Minnesota is rich with camping spots both just outside of town and deep in the remote areas of the forest. Over 70 state parks would be enough but Minnesota also has the giant Superior National Forest. It hugs Lake Superior on one side and offers camping. Campgrounds in the national forest feature a new solar powered water system, a part of encouraging everyone to reduce their carbon footprint.
State Parks
Minnesota state parks and forests offer tent, RV and cabin camping at almost 5,000 sites. Minnesota has 72 state parks, 67 of which feature camping and lodging facilities. Remote campsites are offered for those who like to venture deep into hike-in, bike-in or boat-in only areas. All of the camping sites have a picnic table and a fire ring with a cooking grill. The sites house up to six people, one tent only. Pets are allowed but must be kept on leash and attended to at all times. Many state parks feature camper cabins. They are rustic one-room cabins. There is no indoor plumbing. The cabins contain wooden benches, table and bunk bed frames with mattresses.
Camping Rates
Camper cabins in Minnesota are $45 a night according to the Department of Natural Resources website. For an extra $5 per night, electricity is included. Standard camp sites range in price between $12 a night and $20 a night for full RV hook up. It is $4 extra to add electricity to any standard camping site. Check in and check out time is 4 p.m., and seasonal dates vary by location. The standard season is between late spring and mid fall. In the Upper Sioux Agency State Park, tipis are available to rent during the camping season. They are $30 per night.
Superior National Forest
The Superior National Forest is 3,000,000 acres of land in the Northeastern corner of Minnesota. There are 27 developed campgrounds in the Superior National Forest. Lake Superior borders the forest along its' southeastern side. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness borders the forest on its northern side. That area has 2,000 lakes according to the U.S. National Forest Campground Guide, most of them accessible by canoe only. Campers must have a permit to camp here, they must camp at the designated sites and practice "Leave No Trace" camping etiquette.
Fire Wood Restrictions
It is illegal to take or bring firewood from and to campsites in Minnesota. Unapproved firewood carries invasive pests and threatens Minnesota trees and ecosystems. Approved firewood can be bought at most campsites through venders. Some of the bugs that the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources worries about are the emerald ash borer, gypsy moth, and oak wilt. Approved wood is wood that was harvested in Minnesota and not carried more than 100 miles from the harvesting place to be burned.
Horseback Riding
There are 1,000 miles of horse riding trails in Minnesota's State Parks. Thirteen state parks offer equestrian camping equipped with everything you may need to care for yourself and your horse during your camping trip. Everyone who chooses to camp at an equestrian site and ride the trails must have a "horse trail pass" on their persons.
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