Camping fees and reservations
A camping fee is charged in state forest campgrounds with developed facilities that include drinking water, garbage containers, and toilets. Fees include taxes.
Individual campsites are $17 per night. Same day advance payment available.
Equestrian campsites are $22 per night. Same day advance payment available.
Group campsites are $50 per night. Reserve online up to 120 days in advance at mndnr.gov/reservations.
Pay, then stay: how to pay camping fees for individual and equestrian campsites in state forests
State forest camping fees are paid before you occupy a campsite. Same day advance payment is available on your arrival date.
How to pay camping fees:
Pay fee online. This can be done from any location where you have cell service or Wi-Fi access, as long as your payment is made on the date you will arrive at the campground.
If you do not have a device to make online payment, you may stop at any state park ranger station during open hours to pay state forest camping fees in person using credit or debit card, check or cash.
After you pay:
If you are not already at the campground, plan to arrive on the same day you made your payment.
Upon arrival at the campground, choose an unoccupied campsite.
Fill out the campsite card and attach it to your site post.
Group camping in state forests
Group campsites may be reserved up to 120 days in advance at mndnr.gov/reservations.
Campgrounds with group campsites:
Ann Lake Campground (Sand Dunes State Forest)
Birch Lakes Campground and Day-Use Area (Birch Lakes State Forest)
Gulch Lake Campground (Paul Bunyan State Forest)
Indian Lake Campground (Cloquet Valley State Forest)
Willow River Campground (General C.C. Andrews State Forest)
About state forest camping fees
Camping fees in state forests cover cleaning, maintenance and services.
Once paid, camping fees are final, there are no refunds.
Failure to pay camping fees may result in additional penalties and/or removal from the campsite.
DNR does not accept self-payment envelopes on site or mail-in payments.
Learn more about different kinds of camping in state forests
Events
A permit is required from a Parks and Trails area specialist to hold an event on state forest land. The DNR may charge a fee for the use of the land. Security such as a bond or cashier's check may be required to ensure that cleanup, sign removal, damage, repairs, and other actions are completed.
For emergencies or authorized special events, the DNR may provide temporary exceptions to this rule for a specific state park, forest campground, forest day use area, or state forest land. Notice of the exception will be posted at the site. For more permit information or to obtain a permit, contact a DNR Parks and Trails office.