Lake Bronson State Park
Notice: Camping is closed for the season. — details
- Status
- Open (per official listing)Daily 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Entrance fee
- Statewide rule — see below
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Statewide rule — see below
- Camping
- 230 campsites
- Official site
- dnr.state.mn.us(218) 754-2200
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Current alerts 3
Partial closure Lake Bronson dam replacement projectThe Minnesota DNR is replacing the dam at Lake Bronson. Lake Bronson is drawn down and as a result we currently do not have a lake open for public… (more)
The Minnesota DNR is replacing the dam at Lake Bronson. Lake Bronson is drawn down and as a result we currently do not have a lake open for public use. Construction was busy last season and that will continue throughout 2026. • The project began in fall of 2024 and is expected to complete by July 2027. Learn more about the Lake Bronson dam replacement project. • The lakebed and lake surface are closed for all uses, and visitors to the park must remain out for their own safety. • Fishing piers have been removed from the lake and all lake accesses are closed. • County Road 28 over the dam will remain closed for the duration of the project.
Posted by the park 2026-10-14. Official alert
Closure Camping is closed for the season.
Posted by the park 2026-10-14. Official alert
Alert Youth Deer Hunt is October 24-25, 2026.It is recommended visitors wear blaze orange if visiting the park on these days.
Posted by the park 2026-10-14. Official alert
Overview
In Kittson County, about 48 miles northwest of Thief River Falls, Lake Bronson State Park covers about 2,555 acres.
Things to do include horseback riding, historic sites, swimming, fishing, and hiking. Its trail network totals roughly 14 miles, according to the park. On the water side, there is a swimming beach and a fishing pier. Overnight options include 230 campsites across 6 camping areas, with RV sites with electric hookups, tent sites, group camping, and showers.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Daily | 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. | — |
| Office | Mon–Fri | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | — |
| Sat–Sun | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | — | |
| Campground | Two Rivers Campground is closed for the season. The Lakeside and Extension Campgrounds remain closed due to construction. The park has 158 campsites including 67 electric sites. | ||
| Park | Buildings: The tower is now open for the season. Electric sites: There are 12 electric sites in this campground. The road to the campground, as well as the campground loop roads are narrow. Not meant for large rigs. Normally, the Park has 67 electric sites available during the regular camping season. The park has 6 pull-through electric sites. Drinking water: Year-round water is available at the visitor center. Trails: Lake Bronson has 14 miles of hiking trails, 2 miles of surfaced bike trails and 5 miles of mountain bike trails available during spring/summer/fall. The Park also has 8 miles of equestrian trails. In winter, there are 3 miles of groomed snowmobile trail. Snowshoeing is permitted on non groomed ski trails. Cross Country Ski Trails are being groomed by a volunteer sponsored by the Friends of Lake Bronson State Park in partnership with the Lake Bronson Cabin Owners Association. The visitor center serves as a warming shelter in winter. Showers: Two Rivers Campground shower building is closed. Water is off October 1, 2026. Rentals: Two picnic shelters can also be rented. Please contact the park for availability. Other: The visitor center great room is available year round for a rental fee. Please contact the park for availability. Campgrounds: Two Rivers Campground is closed for the season. The Lakeside and Extension Campgrounds remain closed due to construction. The park has 158 campsites including 67 electric sites. Water: Water is off for the season, October 1, 2026. Dump station: The dump station is closed for the season, October 1, 2026. Bathrooms: The Visitor Center has flush toilets that are available year round. Primitive toilets are available throughout the park year-round. | ||
Official wording
Daily from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Monday-Friday 9am-3pm. Weekends 10am-2pm. Office may be closed due to seasonal staffing. If you need to meet with staff, please leave a message, 218-754-2200.
Visitor Center: The Lake Bronson State Park Visitor's Center is available for rent anytime of the year. The Great Room is a perfect venue for meetings, community or family events. There is an attached kitchen for food preparation and service. Please contact the park for availability and rental fees.
Two Rivers Campground is closed for the season. The Lakeside and Extension Campgrounds remain closed due to construction. The park has 158 campsites including 67 electric sites.
Buildings: The tower is now open for the season. Electric sites: There are 12 electric sites in this campground. The road to the campground, as well as the campground loop roads are narrow. Not meant for large rigs. Normally, the Park has 67 electric sites available during the regular camping season. The park has 6 pull-through electric sites. Drinking water: Year-round water is available at the visitor center. Trails: Lake Bronson has 14 miles of hiking trails, 2 miles of surfaced bike trails and 5 miles of mountain bike trails available during spring/summer/fall. The Park also has 8 miles of equestrian trails. In winter, there are 3 miles of groomed snowmobile trail. Snowshoeing is permitted on non groomed ski trails. Cross Country Ski Trails are being groomed by a volunteer sponsored by the Friends of Lake Bronson State Park in partnership with the Lake Bronson Cabin Owners Association. The visitor center serves as a warming shelter in winter. Showers: Two Rivers Campground shower building is closed. Water is off October 1, 2026. Rentals: Two picnic shelters can also be rented. Please contact the park for availability. Other: The visitor center great room is available year round for a rental fee. Please contact the park for availability. Campgrounds: Two Rivers Campground is closed for the season. The Lakeside and Extension Campgrounds remain closed due to construction. The park has 158 campsites including 67 electric sites. Water: Water is off for the season, October 1, 2026. Dump station: The dump station is closed for the season, October 1, 2026. Bathrooms: The Visitor Center has flush toilets that are available year round. Primitive toilets are available throughout the park year-round.
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/Chicago).
Pets
Pets allowed on a leash six feet or shorter (or in a portable enclosure) and personally attended; only service animals in buildings, lodging, camper cabins, yurts, tipis, tours and beach areas.
Statewide rule from Minnesota's park system (source). This park’s page doesn’t state its own pet rules, so check for local restrictions.
Fees and passes
Per vehicle: a state park vehicle permit (one-day $7 or year-round $35) is required for every vehicle; same price for residents and nonresidents. Four free park days per year. Iron Range OHV SRA states 'There is no entrance fee'.
Statewide fee rule from Minnesota's park system; this park’s page doesn’t list its own fees.
Minnesota park passes
- Year-round vehicle permit — $35. Unlimited visits to every Minnesota state park and recreation area for 12 months from the month of purchase Details
- One-day vehicle permit — $7. One day, one vehicle Details
- Additional year-round vehicle permit — $26. Additional vehicles owned by a year-round permit holder Details
- Year-round motorcycle permit — $30. Motorcycle, 12 months Details
- One-day group permit — $5. Group vehicles, one day Details
From the Minnesota state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- Reserve MN (US eDirect)
- Phone
- 866-857-2757
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Camping
| Campground or site type | Sites | Hookups / features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive-in Sites 152 Sites — Three campgrounds offer wooded to open prairie sites.
ALERT: The Lakeside and Lakeside Extension Campgrounds are closed while the Lake Bronson Dam is under reconstruction. The Two Rivers Campground will remain open during the construction project. | 152 | ShowersRVs up to 50 Feet | — |
| Pull-Through Sites 6 Sites — Located in the Lakeside Extension Campground. Sites are 90' minimum length.
ALERT: The Lakeside and Lakeside Extension Campgrounds are closed while the Lake Bronson Dam is under reconstruction. | 6 | Showers | — |
| Electric Sites 67 Sites — Sites are in all three campgrounds. Sites in Lakeside and Lakeside Extension offer 20/30/50 amp service. Sites at Two Rivers Campground offer 30 amp service.
ALERT: The Lakeside and Lakeside Extension Campgrounds are closed while the Lake Bronson Dam is under reconstruction. | 67 | ElectricShowersRVs up to 50 Feet | — |
| Backpack Sites 3 Sites — These wooded, secluded sites are located along the river that runs through the center of the park. Sites are 1/2 mile to 1-1/2 miles from special parking area. | 3 | Showers | — |
| Canoe-in Sites 1 Sites — Located on Moose Island on Lake Bronson. Reserve site through Reservation system. Call park several days in advance if you wish to rent a park canoe.
ALERT: These campsites are currently closed while the Lake Bronson Dam is under reconstruction. | 1 | Showers | — |
| Group Camp 1 Site - Accommodates up to 100 people — Enclosed shelter that serves as a dining hall is available on site. Pop-up campers and tents are permitted. Hand pump for water and vault toilets are available. | 1 | Showers | — |
Camping details from the park
Drive-in Sites — 152 Sites: Three campgrounds offer wooded to open prairie sites.
ALERT: The Lakeside and Lakeside Extension Campgrounds are closed while the Lake Bronson Dam is under reconstruction. The Two Rivers Campground will remain open during the construction project.
Pull-Through Sites — 6 Sites: Located in the Lakeside Extension Campground. Sites are 90' minimum length.
ALERT: The Lakeside and Lakeside Extension Campgrounds are closed while the Lake Bronson Dam is under reconstruction.
Electric Sites — 67 Sites: Sites are in all three campgrounds. Sites in Lakeside and Lakeside Extension offer 20/30/50 amp service. Sites at Two Rivers Campground offer 30 amp service.
RV Length Limit — 50 Feet: Length is measured from front of tow vehicle to rear of vehicle being towed. RV length limit does not apply to the pull-through sites.
Backpack Sites — 3 Sites: These wooded, secluded sites are located along the river that runs through the center of the park. Sites are 1/2 mile to 1-1/2 miles from special parking area.
Canoe-in Sites — 1 Sites: Located on Moose Island on Lake Bronson. Reserve site through Reservation system. Call park several days in advance if you wish to rent a park canoe.
ALERT: These campsites are currently closed while the Lake Bronson Dam is under reconstruction.
Group Camp — 1 Site - Accommodates up to 100 people: Enclosed shelter that serves as a dining hall is available on site. Pop-up campers and tents are permitted. Hand pump for water and vault toilets are available.
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Things to do
Historic sites and toursHikingCampingPicnickingHorseback ridingFishingSwimming
Trails
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groomed Cross-Country Skiing Classic (winter) | 8 mi | — | About 8 miles — A Great Minnesota Ski Pass is required on groomed ski trails for skiers age 16 and up.Groomed Cross-Country Skiing Classic |
| Snowmobile (winter) | 3 mi | — | 3 miles — Groomed trail connects to much larger system of trails outside the park.Snowmobile |
| Snowshoe (winter) | — | — | Anywhere in park — Snowshoers must stay off groomed ski and snowmobile trails.Snowshoe |
| Accessible (summer) | 2 mi | — | 2 miles — Trail begins at Lakeside Campground and connects to the picnic grounds, beach, and visitor center.AccessibleAccessible |
| Self-Guided (summer) | 1.5 mi | — | 1.5 miles — An interpretive trail with marked signposts runs through the prairie and aspen parkland regions of the park, as well as along the lake. Trail begins and ends in the east boat launch parking lot.Self-Guided |
| Hiking (summer) | 14 mi | — | 14 miles — These are easy trails that take you through prairie and aspen parklands. Some of the trails wind along the lake. Hard-packed gravel on the lakeside trail makes it suitable for strollers.Hiking |
| Paved Bike (summer) | 2 mi | — | 2 milesPaved Bike |
| Unpaved Bike (summer) | 5 mi | — | 5 miles — Trail starts just north of the beach area parking lot.Unpaved Bike |
| Horse (summer) | 8 mi | — | 8 miles — Horse trailer parking available at East boat landing parking lot.Horse |
Trail descriptions from the park
Winter — Groomed Cross-Country Skiing Classic — About 8 miles: A Great Minnesota Ski Pass is required on groomed ski trails for skiers age 16 and up.
Winter — Snowmobile — 3 miles: Groomed trail connects to much larger system of trails outside the park.
Winter — Snowshoe — Anywhere in park: Snowshoers must stay off groomed ski and snowmobile trails.
Summer — Accessible — 2 miles: Trail begins at Lakeside Campground and connects to the picnic grounds, beach, and visitor center.
Summer — Self-Guided — 1.5 miles: An interpretive trail with marked signposts runs through the prairie and aspen parkland regions of the park, as well as along the lake. Trail begins and ends in the east boat launch parking lot.
Summer — Hiking — 14 miles: These are easy trails that take you through prairie and aspen parklands. Some of the trails wind along the lake. Hard-packed gravel on the lakeside trail makes it suitable for strollers.
Summer — Paved Bike — 2 miles
Summer — Unpaved Bike — 5 miles: Trail starts just north of the beach area parking lot.
Summer — Horse — 8 miles: Horse trailer parking available at East boat landing parking lot.
Trail conditions: Lake Bronson has 14 miles of hiking trails, 2 miles of surfaced bike trails and 5 miles of mountain bike trails available during spring/summer/fall. The Park also has 8 miles of equestrian trails. In winter, there are 3 miles of groomed snowmobile trail. Snowshoeing is permitted on non groomed ski trails. Cross Country Ski Trails are being groomed by a volunteer sponsored by the Friends of Lake Bronson State Park in partnership with the Lake Bronson Cabin Owners Association. The visitor center serves as a warming shelter in winter.
Swimming
Swimming Beach — Within the park: NOTE: Lake Bronson is drawn down due to the Lake Bronson Dam reconstruction project. The swimming beach is closed until the completion of the dam reconstruction project.
Fishing
Fishing — Not available at this time: PLEASE NOTE: Lake Bronson is drawn down due to the Lake Bronson Dam reconstruction project. Fishing is not available at this time.
Fishing Pier: Two piers available for fishing use.
PLEASE NOTE: Lake Bronson is drawn down due to the Lake Bronson Dam reconstruction project. Fishing is not available at this time. Fishing piers have been removed during the construction.
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Restrooms
- Flush toilets
- Vault or pit toilets
- Showers
- Picnic areas
- Picnic shelters
- Playground
- Visitor center
- Nature center or museum
- Park or camp store
- Group facilities
Water
- Swimming beach
- Fishing pier
Camping
- RV dump station
- Tent camping
- RV camping
- Electric hookups
- Group camping
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Accessibility
Flush Toilets — Located in Campgrounds: Available mid-May through mid-October. Available year round at Visitor Center. Visitor Center facilities are wheelchair accessible.
Accessible — 2 miles: Trail begins at Lakeside Campground and connects to the picnic grounds, beach, and visitor center.
All-Terrain Track Chair: The park has an all-terrain, electric powered chair that may be used on designated trails within the park.
- Reserve the chair
- Learn more about track chairs
Color Vision Glasses: The park now has glasses available that help many people with red-green color deficiencies see colors outdoors! First come, first served - stop by the ranger station to borrow a pair.
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Getting there
- Address
- 3793 230th Street, Box 9
Lake Bronson, MN 56734 - Nearest town
- Thief River Falls — about 48 mi northwest (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 48.7315, -96.6347
- Phone
- (218) 754-2200
- lakebronson.statepark@state.mn.us
Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)
Directions from the park
Located 2 miles east of the town of Lake Bronson, the park access is on County Highway 28.
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Minnesota State Parks and Trails — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026; page says updated Oct 14, 2026
- MN DNR A-Z list of state parks and recreation areas (park IDs in server-rendered <noscript> links) + state waysides page; details from the compass feature_detail JSON API used by park.html
- Wikidata
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology