With so many gorgeous natural areas to explore, RV camping in Minnesota is the perfect way to explore the state. The Land of 10,000 Lakes has lots of history, along with hiking, canoeing, and lots of other outdoor activities.
We’ve rounded up everything you’ll need to know for RV camping in Minnesota. From what to pack to things to do and where to stay, we’ll help you plan a great Minnesota camping vacation.
- Finding Campgrounds
- Preparing for RV Camping
- Considerations for Camping in Minnesota
- Planning Your Itinerary
- Exploring Outdoor Activities
- Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions
- Safety and Preparedness when RV Camping in Minnesota
Finding Campgrounds
Obviously you will need a place to park the RV while you have fun exploring Minnesota. There are tons of great campgrounds in the state. From luxury RV resorts and urban campgrounds to state parks and boondocking spots, we’re betting you can find something that suits you.
Exploring Public Campgrounds in Minnesota
We’ll start by discussing public campgrounds in Minnesota. These are the places to go if you want to escape into nature and save a few bucks in the process. They include state park campgrounds as well as campgrounds run by the National Forest Service.
National Forest Camping
Minnesota is home to not one, but two national forests: Chippewa National Forest and Superior National Forest. Both are beautiful and well worth visiting and exploring, and both offer wonderful camping opportunities.
One of our favorite camping spots in Superior National Forest is Harriet Lake Rustic Campground. Although this camping spot does not have a lot of amenities, it is absolutely gorgeous and provides easy access to the lake, as well as plenty of wild blueberries during the summer. It’s also big-rig-friendly and 100% free!
State Park Camping
State parks in Minnesota offer excellent chances for visitors and locals to get outside and soak up some of the natural beauty that the state has to offer. They’re also home to some excellent campgrounds.
One of our favorite state park campgrounds in the state of Minnesota is Itasca State Park. This park is home to headwaters of the mighty Mississippi River, and it’s the perfect place for fishing, hiking, biking, and more. The campsites in this park can accommodate RVs, and some even have electrical hookups.
Another favorite is Lake Bemidji State Park. This one is a haven for anglers and boaters, as it offers incredibly easy access to an absolutely lovely lake. The swimming beach is perfect in the summertime, and we appreciate the modern bathhouses with free hot showers.
Exploring Private Campgrounds and RV Parks
Not sure state parks and national forests are for you? There are also lots of private campgrounds – often with plenty of amenities. Glamping RV resorts are plentiful in this state, as are small and welcoming parks with laundry rooms, clean showers, and dump stations. You’re sure to find the perfect spot for RV camping in Minnesota amongst them.
One of our favorite private RV parks in Minnesota is Stony Point Resort and Campground. This place has been around since 1939. The campground is absolutely beautiful and features boat rentals, a swimming beach, opportunities for fishing, and a whole lot more. It’s the perfect summer camping destination.
We also really like Wildwood RV Park and Campground near Taylor Falls and the St. Croix River. This one is right by several state parks, but also offers plenty of in-park fun including a playground, mini golf, a heated pool, a game room, and more.
Boondocking in Minnesota
Prefer boondocking rather than campgrounds? Not to worry, there is something for you too. In fact, Minnesota has a few really great boondocking spots.
We especially love the Marcell Dispersed Campsites, which are run by the National Forest Service. Many of these sites cannot be reached by vehicle, but a few can, and they would be perfect for a van or small trailer. They are free to use and have latrines and fire rings.
Preparing for RV Camping
You will need an RV and all the stuff required for RV camping. Those with their own RVs are likely all set, but if you don’t have an RV of your own, you’ll need to turn to Minnesota RV rentals. In this section we discuss choosing an RV and how to pack it.
Choosing the Right RV for Your Needs
Not sure how to choose a rental RV? You’re definitely not the only one. Start by deciding whether you need your RV delivered or not. Having an RV delivered is a lot easier and narrows your options.
Prefer to drive the rig on your own? Think about what type of RV you’re comfortable driving. If you’re considering a trailer, make sure your vehicle is strong enough to safely tow one. Also consider what size rig you’d be willing to drive. Knowing these things will help you get a better feel for what you need.
Finally, make sure you pick something that will fit into the campsite you choose and comfortably sleep everyone in your party. Finally, consider the amenities you want in your rig.
Packing Essentials for a Successful Trip
Once you have the perfect RV rental booked, you will need to consider packing for RV camping in Minnesota. We’ve compiled packing lists for almost any occasion.
Considerations for Camping in Minnesota
Knowing the rules before you head into a new state is definitely a good idea. While the RVing laws in Minnesota are very similar to laws in other states, we will lay them out below so you can head into your trip with confidence.
In Minnesota, rigs must not exceed 75 feet in total length (including tow vehicle), 8.5 feet in width, or 13.5 feet in height. Motorhomes and trailers should both be under 45 feet in length. Triple towing is allowed but only on some highways, with the additional tradeoff that the entire rig length mustn’t be more than 60 feet total.
Overnight camping is allowed in some state rest areas, but you will want to check signage to find out which.
Planning Your Itinerary
At this point, you will want to start thinking about what you will do while RV camping in Minnesota. There are tons of great options, and whether you are staying in Minneapolis, St. Paul, or somewhere outside the city, we’re certain we will be able to help you find some amazing ways to fill your time.
Features and Attractions in Minnesota
We think scenic byways are a great way to get to know a place. We highly recommend starting your Minnesota adventures with a drive along one of the state’s beautiful scenic byways. We especially love the Avenue of Prince Scenic Byway as well as the Glacial Ridge Trail Scenic Byway.
You should also plan to see some of Minnesota’s landmarks. These include the Mall of America (along with the super fun amusement park inside) as well as the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and the Frank B. Kellogg House.
National park sites are another must-see stop. Voyageurs National Park might be hard to reach, but it’s worth the effort. Grand Portage National Monument is a wonderful place to explore, as is the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. Head to Pipestone National Monument to learn some fascinating history about the area.
Festivals, Fairs, and Events in Minnesota
You could also head to a Minnesota event as part of your RV road trip. Minnesota has plenty of amazing annual events to choose from, so adding one to your trip itinerary shouldn’t be a problem.
Some of the best events in Minnesota include the MayDay Parade and Festival in Minneapolis during May, Lumberjack Days in Stillwater during the summer, and the Bayfront Blues Festival in Duluth during August.
Exploring Outdoor Activities
You will without a doubt want to spend some of your time exploring Minnesota’s natural areas. You’ll find opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and a whole lot more, so no matter what you love to do in the great outdoors, you’re going to have a blast.
Hiking, Biking and Nature Trails
Want to hit the trails and explore Minnesota on foot or bike? You’re in luck because the state has tons of awesome trails zig-zagging through it. Grab your boots or your bike and get ready for some fun in nature!
For hikers, we recommend the trails below:
- Fifth Falls and Superior Hiking Trail Loop at Gooseberry Falls State Park — Easy
- Superior Hiking Trail: Bean and Bear Lake Loop in Superior National Forest — Hard
- Pike Island Loop in Fort Snelling State Park — Easy
- Lebanon Hills Loop in Lebanon Hills Regional Park — Moderate
- Silver Creek Trail in Jay Cooke State Park — Easy
Meanwhile, we think cyclists might prefer the following trails:
- North River Trail Loop in Afton State Park
- Chain of Lakes Loop in Minneapolis Chain of Lakes Park
- Crosby Farm Park in Crosby Farm Regional Park
- Lester River Trail and Amity East in Lester Park
- Bde Maka Ska Loop in Bde Maka Ska Park
Fishing, Boating, and Water Activities
Minnesota notoriously has plenty of bodies of water to play in. From fishing to swimming to boating, we’re positive there is a water-based activity available that you will love.
Anglers rejoice, because Minnesota has some of the best fishing spots out there. Red Lake is one of our favorites. This is the largest lake in the state, and while some parts of the lake are not accessible to the general public, there are plenty of areas that are. Here you’ll find the best fishing in May and June, but many also enjoy ice fishing in the winter months. Expect to catch northern pike, walleye, crappie, and more.
Minnesota also has a number of fantastic beaches to choose from. Zippel Bay State Park offers two miles of sandy shoreline to play on. The beach area is strewn with driftwood and there are picnic tables available. Other great beaches can be found at Lake Itasca State Park and Iona’s Beach Scientific and Natural Area.
Of course, we must mention Minnesota’s waterfalls as well. These include such beauties as Devil’s Kettle which splits and falls both into the river and, oddly, underground. Other great falls include Beaver River Falls and the magnificent Gooseberry Falls in Gooseberry Falls State Park.
Wildlife Viewing and Photography
You’ll find plenty of fantastic wildlife viewing in the state parks, NPS sites, and national forests we have mentioned so far. You can also find plenty of animals in Carlos Avery State Wildlife Management Area, Minnesota Wildlife Refuge, and Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge, among other such parks.
While in these parks, you can expect to see deer, foxes, raccoons, porcupines, squirrels, birds, and more.
Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions
Bringing the kids RV camping in Minnesota? Many of the sights and attractions we’ve mentioned already would be excellent for families to experience together. But read on for even more top picks.
Historical Sites and Museums
We love tying some learning into our family trips. One of the best ways to do that is with historic sites and museums. Fortunately, Minnesota has both!
Our favorite historic site in the state is the aforementioned Pipestone National Monument, where you can learn about the red pipestone quarried by the indigenous people of Minnesota and what it means to their culture.
As far as museums go, we love all of the following:
- Science Museums of Minnesota in St. Paul
- Minneapolis Institute of Art in Minneapolis
- Mill City Museum in Minneapolis
- Minnesota Maritime Art Museum in Winona
- Minnesota Children’s Museum in St. Paul
- Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center in Duluth
- Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum in Walnut Grove
- SPAM Museum in Austin (this one is very silly)
Amusement Parks, Zoos, and Wildlife Refuges
Amusement parks are another great choice when it comes to family-friendly activities, and Minnesota has a few great ones. First, there is the Nickelodeon Universe in the Mall of America, which is just incredible. We also love Valleyfair in Minneapolis as well as Bunker Beach Water Park in Coon Rapids.
Another good bet? Zoos. The best zoo in Minnesota is the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley, but we also like Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth, Sea Life Aquarium at Mall of America, and the Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth.
Safety and Preparedness when RV Camping in Minnesota
Clearly, you will want to put safety first while RV camping in Minnesota. Try to drive safely and pack a first aid kit. It’s also good to go in with a plan for natural disasters as well as wildlife encounters.
Weather Conditions and Natural Disaster Preparedness
Compared to the rest of the country, Minnesota has relatively few natural disasters. The vast majority of them involve winter weather. Sign up for a weather app and check before planning to drive in the winter. If you will be camping during the colder months, make sure your RV is ready for winter weather.
So what should you be prepared for? Watch out for wildfires. Pay attention to warnings and get out of the way of fires before they get close. Do your part to prevent fires by heeding burn bans and putting out campfires completely.
Heat waves are another thing to be aware of. Pay attention to the weather forecast and make sure you have a way to run the RV air conditioner on especially hot days. It’s also good to make sure you’re drinking plenty of water and avoiding the outdoors during the hottest parts of the day when heat waves hit.
Wildlife Encounters and Precautions
Minnesota is home to both venomous snakes and large predators such as coyotes, wolves, and black bears. Generally speaking, these animals will leave you alone. However, it’s a good idea to watch where you walk so you don’t step on snakes, and give them a wide berth when you do see them.
Make noise while hiking to warn animals of your presence and scare them off. If you see a bear, wolf, or coyote, back away slowly. If the animal approaches you, and especially if it chases you, use bear spray to defend yourself.
