Starting in 2026, all forest campgrounds that previously did not charge a camping fee will charge $17 per night ($22 for equestrian).
Affected campgrounds:
- Beltrami Island State Forest
- Grand Portage State Forest
- Kabetogama State Forest
- Pat Bayle State Forest
- Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest
Why will DNR be charging a fee in these sites?
- Camping fees help ensure quality, safety, and access to state forest campgrounds. These funds support the infrastructure and services that make camping enjoyable for all visitors.
- Camping in Minnesota’s state forest campgrounds is a beloved tradition. As camping grows in popularity, state forest campgrounds play a key role in connecting people to the outdoors.
- Most of Minnesota’s state forest campgrounds already have a camping fee in place. This long-standing practice reflects the value of the experience and brings consistency across the system.
- Technological improvements make fee collection more efficient and user-friendly.
Downloadable map of all state forests, forest campgrounds, parks, and trails.
Minnesota state forests offer both dedicated campgrounds or dispersed camping for the most rustic experience - take your pick!
Camping in a State Forest Campground
Basic camping amenities are provided in dedicated campsites, which generally include:
- Cleared area
- Fire ring
- Vault toilet
- Picnic table
- Garbage cans
- Drinking water
Individual campsites
Individual campsites do not accept reservations. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Individual campsites are designated for up to 8 people and 2 camping shelters.
Group campsites
Group campsites are designated for larger groups, and can be reserved in advance by calling the managing unit, which is listed on the campground's webpage.
Group campsites are available in the following state forests: Birch Lakes, Cloquet Valley, General C.C. Andrews, Paul Bunyan and Sand Dunes.
Horse campsites
Horse campsites allow horses. In addition to the basic camping amenities provided, these sites may also have picket lines and compost bins for manure disposal. Horse camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
State forests with horse campgrounds are: Beltrami Island, George Washington, Huntersville, Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood, Sand Dunes and St. Croix.
Camping with off-highway vehicles
In select campgrounds, off-highway vehicles (OHVs) are permitted to ride directly to and from their campsite. For more information and to find out where ride in/ride out access is allowed, visit the OHV access to state forest campgrounds page.
Payment of camping fees
Camping in a state forest campground requires payment of campsite fees, which cover the cost of developing, cleaning, maintaining and servicing campgrounds. Campsite fees should be paid online after you arrive at the campground. State forest campgrounds without WiFi or cell service also offer a mail-in payment option. See signs in the campground for details on camping fee payment for that location.
When camping in state forest campgrounds, please:
- Use existing camping areas.
- Avoid cutting or damaging trees and other plants.
- Light fires only within fire rings and charcoal grills. Do not leave fires unattended, and extinguish all fires before leaving. Don't burn trash.
- Protect our state forests — don't move firewood. Wood that is dead and lying on the ground may be gathered for campfire use onsite.
- Use toilets where available.
- Remove all trash and keep your campsite clean and tidy.
- Keep pets under control at all times.
Dispersed camping
If you enjoy camping far from others and with no amenities at all, dispersed camping is for you. There are no camping fees for dispersed camping. You must camp at least one mile outside of designated campsites or campgrounds on state forest land. Learn more about dispersed camping.
- How is a state forest campground different from a state park?
Unlike state park campgrounds, forest campgrounds do not have resident managers, organized nature programs, or modern facilities such as showers and flush toilets. They are semi-modern areas, designed to furnish the basic needs and provide opportunities for recreationists to pursue a variety of unstructured outdoor activities. Campgrounds are patrolled regularly to provide security and service to visitors.
- Are recreational vehicles or camper vans allowed at state forest campgrounds?
Yes, these camping structures are allowed. However, there are no utilities such as electricity or sewer available at the campsites; only rustic camping is available. State forest campgrounds do not have dump stations.
- How long can I camp at a state forest?
- Camping in Minnesota state forests is limited to a total of 14 days in any one forest campground between the first Saturday in May through the second Sunday in September, or 21 days the rest of the year.
- Are state forest campgrounds open year-round or seasonally?
- State forest campgrounds are open seasonally. Spring opening dates and fall closing dates vary by campground and are dependent on weather. Locate the campground webpage and contact the managing unit to get information on opening and closing dates.