Best Camping Sites In Minnesota

The Daily Meal Staff|Sept. 13, 2014 7:00 am EST

Minnesotans love camping. With the thousands of lakeside options and recreational parks to make camp, finding a spot to pitch a tent for the weekend is a pretty simple task. However, finding the best places to enjoy the right fishing, hiking, hunting or just relaxing brings another level to a camper's needs. Whatever reason individuals have for braving the outdoors, the perfect spot is waiting somewhere in Minnesota. Find your perfect campsite here.

(credit: DNR)

Bear Head Lake State Park
9301 Bear Head State Park Road
Ely, MN 55731
(218) 365-7229
www.dnr.state.mn.us

A short drive from pretty much anywhere in the state, Bear Head Lake State Park is the perfect place for a weekend trip or a longer stay. Located south of the Boundary Waters canoe area, Bear Head Lake also provides a great place to rent or bring your own canoe or kayak. Those who love fishing and hiking will enjoy the vast area of well-kept trails and campsites for exploring and relaxing. Campgrounds are private, located between trees and shrubs, and the shower facilities are pristine. Observe the fall colors in this fantastic area of Minnesota.

Wildwood Campground
20078 Lake Blvd.
Shafer, MN 55074
(651) 465-6365
www.wildmountain.com

Located by the recreational area and water park of the same name, Wildwood Campground can be a relaxing vacation and an amusement park in one. The campgrounds are clean and private, with areas for tents or RVs as well as cabins to rent. A swimming pool is available during the summer and basketball courts are onsite for playing games. In the winter, tubing and skiing are popular activities along with hiking the nature trail or just enjoying the scenery. Bathrooms are clean and well-maintained and the staff is very friendly and helpful. Kids also enjoy the large playground located on the site.

(credit: CBS)

Jay Cooke State Park
780 State Highway 210
Carlton, MN 55718
(218) 384-4610
www.dnr.state.mn.us

The best campground for hikers and backpackers is Jay Cooke State Park. With acres of beautiful nature paths and a suspension bridge over the St. Louis River, Jay Cooke is the place to spend days wandering around and enjoying the scenery. Those who enjoy trail running or biking will also find this state park to be the perfect place for exercise. Snowshoeing is popular in the winter and the campground is open year-round. Rent a cabin or bring your own tent to stay at Jay Cooke.

Eagle Cliff Campground
35455 State Highway 16
Lanesboro, MN 55949
(507) 467-2598
www.eagle-cliff.com

For a place that can be an adventure, Eagle Cliff Campground may be the best choice. Lanesboro, Minnesota is the home of small caves and rock formations among mountainous trails. The campground offers activities for families such as crafts, mushroom hunting and segway tours. Try out the ropes course for an even bigger adventure or just set off on your own for hiking or biking along various trails, including the popular Root River Bike Trail. The campground is on a grassy area and offers comfort to those staying in tents.

Flour Lake Campground
Golden Eagle Lodge
468 Clearwater Road
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 388-2203
www.flourlakecampground.com

Flour Lake Campground is located in northern Minnesota, near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. This is a perfect spot for a weekend of fishing and old-fashioned camping. Rent a boat or bring your own to the freshwater lakes and some of the best fishing spots in the state. Among the catches of the day are walleye, big-mouth bass and trout. Enjoy hiking along the Gunflint Trail or camping near the Golden Eagle Lodge. Find all of the amenities you need within a small distance from campsites or just rent a lakefront cabin at the resort.

Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for eight years. She loves covering all things Minnesota and her work can be found on Examiner.com.