Big Bog State Recreation Area Northern Unit
Overview
Big Bog State Recreation Area was established in 2000. It was the result of a grassroots effort to create a sustainable tourist attraction in Waskish, whose economy was devastated when the Red Lake walleye population crashed in the 1990s. The recreation area includes a northern unit and a southern unit totaling 9,121 acres. A 500-square-mile peat bog, the largest in the lower 48 states, is located in the northern unit. The southern unit includes a visitor center, fire tower, campground, winterized camper cabins, a sandy beach and great fishing.
- Trails
- 6
- Viewpoints
- 11
- Activities
- 0
- POIs
- 35
Opening Hours
08:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Emergency SOS
Amenities Available
- Paved Parking Lots
Designated vehicle parking areas with clearly marked spaces and ADA-accessible spots mandated by federal law. Most parks offer free or low-cost daily parking passes.
- Restrooms / Flush Toilets
Modern restroom facilities with running water and proper sanitation. Subject to seasonal closures in northern states during winter months.
- Drinking Water Fountains
Potable water stations distributed throughout the park, tested regularly for safety to ensure clean water access for all visitors.
- Picnic Areas & Shelters
Covered pavilions equipped with tables and built-in grills. Shelters are often reservable for group events and birthday parties.
- Visitor / Ranger Station
Information hub staffed by rangers or volunteers offering maps, wildlife briefings, and educational programs for school groups and families.
- Hiking & Nature Trails
Marked paths ranging from easy, paved walks to rugged backcountry routes, blazed with color-coded markers and difficulty ratings.
- Campgrounds
Tent and RV sites featuring fire rings and picnic tables. Some include full electric hookups, reservable through Recreation.gov.
- Playgrounds
Modern play structures for children with rubberized safety surfaces and age-appropriate equipment meeting ASTM safety standards.
- Sports Courts
Basketball, tennis, volleyball, and pickleball courts available in most parks, with lighting for evening play in urban locations.
- Swimming Areas / Beaches
Designated swim zones with seasonal lifeguard coverage. Daily water quality reports are posted at the entrance and online.
- Fishing Piers & Access
Accessible fishing spots and ADA-compliant piers along rivers and lakes. A valid state fishing license is required to fish.
- Aiton Heights Fire Tower
- Overlook
- Historic Site
0.2 mi from park centre
Open · 08:00 – 22:00
- Paved Parking Lots
- Restrooms / Flush Toilets
- Drinking Water Fountains
- Picnic Areas & Shelters
- Visitor / Ranger Station
- Hiking & Nature Trails
- Campgrounds
- Playgrounds
- Sports Courts
- Swimming Areas / Beaches
- Fishing Piers & Access
Required Permits
VEHICLE PERMITSRequired
Permits required; purchase at visitor center or entrance kiosk.
Alerts & Advisories
Stay informed before heading out
Safety Tips
Safety Advisory
- Visitors to the Big Bog State Recreation Area Northern Unit should prepare for a remote wilderness experience with limited or no cell service, no drinking water on-site, and intense summer mosquitoes that require heavy insect repellent.
- Because the surrounding peatland is extremely fragile and dangerous to navigate off-path, hikers must strictly stay on the elevated boardwalk and marked trails.
Popular/Nearby Trails
Old Marina Trail (Self-Guided Hiking)
Hiking
Hiking (Red Lake Beach Trail)
Hiking (Marsh Vista Trail)
Hiking (Old Caribou Camp Trail/Ludlow Pond Trail)
Boardwalk (Big Bog)
Nearby Viewpoints
Overlook
0.1 mi
Swimming Beach
0.2 mi
Campground
0.2 mi
Historic Site (Waskish Fish Hatchery)
Monument / Memorial
0.3 mi
Fire Tower
Lookout Tower
0.3 mi
Overlook
0.3 mi
Playground
0.4 mi
Athletic Fields
0.4 mi
Historic Site (Waskish Township Hall)
Monument / Memorial
0.6 mi
Overlook
Viewing Area
8.0 mi
Overlook
Viewing Area
8.1 mi
Nearby Points of Interest
Reviews & Ratings
Community Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of Big Bog State Recreation Area Northern Unit?
Big Bog State Recreation Area Northern Unit is open every day from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
What is Big Bog State Recreation Area Northern Unit?
Big Bog State Recreation Area was established in 2000. It was the result of a grassroots effort to create a sustainable tourist attraction in Waskish, whose economy was devastated when the Red Lake walleye population crashed in the 1990s.
Where is Big Bog State Recreation Area Northern Unit located?
Big Bog State Recreation Area Northern Unit is located in Waskish, Minnesota, United States.
How many trails are there at Big Bog State Recreation Area Northern Unit?
Big Bog State Recreation Area Northern Unit has 6 mapped trails covering 5.2 miles in total. The longest is Hiking (Old Caribou Camp Trail/Ludlow Pond Trail) at 1.9 miles.
What is there to see at Big Bog State Recreation Area Northern Unit?
Places to see at Big Bog State Recreation Area Northern Unit include Fire Tower, Historic Site (Waskish Fish Hatchery), Historic Site (Waskish Township Hall), Overlook, Camper Cabin, Fish Cleaning Shelter and 4 more.
What facilities are available at Big Bog State Recreation Area Northern Unit?
Facilities at Big Bog State Recreation Area Northern Unit include Aiton Heights Fire Tower, Campgrounds, Drinking Water Fountains, Fishing Piers & Access, Hiking & Nature Trails, Historic Site, Overlook, Paved Parking Lots and 6 more.
Is there parking at Big Bog State Recreation Area Northern Unit?
Yes, Big Bog State Recreation Area Northern Unit has parking (Paved Parking Lots).
Can I camp at Big Bog State Recreation Area Northern Unit?
Yes, Big Bog State Recreation Area Northern Unit has 2 campsites marked on its map.
How can I contact Big Bog State Recreation Area Northern Unit?
You can contact Big Bog State Recreation Area Northern Unit by phone at 8886466367.
What safety tips should visitors to Big Bog State Recreation Area Northern Unit know?
Visitors to the Big Bog State Recreation Area Northern Unit should prepare for a remote wilderness experience with limited or no cell service, no drinking water on-site, and intense summer mosquitoes that require heavy insect repellent. Because the surrounding peatland is extremely fragile and dangerous to navigate off-path, hikers must strictly stay on the elevated boardwalk and marked trails. For current temporary trail updates or seasonal weather closures.
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