Great Minnesota Tent Camping Guide

It is finally getting to be that time of the year where thoughts of camping don't mean long underwear and cocoon-type sleeping bags.  Since purchasing 40 acres "up north", we haven't done as much camping at campgrounds but this year I would like to change that.  I feel that we've been a little fractured as a family and there's nothing that can bring us closer than sharing a few nights in a tent!  Today I pulled out my favorite campground resource (by Tom Watson).

This is the best guide I have ever read in regards to Minnesota campgrounds.  Each campground is rated:

There are campground maps showing the location of campsites.  This is helpful if you want to have a secluded campsite; one away from or next to the bathrooms; close to the water or on a hill; one you have to pack in to or one that is close to the parking lot.  (These are just a few of the examples of what you'll find on the map.)

You'll also find a narrative of the good and the bad as described by the author.  He has also provided a section of key information that can tell give you lots of information in a glance.

There are also campgrounds off the beaten path......close to high traffic tourist places like Split Rock Lighthouse but not your typical State Park.  I'm hoping to stay at just such a park this summer.  It's called Hungry Man Campground.  It's near Itasca State Park and the author writes, "only 8 miles south is one of the most pleasant (albeit basic) tent-camping sites in the state".  It only costs $10 a night too!  Now to convince my husband, 16 year old, 14 year old and 10 year old that we can handle tent camping again - I think the memory of leaving a campground, on an island, in the middle of the night in the pouring rain because we had a river running through our tent has lessened enough to try again.  At least for me!

"When using a public campground, a tuba placed on your picnic table will keep the campsites on either side vacant."  -Unknown