Camping in Minnesota

Addy15 wrote:
Mosquito problems in Minnesota kind of depend on the weather. If we have a very dry summer, by August they might not be so bad. And if nights get cool enough in September, mosquitoes could be virtually non-existent by then, especially up north. If we have a wet summer though (which so far it's kind of looking like that's going to be the case), mosquitoes will probably be a problem. If you are in the woods near water, mosquitoes are going to be an issue. Just be prepared.

If you are looking for a relatively mosquito-free experience, I would recommend the far southeast part of Minnesota. In particular, around the Whitewater State Park area near Rochester. The website for that park in particular lists the "noticeable lack of mosquitoes" as one of its highlights! It is said that the trout streams in the area are cold enough that mosquitoes have a hard time breeding.

Mosquitoes can drive you to distraction. I live in Alabama, we have a long growing seasons for crops, and we have a couple of crops of mosquitoes. Our weather doesn't really get cold enough to stop them. In January or February,What passes for our Winter, if the temps climb in mid day, here come the mosquitoes.

Like others have said by August and September the mosquitoes usually aren't very bad. Spring is usually when they are prolific. And as others have said how wet a year plays a role as well. I spend a lot of time a year around Northern MN.


The mosquitoes come out in full force around dusk.

I don't remember the mosquito's along Lake Superior north shore being bad that time of year. Gooseberry SP is a nice stop along the north shore, similar to the UP along Lake Superior if you like that. If you are going to the Badlands I would also stop at Custer state park, Wind Cave and or Jewel Cave also. Wind Cave has a CG and is a lot easier to get a campsite especially during the middle of the week in Aug and you can visit all the other sites I mention from there. In September as you know the kids are back in school so finding camp sites at the NP's and SP's are a lot easier. Being a school teacher you might find a trip to Mt Rushmore interesting also. Good luck on your trip.

Anytime I travel out West I fill up before I leave town. I also carry an extra five gallons of gas, in case I run out. At 10 mpg or less towing, I leave as little as possible to luck.

I agree, late August early September has been about the best for our canoe trips in northern MN.

realter wrote:
Gas stations are few and far apart in SD, NE and MN. I suggest you stay home back in Indiana to be safe.

Man, don't be a dink to her.

ppine wrote:
Mosquitoes are always around near water in MN. By late August that are not so bad. By mid spetember they are not that much of a problem.

In rural states like SD and WY keep your gas tank more than half full and you will be fine.

^What he said.
Skeeters usually tail off quite a bit by mid Sept unless it's remained extremely warm.
In many years of driving Western States, I feel its never been more than about 100mi to a gas station. However, the easiest peace of mind ever is an extra can of gas if it's of concern to you.

Good luck in your travels!

He He . I never thought of MN as "Out West". You all seem the think that once you cross the Mississippi that you will find nothing but prairie grass, buffaloes, and Native Americans living in Teepees or something. lol