State forests

State forests provide dozens of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to pursue unstructured outdoor activities. You can enjoy Minnesota's State Forests at 1000 campsites at 46 campgrounds, 44 day-use areas, about 900 miles of trails, and 142 water accesses.

Because state forest campgrounds and day-use areas are developed with a minimum of disturbance to the natural environment and are often in remote locations, they are likely to be less accessible than many state park campgrounds and facilities. Also, state forests do not have staff available on a full-time basis.

Day Use Areas
Many forests have day-use areas equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, drinking water, and toilets. They are often located on lakes and have hiking trails, boat access, and swimming beaches. Some have accessible picnic tables, vault toilets, and wells.

Developed Campgrounds
Thirty-four campgrounds are fully developed and offer level parking spurs, picnic tables, fire rings, toilets, and drinking water. Many have swimming beaches, boat accesses, and nature trails. They are regularly patrolled by security personnel. A camping fee is charged at these facilities. Reservations are not required or accepted.

Campgrounds that charge a fee have at least one accessible campsite with a level surface, accessible picnic table and fire ring. Accessible paths lead from the campsite to a well and accessible vault toilet.

Other types of camp sites are available at no charge. These include boat-in sites and more remote sites that are commonly used by hunters and berry pickers. Most of these do not have other amenities or accessible features.

State forest campgrounds do not have electric hookups or showers. Most drinking water is provided from hand-pumped wells. Accessible wells have a concrete pad and level approach.

More Information
For more information about state forest campgrounds and day-use areas, see a list of state forests with accessible features.

See a list of all state forest facilities, including less developed areas, on the main State Forests page.

Contact the DNR Information Center by e-mail (info@dnr.state.mn.us) or phone [(651) 296-6157 or (888) MINNDNR; TTY: (651) 296-5484 or (800) 657-3929] with any questions or to get the brochure “Minnesota State Forest Campgrounds and Recreation Areas.”

Also explore Wilderness Inquiry's recreation areas listing. This describes the accessibility of some state parks, state trails, state forests and community parks.