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Bordering Canada, Lake Superior, and the Dakotas, Minnesota is a natural wonderland filled with forests and wilderness areas, prairie grasslands, and thousands of pristine lakes and rivers. From the shores of the largest of the Great Lakes to the headwaters of the Mississippi River, Minnesota’s harsh winters give way to amazing outdoor opportunities for RVers in the warmer months.
Minnesota is home to 75 state parks, nearly all with camping available. True to form, these parks are rustic, with a focus on the natural surroundings over amenities. Not many other states have a reservation system where you can filter campsites by “walk-in”, “bike-in”, and “canoe-in”. Still, standard “drive-in” campgrounds have the basics covered, with restrooms, picnic tables, fire rings, some electric hookups, and a surprising number of big rig friendly sites. These state park campgrounds deliver spectacular settings that highlight the beauty of Minnesota, making them some of the best-reviewed and most beloved campgrounds in the state. Their spotty WiFi and cell service are simply an ideal opportunity to get away from it all and recharge in nature.
Reservations
To make a reservation, visit reservemn.usedirect.com/MinnesotaWeb/ or call 866-857-2757. Campsite reservations are required. Same-day reservations are accepted, for no reservation fee, based on availability. Reservations can be made up to 120 days in advance.
Campsite sizes
Sizes vary greatly per campground. RV length limit is provided on each park’s camping information webpage. Use the reservations system to search for sites by RV type and length. Note that many campgrounds are in wooded settings and may have overhanging branches. Be sure to read campsite details for any restrictions on slideouts.
Accessibility
About 21 of Minnesota’s 75 parks currently offer ADA-accessible campsites. Call the reservation line for information and assistance in booking. Minnesota state parks are managed by the Department of Natural Resources. More information regarding accessibility can be found at dnr.state.mn.us/accessible_outdoors/index.html.
Hookups
Partial and full hookups are offered, but vary among campgrounds. Each state park’s webpage includes details on the number of sites with hookups, and they can be searched for in the reservation system.
Connectivity
Do not expect WiFi at Minnesota state parks. Many parks have spotty to no cell service. If connectivity is a priority, contact the campground directly for information.
Maximum stay
There is no standard policy for maximum stay at Minnesota state park campgrounds. Check with the specific campground for guidance.
Additional facilities
All standard campsites include access to shower and toilet facilities, a picnic table, and a fire ring. During the offseason, showers and flush toilet facilities are not available. Offseason dates vary per campground. Some parks have visitor centers, stores, playgrounds, and other amenities available. Information can be found on each park’s website or in the reservation system.
Cost
Rates vary by campground and date and range from $16 to $24 per night. Prices are displayed in the reservation system search results, and under park information. There is an additional electric hookup fee for $8 and a water and/or sewer hookup fee for an additional $8. One parking permit is included with a paid campground reservation.
Additional Fees:
Nonrefundable reservation fee: $7 online, $10 through the call center.
Modification fee: $5 online, $7 through the call center.
Cancellation fee: $10. Cancellations within 4 days of arrival also forfeit the first night’s fee.
Pet policies
Pets are allowed as long as they’re kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. And of course, campers should always pick up after their pet.
Additional regulations
- Maximum occupancy per site: 6 people and 1 vehicle.
- Check-in time: 4 p.m. Check-out time: 4 p.m.
- Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.
- Alcoholic beverages: Public display or consumption of alcohol is prohibited.
- Generator use: Prohibited during quiet hours.
- Campfires: Allowed in designated rings or pits, following local advisories.
- Drone use: Restricted. Check with the park on specific rules.
Featured Campgrounds
Tettegouche State Park
5702 Highway 61, Silver Bay, MN 55614
This state park has a stunning location on the cliffs above Lake Superior, with lake views, waterfalls, and secluded campsites in the forest alongside Baptism River. There are 23 miles of hiking trails—ranging from moderate to difficult—that lead through the park and to the lakeshore, where peregrine falcons are often spotted. The park’s office, visitor center, and gift shop are a 30-minute walk or a short drive from the campground. Groceries are available in the town of Silver Bay, less than 10 miles away. The drive-in campground is small, with 28 sites, but 22 have electric hookups and all of the campsites are big rig friendly. Securing a reservation at Tettegouche State Park is worth the effort for an unforgettable experience on the North Shore of Lake Superior.
Itasca State Park
36750 Main Park Drive, Park Rapids, MN 56470
In the land of 10,000 lakes, more than 100 are contained within the 32,000 acres of Itasca State Park. Itasca is the oldest of Minnesota’s state parks, established in 1891 to protect the basin around the source of the Mississippi River and the remaining old-growth pine trees. Visitors can partake in the unforgettable experience of walking across the beginning of the Mississippi River. This state park is also designated as a National Historic District. More than 200 standard campground sites are available, most with electric hookups and a maximum RV length of 60 feet. History, hiking, biking, swimming, and wildlife viewing opportunities abound in this remarkable state park.
Kilen Woods State Park
50200 860th Street, Lakefield, MN 56150
Kilen Woods is an unassuming state park that campers quickly fall in love with for its peaceful natural setting, large grassy sites, and well-maintained restrooms. Campsites with and without shade cover are available. In its idyllic location between the Des Moines River and a prairie bush natural area, park trails lead through woods and creeks, grassland, oak savannas, and to a breathtaking view over the river valley. About 30 RV sites, half with electric hookups, can accommodate RVs up to 50 feet. No dump station is available. With a location just 15 minutes off of I-90, Kilen Woods is a convenient stop and an unexpected gem.
Minnesota state park campgrounds that accommodate RV camping
Afton State Park
Banning State Park
Bear Head Lake State Park
Beaver Creek Valley State Park
Big Bog State Recreation Area
Big Stone Lake State Park
Blue Mounds State Park
Buffalo River State Park
Camden State Park
Carley State Park
Cascade River State Park
Charles A. Lindbergh State Park
Crow Wing State Park
Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area
Father Hennepin State Park
Flandrau State Park
Forestville Mystery Cave State Park
Fort Ridgely State Park
Fort Snelling State Park
Franz Jevne State Park
Frontenac State Park
Garden Island State Recreation Area
George H. Crosby Manitou State Park
Glacial Lakes State Park
Glendalough State Park
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Grand Portage State Park
Great River Bluffs State Park
Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area
Hayes Lake State Park
Hill-Annex Mine State Park
Interstate State Park
Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area
Itasca State Park
Jay Cooke State Park
John A. Latsch State Park
Judge C. R. Magney State Park
Kilen Woods State Park
La Salle Lake State Recreation Area
Lac Qui Parle State Park
Lake Bemidji State Park
Lake Bronson State Park
Lake Carlos State Park
Lake Louise State Park
Lake Maria State Park
Lake Shetek State Park
Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park
McCarthy Beach State Park
Maplewood State Park
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
Minneopa State Park
Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area
Monson Lake State Park
Moose Lake State Park
Myre-Big Island State Park
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
Old Mill State Park
Red River State Recreation Area
Rice Lake State Park
St. Croix State Park
Sakatah Lake State Park
Savanna Portage State Park
Scenic State Park
Schoolcraft State Park
Sibley State Park
Split Rock Creek State Park
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Temperance River State Park
Tettegouche State Park
Upper Sioux Agency State Park
Whitewater State Park
Wild River State Park
William O’Brien State Park
Zippel Bay State Park
For more information on Minnesota state park campgrounds, visit dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/index.html.
