Well, that’s a provocative title, no? However, all I’m referring to is that favorite family pastime, camping. As I’ve stated here before, I don’t camp. But far be it from me to deny the fun for the rest of the denizens of the Empire. Camp away, my peeps! And if you live in Minnesota, here’s where to go for less.
The DNR parks have over 5,000 traditional campsites located all over the state, as well as their “rustic camper cabins.” The cabins are just that – 12’ by 16’ wooden cabins with a table, benches, and wooden bunk-bed frames (mattresses included) that sleep from 5 to 6 happy campers. Add bonus, most cabins have a screened porch. They are $45 a night for cabins without heat/electricity and $50 with heat/electricity. The DNR website even tells you how far the cabins are from the bathrooms!
Regular campsites run between $12 to $20 a night, with a $8.50 non-refundable registration fee. For a site close to the Twin Cities, check out the campgrounds at the Minnesota River Valley, located minutes from downtown and available for a low $12 a night.
The DNR is also offering an I Can Camp! overnight workshop for just $55 per family for the camping noob. They provide all the materials (minus food and sleeping bags), and they teach you how to properly set up camp, pitch a tent, cook over a campfire, even how to START the campfire.
State FOREST camping differs from State Park camping – “Unlike state parks, forest campgrounds do not have resident managers, organized nature programs, or modern facilities such as showers and flush toilets. They are semi-modern areas, designed to furnish the basic needs and provide opportunities for recreationists to pursue a variety of unstructured outdoor activities. Campgrounds are patrolled regularly to provide security and service to visitors.” MN DNR website
There are 46 campgrounds with 1,000+ campsites. There is a $8.50 non-refundable registration fee, and these sites are $12 a night. Also from the DNR website – “campsites designated for individuals or single families. The sites…furnish only the basic needs of the camper. Most consist of a cleared area, fire ring, table, vault toilets, garbage cans, and drinking water. Campsites are all on a first-come, first-served basis. Fees are collected at the sites.”
Methinks that’s a bit too much roughing it for my tastes. But let’s be honest, peeps. My idea of camping is a hotel room in a small town with limited cable and no room service.
Local Campgrounds, aka Sites Around The TC, aka Camping Close To Home But Not In Your Backyard
Three Rivers Park District: $17 per tent site, with a $7.50 deposit. They also have 4 camper cabins for $50 a night, and sleep 5-6.
Anoka County Parks: $17 per tent site, with a $3 reservation fee.
Dakota County Parks: $15 – $17 plus tax per tent site, with a $7 reservation fee.
Washington County Parks: $15 per tent site, with a $7 reservation fee.
2 Comments
I like the *idea* of camping but actually going out and “roughing it’” really doesn’t appeal to me. To me, it’s too much work, especially with kids. Now, if I had a camper, even a pop-up, I know I’d find the experience much more enjoyable.
I like that our version of camping includes central heating, room service and complimentary popcorn.
It is HOW WE ROLL.