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Best Campgrounds in Minnesota

4,104 Reviews

The Land of 10,000 Lakes is also notable for its likewise numerous assortment of trails and campgrounds for avid lovers of the great outdoors. Minnesota has many diverse natural environments to explore all across the state. While there are lots of spots to choose from, here are a couple especially neat sites to consider for your next foray when camping in Minnesota.

Part of the massive Dulux Complex rock formation, Eagle Mountain stands at a whopping 2,301 feet, the highest point of elevation in the state. Isolated from higher ground for hundreds of miles and overlooking several different lakes and a vast forest, the peak offers excellent opportunities to take a bird’s eye view of Minnesota’s rich natural beauty.

In addition to the campsites adjacent to Whale Lake, there are also many trails that run along the mountain, through the woods, and beside the lakes. Just keep in mind that Eagle Mountain’s trails overlap with the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, so be sure to get a BWCAW permit if you plan to cross over. Plus, you need an overnight permit from the Forest Service in nearby Tofte, MN.

The starting point for the grand Mississippi River, Lake Itasca, rests within Itasca State Park. The park hosts a variety of camping amenities such as lodges and internet access. You can also stop at the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center to learn more about the lake and its link to the Mississippi. Or you can check out the University of Minnesota’s Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories campus.

In addition to excellent camping facilities, Lake Itasca has many other outdoor sights and activities for visitors to explore. Multiple trails snake by the shores of the lake and into the adjacent wilderness, and it’s definitely a great place to experience the beauty of Minnesota’s northern ecosystems. Plus, you can go fishing at the lake, assuming you have the necessary permits.

With so many different campsites and trails throughout Minnesota’s diverse natural environments, there’s bound to be one that’s just right for you. Whatever you’re looking for in your camping experience, whether it’s finding deluxe accommodations or exploring unique trails or getting a great view of the landscape, you’re sure to have a blast camping in Minnesota.

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Best Camping Sites in Minnesota (1,161)

    1. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Campground

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

    "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

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

    "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

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

    "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 Reviews
    Illgen City, MN
    Website

    $25 / 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. Interstate State Park — Interstate State Park

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

    $24 - $34 / 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."

    6. Blue Mounds State Park Campground

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

    $20 - $35 / 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."

    7. Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park

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

    "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."

    8. Temperance River State Park Campground

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

    "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

    42 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

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

    $35 / 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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Recent Camping Photos in Minnesota

1280 Photos of 1161 Minnesota Campgrounds

Recent Reviews in Minnesota

4104 Reviews of 1161 Minnesota Campgrounds

  • Cynthia K.
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Burlington Bay Campground

    Good base camp for the area

    Large campground run by the city of Two Harbors.

     It has 4 areas of RV camping & 12 primitive tent sites.

     The tent sites by the David Dill area were shady with trees Willow is near the dump station.

     Burlington sites 1-66 have water & electric. There's a row that has lakeside camping. The sites are mostly sunny with some shade. All are close together. There is a lake view. Apparently there's a path with lake access, but not sure which site this was by. 

    The playground is here. Dumpster, dump station & restrooms with showers.

     Agate sites are 67-91. is a loop with full hookup. 73-75, 77, 79,81-84, have beautiful views of the lake, but difficult lake access. Most of this loop is full sun& very close together sites. 

    We were at site 70 & at first I was bummed out not having a lake view. This is my own fault for dithering about what campground I wanted. I was lucky- this was the last site for my dates. I have later found out that someone must have cancelled for this site & I was lucky enough to get it. Reservations fill up quick a year in advance. 

    This site is narrow, but shady. There's foliage to the left separating it from Site 72 (which has a partial lake view) & the back separating it from the Burlington sites. There was a white tail doe walking thru it the first day we were there.

     Sites 67/68 & 70 are close. Our fire pit was only a few feet from site 68's. There's more shade here though.

    Site 69 is somewhat secluded & has shade & easy access to the bathroom. 

    The site across from us was a long site parallel to the road. It was empty the 2 nights we were here.

    Sites 92 to 102 are a little down the road in rows on both sides of the road. Again close together. Full hookup. Just a few feet away from Hwy 61.

     David Dill sites are 1B to 34B These are full hookup sites terraced on a hill. Big rig friendly. There's a bathhouse by the visitor center for David Dill & the tenters.

    Very close together & sunny. They have a pretty good view of the beach & lake. 

    24B to 34B have the best being lowest on the hill. There's a road- then a rocky beach.

     All parts of this campground were full on a Friday/Saturday night. The office has a small gift shop. Open 8am to 8pm during the season. Check in's at noon- which is great! Check out at 11am.

    We did see police patrol occasionally. Hwy 61 is only a few feet away & is VERY loud. There's no Jake brake ordinance for Two Harbors & the truckers are always doing it. 

    This is a busy town!

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park

    Nice campsite

    Friendly staff, quiet during the week and busy on the weekends. Nice pool, laundry facility, nice restrooms with showers. Stayed for a little more than a month after selling my house. (End of Aug-Sept)
    Recommend!!

  • TexasRed (.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Castle Danger

    Great Spot

    Very nice n secluded spot, only had one other person stay there on labor day weekend. There are a couple of designated spots with fire rings, some are harder to get to. The road in is kind of rough but my subie handled it fine. The location on the dirt does take you to a persons property but check out Skips review for a detailed location. Overall great spot and close to a superior hiking trailhead

  • Cynthia K.
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Judge C. R. Magney State Park Campground

    Primitive camping

    Judge Magney State Park, Minnesota 

       This is a small state park near the shores of Lake Superior. Off Hwy 61, North of Grand Marais. Best known for the Devils Kettle Hike where there's a double waterfall

    & one side disappears into a hole. It's very cool! 

      The campground is very small- only 26 sites. This is primitive camping- no electricity. There's water available. No dump. Dumpsters for trash. The sites are suitable for tents & small trailers, popups, truck campers, camper vans. We did see one larger trailer, but most sites are short.  The road is also very primitive - trees will rip off the air conditioners in your 45 footer!

    There's a modern bathroom & shower house with 2 showers in both the men's & women's. Even though we never saw anyone- someone was keeping the bathrooms clean! 

      They also sell wood at the camp host site.

     We were here on a Tuesday thru Thursday. Everyone was respectful of quiet hours & no one was too loud. Most of the sites were full. Not sure about the weekends. 

      There's 2 loops. The outside loop is close to the highway & that gets loud around 6am until 10pm when it quiets down. There's paths to the bathhouse, which is nice.

     The perimeter sites are the best for more privacy. We were in site 11 & I loved it! Site 12 was nice too. I really enjoyed this campground & have to say it was my favorite one on our Minnesota vacation.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Sakatah Lake State Park Campground

    It was perfect. There wasn’t a lot of people there. The lots are pretty nice and secluded.

    I love the location and how quiet it is and secluded each spot is

  • Leni K.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Myre State Park Campgrounds

    Big Fun, Even With Closures

    Big Island was nicely wooded, keeping a very cool temperature but with little cover from other campsites. Tent pad and fire pit were well maintained. Restrooms were well cleaned, if not exactly maintained (soap and Toilet paper ran light over the weekend, and spiders hung out after a cleaning). ADA accessible. Even with a few trails closed, plenty of trails to explore around the Big Island campground. Rented a tandem kayak from the ranger station, looked like one of the two kayaks, plenty of canoes for rent. Spotted pelicans, turtles, and birds along the shore. Campground host never came by, but the ranger was spotted twice once to keep hammock straps off a smaller tree. Mosquitos were out in full force during the cooler weather.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Richard J Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest Isinours Management Unit

    Lovely space

    There are a few spaces with views you can hike in to but I opted for a spot next to my car. And ideal spot for a one nighter. I stopped here after a 12 hour drive got set up and even walked the trails for a few miles before bed.

  • Bare Soul W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Big Rice Lake

    Labor Day Get Away

    Great spot to camp away from everyone. Available spots last minute Labor Day weekend 😎. Thr gravel road is a maintained gravel road. Easy for any type of car.

  • Ryan T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Tamarack Point Campground

    Forgotten campground

    Perhaps this was a Chippewa national Forest campground in the past, but it has not been upkeep at all. It would be good for dispersed camping but none of the sites are cleared, and the roads are overgrown.

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.

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