Campsites still available at Minnesota state parks for Fourth of July weekend

Despite statewide storm damage from severe weather last week, Minnesota state parks and recreation areas are open and campsites are still available Fourth of July weekend, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said.

“Storms knocked out power and trees at a number of our state parks,” said Parks and Trails Division Director Courtland Nelson. “But the lights are back on, debris is being cleaned up and parks are open for business. Our staff is ready for a busy holiday weekend. I encourage you to plan a visit to a state park or trail today.”

Up to a third of the campsites at Minnesota state parks and recreation areas are nonreservable and available to campers on a first-come, first-served basis. In state forests, all campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The following state parks, all within 100 miles of the Twin Cities, had at least 10 reservable campsites remaining for the holiday weekend as of June 24:

• Carley State Park (near Rochester), a spot to hike and trout fish amid wildflowers and white pines along the Whitewater River.
• Flandrau State Park (New Ulm), with overlooks along the Big Cottonwood River, hiking and a filtered sand-bottom swimming pool.
• Minneopa State Park (Mankato), where highlights include waterfalls and panoramic views.
• Myre-Big Island State Park (Albert Lea), with rental canoes and kayaks available for exploring Albert Lea Lake, a haven for waterfowl, and the 6-mile paved Blazing Star State trail, which connects to Albert Lea.
• Rice Lake State Park (Owatonna), which has a variety of songbirds to observe while paddling the lake or hiking the park’s 5 miles of trails.
• St. Croix State Park (Hinckley), the state’s largest state park, with 34,000 acres bordered by the St. Croix and Kettle rivers, a swimming beach, a fire tower, 21 miles of mountain bike trails and a 5.5-mile paved bike trail.
• Sakatah Lake State Park (near Faribault), a place to boat and bike, with access to the 39-mile paved Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail that runs through the park.

Many campsites are available at state parks further from the metro area including:

• In the southwest, Big Stone Lake and Camden state parks.
• In the central region, Charles A. Lindbergh State Park.
• In the southeast, Forestville/Mystery Cave and Great River Bluffs state parks.
• In the northwest, Red River SRA, Hayes Lake, Lake Bronson, Maplewood, Old Mill and Zippel Bay state parks.
• In the northeast, Scenic and Schoolcraft state parks.

Several group camps are available for campers planning family reunions or traveling with friends. These have space for multiple tents and can be reserved for $50-$125 per night.

A vehicle permit ($5/one-day or $25/year-round) is required to enter Minnesota state parks and recreation areas.

Camping or lodging reservations can be made be made up to a year in advance by visiting www.mndnr.gov/reservations or by calling toll-free 866-857-2757, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.