Best Campsites in Minnesota
With the many beautiful wilderness areas, national forests and state parks in Minnesota, there is no shortage of great sites to pitch your tent or an RV. Found throughout the swaying grass and trees of the state parks, and interwoven along the shoreline of great lakes and beaches, the different campgrounds of Minnesota all offer a memorable outdoor experience for camping enthusiasts. Many of the great campsites in Minnesota are found within state parks, but the different forests also contain an abundance of campgrounds.
Pack your camping gear and head up to these 17 best campsites in Minnesota.
1. Snake River Campground
Snake River Campground is located in Pine City, Minnesota approximately 6 miles south of the City of McGrath. There are 26 primitive campsites in this campground tucked among the towering mixed pines. These campsites are designed to meet all the basic needs of campers. All these campsites consist of a cleared area, vault toilets, a picnic table, drinking water, fire ring, and garbage cans. The campground also has several hiking and mountain biking trails for campers who want to sneak into the woods to hike.
2. Wild River State Park Campground
Wild River State Park is a 6803-acre camping park curving along 18 miles along the shores of St. Croix River. This park is well managed to offer nature-oriented recreation activities for Minnesota residents and visitors who want to escape the stressful city life. There are 94 single-family campsites in this park that accommodate tents, RVs of up to 60 feet and trailers. 34 of these campsites have electric hookups. Besides tent and RV campsites, the campground also has canoe sites, 20 equestrian campsites, 7 backpack sites, 6 cabins for rent and 9 group sites.
3. Afton State Park Campsites
If you are looking for a perfect escape from Minnesota’s Twin Cities, head to the Afton State Park. Located on 6959 Peller Ave South Hastings, on the bluffs overlooking the St. Croix River, Afton State Park was established to preserve the area’s natural environment and to provide opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. For camping enthusiasts, there are 24 tent campsites in this park, 4 camper cabins with electricity, 1 canoe-in site, 2 rustic group camps, and 2 yurts. Other facilities and amenities available here include a swimming beach and snowshoes.
4. Fall Lake Campground
The Fall Lake Campground is located approximately 6 miles east of Ely on the shores of Fall Lake. There are 64 campsites in this campground made to accommodate recreational vehicles, including pull-through sites. There are several trees that privacy between most campsites. Besides campsites, the campground also has canoe rentals, a campground store, firewood, and ice. Campers also get a unique opportunity to view replica artifacts found within the campground and surrounding areas. There is no shortage of popular local events to attend including the Harvest Moon Festival, Blueberry Festival and the City of Ely’s fireworks.
5. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campsites
Located in Nerstrand, Minnesota, this state park offers the residents and visitors a chance to view the fantastic colors in the fall and beautiful wildflowers in the spring. Winter sport enthusiasts can enjoy cross-country skiing, kayaking and snowmobiling. For camping enthusiasts, there are 51 campsites for tents, trailers and recreational vehicles up to 60 feet long. Of these sites, there are 4 walk-in campsites, 27 sites with electric hookups and 3 group campsites. Each campsite has a BBQ grill, a picnic table, and fire ring. Miles of mountain biking and hiking trails are also located throughout the Park.
6. Lake Maria State Park campsites
Spend a day, week or month with your family camping, picnicking and taking fall family pictures at Lake Maria State Park. This is Minnesota state park provides year-round camping, hiking and other recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. There are several secluded backpack campsites located within the park as well as three ski-in/walk-in camper cabins for hire. Recreational activities around this park include cross-country skiing, hiking, fishing and more. The park also manages Ann Lake Campground.
7. Kiesler’s Campground & RV Resort
If you are searching a campground in southern MN for a perfect camping vacation, the Kiesler’s Campground & RV Resort will have you sorted. This campground is perfect for an overnight stay or an entire season. Facilities and amenities at this campground include a swimming pool with 2 water slides, shuffleboard, horseshoes, RC car race track, playgrounds, wagon rides, a recreation hall, Wi-Fi and clean restrooms. Activities and events include bingo with prizes, basketball, volleyball, DJs and dances and planned activities.
8. Lebanon Hills Regional Park-Campground
2017 – Labanon HIlls Regional Park Campground – Apple Valley, MN
Located just minutes from many popular Twin City destinations, Lebanon Hills Campground is surrounded by more than 1,800 acres of lakes and lakes in beautiful Lebanon Hills Regional Park. There are several tent campsites at this location that can accommodate up to six campers. The campground also has RV sites that can accommodate one medium-sized RV. Amenities here include picnic tables, a camp store, laundry facility, fire rings, a playground for kids, a sanitary dump station and restrooms with showers. The campground also has onsite caretakers.
9. Jay Cooke State Park Campsites
Located approximately 10 miles southwest of Duluth, the Jay Cooke State Park boasts several well-maintained campsites and hiking sites. The park offers an opportunity to view the fall colors and wildflowers as you stroll around the trails. There are 83 single-family campsites in this park for tents, trailers and recreational vehicles up to 60 feet long. These campsites include 21 sites with electric hookups, 3 walk-in sites, 2 group sites, 4 backpack sites, and 5 cabins. The campground has modern restrooms, dump station, and drinking water. During your stay, don’t forget to take a walk over the swinging bridge.
10. Stony Point Resort & Campground
If you are looking for a favorite family vacation destination with campsites and full-service RV Park, the Stony Point Resort & Campground is the best place to be this summer. The campground has several well-maintained campsites and modern RV Park sites located in beautiful wooded areas and on the waterfront and canal. These sites have full hookups for sewer, electricity, water, and concrete patios. The campground also has pull-through sites that can accommodate any type of trailer or recreational vehicle.
11. Rice Creek Campground
Rice Creek Campgrounds is located around 30 minutes from St. Paul and Minneapolis. This campground offers several acres of natural and scenic wilderness. There are several rustic campsites, 50 amp campsites with water hookup, a camper cabin, and a visitor center. Campsite amenities include an RV sanitation station, a playground, a shower room, and restrooms. Some of the activities you will find in this campground include swimming, biking, boating, golfing, and fishing.
12. Fond du Lac Campsites
Fond du Lac Campground is located adjacent to Chambers Grove City Park. The campground has 55 first-come-first-served campsites that do not require one to make a reservation. There are water-front campsites, a new cabin for games and meetings, a concrete boat launch, boat tie-ups, and fishing pier. Campground amenities include a sanitary dump, handicapped accessible hot showers, Free Wi-Fi, a playground for kids, horseshoes, bean bag toss and more. Activities include paddle boarding, canoeing, and kayaking.
13. Glacial Lakes State Park Campgrounds
Located approximately 5 miles south of Starbuck, Glacial Lakes State Park is a feature beautiful hills contrasted by supine valleys. The park has two tent and trailer campground loops, four backpacking areas a group camp area and one horse camp loop. There are 19 camping sites in the Lower Campground, 18 non-electrical sites in the Oakridge Campground. The southeast Group Camp offers group camping; up to 50 people. The campground also has 6 camper cabins. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring.
14. Crow Wing State Park campsites
Get a memorable camping experience by visiting the Crow Wing State Park, around 1 hour 30 minutes drive from the Twin Cities. The park features original vegetation comprising of mainly oak forests and barrens interspersed with prairie and pine openings. You can enjoy RV camping or tent camping at one of the 61 campsites in this park. Remember to rent a canoe or kayak to explore the Mississippi River. This river welcomes paddlers of all levels.
15. Frontenac State Park Campsites
Frontenac State Park, Minnesota
Frontenac State Park also offers the best campsites for those who want to escape the scorching sun of the city or those who want to reconnect with nature to reduce their stress. Located on the Mississippi River, this beautiful park offers spectacular views of the Mississippi River. There are 58 single-family campsites located in wooded areas. Campsites can accommodate tents, trailers and recreational vehicles of up to 50 feet long. All campsites are equipped with a picnic table, grate and a fire ring. Backpack walk-in campsites and group camping sites are also available.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for seeking more action-packed adventure or a relaxing getaway surrounded by nature and wildlife, these 15 campsites in Minnesota is the perfect place to spend your next vacation. Book your camping reservations today to avoid missing your favorite spot.