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Best Campgrounds in Minnesota

4,380 Reviews
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Minnesota campgrounds feature diverse options for outdoor experiences, from lakeside retreats to wooded settings. State parks like Split Rock Lighthouse and Jay Cooke offer established campgrounds with amenities including electric hookups, showers, and picnic tables. Many Minnesota campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with sites at places like Gooseberry Falls State Park providing drive-in access. Cabins and glamping options exist at select locations such as Jay Cooke State Park and Blue Mounds State Park, expanding lodging possibilities beyond traditional tent sites.

Reservation requirements vary across the state, with most developed campgrounds accepting bookings several months in advance. "Clean bathrooms and water stations are available at many state parks, though campground services often close by 6pm," noted one visitor to Gooseberry Falls. Seasonal operation affects accessibility, with some campgrounds like Split Rock Lighthouse open only from April to October, while others such as Gooseberry Falls and Wild River remain accessible year-round. Winter camping requires additional preparation for snow and freezing temperatures. Minnesota's abundant lakes and rivers create mosquito-heavy environments during summer months, particularly after rainfall, making insect protection essential gear.

Campers consistently praise Minnesota's water-adjacent camping opportunities. Sites near lakes, waterfalls, and rivers receive particular mention in reviews, with water features enhancing the camping experience. "The park has several different biomes - oak forests, lakeshore, bog, pine forests with lovely hike-walks that can be as long or short as you need," reported one visitor about Lake Bemidji State Park. Privacy levels vary considerably between campgrounds, with some offering secluded, wooded sites while others position campsites in closer proximity. Several reviewers note increasing RV and generator use at state parks creating noise concerns at more densely arranged campgrounds. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout Minnesota campgrounds, with birds, deer, and small mammals commonly sighted from campsites.

Best Camping Sites in Minnesota (1,250)

    1. Cart-In Campground — Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

    72 Reviews
    Beaver Bay, MN
    Website
    +1 (218) 595-7625

    $25 / night

    "Minnesota state parks are very clean. Friendly staff. Amazing views."

    "There are plenty of trees to cool things down and the lake is in sight of all parts of the campground. Trees for hammocks and fire pit for s'mores."

    2. Jay Cooke State Park Campground

    71 Reviews
    Carlton, MN
    Website
    +1 (218) 384-4610

    $23 - $90 / night

    "Jay Cooke is really a must experience state park within easy driving distance to other parks in Minnesota and Wisconsin."

    "North east Minnesota has some very beautiful country. Highly recommend this spot. "

    3. Gooseberry Falls State Park Campground

    70 Reviews
    Beaver Bay, MN
    Website
    +1 (218) 595-7100

    $25 - $75 / night

    "Well-spaced, secluded sites with convenient access to restrooms, water access, and hiking trails Steps away from the magnificent lake."

    "Stopped at Gooseberry on our way up the coast of Lake Superior on a long weekend."

    4. Baptism River Campground — Tettegouche State Park

    54 Reviews
    Illgen City, MN
    Website

    $25 - $35 / night

    "This is one of the most beautiful campgrounds in northern Minnesota along the glorious shores of Lake Superior.  The campsites are surrounded by plenty of wilderness to allow some privacy. "

    "The north shore of Minnesota is beautiful. Granite cliffs line the drive north of Duluth Mn. This is where you will find Tettagouche State park."

    5. Blue Mounds State Park Campground

    54 Reviews
    Hardwick, MN
    Website
    +1 (507) 283-1307

    $24 - $50 / night

    "Quiet place with nice bike and walking paths. Electric only 30amp water close by. Full dump station."

    "Amazing remnant of Minnesota prairie set among the farm country."

    6. Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park

    51 Reviews
    Elba, MN
    Website
    +1 (507) 932-3007

    $25 - $250 / night

    "Whitewater is by far one of the top state parks in Minnesota. Their camping facilities are clean with running water and free showers. The campsites are quite spacious but not too wooded."

    "Easy access to hiking trails. My site was close in distance to adjacent ones, but was on the edge by the creek, so it was pretty quiet."

    7. Interstate State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    Taylors Falls, MN
    Website
    +1 (715) 483-3747

    $24 - $50 / night

    "This is a state park on the Wisconsin side of the St Croix River, which is mirrored by a comparable but smaller state park in Minnesota on the wrst side of the river, both being part of the wild and scenic"

    "Now that I live in Minnesota, I find myself frequenting the Taylors Falls side. Here you have the amazing "Pot Holes" from glacial waters and some pretty spectacular rock climbing."

    8. Temperance River State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Schroeder, MN
    Website
    +1 (218) 626-4300

    $24 - $34 / night

    "Campground Review Temperance River State Park is just off of scenic Highway 61 north of Duluth, Minnesota about 60 miles."

    "We LOVE this campground, as it's an awesome place to to call home base for a bit and take day trips around the North Shore."

    9. Lebanon Hills Regional Park

    44 Reviews
    Apple Valley, MN
    Website
    +1 (651) 480-7773

    $24 - $42 / night

    "Professional built mtn bike trails for adventure. Camping in Minnesota suburbs. Miles of hiking, horseback riding, cross country ski trails. . perfect for my family's weekend Stay-cation"

    "We live about 15 mins. away from this campground. We stayed in the East Loop which is for smaller RVs and tents. it has electricity but no water hookups, however there are water pumps."

    10. Wild River State Park Campground

    45 Reviews
    Taylors Falls, MN
    Website
    +1 (651) 583-2125

    $23 - $90 / night

    "Stayed for two nights at a drive-in double site here and found it ideal for autumn camping."

    "We stayed in campsite 29 in the drive in campsite over Labor Day weekend."

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4380 Reviews of 1250 Minnesota Campgrounds

  • Ryan C.The Dyrt Pro User
    Aug. 14, 2026

    Two Island Lake Campground

    Hands down, best campsite in Cook County

    I've been here many times. Sometimes as little as 72 hours, usually two weeks. 

    When I was first shopping for a campground in 2016 for my return to the region after a 15-year absence I struggled to find a good campsite in the listings online and, eventually, found my way here. 

    And I lucked out on the very first night that the campsite I picked was open - vacated just the day before, and it is truly the best site in the entire group. 

    There's a rock dock when the water is low for your canoe, there's a pathway to the lake from the site and the latrine is 20 feet away. 

    I come here in the fall for my trips up north so I can't speak for the summer or spring activity here but I love it. 

    In the past it was a free over-winter campground and they installed gates during COVID to, presumably, keep regular, committed, and rule-abiding riff-raff like yours truly out. That really struck a nerve that had made me feel unwelcome in the area for that time of year but it feels like this is the new normal for the USFS and Minnesota DNR - you cannot have free or nice things anymore. 

    Will I go back? hell ya. This campsite rocks. Good open canopy, beautiful east-west lake, Aurora reflects incredibly off the water... it's truly a slice of eden in the heaven that is Grand Marais and Cook County.

  • L
    Aug. 14, 2026

    Delagoon Park Campground

    City Owned Park and Campground (nicest one on our two week vacation)

    Stayed on 07/18/26 1 night in our 30' RV pulling a motorcycle trailer, while traveling through on I94, without a reservation.  It is 3-4 miles off the highway, and a little challenging to find (poor signage), but worth the effort.  This is a city owned and operated park, and campground BUT, it is located on the outskirts of town on a very large parcel, with no nearby industrial, or residential neighbors.  The access road from HWY 82 is 3/4 mile, and was rough in one 1/4 mile stretch (repaving pending).  The campground was completely renovated, and reopened in 2026 (new sites, hookups, restroom/shower house).  The rates have increased (we paid $56).  The sites are large, level compacted gravel, with most three pull through sites.  There were many trees removed during the renovation, limiting shade, and privacy, but allowing good views of Pebble Lake.  Our Tuesday night stay was very quiet, with only a few other campers dispersed throughout the campground.  There is a very nice playground for children, and walking/biking trails throughout the park, and a convenient dump station at the entrance.  This isn't an "RV Resort", nor a "wilderness campground", but it is the nicest campground we stayed at during our two week vacation (and possibly ever).  We would highly recommend Delagoon Campground to anyone visiting family or friends in the Fergus Falls area, or as a destination vacation campground.  Wish we could have stayed longer!

  • Claire G.
    Aug. 14, 2026

    Coffee Pot Landing

    Perfect, Peaceful

    This little spot was perfect for a one-night sleep. The two shelters down the path are easy to walk to, across a bridge. Needs some obvious upkeep. I did not stay back there, rather parked in the circle drive and camped there. Access to a picnic table and fire ring from parking area. No hook-ups, one very very sketchy outhouse near the shelters, shaded w/ sun patch for solar/starlink, no cell service.

  • Lindsey Z.
    Aug. 14, 2026

    Bear Paw Campground — Itasca State Park

    Nice, great views

    We stayed two nights at the Bear Paw Campground. It's right off the lake.

    There were nice views.

    The bathrooms were nice and clean, with more than enough showers and stalls and sinks for everyone.

    The biggest downside was our actual spot 37E. It was very small, with only gravel/sand for any flat ground. We had to put our tent kinda in-between our spot and our neighbors'. I don't think that a full-size camper (either 5th wheel or travel trailer) and a truck would fit in the spot either.

  • Ryan C.The Dyrt Pro User
    Aug. 14, 2026

    Clara Lake Rustic Campground

    Cozy, quiet

    Got here last night with one neighbor. Another overnight. Both gone by morning. Quiet. Lake has some fowl traffic but is quite peaceful.

    Only caveats are bugs and proximity but that’s fine. It’s a free campground.

  • Melody J.The Dyrt Pro User
    Aug. 14, 2026

    Red Fox Campground and RV Park

    Very quiet during the week

    We stayed here during the week. Host Peggy was very friendly. Had to make our reservation by phone as their website is very outdated. Most sites are for seasonal guests and it most campers were empty so it was very quiet. Our site was great. $40 for electric and water hook ups. Dump station right on the way out. :) would stay again

  • A S.
    Aug. 13, 2026

    Bunker Hills Regional Park

    Welcoming

    I arrived after the campgrounds closed I was welcomed and was very happy to be accepted

Guide to Minnesota

Camping in Minnesota offers a unique blend of beautiful landscapes, outdoor activities, and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, there's something for everyone in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

What to do

  • Explore the Trails: Many campgrounds, like Crow Wing State Park Campground, have great hiking trails. One camper mentioned, “Nice trails along the Mississippi River, easy to walk, good signage on trails.”
  • Water Activities: Campgrounds near lakes, such as Leech Lake Recreation Area & Campground, offer boating and fishing. A visitor said, “Great campground right on Leech Lake... Plenty of options for getting firewood nearby.”
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers often spot wildlife. One reviewer at Father Hennepin State Park Campground shared, “Hiking was great, we saw an albino deer on the hiking club trail!”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Lake Carlos State Park Campground noted, “Very clean restroom/shower house.”
  • Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Savanna Portage State Park Campground are loved for their beautiful surroundings. One camper said, “Savanna portage is gorgeous with serene lakes and some nice hiking!”
  • Family-Friendly Amenities: Campgrounds such as Crow Wing Lake Campground offer playgrounds and pools. A family shared, “This campground is fun for the whole family!”

What you should know

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the summer. A camper at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park warned, “The trails are... almost impossible to hike on simply because of the amount of mosquitoes.”
  • Reservation Systems: Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Crow Wing State Park Campground mentioned, “Need to reserve online.”
  • Limited Services Off-Season: Some campgrounds may have limited services during the off-season. A camper at Sinclair Lewis City Campground noted, “The office was closed for the season with the water & electric turned off.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. A parent at Crow Wing Lake Campground said, “There is a public beach, skate park, splash pad, and bike trail all located within walking distance of the campground.”
  • Pack Bug Spray: Protect your family from mosquitoes. One camper at Savanna Portage State Park Campground advised, “Mosquitoes are brutal here, especially on the hiking club trail.”
  • Plan Activities: Keep kids engaged with planned activities. A family at Lake Carlos State Park Campground enjoyed, “Easy access to the beach. Hiking trail.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Leech Lake Recreation Area & Campground mentioned, “My site was spacious for my 28-foot TT.”
  • Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups. A camper at Crow Wing Lake Campground noted, “RV site had 30amp with FHU’s.”
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A visitor at Sinclair Lewis City Campground said, “In town campground so it can be a little noisy at times.”

Camping in Minnesota is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, but being prepared can make all the difference!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the most scenic camping spots in Minnesota?

Minnesota's landscape offers breathtaking scenic camping spots throughout the state. Jay Cooke State Park Campground features dramatic river gorges, swinging bridges, and photogenic landscapes that make it a must-visit destination. The park provides both open and private campsites with excellent facilities. For lakeside views, Winnie Campground offers peaceful settings with huge lakeside campsites overlooking Lake Winnibigoshish, providing cool breezes and stunning vistas. Other scenic options include Split Rock Lighthouse State Park with its iconic lighthouse and Lake Superior shoreline, Temperance River State Park with its gorgeous river gorges and Lake Superior access, and Frontenac State Park, which provides sweeping views of the Mississippi River valley with excellent hiking opportunities.

What are the best campgrounds in Minnesota for tent camping?

Minnesota offers exceptional tent camping experiences across the state. Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground in southern Minnesota provides wooded sites with ample privacy, making it perfect for tent campers seeking a peaceful retreat. Located on Lake Pepin, it offers beautiful water views and swimming opportunities just 1.5 hours from the Twin Cities. For a more wilderness experience, Deer Park Lake Backcountry Campsite in Itasca State Park provides secluded tent camping near the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Other excellent options include Sylvan City Park with its easy access to downtown amenities and the Root River Trail, and Lebanon Hills Regional Park, which combines tent camping with extensive recreational opportunities like hiking, mountain biking, and swimming, all within the suburbs.

When is the best season for camping in Minnesota?

The optimal camping season in Minnesota typically runs from late May through early October, with each period offering unique experiences. Summer (June-August) provides warm temperatures ideal for water activities, with Savanna Portage State Park Campground offering excellent swimming at Loon Lake's beach area and access to four lakes for fishing and paddling. Fall (September-early October) brings spectacular foliage, cooler temperatures, and fewer crowds, making it perfect for hiking at Sibley State Park, where you can experience the transition zones between hardwood forest, savannah, and prairie with vibrant autumn colors. Spring camping (May-early June) offers wildflowers and bird watching but can be wet. While some hardy campers enjoy winter camping, most campgrounds close or offer limited facilities during the snow season, with state parks that remain open providing a serene winter wilderness experience.

Which Minnesota state parks offer the best camping facilities?

Bear Head Lake State Park Campground stands out with its varied campsite types and layouts that accommodate everything from tents to travel trailers, with electrical hookups available. The park features clean shower facilities and access to excellent canoeing on the adjacent lake, plus proximity to the Taconite Trail. Frontenac State Park offers spacious cart-in sites that provide a good balance of convenience and seclusion. Other state parks with exceptional facilities include Gooseberry Falls with its iconic waterfalls and Lake Superior access, Whitewater State Park with well-maintained campgrounds and excellent fishing opportunities, and Itasca State Park, which provides multiple camping options from developed campgrounds to backcountry sites, plus historic lodges and cabins for those seeking additional comfort.

Keep Exploring

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