In Minnesota there are dozens of free campsites for you
and your family to visit on vacation. Free campsites save you money and are
an economical way to get out and see the wilderness. Before planning your next
trip, review our list of free campsites in Minnesota, and as always, visit traditioncreek.com
for the lowest price on quality camping equipment and supplies.
For more information on these free sites, google the sites, or email info@traditioncreek.com
Free Camping Operated By the United States Forest Service
Chippewa National Forest – Several entry points including the Cass Lake
Loop Voyagers National Park – Several entry points, visitor center near Orr Superior National Forest – Several entry points
Free Camping Operated By the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Primitive Campsites Only – Meaning few to no amenities
Beltrami Island State Forest – West of International Falls Two Inlets State Forest – Northwest of Park Rapids St. Croix State Forest – Near Hinckley, off Highway 48 Savanna State Forest – Northeast of Big Sandy Lake Sand Dunes State Forest – Near Zimmerman R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest – Near Red Wing Pine Island State Forest – Near Big Falls Pillsbury State Forest – Near East Gull Lake Paul Bunyan State Forest – Northwest of Walker Pat Bayle State Park – Northwest of Grand Marais Northwest Angle State Forest – North of Warroad Nemadji State Forest – Near Willow River Mississippi Headwaters State Forest – Southwest of Bemidji Land O' Lakes State Forest – North of Emily Kabetogama State Forest – Near Orr, off Highway 53 Huntersville State Forest – Near Huntersville George Washington State Forest – Northeast of Bemidji General Andrews State Forest – Near Willow River, Off of Highway 61 Finland State Forest – Near Silver Bay Crow Wing State Forest – North of Brainerd Cloquet Valley State Forest – Northwest of Two Harbors Chengwatana State Forest – Near Pine City Bowstring State Forest – Northeast of Cass Lake Birch Lakes State Forest – Northeast of Sauk Centre Big Fork State Forest – West of Big Fork Bear Island State Forest – South of Ely
Free Camping Operated By City & County Governments
Check local regulations regarding duration and other policies
Barnum City Park – Off Highway 35 Buhl City Park Faribault County Campgrounds Grand Meadow City Park Nelson Campground Memorial Park Pine River City Park – Near Highway 371 Trumann City Park Anderson-Berger Park Lagoon Park Norwegian Creek County Park
Free Camping Operated By Associations or Businesses
Policies and Regulations Vary
The Superior Hiking Trail – Several entry points along Highway 61
Camping History
With the emergence of the US industrial revolution in the late 19th century,
Americans began seeking ways to get out of their smoke filled cities in search
of the great wilderness they grew up with. It's around this time that the first
youth camps and resorts were founded. In 1872 Yellowstone National Park was
established to give Americans a little treat of the untamed wilderness that
was quickly vanishing during those times. In the early 1930's, with the great
depression, many American males were enlisted in the Civilian Conservation Corps,
and with the corps came the development of hundreds of state parks and forests
for the enjoyment of citizens that couldn't make the trek to a national park.
After WWII Americans again wanted peace and they found it in the wilderness.
Camping became an American pastime. Today, with 24-news, the internet, and information
moving at the speed of light, the wilderness resorts and camps we grew up with
is once again our sanctuary of peace and Tradition Creek is honored to outfit
those that still take to the mighty forests, the barren deserts, the heavenly
mountains in search of whatever they set out to find.
Leave No Trace is a form of no/low impact camping. The steps to leave no trace camping are as follows: 1) Plan ahead and prepare 2) Camp and travel on durable surfaces 3) Pack it in, pack it out 4) Leave what you find 5) Minimize campfire use 6) Respect wildlife 7) Respect others. It's good to follow these rules so you leave your area better than when you found so future visitors may enjoy the same beautiful. See you on the trail!
Tradition Creek is UpFront