When one thinks about camping in Minnesota and Minnesota, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in the northeastern region of the state appears in their minds. The good news is that for Twin Cities residents, one is not required to drive five hours north to Quetico-Superior Country to enjoy camping in the woods. There are many options within the Twin Cities region for those looking to escape the urban slums. From idyllic lakeside parks to heavily wooded spots There’s every person’s dream at the nearby parklands, state and regional parks. To aid you in planning your getaway for the weekend we’ve listed some of our most loved spots. With 28 rustic backpacking spots, Afton State Park is located only a half-hour from St. Paul. It has 20 miles of hiking trails that meander along the rocky cliffs of the St. Croix River. Also, you can enjoy 10 miles of biking trails, as well as a five-mile horse path. For food and groceries it is possible to visit the downtown of Hastings. Lake Maria State Park, set in an oak or maple forest is the ideal place for a quiet weekend within the forest. The 17 backpacking sites in the park are situated on lakes that are remote and require a short hike to reach. Three camper cabins are available for rental that can accommodate six guests and have wood stoves for heating. Nearby Monticello is the closest city where you can find supplies and other necessities. Baker Park Reserve, which is situated on Lake Independence, offers outdoor activities year-round. You’ll be returning to the Baker Park Reserve, which is home to 2700 acres and more than 200 campsites. Every campsite has an outdoor table, a fire ring. Many also offer electrical hookup. There are also flush toilets and showers available. If you’re sick of cooking and grilling your food on a fire, head into Maple Plain for some pub meals in McGarry’s Irish Restaurant. Cleary Lake Regional Park can be found in Prior Lake, in the south metro. With two separate campgrounds maintained in the park, Red Pine campground has 5 spots for hiking in and Basswood offers 15 campsites. Since they’re both dome tent only campsites, you won’t have to worry about getting crowded by RVs or campers. This is a wonderful place for families of all ages to explore. There are seven miles of hiking trails, a fishing pier and an off-leash dog-friendly area. Whether you come during spring when flowers are blooming or in autumn as the trees transform to brilliant hues of gold and orange, Nerstrand Big Woods State Park is one of the most accessible campgrounds in the region. You can pitch your tent right away at 51 of the park’s drive-in campsites. This allows you to enjoy more time exploring the forest’s 11 miles of hiking trails. You can find great restaurants such as Hogan Brothers and the Contented Cow only a few minutes away in the downtown area of Northfield. Situated on the St. Croix River, William O’Brien State Park has everything one could possibly ask for, including hiking trails, an outdoor swimming area and a fishing pier and boat access. With 112 drive-in camping sites and four camp sites for groups There’s no shortage of possibilities for groups in all sizes. This area is known for its magnificent white pine trees as well as its impressive limestone bluffs. The biggest park in the Dakota County parks system, Lebanon Hills is comprised of nearly 2,000 acres of lakes in the grasslands, forest, and lakes providing a truly wild landscape right in the metro. This campground is one of its most well-loved in the region. It offers more than 90 campsites as well as a camp store. Additionally, there are on-site caretakers. Mountain bike enthusiasts will love the trails that stretch for 12 miles. For supplies and restaurant options there are a variety of choices in Eagan that include Doolittles Woodfire Grill or the locally-owned Roasted Joe Coffee Co . Carver Park, which is part of the Three Rivers Park District hosts a wide variety of wildlife including Trumpeter Swans and white-tailed deer. The park also houses is the Lowry Nature Center, Grimm Farm Historic Site, King Waterbird Sanctuary, as well as the Lake Auburn Campground, which includes 57 campsites with rustic amenities. Without electricity or showers the park provides the authentic camping experience. To enjoy a wonderful day of adventure you can bring your bicycle and head out on the Lake Minnetonka Regional LRT trail to charming downtown Excelsior.
