Minnesota Travel

We camp primarily in State Parks. The MN state parks are great, but for your size you will most likely need reservations if you are arriving for the weekend and they do not have full hook ups (just electric).

Someone mentioned Myre Big Island state park - this is a great park in Southern Minnesota. I guess if I were you I stop there for a quick overnight and then head up towards the north shore. Some parks that you wouldn't have a problem fitting in and are nice would be William O'Brien State Park (it's just north of Stillwater, a cute little touristy town with lots of antiques right on the St. Croix river and just south of Taylor's Falls where there's a great rock park and you can take a riverboat tour). Further north is Jay Cooke state park (just south of Duluth). But the most scenic part of our state is on the north shore and Temperance River is one of our favorite state parks. Big sites right on Lake Superior and close to lots of falls, hiking, and biking. There is also a city park in Grand Marais which is a great little town. The park doesn't have the greatest sites (you're pretty close together), but you can walk to town and the views of the lake are amazing. There are lots of little shops, great unique places to eat and it's where the Gunflint trail starts (if you're lucky you can see moose on the trail).

I'd probably loop over to Itasca State Park before heading back south. There is ALOT to see and do there and it's our favorite park to visit.

If you are looking for a park close to the Twin Cities Lebanon Hills Regional Park is great. It's close to the Mall of America, zoo, etc. It does fill up on weekends so you'd need a reservation there if you are staying then.

Thanks everyone, I am researching these suggestions now. Keep them coming :) A lot to see in nine days.

If you go up the shore from Duluth, be sure to go at least as far as Gooseberry Falls State ParkTake the North Shore Scenic Drive National Scenic Byway(goes right along the lake) rather than the four lane up to Two Harbors. As someone already said, Burlington Bay Campgroundis very nice and right on the lake. There are actually 8 MN state parks along the Scenic Drive, depending on how far towards Canada you go. Nearly all have camping, but most are pretty full on weekends.8 state parks

For Twin Cities, the rv park at Mystic Lake Casino has what you seek. The casino in Hinckley Has a lovely rv park. In the Duluth region train tracks fan out from the port like a spiderweb, so expect train noise. Be sure to take the boat tour of the port, and tour the S.S. William Irvin. We also really enjoyed the Congdon mansion. There is a lot to see and do within 50 miles of Duluth!

For casino camping, check www.casinocamper.com (free site) to locate casino RV parks.

As you enter Minnesota on 35, you'll come to Albert Lea Mn. Right there, look for Helmer Myre Big Island State Park. Go to the White Fox campground. That will be a great place for you to park and drive around the area. Yes, the SPAM Museum over in Austin MN is worth the trip - it really is!

We camp at State Parks 90% of the time. In Minnesota they will NOT have full hookups but you can get electricity at your site. You will need to fill your fresh water tank and use it while camping. You'll need to dump your black/grey tanks on the way out.

If there is any way you could extend your trip, get up to the Itasca State Park in North Central MN. This is a great Park and also the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Then, head over to Duluth. Any of the State Parks on the North Shore (where Minnesota adjoins Lake Superior). Fantastic scenery on the North Shore drive. Then make a day trip North along US 61 stopping at the State Parks - especially the living history fur trading post at Grand Marais. Then head into Canada and visit Thunder Bay and experience Fort Wilkins. You won't forget seeing the trappers arrive in the birch bark canoes, the Indians in tents, the fur traders, etc. When ou head south, Check out the St Croix state park. Marvelous!

Mn Hkr wrote:

dverstra wrote:
We stayed one night at the Cloquet KOA just south of Duluth. Very nice campground.

That KOA is a nice campground. We stayed there last summer.. If you like train whistles every two hours.

LOL I almost forgot about the train. YES..it does whistle a "little".

Mystic Lake is a great place. And, if up that far, there is a family owned place in Two Harbors that is great....Penmarallter it is called. Avoid, at all costs, St. Paul East in Woodbury in the Twin Cities area. The guy is well known in the area to have "issues" and also personally witness'd by some people (us included).

Best Duluth campground is north of it the city of Two Harbors has a great park right on Lake Superior

Burlington Bay Campground http://www.ci.two-harbors.mn.us/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={D6964D96-3DD2-41BA-97F4-6707A6E46348} Two Harbors Minnesota

Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Apple Valley. A county park, but is nice, pretty quiet, close to freeways, and near the Mall!! Doesn't have concrete pads, good gravel pads and full hookups, and good wifi. Pretty quiet, hardly any street noise, only occasional sound from Zoo if there is a concert going on.