Itasca State Park offers campgrounds that will give the full outdoor wilderness experience, away from the sounds of cities and cars. It's a wonderful place for hiking,biking, and water activities. Equipment you need for such activities can be rented within the park (canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, bikes). We've been to Itasca State Park multiple times, and it is wonderful for camping from late spring through early fall.

There seems to be an endless amount of hiking trails to choose from, which bring you to into the woods and to various lakes and ponds.

Camp sites are affordable (as low as $15), and you have options from modern sites (e.g., with electrical outlets and shower access) to remote hike-in sites. Standard sites come with fire pits and picnic tables.

Lake Itasca is the headwaters of the entire Mississippi River. Here the river is shallow and narrow enough that you can simply wade across it.