18 Best Places For Camping In Minnesota

If you’re looking for the best places for camping in Minnesota, then you’ve come to the right place!

Minnesota is a beautiful state in the Midwest, best known for its many lakes and lush forests.

It’s easily one of the best states to go camping, especially if you love lakeside fun.

I was born and raised in the Midwest and one of my favorite things to do there is go camping.

There are so many great options for camping in Minnesota state parks as well as private camping resorts.

You’ll also find some great campgrounds in MN near major cities like Duluth, Saint Paul, and Minneapolis.

Whether you’re looking for RV parks, traditional camping, or glamping, I guarantee there’s a Minnesota campsite for your needs!

So, let’s take a look at 18 of the best places for camping in Minnesota.

The view of a lake in Minnesota at sunset. You can see rocks and trees around the lake.

18 Best Places For Camping In Minnesota

Go RV Camping At Cannon Falls Campground

Cannon Falls Campground is a wonderful RV campground in Minnesota.

It is open seasonally and is located in the southeast corner of MN.

They have a variety of sites, from shady, full sun, RV, and even traditional tent sites.

This is one of the best RV parks Minnesota has to offer if you’re looking for comfort and convenience.

Cannon Falls Campground has an on-site camp store, modern restrooms, laundry rooms, a heated pool, and a video arcade.

They also have outdoor sports fields and a playground.

If you’re looking for camping in MN that is full of amenities, then check out Cannon Falls Campground.

A group of smaller RVs at a wooded campsite. Its similar to some of the best places for camping in Minnesota.

Try Glamping At Baker Campground

Baker Campground is located in Maple Plain Minnesota in the Baker Park Reserve.

The park has hiking trails, beaches for swimming, boat access with watercraft rentals, picnic areas, and of course campgrounds.

It’s a great spot for camping in Minnesota.

They have over 200 individual campsites.

Some are equipped for RVs with electrical hookups while others are more traditional campsites.

Baker Campground also has a selection of Camper Cabins that you can rent if you are interested in trying glamping.

It’s one of the best campgrounds in MN to test out a fun glamping experience.

The side of an orange tent next to a lake. You can see a red kettle being warmed up on a fire. Similar to one of the best places for camping in Minnesota.

Jay Cooke State Park Is One Of The Best Places For Camping In Minnesota

One of the best campgrounds near Duluth MN is at Jay Cooke State Park.

It is about 10 miles southwest of Duluth and it’s one of the most visited state parks in MN.

There are several campgrounds within the state park.

Jay Cooke State Park also has backpacking campgrounds, which means you can walk into the campsites with nothing but your backpacking camping supplies.

This is a really unique camping experience that is best for more experienced campers.

They also have traditional campsites as well.

It’s one of the best Duluth campgrounds for both experienced and inexperienced campers to enjoy a fun adventure.

There are so many events in Minnesota to enjoy in this area!

A primitive campsite in Minnesota with a green and grey tent surrounded by trees.

Stay At Little Winnie Resort And Campground Year Round

If you’re looking for a more unique camping experience year-round, head to the Little Winnie Resort.

The Little Winnie Resort offers cabins that you can rent year-round.

They are definitely glamping as they have full amenities including wifi and cable television.

You can also stay at one of the RV campsites during the warmer months.

It’s one of the best RV parks Minnesota has near Deer River.

This campground in MN is surrounded by 83 acres of Chippewa National Forest and on the shore of Lake Winnibigoshish.

The campground also has modern bathrooms, a heated outdoor pool, a communal lodge, and hiking trails to explore.

You can’t go wrong camping in Minnesota at this large campground.

A closeup of a bonfire. Behind the bonfire is a small white RV with red and black stripes.

Hayes Lake State Park Is Awesome For Camping In Minnesota State Parks

Hayes Lake State Park is located near the city of Roseau in northwestern Minnesota.

The state park actually manages the Bemis Hill Forest Campground, which is one of the best places for Minnesota state park camping.

There are 35 campsites in the park with plenty of space between them.

They are also wooded, offering plenty of privacy.

Eighteen of the sites have options for electrical hookups and two of the sites are sites you have to backpack into.

This campground in MN also has two camping cabins that you can rent.

A stay at Hayes Lake State Park is a great place to go camping in Minnesota.

A green and grey tent near a rock formation in a secluded campsite. Its similar to places to go camping in Minnesota.

Go Camping In MN At Forestville Mystery Cave State Park

Forestville Mystery Cave State Park is a really cool place for camping in Minnesota state parks.

Visiting the Forestville portion of the state park is actually one of the coolest things to do in Minnesota!

It has been restored to its original 19th-century appearance, which is a really cool place to check out when you’re at this campsite in Minnesota.

Mystery Cave is actually the largest cave in Minnesota. You can even take tours of the cave!

So this state park is full of cool attractions that make it one of the coolest campgrounds in Minnesota.

There are over 100 individual campsites. 23 are electric seasonal sites and there is also a horse campground.

If you want to try glamping, they also have five camper cabins.

A white fluffy dog laying on the ground in the woods. Behind the dog you can see a blue tent near trees.

Stay At One Of The Cozy Cabins At Winnebago Springs

For something a little bit different, stay at one of the cozy cabins at Winnebago Springs.

Winnebago Springs is an event venue that also has a few cabins available for Minnesota camping.

This is definitely a great opportunity for glamping.

There are also a few private campsites.

The cabins have full kitchens, bathrooms, a living area, and even a fireplace.

So it’s a great place to cozy up during a cold Minnesota winter.

I definitely recommend trying out this glamping campground in MN.

An orange tent in a secluded campsite surrounded by boulders and trees. It's similar to some of the best places for camping in Minnesota.

Stay On The Minnesota River At Fort Ridgley State Park

The Fort Ridgley State Park is home to Fort Ridgley, a fort used during the Dakota War of 1862.

It’s located right on the Minnesota River, which is one of the reasons it’s such a great campsite in Minnesota.

You’ll be able to enjoy beautiful river views while enjoying this Minnesota campground.

This campground in Minnesota has over 50 campsites. And is a great place to go hiking in Minnesota.

They range from Creekside Campsites, Horse Campsites, and a seasonal Farmhouse and Chalet you can rent.

There are also bathrooms with showers and toilets.

Fort Ridgley State Park is one of the best campsites in MN. And a great place to visit in the Midwest.

A bright yellow tent on a campsite that is right on the side of a lake. It's similar to other places to go camping in Minnesota.

Fond Du Lac Campground Is One Of The Best Duluth Campgrounds

You’ll find Fond Du Lac Campground on the shores of the St. Louis River.

It’s one of the best campgrounds near Duluth if you’d like to spend some time exploring the city as well.

Fond Du Lac has 55 campsites including traditional tent sites and RV campsites.

The campground also has free wifi, a playground, horseshoes, bean bag toss, and a cabin for games.

There are also a few hiking trails on the campground that you can explore.

If you’re staying at one of the waterfront sites, you can also go boating or hang out on the shore.

Fond Du Lac is easily one of the best Duluth campgrounds.

The side of an RV as the sun is setting. You can see light coming from inside the RV and the sun setting in the distance. Camping in Minnesota.

Glendalough State Park Is One Of The Best Places For Camping In Minnesota

If you enjoy swimming, kayaking, and boating, then this is a campground in Minnesota for you.

Glendalough State Park was once used as a private resort for the owners of the Star Tribune Newspaper.

But now it’s a public state park for all to enjoy.

It is on the smaller side of the campground in MN with only 22 campsites.

There are also three campsites on the shore of Annie Battle Lake.

It’s a great smaller campsite in MN if you want to avoid crowds while still enjoying the outdoors.

You’ll be able to enjoy all the beauty Minnesota has to offer at this campground in MN.

An orange tent on the side of a lake. You can see people kayaking in the lake in the distance. The campsite is surrounded by boulders and trees.

Stay In A Cabin At Lake Edward Resort

In the heart of Minnesota’s lake country, you’ll find Lake Edward Resort.

Lake Edward Resort is a family-owned and operated camping resort.

It’s located on one of the best lakes in Minnesota for a relaxing vacation.

On the resort, you’ll find a sandy beach, a play area, a beach volleyball court, and an area for campfires.

They also have a game room that is open for all guests to the resort.

If you’re looking for RV parks Minnesota has to offer near the lakes, Lake Edward Resort is one of the best.

There are RV campsites, a few campsites, and even a few cabins you can rent.

An RV with an awning sticking off the side of it. Under the awning there are two chairs. Parked at a campground in MN.

Chippewa National Forest Has One Of The Best Campgrounds In MN

One of the best places for camping in Northshore Minnesota can be found at Chippewa National Forest.

Chippewa National Forest is located in north-central MN.

The National Forest has more lakes and wetlands than any other National Forest in the US.

It also has some of the best camping in Minnesota.

There are several campgrounds within the National Forest, with over 100 campsites, and different experiences.

You can stay at a traditional campsite, a group campsite, backcountry campsites, and RV campsites.

Most of the campgrounds are only open seasonally, so keep that in mind when you plan your Minnesota camping adventure.

A group of tents at a group tent camping site similar to other places you can go camping in Minnesota.

Go Camping At Charles A Lindbergh State Park

The Charles A Lindbergh State Park is located outside of Little Falls, MN.

It has a little over 560 acres of beautiful farmland.

That’s because it was once the home of Congressman Charles Lindbergh, and his famous son, aviator Charles Lindbergh.

Today, their 1906 farmhouse and two other buildings have been restored.

You can visit the farm buildings while you’re camping at this campground in MN.

There are over 30 campsites, with about half of them being electrical sites.

They also have spots for RVs.

With modern bathrooms, unique attractions, and private campsites, this is one of the best places for camping in MN.

Rows of RVs lit up at night in a Minnesota campsite.

Bright Lake Park Is Perfect For Small RV Campers

If you have a smaller RV or are looking for private campsites in MN, then consider heading to Bright Lake Park.

Bright Lake also has a really unique history that you can explore while you’re camping there.

It is open seasonally from May to October.

You can choose to park your small camper or rent a private tent campsite.

The campground has a picnic area, fire rings, pit toilets, a small shelter house, and access to a public boat dock.

If you’re looking for one of the best RV parks Minnesota has for small campers, head to Bright Lake Park.

A black SUV hauling a small camper on a road surrounded by trees heading to a Minnesota campground.

Frontenac State Park Is One Of The Best Campgrounds In Minnesota

On the Mississippi River, you’ll find Frontenac State Park.

Frontenac State Park is an excellent campground in Minnesota if you love birdwatching.

The birding opportunities are one of the most popular attractions in Frontenac State Park.

Within the park, there are 58 campsites.

Many of them are electric sites, but most are traditional campsites.

If you’re staying in the main campground, you’ll have full access to the showers.

However, all campsites have access to flushing toilets.

Frontenac State Park is one of the coolest places to go camping in Minnesota.

A large RV in an RV park surrounded by trees. You can see a picnic table by the RV. A very nice place to go camping in Minnesota.

Go Whitewater Rafting While Camping In Minnesota At Banning State Park

Banning State Park has some of the best rapids for whitewater rafting in Minnesota.

Some of the rapids even reach a Class IV, which is pretty intense!

There are 33 Minnesota campsites at Banning State Park.

Many are electric hookup sites.

There are also 3 canoe access sites that you can rent right on the river.

All of the campgrounds have access to showers and toilets.

It’s a really cool experience to try out while camping in Minnesota.

An orange tent on the side of a rocky hill with a kayak down by the shore of a lake. It is surrounded by trees.

Go Primitive Camping In Minnesota At Gilles Family Dairy And Woodland

Gilles Family Dairy and Woodland is a unique primitive campground in Minnesota.

It is located in southeast Minnesota on 100 acres of private land.

There are also several miles of mowed trails you can explore during your stay.

The campgrounds have a small tent-sized cabin and space for up to three additional tents.

They also have picnic tables, a fire pit, outhouses, and firewood available.

It’s an excellent campsite in Minnesota for seasoned campers, birdwatchers, or hikers.

A blue tent in a field surrounded by dense fog. Minnesota camping

Enjoy Camping In Minnesota On A Lake At Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park is located on Mille Lacs Lake.

What makes this one of the coolest Minnesota state parks camping experiences is its history.

The state park is home to habitation sites and mound groups that date from 3000 BC to 1750 AD.

They document important historical moments in the Dakota-Indian culture.

So, it’s a really unique place to explore while you’re camping.

There are over 70 campsites that range from electric sites to drive-in sites and wheelchair-accessible sites.

If you want to go glamping, you can even rent one of the 5 cabins!

A green tent in a private and primitive campsite on the side of a hill with boulders surrounded by trees. Camping in Minnesota

Packing List When Discovering Camping In Minnesota

If you will be traveling, either by plane or by car to Minnesota, here are some tips on how to pack lightly.

A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring along when searching for campsites in Minnesota

It is always important to protect your personal information. Identity thieves are everywhere.

This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.

You can place it under your clothes next to your body to carry your ID safely.

If you have a pouch already that does not come with RFID protection, as I do, these RFID sleeves are the perfect solution.

This configuration comes with enough credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your pouch or wallet.

If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an external charging battery.

This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.

It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone as I have. And wow is it fast!

My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and so easy to use.

It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking photos.

You will want to bring your own refillable water bottle with you.

I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for hiking and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.

And here are the carbon filter replacements.

Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium in your suitcase, or in your car.

Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all.

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There are so many great places to go camping in Minnesota.

From beautiful lakeside campsites, campgrounds near Duluth, and private RV parks, there is something for everyone. Any of these locations would make a fantastic Midwest road trip!

Have you gone camping at any of these campgrounds in MN?

I’d love to hear about it in the comments!