Minnesota's 58 state forests give you plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Set up camp in a designated campground that provides basic amenities, or set your course for a hidden clearing somewhere in the 4 million acres that these forests cover and make your own site. There is no fee for dispersed camping in the forests and only a moderate fee staying in the campgrounds. No matter what option you choose, there will be plenty of recreational opportunities nearby.
Kabetogama
Paddle your way to one of thousands of wilderness islands and secluded lakes in the Kabetogama State Forest. Four designated campgrounds can serve as your base camp for exploring the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness or Voyageurs National Park. Use your canoe or kayak reach a solitary destination of your choosing. While water dominates the landscape, plenty of hiking trails can help you explore the northern wilderness by foot.
Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood
Enjoy the valleys and secret trout streams of southeastern Minnesota in the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest. Seven campgrounds and six recreational areas give you access to over 1 million acres of deciduous hardwoods and spring-fed waterways. The deep valleys and limestone bluffs can test your hiking and mountain biking endurance on a network of trails. Four state water trails let you explore the area by canoe or kayak.
Paul Bunyan
You can peddle through hundreds of miles of pine forest dotted with small ponds and muddy bogs in the Paul Bunyan State Forest. The network of hilly trails through rough terrain attracts hikers, mountain bikers and cross-country skiers looking for a challenge. Choose from two designated campgrounds or pack your gear to a site completely your own. Located in the north central portion of the state, the forest is surrounded by lake country.
Nemadji
The Garfvert Campground is your only campground option in the Nemadji State Forest. There is plenty of room along the banks of the St. Croix River to pitch a tent, though. This area along the Wisconsin border provides access to the picturesque National Scenic Waterway and seeing it from your canoe or kayak helps to capture the beauty of your surroundings. Approximately 100 miles of trails range through rolling terrain to steep valleys can help you explore on land.
Grand Portage
Grand Portage State Forest is located in the Sawtooth Mountain terrain in the Arrowhead region of northern Minnesota. Straddling the north shore of Lake Superior, this area gives you access to shoreline cliffs, cascading waterfalls and the highest peaks in the state. Three small campgrounds are available or you can peddle, paddle, hike, ski or climb your way to a private spot. The million-acre Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is just out your back door.
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