Photo Credit: Explore Minnesota

State Park Camping Experiences in Minnesota! Reconnect with the Family and the Outdoors!

Minnesota’s state parks offer epic camping experiences for reconnecting with the outdoors and family. Summer is one of the best times to pack up the RV or tent and go explore the state parks with their summer flora and fauna on full display. From hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring to relaxing, sitting around the campfire, and making memories with loved ones, Minnesota state parks offer everything needed for a perfect camping trip.

family exploring MN waterfall

Photo Credit: Explore Minnesota

High, steep bluffs with amazing scenic overlooks and quiet walking and hiking trails are what you will find at Great River Bluffs State Park. Located in southeastern Minnesota, this state park offers a quiet park and campground that is ideal for spending quality time with family and having meaningful experiences, all while taking in the lush Mississippi River Valley. Enjoy not only the breathtaking views, but also the excellent birding and the hiking trails lined with oak-hickory woods, pine trees, and blooming flowers. At the end of the day, the family will enjoy sitting around the campfire for conversation and s’mores.

Minnehaha Falls

Photo Credit: Explore Minnesota

Whitewater State Park can be found nestled in southeastern Minnesota’s bluff lands and is home to six scenic overlooks and excellent trout fishing opportunities. Be sure to check out the new Whitewater Visitor Center, the picnic area, the volleyball court, swimming at the sand beach, and hiking trails varying from easy to difficult to make the most of your experience. Pass on familial traditions or start new ones by taking everyone trout fishing on the Whitewater River and Trout Run Creek. Pack a picnic, spend the day in the outdoors fishing, hiking, and viewing the beautiful woodlands, and have a great time with the family.

Pipestone Falls

Photo Credit: Explore Minnesota

Right on the St. Croix River, Afton State Park features grand oak trees, prairie flowers, scenic bluffs, and many campground and park amenities. Starting at the visitor center, the family can get acquainted with the 20 miles of hiking trails, the park environment, the recreational areas, and where to access the St. Croix River. Afton State Park is popular with campers because of its variety of campground sites including cabins, yurts, and 1 canoe-in site, along with the traditional campsites. The range of amenities and recreational options are an added bonus, with an activity for everyone in the family to enjoy and share with the group. Afton State Park is a great spot for a multiple-day camping trip where you can take in all the area has to offer while creating memorable experiences that will last a lifetime.

Niagara Cave

Photo Credit: Explore Minnesota

About 5 miles outside of Mankato, Minneopa State Park contains plenty of amenities and recreational opportunities for the whole family to enjoy. Take a ride on the paved bike trails, or hike the waterfall trail near Minneopa Creek into the valley and back up to see a beautiful panoramic view of the area’s geological features. The kids will love a visit to the Interpretive Exhibit and the Historical Windmill Site just as much as swimming in the nearby Minnesota River or heading out on the boat. The campground offers tent and RV sites, but they also have cabins for rent, if you want to have all the experiences and memories of camping with the family without sacrificing comfort.

Plan your Minnesota trip with free travel guides.

For personalized assistance, you may contact our Travel Counselors at explore@state.mn.us, or 1-888-VISITMN (1-888-847-4866).

Explore Minnesota
1-888-VISITMN
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