A
Adam H.
Guide
GuideJackson Minnesota koa
Clean
Very clean /pool also looked nice. Easy to get to and easy layout with shaded spots . Local pizza was quick delivery to site.
Best Campgrounds in Minnesota
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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 (1,241)
1. Cart-In Campground — Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
71 ReviewsBeaver Bay, MNWebsite+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 ReviewsCarlton, MNWebsite+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 ReviewsBeaver Bay, MNWebsite+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
53 ReviewsIllgen City, MNWebsite$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. "
"You fill with water near the restroom in the campground next to the bath house across from the dumpsters. From our site you can here the river flowing it’s so peaceful."
5. Blue Mounds State Park Campground
53 ReviewsHardwick, MNWebsite+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 ReviewsElba, MNWebsite+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 ReviewsTaylors Falls, MNWebsite+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 ReviewsSchroeder, MNWebsite+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 ReviewsApple Valley, MNWebsite+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 ReviewsTaylors Falls, MNWebsite+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."
Recent Camping Photos in Minnesota
1310 Photos of 1241 Minnesota Campgrounds
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amber
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Recent Reviews in Minnesota
4330 Reviews of 1241 Minnesota Campgrounds
Parker N.
ScoutCuyuna Range Campground
Awesome Spot!
Great location, with large sights. Out sight was surrounding by wild Raspberries so that was also a bonus. They had a scavenger hunt/ and campground bingo that was DIY that my daughters loved. 10/10 campground, would definitely recommend.
- JJeremy J.Scout
Old Logging Trail Campground — St. Croix State Park
Nice campground, but…
The campground is nice and has more woods/bushes and more privacy than the other two campgrounds in the park. The bathroom/showers were relatively clean and functioned well with nice hot showers. The electric sites functioned as expected but, they all seem very well used. Not much in the way of grass (bit of a drought at the time) and lots of little bits of garbage all over our campsite. All the electrical sites were occupied while we were there and a lot of the other sites near the modern bathroom were occupied. If you want privacy and a less worn campsite I would suggest booking a non-electrical site further away from modern bathroom. Oh, another plus water from spigots around campground was good.
Cari E.
RangerGooseberry Falls State Park Campground
A North Shore Favorite
This was my favorite State Park campground in North Shore. Verizon had enough service within the campground for remote work and the spaces we roomy and offered a good mix of shaded and sunnier options, depending on your needs. I was in the westernmost loop (1-27) and found that it is best suited for tent campers or small rv units due to the curvy, hilly dirt road (with some manageable ruts) and the trees/brush. Water spigots (with COLD water) are well placed and the bath house is central to practically all sites. Shore access and trail access to the falls can be found via connector trails off the loop if you don’t mind a bit of an extra walk. The bath house itself was SO NICE. Very well kept and clean, and offered ample space. No hookups, but there is a dump station coming into the campground.
Watch out for the local deer though, it’s her turf and she’ll make it known with some angry foot stomping.
- Cari E.Ranger
Spirit Mountain Campground
Convenient when the SP are booked
If you’re hopping between state parks in the north shore area and need something near Duluth, this campground is a solid option if there’s nothing else available. Time has not been overly friendly and the park and campground are somewhat run down, but there are still upsides. It’s close to local stores and the sites are shaded and actually quite lovely, but beware that MANY of the sites on the far west loop (45-70) will not be level. Most also do not have a dedicated space for a tent, but there is usually ample space on the gravel drives (bring extra padding). This loop is also not ideal for larger RVs. Verizon cell service was manageable and if you scout the site images online, you can find spots with northern-facing openings in the trees for Starlink if needed. Water spigots in this loop are also well placed and the water was quite chilly. Now for the ugly…the bathrooms in this loop are serviceable, but if you touch the wall or floor while showering, you might want to star over. If you forgot your shower shoes, you won’t be showering. Older bath houses are acceptable, but this one was plain filthy beyond simple age.
- RRyan C.Guide
Superior National Forest Wilson Lake Area
Four clustered sites, ok road to get there
All four are grouped together but the road is less than stellar to approach. Vault toilet. No other services, as one would expect. Boat launch looks good and has lots of room to maneuver.
- Jonathan S.Scout
Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park Campground
The Bertram Park pass was an asshole
Me and my nephew came to camp at Bertram Park in Monticello and the boss came up to him and was being an ass telling him that he can’t ride his dirtbike that has the battery in it and he said it in a mean way and he said if he catches him again, he will kick us out of the park. I don’t recommend coming here. The bus could’ve been a lot nicer about it.
- KKeil S.
TravelerFrontenac State Park Campground
Gorgeous Area
I camped at site 42 for 2 days. It was a huge camp space that backs up into the woods. Great hiking and views.
Kevin M.TravelerLake Bemidji State Park Campground
Small park but nice and pretty quiet
Nice walking/hiking trails. More space between sites in the upper loops.
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.
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