St. Croix State Park is located in the Mille Lacs Uplands, in eastern central Minnesota. Carved by glaciers, this area is coming to life again after being devastated by logging and farming. Lush sugar maples crowd the forest landscape, which opens out onto savannas and marshlands. Canoeing enthusiasts frequent the area for the calm waters of the St. Croix and Kettle Rivers.
There are sites for campers who truly enjoy "roughing it," without electricity and water hook-ups, as well as more connected sections of the campground for those with RVs. A community spigot provides guests with potable water, and the park has bathrooms with showers and flushing toilets.
St. Croix State Park
30065 Saint Croix Valley Rlwy
Hinckley, MN
(320) 384-6591
stayatmnparks.com
A huge swath of dense forest covering 1.6 million acres and spanning 3 counties, Chippewa is home to 1300 lakes and "The Lost Forty," an area missed by loggers and so boasts trees over 350 years old. The park is a veritable wonderland of nature, with rare species of woodpecker, and a sizable population of bald eagles.
There are twenty-two serviced campsites within Chippewa National Forest, any of which can be reserved for a nominal nightly fee. Each of five areas appeals to different types of campers, some near a number of hiking trails, while others are situated lake-side for abundant fishing. Electric and water hook-ups are included in the price, and there are dumping stations. Bathroom facilities with hot water abound. The park itself is full of clearings designated suitable for "remote camping," without facilities or amenities; these areas are free of charge.
Chippewa National Forest
Supervisor's Office
200 Ash Avenue NW
Cass Lake, MN 56633
(218) 335-8600
fs.fed.us/r9/forests/chippewa
Formed during the last ice age, Albert Lea Lake is a shimmering oasis ringed with maple, elm, and basswood trees. The beach is popular with those interested in water sports, hiking trails surround the campsites, and Myre-Big Island is a birdwatcher's paradise. It is also home to a rare glacial esker on the north end of the park.
Each campsite has a fire-ring for grilling and fires, and the dump station is never more than a couple of miles away. Bathroom facilities are within walking distance of each plot, and many sites are fully shaded by trees and come with picnic tables.
Myre Big Island State Park
19499 780th Avenue
Albert Lea, Minnesota 56007
(507) 379-3403
dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/myre_big_island/index.html
