Minnesota's combination of Boundary Waters wilderness, Lake Superior shoreline, and 10,000+ lakes makes it one of the most underrated RV states in the Midwest. The average rental runs about $115/night, with travel trailers starting around $80/night and Class C motorhomes typically running $155/night.
Self-contained matters more in northern Minnesota than almost anywhere in the Midwest. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area is non-motorized and off-limits to RVs, but the Superior National Forest and Voyageurs National Park periphery have extensive dispersed camping with no hookups. Larger tanks and solar capability open up the best spots.
Mosquito season (late May through July) is intense — screen quality counts. Northern Minnesota mosquito pressure is legendary. A unit with tight window seals, quality mesh screens, and a good awning screen room is worth the extra scrutiny when booking. Cheap seals = miserable evenings.
A mid-size Class C handles the North Shore Drive well. Minnesota Highway 61 along Lake Superior's North Shore is scenic but has some campgrounds with tight entrance roads. A Class C under 30 feet navigates all the state park campgrounds on the Shore comfortably. A larger rig works at the main campgrounds but may limit some pull-off access.
Fall color and walleye season overlap in late September. The North Shore and Arrowhead region peak for foliage in late September through early October — the same window as prime walleye fishing. Campgrounds book fast for this overlap. Reserve 2–3 months ahead.
Minnesota's state parks system is excellent. A few logistics are worth knowing before you head north:
Minnesota state park campgrounds use the ReserveMinnesota system. Sites open 90 days in advance. Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, and Tettegouche on the North Shore fill fast for summer and fall weekends.
Voyageurs National Park access is primarily by water. Most of Voyageurs is boat-access only. The park's Woodenfrog and Ash River campgrounds on the southern fringe are RV-accessible. Plan a houseboating or boat rental excursion as a day trip from your base camp.
Itasca State Park has its own reservation system. The headwaters of the Mississippi are the main attraction. Itasca uses the state ReserveMinnesota system. Full hookup sites at Bear Paw Campground fill fast for summer.
The International Falls area sees extreme temperature swings. Summer temps are comfortable, but shoulder season mornings can drop into the 30s even in late May. Confirm your unit's insulation and heating capability if you're traveling early or late season.
Keep in mind that all of the campsites in Voyageurs National Park are boat-in only. You can find a variety of RV-friendly campgrounds on the shores of Kabetogama Lake. From here, it's a quick drive, hike, or boat ride into the national park.
Whether you're interested in the remote, cool shores of Lake Superior to the warm, pleasant lakes near Rochester, Minnesota offers a wide variety of campgrounds that are suited to RVs. The vast majority are easily accessible for both large and small motorhomes — Minnesota is known for its relatively gentle terrain.
If you're starting your vacation in the Twin Cities area, spend a few nights nearby to explore all that the region has to offer. The St. Paul East RV Park offers plenty of amenities, including full hookups and wireless internet. You can also check out Dakotah Meadows RV Park, which is a short drive from Minneapolis and St. Paul. Both options make a great home base for day trips to the Mall of America.
Explore northern Minnesota from the many campgrounds near Duluth. From the riverside Indian Point Campground to the lovely Burlington Bay Campground on the shores of Lake Superior, there's an option for everyone. Campgrounds in the Duluth area are particularly beautiful in the fall when the leaves change color.
You'll find other great campgrounds scattered around the state. Experience one of Minnesota's legendary 10,000 lakes at Pete’s Retreat Family Campground & RV Park, which sits close to Mille Lacs Lake. Near Bemidji, the Royal Oaks RV Park provides lovely sites tucked into a forest.
Many areas of Minnesota are lightly populated, especially in the remote northern regions. Before you get on the road, get your RV ready with a stop at one of the handy dump stations in Minnesota. Some options are run by municipalities, so you can pay a small fee to empty your tanks.
State parks are another great place to look for dump stations, even if you're not booked into the campground. In some Minnesota parks, including Camden State Park, dump facilities are free. Keep in mind that since this state experiences very cold winters, many dump stations close in late fall.
On average expect to pay $154 per night in Minnesota.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Minnesota?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Minnesota from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Minnesota?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
Do you need a special license to drive an RV in Minnesota?No. You don’t need a special license or CDL to drive an RV in Minnesota.