Camping in Minnesota

Four seasons of outdoor adventures await campers in the Land o' Lakes.

96% (6092 reviews)

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12 top campgrounds in Minnesota

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Balsam Ridge Retreat

8 sites · Lodging5 acres · Duluth, St. Louis
Many folks that have visited our place refer to it as 'country living in the city'.  We are so blessed to live in this little piece of serenity just inside the city limits of Duluth.  It was once an abandoned house that sat for years, until a friend mentioned to us that it might be going up for sale.  We loved the location and rolled up our sleeves. Twenty years later we still marvel at the beauty around us and can hardly believe that we LIVE here! Just down the road is a trout stream and just beyond that was a popular farm that attracted many folks to this neighborhood for hay rides and sleigh rides. The farm has since retired it's horses and closed it's doors to make room for new homes,  but memories live on in the beauty of the open fields. I often imagine the sound of horses and sleigh bells and people singing carols and then warming up around a toasty fire sipping hot cocoa. Some of those memories live on right here at Balsam Ridge (minus the horses). Over the years many groups of folks have enjoyed a sense of community in these back woods no matter the season. Campfires, kids catching frogs, neighborhood campouts, snow picnics, hair-raising toboggan runs, family campouts, spiritual silent retreats, a take-your-breath-away giant swing, and some tales too daring to mention are all part of the fun.  This is why we do what we do. We've been given much, and love to give back. It just wouldn't seem right to keep all this good to ourselves.   
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$69
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The Wooded Retreat

4 sites · Lodging8 acres · Pine City, Pine
Situated just 3 miles from the interstate, our retreat offers the tranquility of a state park while being conveniently accessible. Prepare to be mesmerized by the stunning grounds featuring rolling hills, towering white pines, and a variety of deciduous trees. Immerse yourself in nature's beauty with ponds and trails scattered throughout. Discover an abundance of flowers and wildlife that call this haven home. On our 8 acres we have 5 private ponds, 3 unique cottages ; and a vintage safari tent!
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$62
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Bundo's Forest

2 sites · Lodging10 acres · Finlayson, Pine
This cabin was built by hand in the 1970s from white pine that was cut and milled on-site. Our family purchased and rehabbed this beautiful cabin throughout 2021. Indoor and outdoor activities and wildlife viewing abound throughout all seasons at Bundo's Cabin. Learn more about this land: Where the forest meets the field. Unplug and relax at Bundo's Cabin with extraordinary views of wildlife and endless outdoor opportunities. The modern yet cozy cabin has electricity and features a front patio, an external bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area, a living area, and a sleeping loft with a reading nook. No matter the season, this cabin is a wonderful, cozy, and clean, place to relax and unwind. Feel free to roam around the 10-acre property and explore the 80 acres of state land to the north. Deer, foxes, coyotes, turkeys, owls, eagles and more are likely to be seen or heard. Explore, Banning, Moose Lake, and Father Hennepin State Parks which are all within 30 minutes, and return to the cabin to read, play games, listen to records, have a fire, and relax. The kitchen provides you with everything you need to prepare your meals including a refrigerator, small freezer, stove, oven, cookware, cutting boards, sink, seasonings, oil, and coffee. Water for washing is available via a pump faucet in the kitchen, and a brand-new outhouse is located steps south of the cabin. The cabin is efficiently heated and cooled with a very user-friendly heat pump and gets the cabin to your desired temperature very quickly. We are grateful to honor the Dakota and Anishinaabe people whose land we occupy by donating $10 from every booking to the Makoce Ikikcupi Land Recovery Project. This project is actively working to return the land to the indigenous people from whom it was stolen. You can learn more about this project in reparative justice at www.makoceikikcupi.com.
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$135
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The Forest Container

1 site · Lodging4 acres · Deerwood, Crow Wing
Tree house, tiny home, shipping container, luxury hotel - the Forest Container is all of these things. Set in a lush forest valley, this is an incredible and unique place to stay. The property is within the Cuyuna mountain bike area, between the Yawkey and the Cruser's Kettle trailheads. There is a fire ring as well as a great deck upon which you can camp or otherwise relax and enjoy the view of the forested valley. The container is heated and cooled, and the container has a luxurious warm tiled shower, sink, toilet (cassette style), power and of course, as pictured, a beautiful small bedroom and living room. Coffee machine and mini fridge included on the deck. 👍🏼
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$150
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KJ Eventyr

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Duluth, St. Louis
Located 14 miles outside of Duluth’s Canal Park area, we have the perfect location for privacy, as well as, being close enough to enjoy Duluth’s many tourist attractions. We are also near multiple popular hiking areas and state parks, such as Jay Cooke State Park. Our private apartment offers a deck overlooking our pond and forest area, with all the amenities of home and the natural atmosphere of camping. KJ Eventyr is glamping at its finest.
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$100
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Whippletree Farm & Nature Trail

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Lake Elmo, Washington
Welcome to Whippletree! This is our sixth-generation family farm, and while it's more of a hobby farm now, it has been in continuous agricultural production since 1869! Besides tillable farm land, we are stewards of native prairie, small wooded areas, a remnant of an oak savanna and wetlands, with trails throughout. We consider this our sanctuary and enjoying sharing it with others looking for a place of retreat to connect with the natural world. Stop by for a visit!
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$36
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River Road Campground Luverne

19 sites · RVs, Tents13 acres · Luverne, Rock
This is a new campground to Rock County near Luverne, MN. This property is known as the "boy scouts" by the locals. When we were kids we spent time on this property riding bike, horses, and exploring. We have turned this 13 acre property into 22 site campground that we are excited to share with you. We have also moved a house west of the campground that is available on Airbnb/VRBO (Sweet Retreat, 5 bedrooms, 2 bath) Nestled in a bed of trees just 2 miles from I-90 and 1/4 mile South of the Luverne City Park. This campground has 12 sites with rural water and 20,30&50 amp electric at every site. Dump Station. 8 Full Hook Up Sites (Sewer, Water, Electric) Two small ponds and shade trees. Wifi. New Shower House/Bathrooms in 2022. Campers can enjoy the quiet place to relax and enjoy nature and wildlife, a perfect place for bird watching. We also have a paved bike trial that connects to the campground that leads to miles of trials around Luverne and out to the State park.
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$30
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Honeyberry Minnesota working farm

2 sites · RVs25 acres · Stillwater, Washington
Small working farm of 25 acres with roughly 1/3 wooded. Bring cash if you want to buy fresh produce. Half-way between Hudson WI and Stillwater MN. Tons of activities to do, including the St Croix River. Mowed trails on the property, campfire wood provided. Walk up to our two-acre Haskap orchard.
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$35
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The Camps at the Vineyard

18 sites · RVs, Tents110 acres · Ogilvie, Kanabec
We are closed for the Winter starting the 4th of December 2023. We look forward to welcoming you in Spring - bookings starting in March 2024! This is a 10-acre part of a larger 110-acre property, This section is reserved for tents, camping vans, and small trailers 20' or less. The river is great for small children to wade and swim in during the summer. During spring, the water is up higher for kayaks and canoes. Seasonal sites are 20' from the river, and a wonderful place to fall asleep and wake up to a babbling river. Learn more about this land: The camping area is ten acres alongside the Ground House River. There are fish in the river, and the water level fluctuates for tubing or kayaking. The property borders with state land used for horse riding, and great for biking
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$10
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Stone Creek Farm

6 sites · Lodging36 acres · Taylors Falls, Chisago
Situated on 36 acres, this working farm is 2 miles West of Taylors Falls. Dan and Danielle bought this property with the intention of growing stone fruits (plums, peaches, apricots and cherries) using sustainable and organic practices because health and wellness matter to them! They are still in the process of improving their property. Many of the building on the property were in poor condition, including the old barn foundation which is now one of Dan and Danielle favorite places to keep cool in the summer. After they had excavated all the debris (which took years) they were able to transform it with gardens and fire pit for all to enjoy. They love sharing what they have been blessed with! They hope you enjoy their place as much as they do! Feel free to ask them to show you around or even get your hands dirty with them as they plant or harvest.
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$45
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Wise Woods on Fool Lake

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Crow Wing
Located at the end of a private road on Fool Lake with wooded mature trees that offer privacy. The lake is quiet and calm. Fool Lake is a private, environmental lake, with many varieties of fish. Perfect for kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and swimming. Boating is allowed up to 40 hp via gated private launch (no tubing or skiing). The land slopes to the lake where you will find small dock and a few stairs into the water. Well for water and electricity available including a 30 amp hookup for RV campers. Large outhouse also has electricity. Minutes away from access to Cuyuna trails, Crosby, and Emily, as well as nearby Nisswa and Crosslake. This central location offers access to any and all amenities. After a day on the trails, in town, or on the water, an evening at the at the fire pit overlooking the lake is a perfect way to end the day. Wind down, relax and enjoy the trees, lake and nature surrounding you. We expect all guests to respect the neighborhood, lake and nature! **November to early spring the water access will be winterized and NOT available for use. Any winter camping is at your own digression and snow removal will only be provided on the neighborhood road(s) up to the entrance of the site. Getting into the site could be difficult depending on the snow conditions.** Note: there is currently a locked camper & small kids house on site not available for use. Things To Do: Cuyuna Mountain Bike Trails - https://www.cuyunalakesmtb.com/ https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/cuyuna/mtnbiking.html Cuyuna Lakes State Trail: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/cuyuna_lakes/index.html Super Premium Gourmet Cheeses, Artisan Ice-Cream, Wine & Spirits, MN Goodies & More - https://shopvictual.com/ Bike Rental, Sales, Service, Food, Coffee, Etc. - https://www.redraven.bike/ Soo Line Museum - http://www.cuyunahistory.org/museum.html Milford Mine Memorial Park - https://www.crowwing.us/294/Milford-Mine-Memorial-Park Serpent Lake and Crosby Memorial Park/Playground Hard Water Lounge - https://www.hardwaterlounge.com/ Paul Bunyan Land - https://paulbunyanland.com/ Paul Bunyan Trail: the longest Minnesota bike/hike trail at 120 miles! Dennis Drummond Winery - https://ddwco.com/ 20-min drive from Crosby! Traditions Mini Golf - https://www.traditionsminigolf.com/ Mille Lacs Lake - Minnesota’s second-largest inland lake. Places To Eat: Iron Range Eatery - http://ironrange.3cheersmn.com/ Rafferty's Wood Fired Pizza - https://raffertyspizza.com/location/crosby/ North Country Cafe - https://north-country-cafe.business.site/ Cuyuna Brewing Company - http://www.cuyunabrewing.com/ The Bridge Tavern - http://bridgetavernmn.com/ Jack Pine Brewery - https://www.jackpinebrewery.com/This is in Baxter, MN. Fire Shack - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069785463122 Burritos California - https://zmenu.com/burritos-califirnia-crosby-online-menu/ Mixed Company - http://www.enjoymixedcompany.com/ Hill City Coffee - https://www.facebook.com/C4HillCity
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$39
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Belle Creek Bluff

3 sites · Lodging, Tents28 acres · Welch, Goodhue
Belle Creek Bluff is on 28 acres of prime land in Welch. Belle Creek runs through the middle of the property. Walk, swim, paddle, fish and explore the this beautiful spring fed trout stream. There are a number of hiking trails on the property. Bordering state lands to the east of the property provide endless exploration and hiking adventures. Hike to the top of the bluff for a spectacular view of Welch valley and the ski hill. Hiking NE along Belle Creek can you spot the old model A truck along the banks? There are eagles, falcons, finches, and many colorful birds to see.
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$40
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Camping in Minnesota guide

The land of 10,000 lakes―11,842 to be exact—is a water-logged paradise for anglers, paddlers, and campers. From the shores of Lake Superior to the banks of the Mississippi, you'll never be more than a short drive from a lake campground or a forest hiking trail. Minnesota's distinct seasons afford plenty of opportunities to get outdoors, whether you're hiking or horseback riding through autumnal woodlands, wild swimming in the lakes in summer, or snowshoeing and cross-country skiing through the long winter months. The best weather for a camping trip is from May through October, but you'll find many Minnesota campgrounds open year-round.

Where to Go

Northwest Minnesota

Bordered by Canada to the north, and South Dakota and the Red River Valley to the west, northwest Minnesota is home to some of the state's biggest lakes. Grand Rapids and Bemidji are the gateways to the Leech Lake Recreation Area and the Chippewa National Forest, while nearby Itasca State Park lies at the headwaters of the Mississippi River. To the north, two Minnesota state parks border the Lake of the Woods, known for its walleye fishing and winter snowmobiling.

Northeast Minnesota

Lush state forests, wetlands, and island-studded lakes blanket the northeastern tip of Minnesota, stretching down from the Canadian border to the north shore of Lake Superior. Minnesota camping is at its wildest out here, whether paddling out to island campsites in Voyageurs National Park, RV camping with full hookups in Superior National Forest, or seeking out a tranquil lake campground in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Central Minnesota

On the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are launchpads for outdoor adventures in central Minnesota. Some of the region's best campgrounds are just a short drive from the city at Mille Lacs Lake, while Frontenac State Park has a mix of drive-in RV sites and cart-in tent sites along the Mississippi. Further north, there's kayak and canoe camping along the St. Croix River at Wild River State Park, or yurt and camper cabin rentals at Afton State Park.

Southern Minnesota

Glacial plains and scenic river valleys give way to the wooded bluffs of the Mississippi River in southern Minnesota. RochesterMankato, and Winona provide easy access to the south, where highlights include aptly named Great River Bluffs State ParkWhitewater State Park, and Minneopa State Park, home of Minnesota's tallest waterfall. In the far southwestern corner, Blue Mounds State Park is known for its soaring cliffs—a hotspot for rock climbing—and free-roaming bison.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is not legal to camp anywhere without restrictions in Minnesota. Camping is allowed in designated campgrounds, state parks, state forests, and national forests. In some cases, dispersed camping (primitive camping away from developed campgrounds) is allowed in specific areas of state and national forests. For instance, you can find dispersed camping sites in Minnesota's national forests such as the Chippewa National Forest and Superior National Forest. When camping in these areas, it's important to follow Leave No Trace principles and adhere to any posted regulations or restrictions.

For more information on camping options in Minnesota, you can visit Hipcamp.

Yes, there are several places to camp for free in Minnesota. You can find free camping in its national forests: Superior National Forest and Chippewa National Forest. These forests offer dispersed camping, which is primitive and has no facilities, so you'll need to come prepared. Additionally, some state forests and wildlife management areas in Minnesota also allow free camping. Please be aware of local rules and regulations when camping in these areas.

Camping fees at Minnesota state parks vary depending on the type of campsite and amenities provided. On average, you can expect to pay the following rates for camping:

  • Tent sites: $15 to $23 per night
  • RV sites with electric hookups: $25 to $35 per night
  • Group campsites: $50 to $300 per night, depending on the size of the group
  • Cabins: $55 to $200 per night, depending on the size and amenities

These rates are subject to change, and additional fees may apply for vehicle permits, reservation fees, or other services. To learn more about camping options and fees in Minnesota state parks, visit the Hipcamp Minnesota State Parks page.

In Minnesota, whether you need a permit to camp depends on the location and type of camping. For state parks, you will need to make a reservation and pay the appropriate fees. Reservations can be made through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reservation system. For camping in national forests, such as the Superior National Forest or the Chippewa National Forest, you may need a permit for certain areas, especially if you plan to camp in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Information on permits and reservations for the BWCAW can be found on the Recreation.gov website. For dispersed camping in national forests, you generally do not need a permit. However, it's essential to follow the guidelines and regulations for each specific forest. Always check with the local ranger district office for the area you plan to camp in for any specific rules or restrictions.

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