As could be expected in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, outdoor living is popular in Minnesota. Millions of acres of public lands have been preserved for camping, hiking, and boating. Campers can choose from thousands of sites in 67 state parks, 58 state forests and two national forests. Whether you roll with an RV or carry your gear on your back, an adventure awaits.
Planning Your Trip
Before you schedule your trip to a public park or forest, find out if you can reserve a campsite. Campsites in state parks and national forests can be reserved online. Sites in state forests are first come, first served. Decide what you need to bring with you, based on the amenities available at the campground. Be aware that one tent or RV is allowed per site and pets must be kept on leashes.
Camping in State Parks and Forests
Most state parks allow RVs, although some have size restrictions and not all sites have utility hookups. Some campgrounds have boat rentals, loaner GPSs, birdwatching lists and nature talks. Campsites in state forests are more primitive (no hookups or flush toilets), but you must camp at designated sites to prevent damage to the surrounding forest. There are no on-site managers in state forests; campgrounds are patrolled regularly and fees are collected at the site.
Camping in National Forests
Two national forests, Chippewa and Superior, are within Minnesota's borders. Chippewa is in the north central part of the state and has 21 campgrounds. Superior lies along the northern border and has 20 campgrounds. Some sites have showers and flush toilets and some are more primitive. Get information and make reservations online (see Resources).
Camping With Your Horse
Want to bring your horse on a camping trip? There are more than 1,000 miles of horse trails within the state parks and forests. Thirteen state parks and 12 state forests offer campsites that cater to equestrians. The campgrounds provide picket lines, tie rails, corrals and manure disposal facilities. You must have a Horse Pass to stay in campgrounds or ride the trails. Passes are available from authorized Electronic License Service vendors.
Camping in the Backcountry
For true communing with nature, nothing beats backcountry camping. Minnesota has hundreds of farflung campsites accessible only by foot, bike or boat. Remote sites in state parks provide water, primitive toilets, tables and fire rings. In state forests, you can camp in the wilderness for no fee. There are no amenities and you must pack out what you packed in. The same rules apply to the national forests. You need a permit to enter the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which is part of the Superior National Forest. You also need a free permit to camp in Voyageurs National Park, where campsites are accessible only by boat.
Cabins and Teepees
You can enjoy Minnesota's natural beauty, even if you don't have camping gear. Some state parks have camper cabins, one-room shelters that have a table, benches and bunk beds. The cabins sleep five or six and must be reserved far in advance. Cabins are located near toilet facilities and some are wheelchair accessible. For a different kind of camping experience, you can stay in a genuine teepee at the Upper Sioux Agency State Park near Granite Falls.
References
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: Stay Overnight
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: Camping in State Forests
- U.S. National Forest Campground Guide: National Forests and Campgrounds
- Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness: Reservations and Permits
- National Park Service: Voyageurs Fees & Reservations
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