Camping Across Minnesota
Everyone has their own definition of camping, whether it’s a family resort in northern Minnesota, an RV at a campsite with an electric hookup or a no-frills campsite with only a fire pit and a place to set up your tent. Camping season is just beginning, and for many seasoned campers, early summer is a favorite time to go—Before the mosquitos and flies start to multiply at infuriating rates. Pick a promising state park, jump in your car and enjoy all the nature that our beautiful state has to offer.
Camping In the Twin Cities (within 1 hour)
1. Afton State Park
Afton State Park is one of the closest state parks in the Twin Cities, but it is just as loved as other parks that are farther away. Located in Hastings, this park not only offers great campsites but also opportunities for hiking, swimming and horseback riding. While a majority of the campsites are located on the high ground (a 0.75-to 1.25-mile trek up a hill), there are also drive-in group campsites and camper cabins with electricity. Twenty miles of hiking trails offer breathtaking views at the top of the bluffs and across the prairie. In an effort to keep the park quiet, the camping area and swimming beach are not accessible by vehicle. If you’ve always dreamed of camping in a yurt, you’re in luck—there are two available to rent near the camper cabins.
2. Interstate State Park
As the name suggests, Interstate State Park straddles Minnesota and Wisconsin across the St. Croix River. In fact, both parks operate separately, which requires separate vehicle permits. The Minnesota side in Taylors Falls features 37 campgrounds (22 with electrical hookups), showers, a group campsite and 4 miles of trails. Boat cruises and canoe/kayak rentals are offered with return shuttle service, and rock climbing is permitted on many of the impressive cliffs for those who dare. The park also features impressive glacial potholes and other rock formations that are not to be missed. You can download the Glacial Potholes Easy Walking Tour podcast from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to help guide you through these impressive historical relics.
3. Lake Maria State Park
For those looking for seclusion and a slight challenge, Lake Maria State Park is the place to go. Most of the 17 campsites and three camper cabins are approximately 1 mile from the parking area—in other words, it’s not for small children or multiple coolers in tow. But the trek is so worth it. The views and tranquility will make you feel like you’re a thousand miles away. If you’re an avid horseback rider, 6 of the 14 miles of trails are open to riding. Lake Maria also has a public boat ramp with canoes available for rent, and there is a fishing pier for anglers. Game fish include bass, blue gill, northern pike and perch.
4. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
Best known for its Hidden Falls, Nerstrand Big Woods State Park near Faribault offers an impressive big woods landscape, birdwatching and some of the best wildflowers in the state. The term “big woods” refers to the type of temperate hardwood forest that features American elm, basswood, sugar maple and red oak trees, making it a spectacular place to catch the fall colors. Plus, this type of ecoregion is only found in south-central Minnesota and western Wisconsin. The park’s dense forest is also home to a wide array of birds, and the park office offers binoculars and bird identification kits for guests. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park offers individual and group campsites, picnic areas, a playground and lots of hiking trails.
Camping Close to the Twin Cities (within 1-2 hours)
5. Banning State Park
If you love water, Banning State Park has you covered. Between Wolf Creek Falls and the Kettle Riverrapids, there is a lot to see and do on your camping excursion. Kettle River offers whitewater rafting, canoeing and kayaking, and has an impressive fishing reputation, including a state-record sturgeon. There are 33 drive-in campgrounds (some with electrical hookups), a camper cabin and showers. Along with the water activities, there are also 17 miles of hiking trails known for glacial potholes carved out by the river, the Robinson Ice Cave, sandstone rock formations and the remains of a historic quarry. There are even paved bike paths for those who want to explore on wheels.
6. Father Hennepin State Park
Named after Fr. Louis Hennepin, who explored and journaled extensively about the area in 1680 with a French expedition, this peaceful park offers a respite from its bustling neighbors. When you first think of Mille Lacs and lake country in the summer, you might not immediately think of serene campgrounds, but this park north of the Twin Cities offers the best of both worlds. Located in the less crowded southeast corner in Isle Bay, the well-maintained swimming beach boasts crystal clear blue water along with a small on-site playground. There are over 150 campsites to choose from and park guests have access to two private boat launches. Add the on-site fish-cleaning shack and lakeview campsites, and you may never want to leave.
7. Minneopa State Park
Located west of Mankato, this park is for the history buffs. As the third oldest state park (after Itasca and Interstate State Parks), Minneopa was originally built around the large Minneopa Falls. Later, it was expanded to include more land and the creek. Several of the structures in the park are listed on theNational Register of Historic Places, including the Seppman Mill and seven structures built in the rustic architecture style. American bison live in the park and are available to view in a 330-acre fenced enclosure. There are 61 campsites (some with electrical hookups) along with group campsites, a camper cabin and picnic areas. There are hiking trails and fishing available along the river, plus winter activities along groomed trails.
8. Whitewater State Park
If you haven’t visited the bluffs in southeastern Minnesota yet, here is your sign—go now. It is a sight unlike any other in Minnesota and only a two-hour drive south from the Twin Cities. There is a range of difficulty in the hiking trails, and most lead to scenic overlooks. The spring-fed Whitewater River is a designated trout stream and offers fishing fanatics a range of conditions. The park is in the midst of reconstructing two of its campgrounds with improvements including a new restroom, a shower building and better roads. These two campgrounds will remain closed through 2020 but the Minneiska campground will remain open for guests, along with the cart-in campsites, group sites and the camper cabins in Minneiska.
Road Trip Distance (2 Hours or More)
9. Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA)
This one is not quite a state park, but you can’t talk about camping in Minnesota without including our beloved BWCA. With over 150 miles of protected forests, lakes and streams, it is truly an outdoorsman's paradise. Part of the BWCA falls within Cook County, which is said to be the best area in the lower 48 states to see the majestic and elusive Northern Lights. Nearby, Bear Head Lake State Park in Ely provides close access to the BWCA with similar breathtaking scenery and wildlife access and provides modern amenities including camper cabins and RV campsites.
10. Glendalough State Park
Glendalough State Park has a history of owners, but it officially became a property of the state in 1992. Its impressive historic lodge is famous for having hosted former Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and Richard Nixon, along with former Vice President Walter Mondale on their visit to the park. There are various (mostly private) options available for both camping and swimming. Fun fact: Due to its range of wildlife, including birds, beavers, raccoons, snakes, turtles and foxes, campers at Glendalough are advised not to store food in their tents.
11. Lake Bemidji State Park
As the name suggests, this park is located right on the north shore of the beautiful Lake Bemidji, just 15 minutes north of the city of Bemidji and four hours north of the Twin Cities. Teeming with wildlife, Lake Bemidji State Park is known for birdwatching, and seeing eagles, herons, osprey or loons is a common occurrence. On the trails, deer, porcupine and even bears can be encountered, while in the wetland areas, beavers, minks and muskrats are frequently spotted. And the brush with wildlife doesn’t stop at night—various species of frogs and owls join together to serenade you to sleep at the many campsites.
12. Camping in the North Shore
Our beloved North Shore offers many options for both hiking and camping, and some favorite state parks include Gooseberry Falls State Park (also referred to as the gateway to the North Shore), Tettegouche State Park and Judge C.R. Magney State Park. The latter was named after a Clarence R. Magney, a former mayor of Duluth and the Minnesota Supreme Court justice who played a large role in establishing 11 state parks and scenic waysides along the North Shore. At any of the 11 parks, you will be sure to encounter an impressive range of wildlife—and you can’t leave without catching one of the North Shore’s infamous waterfalls including Gooseberry and the Devil’s Kettle.
Can't wait for your trip? Take a virtual tour of Gooseberry Falls!
Camping Alternatives
Does your idea of camping involve indoor plumbing and a mattress? If you’re not into roughing it (hammock camping, anybody?) but still want experience in nature, there are other options to consider. Some are available at the locations listed above, but other possibilities include:
- Glamping (glamorous camping)
- Treehouse camping
- Historic site camping
- Tiny house camping
There are many websites, including hipcamp.com, that offer a wide array of experiences that will undoubtedly meet your needs for comfort and get you close (but not too close) to nature.
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Did we miss your favorite? With too many beautiful campsites and state parks to name, we wouldn’t be shocked if we did! Send us a note with your suggestion at communications@aaaminneapolis.com and we may include it in our online edition.
Virtual Tour
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