Tettegouche State Park is extremely large and is located on the north shore by Lake Superior. Palisade head is one of the main attractions and is a very busy one. I recommend seeing it when it’s morning or evening due to the crowds. The road to access it is very curvy and a little scary so beware.

Interstate State Park is unrated due to being so close to Taylor Falls. Interstate is a less busy alternative but close enough to enjoy what Taylor falls has to offer. The sites are open and not too wooded but clean facilities.

Minneopa State Park is located near Mankato, MN. Minneopa is a smaller campground with only 12 sites maybe. They have multiple group camping sites that are secluded. They have a lot of trails. The buffalo are close to the campground and the other half of the state park is about half a mile away. That section has more trails and a large waterfall you can walk down too. It’s all prairie land so easy to walk around.

Forestville is a quaint state park with a lot of interesting history. It can be a little confusing because the camping and mystery caves are a distance apart. I highly recommend going to the caves. They are very intriguing but bring a jacket because it is quite cold down there. Lanesboro MN is close by too which is a cool town to visit with small town shops and cool bars.

Nerstrand is a good state park located outside of Fairbault, MN. Nerstrand is wet accommodating to camper with large, slightly wooded sites and nice bathroom facilities. Nertrand is lacking good secluded walking trails. Majority of trails come together into the main trail. The main trail doesn’t have much support especially when it is muddy. They do have a nice waterfall to visit but that is the main attraction.

Carley State Park is located near Whitewater State Park in southeastern Minnesota. Carley state park is extremely neglected. When walking through the trails, they were overgrown and the bridges were broken down and dangerous. This park could be great with a little TLC.

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. They have a few walk in sites but they go fast.

The best part about whitewater are the trails and views. It is located in a carved glacier valley and is surrounded by limestone. I recommend moderate to experienced hikers due to the intense climb to get to the popular views. It’s worth the visit!