Camping in Minnesota

Family eats lunch together on a campground picnic table at William O'Brien State Park / Paul Vincent

One-of-a-Kind Camping Adventures

Minnesota is full of unforgettable campsites where you can fall asleep under a stellar night sky and wake to the sound of loons.

From sleeping in a tent on a remote Boundary Waters lake to renting an RV or staying in a yurt, camper cabin or covered wagon, camping is the ideal way to reconnect with nature and explore this spring and summer—and Minnesota is the ideal place to go exploring.

Choose Your Own Camping Adventure

Whether you’re ready to go backpacking in the Superior National Forest or prefer the comforts of an RV or camper cabin, a Minnesota camping trip will surely be one to remember.

Woman stands by her RV with a cup of coffee, basking in the forest scenery

RV Camping

RVs can access many remote areas, opening doors to far-flung adventures without the hassle of constantly packing and unpacking. This popular and safe form of camping also happens to be ideal for kids with autism.

Two mountain bikes parked outside of a yurt in Cuyuna

Yurt Camping

Modeled after the traditional yurts used by nomads in Central Asia, modern yurts are wood lattice-framed structures with heavy-duty reinforced fabric sides and insulated liners.

Remote Camping

There’s never been a better time to seek out a secluded spot under the stars. Level up your social distancing game at a remote, hike- or canoe-in Minnesota campsite.

Camping with Pets

Treat yourself and your furry companion to a tented night or two amidst Minnesota’s abundant parks, trails and 10,000 lakes.

Woman bike touring the Mississippi River Trail

Bike Camping for Beginners

For a beginner-friendly bike camping trip in Minnesota, follow this four-day itinerary along the Mississippi River Trail between Minneapolis and the Iowa border.

Communing with Wildlife

Tread lightly as you venture into the wilderness to see bald eagles, loons, moose, bears and more native wildlife while camping at a state park, forest or designated wildlife management area.

Woman at the Minneopa State Park waterfall

Hiking

Whether you're conquering limestone bluffs above the Mississippi River, chasing waterfalls on the North Shore of Lake Superior or roaming native prairies in southwest Minnesota, plenty of breathtaking views and trails await.

Cooking

Elevate your campfire cooking game with flavorful, fire-roasted recipes from award-winning Minnesota chef Yia Vang.

Dark skies over the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Stargazing

After a long day of paddling and portaging in the Boundary Waters, the vast, open skies of northern Minnesota are ideal for viewing the northern lights, milky way and other celestial wonders.

Where to Go Camping

Accessible primarily by canoe, the Boundary Waters is a vast and remote camping destination famous for its world-class paddling, stargazing and more.

The iconic coastline of Lake Superior is one of Minnesota's most rugged and beautiful camping destinations. Pack your tent and experience its grandeur at these North Shore state parks.

On the wild and scenic St. Croix River, Afton offers a rustic camping experience that's just half an hour away from the Twin Cities.

High above the Mississippi River in southern Minnesota, this aptly named state park is ideal for camping, hiking and breathtaking river views.

Secluded campsites along the St. Croix River just a short walk away from downtown Taylors Falls. Considered one of the best places for kayaking and canoeing in the country.

Go camping in the tallgrass prairie near Pipestone National Monument, a sacred Native American site in the southwest corner of Minnesota.

Home of the Mississippi Headwaters, Itasca is a popular camping destination with plenty of options from backpacking sites to camper cabins and historic lodges.