Tent campers in Minnesota enjoy an outdoor lifestyle that is reminiscent of settlers first coming to the region in the early 19th century. The state features wide-open prairies, natural rock and cliff formations and roving herds of bison. Tent campers can expect to share local campgrounds with trailer and RV campers, but there are many sites reserved for backpackers.
Superior Waterfalls
Lake Superior from the spring through fall offers some of the best views for tent campers. Cascade River State Park features large waterfalls and rushing rivers through a moss and fern covered gorge carved from black volcanic rock. The park accesses Lake Superior, which is the largest freshwater fishing lake in the world. The park's trails lead to the Lake Superior Hiking and the North Shore State trails. Tent campers share the campgrounds with RVers.
Glacial Lakes
The 56-acre Mountain Lake is the venue of some of the best fishing in Minnesota for tent campers at Glacial Lake State Park. Only electric motorized and row boats are allowed on the water, but swimming and fishing are available. Special tent camping facilities are available to backpackers, who are urged to follow the park's "pack-in/pack-out" policy of taking your own garbage out of the park. This park offers no electrical hookups, making it even more desirable for tent campers since RVers may prefer more modern facilities. Cross-Country skiing is available along a 17-mile trail in the winter. There are 2 miles of groomed snowmobile trails.
Wide Vistas
Lake Bronson attracts wildlife enthusiasts who seek sharp-tailed grouse, sandhill cranes and deer for photographic sport. Lake Bronson State Park offers a mix of aspen-oak forest and open prairies. Lake Bronson, which is a reservoir, is fed by the south branch of Two Rivers that makes it a suitable boating and fishing venue. Nearby are hiking and biking trails in mild climates and cross-country and snowmobiling trails in the winter. The park features the largest observation tower in the state park system, several historic Depression-era Works Progress Administration (WPA) buildings and a natural prairie habitat. There are 157 camping sites for tent campers and RVers and campgrounds set aside for backpackers.
Go Underground
Perhaps Minnesota's most recognized camping site is the Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, which allows campers to explore Mystery Cave with its underground pools. Tent campers can take guided tours of the cave during the spring, summer and fall. Above the caves, the Minnesota Historical Society manages Forestville, a restored 19th century village. The park's streams are stocked with brown trout. Amateur geologists will find interesting natural formations like sinkholes and Big Spring. Horse, group and individual tent campsites are available.
Hiking and Fishing
In the west-central area of Minnesota is Sibley State Park, which allows tent campers to hike Mount Tom and enjoy fishing and boating on Lake Andrew. Canoeing is popular among campers on Henschien and Swan lakes. Campsites number 132 with a nine-site horse camp. Ice fishing on Lake Andrew and 6 miles of snowmobiling trails in the winter are available.
Member Comments