With 11,842 lakes, the North Star State is a surprise hit for beach campers.
Beach breaks and lakeside getaways abound in landlocked Minnesota, and the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” has no shortage of sandy shores to pitch your tent or park your RV. Enjoy tranquil lakeside camping at Devil Track Lake with easy access to the hiking trails of the Superior National Forest, camp at rustic backpack sites by the swimming beach at Afton State Park, or check into the campground at Father Hennepin State Park (Pro tip: sites 1-7 have lake views), which has one of the few sandy beaches on Lake Mille Lacs. Private campgrounds dot the North Shore of Lake Superior, where you can rent a beachfront cabin, pitch a tent right on the sand, or escape into the woods to cozy up in a treehouse or glamping tent. Summer is the best time for beach camping, especially if you want to swim, but spring and fall are ideal for hiking, bird-watching, and fishing.