Minnesota's Hidden Treasure Is A Lake Dotted With Campsites, Cabins, And World-Class Fishing

Minnesota is one of the US' great natural playgrounds, with deep woods, unspoiled nature, and at least 11,482 lakes, even more than claimed by the state's unofficial slogan, "Land of 10,000 Lakes." These freshwater bodies of water have come to define this Midwestern state, and offer plenty of outdoor recreation, such as this affordable, all-season lodge situated on the shores of the "Walleye Capital of the World."

While the choice of lakes to explore in Minnesota may be dizzying, Spider Lake not only offers up everything you'd expect — clean, cool water, great fishing, and thickly forested shoreline — but is also home to the Spider Lake Resort. This small lakeside complex features a handful of cabins along with campsites, and also boasts amenities that will make any visit to Spider Lake convenient and stress-free.

Whether you've come for swimming, hiking, kayaking, deep forest relaxation, or to hook one of the trophy fish lurking under the lake's placid surface, Spider Lake lodge will take care of all your needs. You can kick back in rustic comfort with the alluring possibilities of a pristine lake right at your doorstep. Spider Lake is also surrounded by the Chippewa National Forest, which presents plenty of opportunities for further outdoor exploration. 

Spider Lake is a 1,339 acre naturally-fed lake with a maximum depth of 36 feet, though much of it is quite shallow, with an average depth of 15 feet. The nearly 21 miles of shoreline is blanketed with thick, unspoiled stands of pine, birch, and poplar, reminding you that you're in the midst of the deep woods.

Spider Lake Resort features 9 cabins (with kitchens and bathrooms) and 14 campsites with full electrical hookups for RVs. This family-friendly property boasts a classic Minnesota Northwoods feel and comes equipped with a boat launch and boat rentals, a store, campfire pits, and a private swimming beach complete with kayaks, sand toys, and a water trampoline.

Fishing, however, is the star of the show at Spider Lake, with anglers flocking there in pursuit of thriving populations of walleye, large and smallmouth bass, yellow perch, muskie, and aggressive northern pike. After a day of bent rods and tight lines, you can head back to the comfort of the resort for cold beer, a campfire, and a fresh meal of the fish you just caught.

Spider Lake sits within the Chippewa National Forest, a 666,621-acre reserve boasting plenty of trees and over 1,300 pristine bodies of freshwater. The forest offers 298 miles of non-motorized trails that are perfect for biking or hiking, and also features primitive campsites where you're free to pitch a tent. The 29-mile Spider Lake Trail is great for mountain bikers, winding through forest and along lakeshores, following ridges, and heading up and down local hills. Just be aware the area also welcomes hunters during certain times of the year, so make sure to wear blaze orange if its hunting season.

Being Minnesota, the Chippewa National Forest also turns into a white winter paradise during cold months, which — like this Midwest magical wonderland — attracts plenty of cross-country ski enthusiasts along with snowshoers. Three of Minnesota's largest lakes, Leech Lake, Lake Winnibigoshish and Cass Lake, lie within the forest, and are popular with ice fishermen once they freeze over.

The forest also has 240 miles of snowmobile tracks that connect with 312 miles of trails outside the reserve, making it a very inviting place to explore once everything is buried in pure, white snow. For more of Minnesota's outdoor bounty, check out this state park with stunning views of over 100 lakes.