George Washington State Forest

photo: George Washington state forest

•George Washington State Forest is located in northeastern Itasca County. To get there, take U.S. 65. north of Nashwauk, take State Highway 1 between Effie and Togo, and Scenic Hwy 7 east of Big Fork.

•This state forest boasts eight different camping facilities. Two horse campgrounds, Togo and Stony Brook, have picket lines and pull-through sites. Bear Lake, Button Box, Larson Lake, Lost Lake, Owen Lake, and Thistledew Lake campgrounds all feature boat launches and fishing opportunities.

•There are many recreational areas within the forest, most of them along a lake. Owen Lake and Thistledew Lake all have day use areas with picnic tables and swimming beaches.

•Cross-country ski trails provide loops to challenge experienced skiers as well as those that suit the novice. Snowmobilers will find nearly 200 miles of groomed scenic trails.


More about this forest


Notes:

Large wetland areas limit use of some roads and trails.

George Washington State Forest at a glance...

RECREATION

Boating

Boat Ramp Nearby

Dispersed Camping

Canoe / Kayak

Fishing

Pier

Hunting

Picnic Area

Picnic Shelters

TRAILS

Cross-Country Skiing

Hiking

60 Miles Horseback

Mountain Biking

Class I ATV

Class II ATV

200 Miles Snowmobiling


Attention Trail Users:

• Effective December 31, 2009, portions of this state forest is classified for the purposes of motor vehicle and OHVs usage as managed, limited and closed. Refer to state forest map for details.

•Most roads and trails are open to mountain bikes unless posted.

FACILITIES

Bear Lake Campground and Day-Use Area
Button Box Lake Campground and Day-Use Area
Larson Lake Campground
Lost Lake Campground
Owen Lake Campground and Day-Use Area
Stony Brook Horse Campground
Thistledew Campground and Day-Use Area
Togo Horse Campground

SPECIAL FEATURES IN STATE FOREST

Scenic State Park
Taconite State Trail
Peloquin WMA
Ladies Tresses Swamp SNA
Thistledew ATV Trail

OTHER DESTINATIONS

Sturgeon River State Forest
Big Forks State Forest
Bowstring State Forest
McCarthy Beach State Park