Camping in Banning State Park

Popular ways to camp

Camper favorites near Banning State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Calendar icon
Snag reservations at sold-out campgrounds.
Get notified the instant a site becomes available, for free.
Van icon
Find all the best options
Access 12k+ public and private campgrounds—from public parks to blueberry farms.
Star icon
Book with confidence
Reserve community-vetted spots reviewed by 62k+ happy campers.

Stories from the community

Top-rated campgrounds near Banning State Park

95%
(86)

Wild Vines Campground

25 sites · Tents6 acres · Taylors Falls, MN
With some of the oldest vines in Minnesota, (1994) Wild Mountain Winery has been in operation since 2010 as a premier winery. Nestled on the second highest point in Chisago County, we offer picturesque views and quiet, natural setting. With both food, beer, cider and wine to sample, you will find something that makes you smile. Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent in the setting you choose; in the vines of our 6 acres of vineyard, or in the woods next to the winery. Enjoy all the amenities of the winery with a short walk to your cot, hammock or sleeping bag. No "drive-in" sites available, but we provide pull carts or courtesy shuttle upon request. Close to Wild Mountain Ski and Water park. Each site offers a fire ring. On site bathrooms and potable water. Camp any day of the week. Check in- Friday 2:00, or by special request Sat/Sun 12:00 Weekdays 12:00 Check out- 11:00
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
99%
(146)

Bundo's Cabin

2 sites · Lodging10 acres · Finlayson, MN
This cabin was built by hand in the 1970s from white pine that was harvested and milled on-site. Our family purchased and rehabbed this beautiful cabin throughout 2021. Indoor and out, there are so many ways to relax and connect with loved ones during 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 outhouse and outdoor rainwater bucket shower, 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 from an electric pump faucet in the kitchen, and a brand-new outhouse is located steps from the cabin. The cabin is efficiently heated and cooled with a 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$122.85
 / night
96%
(152)

Hidden Pines

5 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Kerrick, MN
Come get away in our grove of balsam pine trees in a rural area with lots of wildlife to see and hear. We have 5 primitive campsites, one for large groups and three for smaller more private camping and one drive in site for camping out of vehicle or tent . We offer un mapped hiking trails onsite and there is plenty of activities to do within 10 to 15  miles from camp. Activities include swimming at local beaches, Nemadji State Forest, General CC Andrews State Forest, ATV riding, lots of great fishing lakes, several rivers for kayaking and canoeing, local restaurants, coffee houses, movie theater, general store, shopping, antiques/craft, grocery, gas, local brewery, agate center, fire museum. The land was purchased by the Sway family in the late 70's from a farmer and has been in the family since. We are one of the 4 current land owners of this property and plan to keep the land in the family as long as we can. Our home was built in 2011 on part of the property. Since living here we have used the land for hiking, gardening, wood harvesting, selling Christmas trees, and now we are excited for our new adventure of opening a small part of our land for camping. We are excited for you to enjoy our land as much as we do.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$25
 / night
99%
(253)

The Jubilee Homestead

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Stanchfield, MN
Our family is looking forward to another great camping season! This small hobby farm is where I (Esther) grew up and now my husband Joel, our four children, and my parents, are developing it into a self-supporting farmstead and event venue as we raise chickens and Nigerian dwarf goats, and grow a pick-your-own elderberry field. We offer a single site for off-season/winter camping for longer visits at a discounted rate. Please reach out for more information if you're interested. What you can expect at The Jubilee Homestead: Free firewood Free 20amp electricity hookup at all sites (NOT ENOUGH TO RUN A/C, plenty for everything else) Free water Free farm fresh, free-range eggs to collect yourself in the mornings plus more for sale when available. Access to broomball court and equipment in barn loft Rustic trail around back of property about 1/4 mile long Playground Dishwashing sink You are welcome to enjoy The Milk Room Lounge and Farm Store. You'll find self-serve coffee, hot cocoa, and other options available for purchase, There is a microwave, places to sit and visit, and even a game table. Joel and I have co-authored several books (under the pen name J.E. Ribbey) which are also available in the Farm Store. We have an American post-apocalyptic thriller series and a historical fiction series for middle grade readers about the American Revolutionary War. We have a nice, fully private outdoor shower with hot water available for $2.50/shower. Guests can pay on-site via our posted QR codes or cash box. We're also available for other events like birthday parties, intimate weddings, and group gatherings at our gazebo and/or 20ft x 40ft party tent. As a homeschooling, home business building family, there is usually a project or two always in the works to join in on if you feel so inclined or just sit back and enjoy the peace of clean air and loving goats! Several lakes in the area provide numerous options for fishing, boating, and hiking. And nothing beats those evening country road walks while agate hunting! Other area attractions include Mini golf in Cambridge, public aquatic center with water slides in Mora, and several state parks an hour or less away.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
98%
(122)

The Wooded Retreat/breakfast/spa

5 sites · Lodging8 acres · Pine City, MN
Situated just 3 miles from the interstate, our retreat offers the tranquility and beauty of a state park while being conveniently accessible and private with comforts of home! 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 9 acres we have 5 private ponds, 3 unique cottages ; and a vintage safari tent on a platform! With all of our cottages (sorry not the tent) we provide a breakfast basket in your refrigerator. For ALL guests on the Wooded Retreat we now have a Spa Cottage! (State of the art exercise equipment and a two person infrared Health sauna) Each space is strategically placed on the property to provide utmost privacy and beauty. Welcome to the Wooded Retreat and don't forget to bring your camera and binoculars!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$100.80
 / night
100%
(29)

O'Dalaigh Hideaway

1 site · Tent2 acres · Pine City, MN
Note: Address is NOT 31128 Riverside Drive, Pine City as shown on Hipcamp. It is located right next to 31128 River Bend Drive, Pine City. Hipcamp will not allow me to put correct address there. The property is on a vacant lot next to our cabin lot on the Snake River East of Pine City MN. This lot has the better river view and experience as its a small peninsula that juts out to the river with rapids. There is a swimming area right next to the campsite or feel free to jump into the rapids if you want a rush. River is not deep most of the year and there is fishing right there as well, mostly large and small mouth bass. There is parking off the road and a short walk to the campsite, just follow the sounds of the river. A small wagon is provided to help with getting gear down to the river tent site. New this year (2025) is a composting toilet along the trail to the tent site. It uses a "separator" where #1 goes back to the earth (as it is sterile and liquid) and #2 goes into a bucket and is covered with wood chips. There is also a standing urinal for men if desired. If you would prefer to use a pit toilet there is one on the property with directions marked with a sign. It is a farther walk however, about 100 yards from the tent site and on the cabin property near the driveway. If you want something even more convenient, feel free to bring your own. Firewood is available for sale onsite or feel free to clean up dead wood lying along the trail at no cost, note that it is more than likely freshly cut and wet but will burn if the fire is hot enough. The tent site is right next to rapids on the Snake river. If you struggle sleeping to the sound of rushing water, this may not be for you!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$20
 / night

Other options near Banning State Park

Camping in Banning State Park guide

Overview

About

Rocky gorges, waterfalls, and forested riverbanks set the scene for adventures in Banning State Park. Grab your canoe, kayak, or raft and tackle the gnarly rapids of the Kettle River—Blueberry Slide, Hell’s Gate, and Dragon Tooth are famous for their thrilling hairpin turns and dramatic scenery. Afterward, hit the trail to explore Banning Sandstone Quarry, Wolf Creek Falls, and Robinson’s Ice Cave; scale 40-foot cliffs overlooking the river; or bring your snowmobile or skis for a winter excursion. Campers can snag a spot at the small campground, pitch a tent at the five canoe-in campsites, or check into the camper cabin.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. You can reserve one of the park’s 33 campsites (11 with electric hookups) in advance via the Minnesota State Parks website. Watercraft campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis only. 
  2. Campsite reservations open 120 days in advance, and same-day bookings are possible. 
  3. Campsites can book up as fast, especially on summer and holiday weekends. Book your spot as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

When to go

Paddling season at Banning State Park runs from April through September, and the park can get busy, especially on weekends. Parking fills up quickly, so plan an early morning or late afternoon arrival to secure a spot. Banning State Park Campground is open from April through mid to late November. Winter visits are equally enjoyable with options for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, but expect minimal facilities if you visit in the off-season.

Know before you go

  • Banning State Park is set 93 miles north of Minneapolis or about a 1.5-hour drive away. 
  • Vehicle permits are required for all Minnesota state parks, in addition to camping reservation fees. Permits can be purchased in advance via the Minnesota State Parks website. 
  • Park facilities include a gift shop, vault toilets, and picnic areas. Flush toilets and showers are available at the campground in season only. 
  • There are accessible campsites, restrooms, and picnic areas at Banning State Park.
100%
4 ratings · 0 reviews
  1. Banning State Park