Minnesota is home to many great summer escapes. Many people in the state love heading north to the lake or to a sunny campsite. But why wait until summer to plan a camping adventure? Minnesota is home to many state parks where you can camp no matter the season. Each park offers a variety of wildlife and winter activities, so you’ll never be bored. Read on to see the Minnesota state parks open year-round that are also favorites for year-round camping and activities.

1. Bear Head Lake State Park - Ely
9301 Bear Head State Park Rd, Ely, MN 55731, USA
MN Photos/Flickr
Located in the beautiful town of Ely, Bear Head Lake State Park is a popular spot for camping in the warmer months. But did you know that there is plenty to do here even when the weather dips below zero? In the fall, the park is awash with color. And in winter, this park offers seven miles of groomed cross-country ski trails as well as snowshoeing available throughout the park. If you’ve got your snowmobile all gassed up, there are 4.5 miles of trails, with a one-mile spur connecting to the Taconite Trail, a 165-mile groomed trail. If you're looking for things to do outside in Minnesota year-round, this is the perfect state park to visit. Address: 9301 Bear Head State Park Road, Ely, MN, 55731.

Learn more about camping at Bear Head Lake State Park.

2. William O'Brien State Park - Marine on St. Croix
16821 O Brien Trail N, Scandia, MN 55073, USA
Larry 4352/TripAdvisor
Located on the banks of the St. Croix River, William O’Brien is the perfect park for anglers, campers, and hikers alike. Hikers can explore the park’s rolling wooded hills for hours, possibly spotting wildlife along the way. For anglers, the channels of the St. Croix provides the opportunity for catching northerns, walleye, bass, and trout. There is plenty of lodging at William O’Brien State Park as well with four camper cabins and over 100 campsites, many of which offer electricity. In the colder months, there is one campsite open for those prepared enough for winter camping. Camper cabins are also available for the season. Address: 16821 O'Brien Trail North, Marine on St. Croix, MN, 55073.

Learn more about camping at William O'Brien State Park.

3. Minneopa State Park - Mankato
Minneopa State Park Campground, Minneopa State Pk Campground, South Bend Township, MN 56001, USA
maggieminn/TripAdvisor
Perhaps one of the most unique state parks to visit in Minnesota, Minneopa is beautiful no matter the season. If you’re looking for something to do after a day of winter activities, be sure to check out the buffalo that are free to roam the more than 300 acres. While you can’t snowshoe within the buffalo range area, there are trails around the range for your pleasure. Most park visitors come in the summer to see the beautiful 40-foot waterfall, but this sight is equally beautiful in the winter. There is even a year-round camper available for those who want to experience this park overnight in the winter season. Address: 54497 Gadwall Road, Mankato, MN, 56001.

Learn more about camping at Minneopa State Park.
4. Myre-Big Island State Park - Albert Lea
19499 780th Ave, Albert Lea, MN 56007, USA
rweintothewoodsyet/TripAdvisor
One of the best places for year-round state park camping in Minnesota is at Myre-Big Island State Park. Several drive-in electric RV sites with hookups are available year-round. Compared to the busy season, you’ll have the park almost entirely to yourself. When you arrive, you’ll have access to seven miles of groomed snowmobile trails that connect to the trail system in Freeborn County. Bird watching and snowshoeing are other popular activities. No matter the season, you’re sure to have a wonderful time. Address: 19499 780th Avenue, Albert Lea, MN, 56007.

Learn more about camping at Myre-Big Island State Park.

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5. Itasca State Park - Park Rapids
36750 Main Park Dr, Park Rapids, MN 56470, USA
Brett Whaley/Flickr
A must-see park in any season, Itasca State Park is stunning in every month of the year. In fact, it's considered one of the best state parks in Minnesota. With the trees turning red and gold or blanketed in snow, and the sight of the Mighty Mississippi starting its winding run to the Gulf, Minnesota’s oldest state park cannot be beaten. Winter features picturesque snowscapes easily viewed by ski, snowmobile, or snowshoe. Don’t forget your ice fishing gear! Lake Itasca is a great place to try to get a crappie to bite. Address: 36750 Main Park Drive, Park Rapids, MN, 56470.

Learn more about planning your visit to Itasca State Park.
6. Afton State Park - Hastings
6959 Peller Ave S, Hastings, MN 55033, USA
aossanna/TripAdvisor
Afton State Park is a beautiful spot all year long, but it takes on a magical feel in wintertime. Located just 30 minutes from the Twin Cities, Afton State Park is a snowshoe enthusiast’s delight. This park offers 12 gorgeous miles of snowshoe trails. There are even rentals for those who want to try the hobby for the first time. In addition to the snowshoes, Afton State Park also offers 12 miles of cross-country ski trails with 2.5 miles for beginners. It's a wonderful state park to visit for those looking for things to do outside in Minnesota. Make sure you reserve your off-season camping accommodations in advance. There are two seven-person yurts, and they fill up fast! Address: 6959 Peller Avenue South, Hastings, MN, 55033.

Learn more about camping at Afton Lake State Park.
7. Lake Bemidji State Park - Bemidji
3401 State Park Rd NE, Bemidji, MN 56601, USA
Tony Webster/Flickr
Many of the best state parks in Minnesota are situated on lakes and rivers. Lake Bemidji State Park, located 4.5 hours north of the Twin Cities, is one of the best. This park offers visitors swimming, boating, fishing, birdwatching, hiking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and many other seasonal activities. Spring is a favorite time for hikers. Take the one-mile hike to the boardwalk that leads into the bog. From late May through mid-July, you’ll find orchids in peak blooming season, including the showy lady slippers. And when you’re done for the day, pitch a tent near the lake, lay back, and watch the stars come out. Address: 3401 State Park Road Northeast, Bemidji, MN, 56601.

Learn more about camping at Lake Bemidji State Park.
8. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park - Two Harbors
3755 Split Rock Lighthouse Rd, Two Harbors, MN 55616, USA
Michael Janke/Flickr
One of Minnesota’s most popular state parks, Split Rock Lighthouse is a must-visit in every season. In warmer months, try out the biking trails or take a long hike with Lake Superior views. In winter, strap on the snowshoes and start exploring! Then warm up in the enclosed picnic shelter that doubles as a warming house. This park is full of fun in all seasons, and you can even pitch a tent all year. Just make sure you’re prepared when the temperature dips! It's one of the best places for state park camping in Minnesota. Address: 3755 Split Rock Lighthouse Road, Two Harbors, MN, 55616.

Learn more about camping at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.

9. Whitewater State Park - Altura
19041 MN-74, Altura, MN 55910, USA
Tony Webster/Flickr
If you want to trek along some of the best hiking trails in Minnesota, come to Whitewater State Park any time of year. Situated on limestone bluffs in 2,700 acres of wilderness, Whitewater State Park is a hiker’s paradise! This park can accommodate hikers of any skill level with 10 miles of beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails. If you love fishing, don’t forget your rod! Anglers can fish the spring-fed Whitewater River and Trout Run Creek for fishing varieties of yummy trout. The noticeable lack of mosquitoes makes Whitewater State Park great for camping. There are almost 150 drive-in sites and 87 sites offering electricity. Winter campsites are available as well as four cabing and staying overnight here give you a glimpse of this park that most never see. All in all, this little-known park is a treat every season of the year. Address: 19041 Highway 74, Altura, MN, 55910.

Learn more about camping at Whitewater State Park.

Each of these state parks open year-round to visit in Minnesota offers something special, including year-round camping. Let us know below how your off-season camping trips pan out!

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State Parks Open Year-Round

Melissa M. | February 20, 2022

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With 5.6 million acres of state land, Minnesota is an outdoor lover's playground. Whether you enjoy relaxing in nature or doing something fun outside, head to a town like Sandstone which offers more outdoor attractions than just about anywhere else in the state. Take a weekend in Sandstone to go camping, hiking, fishing, and even whitewater rafting. You can even find a waterfall here!

What are some of the best hiking trails in Minnesota?

You can find some of the most beautiful spots around the state along a hiking trail. Read our previous article to discover some little-known trails in Minnesota that lead to extraordinary scenery. Best of all, they won’t have the crowds that other trails might have. 

Where can I go glamping in Minnesota?

Not all of us are fit for camping, so glamping is a great option. With most, if not all, the creature comforts of home, glamping allows for a wonderful time out in nature while experiencing a little bit of luxury. One secluded glampground you may enjoy is Riverside Island Campsites on White Iron Lake in Ely. Offering deluxe tents with beds, there’s perhaps no better place for glamping in Minnesota. 

 

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