Camping: Rustic

Looking for a more rugged camping experience? You have lots of options! Rustic sites have limited amenities. They are located near drinking water and primitive toilet facilities, and allow campers to get even closer to nature.

Rustic camping is available in both state parks and state forests. Learn more about camping in state forests.

Rustic camping in state parks

Rates

$12-$18 per site, per night, including tax.

Reservations

Online reservations can be made 24 hours a day, except for the first day a reservation becomes available. On that first day, reservations cannot be made online before 8 a.m. Reserve Now!

Phone reservations can be made by calling 866-857-2757 (TTY: 952-936-4008) between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday through Sunday October through March, and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily April through September. Call center is closed holidays.

Availability

• Regular season is typically late spring to mid-fall.
• Off-season CLOSED. Dates vary by park. Check with park for details.
• Check-in: 4 p.m. (sites may be available earlier)
• Check-out: 1 p.m.

Details

Rustic campsites come with a fire ring, garbage cans, and access to drinking water and primitive toilets. Dispersed camping outside designated camping areas on state forest land is free. There is no dispersed camping in state parks.

• Bathrooms: Water and primitive toilet facilities only.
• Capacity: Up to six people, one tent/RV per site.
• Cooking: All sites have a picnic table and fire ring with grill for cooking.
• Firewood: Can be purchased at the park office. Minnesota restricts firewood being brought to or used on DNR lands. More information and vendor list.
• Pets: All pets must be kept on a leash of not more than six feet and personally attended at all times.
• Quiet Hours: From 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.

*Off-Season dates vary by park. Check with park for details.

Camping seasons map