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After years of roadtripping throughout Minnesota, RV life started to become more appealing to me as I felt like my partner and I were living out of our suitcase. Pair that with the popularity of #vanlife across social media, and we decided to make it a reality.
Now a year on the road, I’ve figured out which parks are worth the drive, what gear you actually need, and how to navigate everything from mosquito season to dump station etiquette.
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1. plan ahead
If you’re dreaming of camping next to Gooseberry Falls or watching the sunrise over Lake Itasca, be ready to plan early. Minnesota’s state parks — especially along the North Shore and near the Brainerd Lakes area — fill up fast on weekends and holidays. I’ve learned to mark my calendar for when reservations open (120 days out!) and keep an eye on cancellation tools like Campnab or the DNR's reservation site for last-minute openings. The latter also has a handy ParkFinder tool.
The beauty of camping is it is ever-changing and most reservations allow you to cancel within 48 hours, meaning you can change your own plans or have the benefit of snagging a last minute cancellation. I set reminders on my phone, consistently check the website, or call the park offices to scope out cancellations of popular parks. If the park you want is booked, consider nearby options like a state forest campground or even a county park.
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2. check the route
Driving Highway 61 along the North Shore is bucket-list-worthy, but it’s not without its quirks; tight curves, steep grades, and narrow shoulders mean you’ll want to go slow and steady. Same goes for heading into parks like Bear Head Lake or Temperance River, where winding roads and forested routes require extra attention.
I always check for height restrictions, construction detours, and weather before I hit the road. A good RV GPS or apps like RV Life can help avoid surprises, especially when you're towing or driving a big rig through backroads.
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small towns are flexible with availability and give you a chance to explore local gems.
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3. pick the right size rig
Not all Minnesota parks are created equal when it comes to campsite size. Some have tighter, more rustic sites nestled in the woods (Jay Cooke, Tettegouche), while others offer wide, open spaces perfect for larger rigs (Sibley, Lake Shetek). If you’re just getting started, think about where you want to go first, how long you’ll be camping, and how many people are joining, then choose an RV that fits the experience.
For us, we knew we wanted to travel full-time, which meant having ample space, amenities, and storage that would accommodate us for longer stays. We ended up with a 37-foot Class A Motorhome.
If you’re a weekend warrior or part-time camper, a Class B (also known as a camper van), or even a travel trailer is a great option for squeezing into wooded state parks and smaller spaces. Another popular option for families, especially for renting for a summer vacation, is a Class C RV. It’s a great option for first-timers who want to get a feel for the RV life!
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4. embrace small towns
Some of the best camping experiences I’ve had in Minnesota have been at quiet county parks tucked into small towns. Spots like Timber Shores in Redwood Falls or the charming lakeside campground in Battle Lake offer that same “getaway” feel without the competition of state parks. They’re usually more flexible with availability and give you a chance to explore local gems like historic downtowns, community festivals, or lakes that aren’t on everyone’s radar.
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Lizanne Dooner is a full-time RV traveler and content creator with a passion for uncovering the hidden gems of the Midwest. She’s always on the hunt for a great local coffee shop, loves supporting small businesses, and shares her adventures from the road — one scenic stop and strong brew at a time. |
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from top to bottom: Cass Lake in Chippewa National Forest on the Leech Lake Indian Reservation, photo by Paul Vincent | William O'Brien State Park in Marine on St. Croix, photo by Paul Vincent | The Simpsons RV gif | 37-foot Class A Motorhome, photo by Lizanne Dooner | Class A Motorhome campsite, photo by Lizanne Dooner
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This article has been edited for length and clarity.
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