Modernizing camping and related infrastructure
- Minneopa State Park Campground and related infrastructure modernization (October 2025)
The comprehensive modernization project at Minneopa State Park near Mankato is in the early design phase and construction will likely begin in late 2027. The DNR is considering the following updates as part of this modernization:
- An improved entry plaza with user-friendly self-service and wireless internet access
- Reconfiguration of the campground to align with modern campground design standards
- Redesign of camping spurs to improve ADA-accessibility and accommodate RVs
- Added group camping options to support a wide variety of new and non-traditional users camping experiences
- Upgrades to electric service at campsites including EV chargers at select campsites
- Upgrades to the restroom facility
- Replacement of the septic system and RV dump station
- Reconstruction of hiking trails to improve accessibility and accommodate mobility devices
- Myre-Big Island State Park wastewater system rehabilitation for park and campground infrastructure (October 2025)
- Project design is complete on the capital investment project that will connect the park to the City of Albert Lea’s wastewater treatment system. Construction will begin in 2026 and the project is expected to be complete in late 2026 or early 2027. In addition to collaborating with the City of Albert Lea, DNR staff worked closely with Dakota Tribal Historic Preservation Officers to ensure design plans are appropriate given the cultural significance of Big Island to the Dakota community.
- Accessibility upgrades complete at William O’Brien State Park Campground and Day Use Area (May 2025)
After extensive renovations and new construction, the Walter F. Mondale Day Use Area and the Riverway Campground at William O'Brien State Park reopened in May. The park is the first among Minnesota state parks to receive whole-park accessibility upgrades, and will serve as a model for other state parks in the future.
- Lakeview Campground reconstruction complete at Sibley State Park (May 2025)
The redeveloped campground will better meet the needs of visitors through improved roadways, larger campsites and updated historic buildings that meet current building standards and accessibility guidelines. The result is a campground that better aligns with the park’s management plan and meets current standards for public safety, storm water management, and sensitive resource protection.
- Construction begins at William O’Brien State Park (March 2024)
Among the improvements at the park are additional accessible campsites and new restrooms and shower facilities. This project is funded primarily through regular state bonding funds, with additional funds provided by Get Out MORE investments.
Work at William O’Brien State Park to improve accessibility, St. Paul Pioneer Press, March 2024
- Get Out MORE-funded camping modernization projects announced (January 2024)
The $9.5 million in investments will focus on updating camping infrastructure and experiences at two popular state parks: $5 million for Minneopa State Park and $4.5 million for Myre-Big Island State Park.
What's the need
Campgrounds are like small cities with infrastructure needs from drinking water and wastewater to roads and Wi-Fi. Much of Minnesota's camping and related outdoor recreation infrastructure was developed in the 1930s and 1960s and is not designed to meet the needs of today's visitors. Further, many of the wastewater and drinking water systems that support state campgrounds have reached the end of their useful life and need renewal and replacement.
What's the investment
The $9.5 million in investments will focus on updating the camping infrastructure and experiences at two popular parks in Minnesota. View map.
- $5 million for a pilot to modernize experiences at Minneopa State Park with a campground designed with larger, accessible sites and modernized facilities, and improved wayfinding and trails
- $4.5 million for renewing wastewater infrastructure at Myre-Big Island State Park.
