Minnesota isn't called the Land of 10,000 Lakes for nothing. This Midwestern state has a mind-boggling 11,842 lakes, stretching from the island-filled Lakelands of the Canadian border to the shores of Lake Superior and along the Mississippi River. Getting on the water in a Minnesota state park is a must―why not bring your own boat, kayak, or canoe? Even still, Minnesota’s 75 state parks also have soaring cliffs, coastal waterfalls, and rambling woodlands to explore. The main camping season runs from May through October, but you can still cozy up in an RV during the long winter months, and many state park campgrounds stay open year-round.
Northwest Minnesota
The remote Lakelands of northwest Minnesota are a paradise for intrepid campers, home to some of the state’s largest lakes and pristine forests. Explore the headwaters of the Mississippi River in Itasca State Park, camp by the lake in Lake Bemidji State Park, or tackle the ATV trails of the Paul Bunyan and Beltrami State Forests. In the far north, the Lake of the Woods is a winter hotspot for snowmobiling and ice fishing, and has two state parks.
Northeast Minnesota
Wild forests and lakelands ramble down from the Canadian border to the north shore of Lake Superior, where you’ll find some of Minnesota’s most popular state parks. Soaring cliffs, lakeside hikes, and dramatic waterfalls tempt adventurers to Gooseberry Falls, Tettegouche, and Split Rock Lighthouse, all of which have year-round camping. Inland, Bear Head Lake State Park lies at the mouth of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and boasts a swimming beach, canoeing trails, and modern campgrounds.
Central Minnesota
Wooded hills blanket the banks of the St Croix and Mississippi Rivers in central Minnesota, and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy shimmering lakes, miles of forest trails, and some 70 golf courses. The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St Paul lie at the heart, and the region’s many state parks all lie within a short drive. Our top picks? Mille Lacs Kathio State Park is a fall wonderland for leaf-peepers, Wild River State Park and Interstate State Park have epic canoeing, and Afton State Park has yurts and camper cabins available year-round.
Southern Minnesota
Steep wooded bluffs tower over the Mississippi River in the Great River Bluffs State Park, one of the headline acts of southern Minnesota and easily reached from Rochester or Winona. Inland, Minnesota’s tallest waterfall is the star of Minneopa State Park, and the state campground has plenty of space for tents and RVs. In the remote southwest, the dramatic cliffs of the Blue Mounds State Park provide the best rock climbing in the state, plus there’s year-round camping and a rustic cabin to rent.
State Park campgrounds in Minnesota.
You’re never far from the water in Minnesota’s 75 state parks.
Minnesota isn't called the Land of 10,000 Lakes for nothing. This Midwestern state has a mind-boggling 11,842 lakes, stretching from the island-filled Lakelands of the Canadian border to the shores of Lake Superior and along the Mississippi River. Getting on the water in a Minnesota state park is a must―why not bring your own boat, kayak, or canoe? Even still, Minnesota’s 75
Read more...Minnesota isn't called the Land of 10,000 Lakes for nothing. This Midwestern state has a mind-boggling 11,842 lakes, stretching from the island-filled Lakelands of the Canadian border to the shores of Lake Superior and along the Mississippi River. Getting on the water in a Minnesota state park is a must―why not bring your own boat, kayak, or canoe? Even still, Minnesota’s 75 state parks also have soaring cliffs, coastal waterfalls, and rambling woodlands to explore. The main camping season runs from May through October, but you can still cozy up in an RV during the long winter months, and many state park campgrounds stay open year-round.
Northwest Minnesota
The remote Lakelands of northwest Minnesota are a paradise for intrepid campers, home to some of the state’s largest lakes and pristine forests. Explore the headwaters of the Mississippi River in Itasca State Park, camp by the lake in Lake Bemidji State Park, or tackle the ATV trails of the Paul Bunyan and Beltrami State Forests. In the far north, the Lake of the Woods is a winter hotspot for snowmobiling and ice fishing, and has two state parks.
Northeast Minnesota
Wild forests and lakelands ramble down from the Canadian border to the north shore of Lake Superior, where you’ll find some of Minnesota’s most popular state parks. Soaring cliffs, lakeside hikes, and dramatic waterfalls tempt adventurers to Gooseberry Falls, Tettegouche, and Split Rock Lighthouse, all of which have year-round camping. Inland, Bear Head Lake State Park lies at the mouth of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and boasts a swimming beach, canoeing trails, and modern campgrounds.
Central Minnesota
Wooded hills blanket the banks of the St Croix and Mississippi Rivers in central Minnesota, and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy shimmering lakes, miles of forest trails, and some 70 golf courses. The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St Paul lie at the heart, and the region’s many state parks all lie within a short drive. Our top picks? Mille Lacs Kathio State Park is a fall wonderland for leaf-peepers, Wild River State Park and Interstate State Park have epic canoeing, and Afton State Park has yurts and camper cabins available year-round.
Southern Minnesota
Steep wooded bluffs tower over the Mississippi River in the Great River Bluffs State Park, one of the headline acts of southern Minnesota and easily reached from Rochester or Winona. Inland, Minnesota’s tallest waterfall is the star of Minneopa State Park, and the state campground has plenty of space for tents and RVs. In the remote southwest, the dramatic cliffs of the Blue Mounds State Park provide the best rock climbing in the state, plus there’s year-round camping and a rustic cabin to rent.