Best Campgrounds in Minnesota: Your Ultimate Guide

Readers, are you looking for the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your RV, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Minnesota’s natural landscapes? The Land of 10,000 Lakes offers an abundance of camping opportunities, from serene lakeside retreats to rugged wilderness adventures. There are so many options that it can be overwhelming to choose the right campground for your needs. But don’t worry, we’ve analyzed the best campgrounds in Minnesota to help you plan the ultimate outdoor getaway.

Our team has extensive experience exploring Minnesota’s campgrounds and analyzing user reviews, ratings, and amenities to create this comprehensive guide. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly campground with kid-friendly activities, a secluded escape for a romantic getaway, or a basecamp for exploring the state’s natural wonders, we’ve got you covered.

Finding the Perfect Camping Experience in Minnesota

Choosing the Right Campground for You

With so many campgrounds to choose from, it’s essential to identify your preferences to find the perfect place for your camping trip. Consider these factors:

Location: Do you want to be near a major city, a scenic lake, or a state park? Minnesota offers campgrounds throughout the state, from the north woods to the southern prairies.
Amenities: Do you need access to electricity, water, or sewer hookups? Some campgrounds offer full hookups, while others only have basic amenities like restrooms and picnic tables.
Activities: Do you want to go hiking, fishing, swimming, or kayaking? Some campgrounds offer access to trails, lakes, or rivers, while others are more focused on relaxation and enjoying the natural surroundings.
Budget: Camping costs can vary widely depending on the campground’s location, amenities, and season. Consider your budget when making your choice.

Types of Campgrounds in Minnesota

Minnesota offers a wide variety of campgrounds, catering to different preferences and needs. Here are some common types:

State Parks: Minnesota’s state parks offer scenic campsites, hiking trails, and access to lakes and rivers. They often have a rustic atmosphere and provide a true wilderness experience.
National Forests: The Superior National Forest and the Chippewa National Forest offer primitive camping, backcountry adventures, and scenic beauty. Be prepared for more rugged conditions and limited amenities.
Private Campgrounds: These campgrounds offer a range of amenities, from full hookups to swimming pools and recreation areas. They can provide a more luxurious experience with added convenience.
RV Parks: Designed specifically for RVs, these parks offer full hookups, paved sites, and amenities like laundry facilities and clubhouse.
Glamping: For those seeking a more comfortable camping experience, glamping options are becoming increasingly popular. They offer luxurious accommodations like yurts, cabins, or tents with amenities like beds, electricity, and private bathrooms.

Best Campgrounds in Minnesota for Every Traveler

From family-friendly campgrounds to romantic getaways, Minnesota has something for everyone. Here are some of the best campgrounds, categorized by their unique offerings:

Best Campgrounds for Families

Minnesota offers numerous family-friendly campgrounds with amenities and activities designed for kids of all ages. Here are a few top choices:

Lake Bemidji State Park: Located near Bemidji, this park offers a wide range of activities, including swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking. They have a playground, a swimming beach, and a camp store with souvenirs and essentials.
Crow Wing State Park: This beautiful park near Brainerd offers scenic views of Crow Wing Lake and excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. They have a campground with modern facilities, including restrooms, showers, and drinking water.
Tettegouche State Park: Situated on the North Shore, this park features rugged cliffs, waterfalls, and stunning views of Lake Superior. They have a variety of campsites, including some with electric hookups. The park also offers hiking trails, a swimming beach, and a playground.

Best Campgrounds for Romantic Getaways

Escape to a secluded and peaceful campground with your loved one for a romantic getaway, surrounded by the beauty of Minnesota’s natural wonders.

Voyageurs National Park: This vast wilderness park on the Minnesota-Ontario border offers remote campsites accessible only by water. Explore the park’s lakes and islands by canoe or kayak, enjoying the tranquility of the wilderness.
Grand Portage State Park: Situated on the North Shore of Lake Superior, this park offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding forests. They have a campground with secluded campsites perfect for a romantic escape.
Kabetogama State Park: Located in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, this park offers stunning views of Kabetogama Lake and the surrounding wilderness. They have a campground with private campsites and access to canoeing, fishing, and hiking.

Best Campgrounds for Adventure Seekers

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Minnesota offers campgrounds near hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks. Here are some top choices:

Jay Cooke State Park: Situated on the St. Louis River, this park features stunning waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks. They have a campground with modern facilities and access to the river for canoeing and kayaking.
Gooseberry Falls State Park: Located on the North Shore, this park features five picturesque waterfalls and several hiking trails with breathtaking views of Lake Superior. They have a campground with modern facilities and access to the lake for swimming and fishing.
Superior Hiking Trail: This scenic trail stretches for over 300 miles along the North Shore, offering challenging hikes and breathtaking views of Lake Superior. Many campgrounds are located near the trail, providing access to its stunning scenery and challenging terrain.

Best Campgrounds for Fishing Enthusiasts

Minnesota is known for its abundance of fishing opportunities, and many campgrounds offer excellent access to lakes and rivers teeming with fish.

Lake Superior: This vast lake offers a wide variety of fish species, including trout, salmon, and walleye. Many campgrounds along the North Shore provide access to the lake’s pristine waters.
Lake of the Woods: Located on the Minnesota-Ontario border, this lake is renowned for its trophy-sized walleye, pike, and bass. Many campgrounds offer access to the lake, providing a prime spot for anglers.
Rainy Lake: Also located on the Minnesota-Ontario border, this lake offers excellent fishing for walleye, pike, and bass. Many campgrounds around the lake provide access to its pristine waters.

Best Campgrounds for Lake Lovers

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Minnesota’s lakes, enjoying swimming, boating, and exploring its shores from a picturesque campground.

Lake Mille Lacs: This vast lake is Minnesota’s second-largest and offers a range of activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, and water sports. Many campgrounds around the lake provide access to its beautiful shores.
Lake Superior: This majestic lake offers stunning views, scenic shorelines, and opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and swimming. Many campgrounds along the North Shore provide access to its vast waters.
Lake Vermilion: Known for its pristine beauty and abundant wildlife, this lake offers opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, and exploring its shores. Many campgrounds around the lake provide a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.

Best Campgrounds in Minnesota by Region

To make your search easier, we’ve compiled a list of the best campgrounds in each region of Minnesota, highlighting their unique features and attractions.

North Shore Campgrounds

The North Shore of Lake Superior offers stunning views, rugged cliffs, and scenic waterfalls. Here are some of the best campgrounds in the region:

Temperance River State Park: Located near Grand Marais, this park features a beautiful waterfall, hiking trails, and access to the Lake Superior shoreline. They have a campground with modern facilities, including restrooms, showers, and drinking water.
Tettegouche State Park: Situated near Silver Bay, this park offers rugged cliffs, waterfalls, and stunning views of Lake Superior. They have a variety of campsites, including some with electric hookups. The park also offers hiking trails, a swimming beach, and a playground.
Gooseberry Falls State Park: Located near Two Harbors, this park features five picturesque waterfalls and several hiking trails with breathtaking views of Lake Superior. They have a campground with modern facilities and access to the lake for swimming and fishing.

Central Minnesota Campgrounds

Central Minnesota is known for its abundance of lakes, forests, and rolling hills. Here are some of the best campgrounds in the region:

Crow Wing State Park: Located near Brainerd, this park offers scenic views of Crow Wing Lake and excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. They have a campground with modern facilities, including restrooms, showers, and drinking water.
Itasca State Park: Located near Park Rapids, this park is home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River. They offer hiking trails, a scenic overlook, and access to the river for canoeing and kayaking.
Glendalough State Park: Situated near Hackensack, this park offers scenic views of Glendalough Lake and access to hiking trails, a swimming beach, and a playground.

Southern Minnesota Campgrounds

Southern Minnesota offers a mix of prairies, rivers, and forests. Here are some of the best campgrounds in the region:

Blue Mounds State Park: Located near Luverne, this park features rolling hills, prairie grasslands, and a unique geological formation known as the Blue Mounds. They have a campground with modern facilities, including restrooms, showers, and drinking water.
Frontenac State Park: Located near Frontenac, this park offers scenic views of Lake Pepin and the Mississippi River. They have a campground with modern facilities, including restrooms, showers, and drinking water.
Sibley State Park: Situated near New London, this park features prairie grasslands, wetlands, and a historic fort. They have a campground with modern facilities, including restrooms, showers, and drinking water.

Best Campgrounds in Minnesota for Specific Interests

Minnesota offers campgrounds catering to various interests, from birding and stargazing to horseback riding and exploring historic sites.

Best Campgrounds for Birding

Minnesota is a haven for birdwatchers, with numerous campgrounds offering opportunities to spot a variety of species.

Lake Bemidji State Park: Located near Bemidji, this park is home to a variety of birds, including warblers, woodpeckers, and owls. They have a birdwatching trail and a nature center with information on local bird species.
Lake Superior: The North Shore of Lake Superior is a popular destination for birding, with numerous species nesting along the lake’s shoreline. Many campgrounds in the area offer excellent opportunities to spot a variety of birds.
Voyageurs National Park: Known for its abundance of waterbirds, this park offers excellent opportunities to spot loons, eagles, and other water-loving birds. They have designated birding trails and a visitor center with information on local bird species.

Best Campgrounds for Stargazing

Away from city lights, Minnesota offers campgrounds with dark skies perfect for stargazing.

Voyageurs National Park: Located in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, this park offers dark skies with minimal light pollution, making it an ideal spot for stargazing.
Itasca State Park: This park’s remote location provides dark skies with limited light pollution, making it an excellent spot to view the stars.
Grand Portage State Park: Nestled on the North Shore, this park offers a scenic backdrop for stargazing, with minimal light pollution from nearby towns.

Best Campgrounds for Horseback Riding

For equestrian enthusiasts, Minnesota offers campgrounds with trails and facilities for horseback riding.

Tettegouche State Park: This park offers a scenic trail for horseback riding, providing breathtaking views of Lake Superior and the surrounding forests.
Crow Wing State Park: Located near Brainerd, this park offers a variety of trails for horseback riding, traversing scenic forests and lakes.
Big Bog State Recreation Area: Situated near International Falls, this park offers a scenic trail for horseback riding, traversing a vast bog and a variety of forests.

Best Campgrounds for History Buffs

Minnesota is rich in history, with numerous campgrounds located near historical sites and landmarks.

Frontenac State Park: Located near Frontenac, this park features historic Fort Snelling, providing insights into the region’s past. It offers a museum, a visitor center, and guided tours.
Sibley State Park: Situated near New London, this park features a historic fort dating back to the 1860s. It offers tours of the fort and a museum with artifacts from the past.
Grand Portage National Monument: Located near Grand Marais, this park features the site of a historic fur trading post, providing a glimpse into the region’s past. It offers tours of the site and a museum with artifacts from the fur trade era.

Planning Your Minnesota Camping Trip

Now that you’ve discovered some of the best campgrounds in Minnesota, it’s time to plan your adventure! Here are some tips for making your trip a success:

Make Reservations in Advance

Popular campgrounds can book up quickly, especially during peak season. Make reservations in advance to secure your campsite.

Choose the Right Gear

Ensure you have the proper gear for your camping trip, including tents, sleeping bags, camping chairs, and cooking equipment.

Check the Weather Forecast

Minnesota’s weather can be unpredictable. Check the forecast before your trip and pack appropriate clothing for all weather conditions.

Pack Food and Beverages

Pack enough food and beverages for your entire trip, as grocery stores may be limited or unavailable in remote areas.

Be Prepared for Wildlife

Minnesota is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, and wolves. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid encounters.

Leave No Trace

Practice Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the environment. Pack out all trash, respect the natural surroundings, and stay on designated trails.

Be Safe and Have Fun!

Always prioritize safety and follow campground rules and regulations. And most importantly, have fun exploring the beauty of Minnesota’s campgrounds!

Campground Amenities and Features

Here’s a breakdown of common campground amenities and features to help you choose the right place for your camping trip:

Amenity	Description
Electricity	Electric hookups for RVs and campers with appliances.
Water Hookups	Access to potable water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Sewer Hookups	Wastewater disposal for RVs and campers with bathrooms.
Restrooms	Flush toilets or outhouses for hygiene.
Showers	Hot or cold water showers for campers.
Picnic Tables	Designated areas for dining and enjoying meals outdoors.
Fire Rings	Designated areas for building campfires for warmth and cooking.
Playground	Play areas for children with swings, slides, and other equipment.
Swimming Beach	Designated areas for swimming with lifeguards or supervision.
Boat Launch	Access to lakes or rivers for launching boats.
Hiking Trails	Designated paths for hiking and exploring the natural surroundings.
Camp Store	On-site stores selling camping supplies, groceries, and souvenirs.
Laundry Facilities	Washing machines and dryers for cleaning clothes and bedding.

FAQ About Camping in Minnesota

What is the best time of year to camp in Minnesota?

The best time to camp in Minnesota depends on your preferences and the specific campground you choose. Summer offers warm weather and long days for outdoor activities. Fall offers stunning foliage and cooler temperatures. Spring offers a chance to witness the awakening of nature. And winter provides unique opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing.

What are some popular campgrounds near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness?

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is a vast wilderness area in northern Minnesota, offering exceptional opportunities for canoeing, fishing, and exploring. Some popular campgrounds near the BWCAW include Kabetogama State Park, Voyageurs National Park, and the Gunflint Trail area. These campgrounds offer access to the BWCAW’s pristine lakes and forests, providing a true wilderness experience.

What are some tips for camping with kids in Minnesota?

Camping with kids in Minnesota can be a memorable experience. Choose a family-friendly campground with amenities and activities designed for children. Pack age-appropriate toys and games to keep them entertained. Plan activities that are engaging and exciting for them, such as hiking, fishing, swimming, or exploring nature trails. Make sure you have enough food and snacks for their picky palates. And most importantly, be patient and have fun!

Conclusion

From serene lakeside retreats to rugged wilderness adventures, Minnesota’s campgrounds offer an unforgettable outdoor experience for every traveler. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly getaway, a romantic escape, or an adventurous expedition, this guide has provided you with valuable information to plan your perfect camping trip. So pack your bags, grab your gear, and head to the Land of 10,000 Lakes for an unforgettable camping adventure.

Ready to explore other outdoor destinations? Check out our guide to the best hiking trails in Minnesota or discover the top fishing spots in the state. Happy camping!

We hope this ultimate guide to the best campgrounds in Minnesota has provided you with all the information you need to plan your next adventure. Whether you’re looking for a secluded getaway in the north woods, a family-friendly campground with plenty of activities, or a spot close to the lake for swimming and boating, Minnesota has something for everyone. From the rugged beauty of Voyageurs National Park to the charming lakeside towns of the Brainerd Lakes Area, the state offers endless opportunities for outdoor exploration and relaxation.

As you plan your trip, remember to consider the time of year, the amenities you need, and the activities you want to enjoy. Some campgrounds are open year-round, while others are seasonal. Make sure to reserve your spot in advance, especially during peak season, as campsites can fill up quickly. And most importantly, pack your sense of adventure and get ready to enjoy all that Minnesota’s great outdoors has to offer. From hiking and biking to fishing and kayaking, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

We encourage you to get out there and explore these beautiful campgrounds. Each one offers a unique experience, so take your time to find the perfect one for you. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a first-timer, Minnesota’s campgrounds are sure to provide you with memories that will last a lifetime. Remember to respect the environment, leave no trace, and enjoy all that Minnesota has to offer. Happy camping!

Discover Minnesota’s best campgrounds! Find your perfect spot for lakeside relaxation, hiking adventures, and unforgettable memories. Your ultimate camping guide awaits!