Molly Ayala
Minnesota's state parks and recreation areas offer a plethora of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. With over 75 state parks and recreation areas, 61 of them have modern, developed drive-in car campgrounds. These campsites typically include amenities such as car parking, tent or RV pads, picnic tables, fire rings, and access to water and toilet facilities. Many also offer seasonal access to showers and optional electric and water hook-ups, making them a convenient choice for those seeking a blend of nature and modern conveniences. The Watland family, for instance, embarked on a unique adventure, visiting various state parks in their electric vehicle (EV), taking advantage of the growing network of EV chargers and campsites with electric hook-ups. As Minnesota continues to expand its charging network, it is becoming increasingly convenient for EV owners to explore the state's natural wonders while enjoying the comforts of electricity and modern amenities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of state parks in Minnesota | 75 |
| Number of state parks with electric camping spaces for RVs | Many |
| Number of campsites in Minnesota's state parks | Over 3,000 |
| Number of state parks with modern, developed drive-in car campgrounds | 61 |
| Amenities at campsites | Picnic table, tent or RV pad, fire ring with grill, water and toilet facilities, showers, garbage disposal, drinking water, optional electric and water hook-ups, and firewood for purchase |
| Extra charge for campsites with electricity | $10/night |
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What You'll Learn
Electric vehicle (EV) charging points
The Watland family, who own a Tesla Model 3, have been on a mission to visit every Minnesota state park in their EV. They shared their experiences on social media, offering tips and insights for other EV owners. The family relied on the growing network of EV chargers and their creativity to plan their trips. They noted that many state parks have electric camping spaces for RVs, which allowed them to charge their vehicle overnight while they enjoyed the park.
Big Bog State Recreation Area and Tettegouche State Park Visitor's Center are two parks that currently offer EV charging onsite. The Watlands also took advantage of Superchargers to cover much of the state. They admitted that, without these charging options, they would not have been able to visit all the state parks.
To support the increasing number of electric vehicles on Minnesota's roads, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is investing in EV fast-charging stations along highway corridors. This will expand the statewide charging network by more than 2,500 miles. The MPCA has also awarded grants to install additional fast-charging stations, each with a capacity of at least 50kW, further enhancing the state's EV charging infrastructure.
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Campsites with electricity
Minnesota's state parks offer a wide range of camping options, including many campsites with electricity. Over 3,000 drive-in campsites are available in Minnesota's state parks, with some open all year round. Many of these sites have optional electric and water hook-ups, in addition to standard amenities such as a picnic table, tent or RV pad, fire ring, and access to water and toilet facilities. Some campsites with electricity are specifically designed for RVs, offering electric charging stations for those travelling in electric vehicles.
The state park system is 100% reservable, although it can be tough to find available sites during the peak season. Reservations can be made up to 120 days in advance, except on the first day a reservation becomes available, when bookings cannot be made online before 8 am. A non-refundable reservation fee of $10 for the call centre or $8 for web bookings is charged for each advance reservation. Sites with electricity incur an additional $10/night fee.
For those seeking a more rustic experience, dispersed camping is also permitted in state forests and national forests, where you can camp for free off the thousands of miles of roads used for forestry management. However, vehicles must be parked without impeding traffic or harming vegetation and soils.
Whether you're looking for the convenience of electric campsites or the adventure of dispersed camping, Minnesota's state parks and forests offer a range of options to suit your camping needs.
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State parks with electricity
Minnesota's state parks offer a wide range of outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, fishing, and picnicking. Many of these parks are equipped with electrical facilities to enhance the visitor experience.
For instance, the Watland family shared their experience of visiting multiple state parks in Minnesota using their electric vehicle (EV) and utilising the EV charging infrastructure available at the parks. They highlighted the convenience and fun of driving an EV and how they were able to explore various parks across the state, from Ely to Hallock, by charging their vehicle overnight at campsites with electric hook-ups.
Minnesota has over 75 state parks and recreation areas, 61 of which feature modern, developed drive-in car campgrounds. These campgrounds offer amenities such as car parking, tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings, and access to bathroom facilities with running water. Many of these campgrounds also provide optional electric and water hook-ups for an additional fee. This allows visitors with RVs or those looking for a more comfortable camping experience to access electricity during their stay.
Some of the state parks in northern Minnesota that offer camping with electricity include Afton State Park, Banning State Park, Bear Head Lake State Park, and Lake Bemidji State Park. These parks provide opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore nature while enjoying the convenience of electrical amenities.
It's important to note that while electricity is available at many state parks, the specific availability and accessibility may vary. It is always a good idea to contact the park directly or check their official website for detailed information regarding electrical hook-ups and any applicable fees or reservations required. Additionally, some parks may have different operating hours during peak seasons, so planning ahead is recommended to secure a campsite with electricity.
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Northern MN state parks with electricity
Minnesota's state parks offer a variety of camping options, with over 3,000 drive-in campsites available from late spring through mid-autumn, and some open year-round. Many of these campsites have electricity, with electric camping spaces for RVs, and electric vehicle (EV) chargers.
The Watland family shared their experience of visiting Minnesota state parks in an electric vehicle, highlighting the convenience and fun of driving an EV. They were able to charge their vehicle overnight at their campsite and explore the parks during the day.
Some of the state parks in northern Minnesota that offer electric camping options include Afton State Park, Banning State Park, Bear Head Lake State Park, and Lake Bemidji State Park. These parks provide opportunities for hiking, nature walks, and other recreational activities.
When planning a trip to a Minnesota state park, it is recommended to make reservations in advance, especially during peak season. The state park system is 100% reservable, and online reservations can be made up to 120 days in advance. Additionally, it is important to note that a non-refundable reservation fee is charged for each advance reservation, and there may be additional fees for sites with electricity or water hook-ups.
Overall, Minnesota's state parks offer a range of options for campers and outdoor enthusiasts, with many providing access to electricity and other modern amenities.
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Afton State Park
The park has over 20 miles of hiking trails, with some trails offering stunning views of the river and the surrounding landscape. In the winter, 18 miles of these trails are groomed for cross-country skiing. The park also has a swimming beach on the river, which is a popular spot during the summertime for swimming, boating, and fishing.
In addition to camping and recreational activities, Afton State Park provides three picnic areas and one reservable picnic shelter. The park also has a visitor centre with restrooms and a wood stove for the winter months. Overall, Afton State Park offers a diverse range of options for visitors seeking outdoor experiences, and its proximity to the Twin Cities makes it a convenient escape from urban life.
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Frequently asked questions
Many state parks in northern Minnesota have electricity, including Afton State Park, Bear Head Lake State Park, Lake Bemidji State Park, and Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park.
You can check the Minnesota DNR website or contact the park directly to inquire about the availability of electricity.
Yes, some northern MN state parks have electric camping spaces for RVs, which can be used to charge electric vehicles. Additionally, Minnesota has plans to expand its EV charging network.
