At last count, Minnesota had about 1,000 resorts, the majority of them summer-month getaways in the northern half of the state. They range from luxurious, hotel-accommodation golfing resorts to simple rustic campgrounds, with just about everything in between.
Despite the wide variety of choices, it can be difficult for a family looking for reasonably priced outdoor experience to find just the right place to spend those precious few summer vacation days.
Campers Paradise on Goat Island, Lake Belle Taine
For those looking for a unique, affordable northern Minnesota experience, one great option is Camper’s Paradise, in the Park Rapids area. Located just outside the small town of Nevis in North Central Minnesota, what makes this resort unique is the fact that it is an island unto itself, literally.
Lake Belle Taine’s 55-acre Goat Island is the site of Camper’s Paradise, as it has been for 50 years. Accessed by a causeway and bridge, the entire wooded and natural island makes up the resort, which has over 80 secluded campsites averaging 75 feet apart.
Swaggert Family Serving Campers for 50 Years
Camper’s Paradise has been owned and operated by one family, the Swaggerts, for half a century now. The Swaggerts are committed to keeping the island natural and pristine, and to giving their campers a memorable experience. It’s why generations of families have been returning year after year, for decades. Just a glance at the guestbook reveals the love people have for this place.
The resort, despite its rustic setting, has much to offer. Besides the 80+ campsites, there are three traditional log cabins for rent at a very reasonable weekly price. Also available: a pontoon, rowboats and motors, bicycles, swimming beaches, volleyball, a ball field, and more.
Fishing, Swimming, and Other Activities at Camper's Paradise
Fishing on crystal clear Lake Belle Taine, the bottom of the famous Mantrap chain, is great, with walleye, northern, bass, crappie, sunfish and muskie in abundance. Kids love the water trampoline, as well as the playground. A quiet hike around the island, viewing the variety of birds and wildlife is a popular activity too.
With all there is to do at Camper’s Paradise, visitors needn’t leave the island, but if they decide to, there’s much to choose from nearby. The towns of Nevis (3 miles) and Park Rapids (11 miles) offer restaurants, goods, and services. Itasca State Park, world-renowned as the headwaters of the Mississippi River is less than an hour to the north. The 27-mile Heartland bike trail is just across the causeway on the mainland.
For a uniquely memorable outdoor vacation, campers can’t go wrong at Camper’s Paradise. Its name says it all. Open from the Friday before Memorial Day until Labor Day, this is the way to experience Minnesota at its best. Visit the “Explore Minnesota Camper’s Paradise Web Page” for more information.
Dale Van Every - Dale Van Every is a freelance and fiction writer living in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He earned his Masters Degree in English Literature from ...
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