dogs like this site a little more; they have room to explore without getting wrapped around the trees when leashed.
W2 is wooded, so it is heavily shaded; the view is less picturesque due to the trees blocking some of the views; there is a natural deep woods feel about this site that is nostalgic to me. Both sites sit about 25 feet above the lake; they are very quiet except for an owl who made his home nearby last year. There is a rustic outhouse behind the two sites; last year, just before we arrived, there was a massive storm; a tree fell and dislodged the structure. We gave a hand to the park staff to set it upright; they were nice enough to provide us with free firewood from the downed tree all weekend.
Note: You will need to fill up on water before you hike in, as there is only water at the main campground.
Hayes Lake has two camper cabins, one located in the campground and the other about two miles past the Walk-In camp area. So if you are in the mood for a Walden Pond moment, this is the spot. This cabin sits right on the lake. I have always wanted to book a few nights here, but I have dogs, and the State Parks do not allow pets in the cabins.
One of the benefits of staying at Hayes Lake State Park is the area of Beltrami Island State Forest; there are numerous ATV trails and roads throughout the forest for some great backroad adventures. I have taken many day trips exploring this area, even stumbling upon an old forest airstrip near the WMA Historic Norris Camp. Speak to the main Park Ranger; they will get you the best information on where to go. However, the roads in the forest do get you turned around sometimes, so pay attention to the map or bring your GPS.
Stay: 2-4 day park
Type of Sites: Drive Electric, Non-Electric, Hike In, Cabins No-Pets
WiFi: OK in certain places within the park; Walk-In Sites are limited but work.
Wood: Available at the rangers station.
Pets; Yes, they must be on a leash
Activities: Hiking, Swimming, Fishing, Canoeing, Mountain Biking, Blueberries in the late summer, and Horseback Riding.
Water: Water was cold 7 out of 10
Site info: Clean and do vary in size quite a bit.
Favorite Sites: W1 & W2
Surrounding Area: Roseau is a smaller town ¬but provides essentials if needed with a local grocery and a couple of small sporting goods stores. The Brickhouse is an excellent place to eat if you decide to come into town. Warroad is Hockey Town USA and has Lake of the Woods Brewing for your craft beer cravings.
Winter: During winter, Hayes Lake State Park is a great place to do some cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing
Link to DNR site: Hayes Lake State Park
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