The best camping near Banning State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Banning State Park adventure.

100% (4 reviews)
100% (4 reviews)

From white-water rafting to rock climbing—thrills are easily found at this state park.  

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Banning State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Banning State Park

98%
(107)

The Wooded Retreat/breakfast/spa

4 sites · Lodging8 acres · Pine City, MN
Situated just 3 miles from the interstate, our retreat offers the tranquility and beauty of a state park while being conveniently accessible and private with comforts of home! Prepare to be mesmerized by the stunning grounds featuring rolling hills, towering white pines, and a variety of deciduous trees. Immerse yourself in nature's beauty with ponds and trails scattered throughout. Discover an abundance of flowers and wildlife that call this haven home. On our 9 acres we have 5 private ponds, 3 unique cottages ; and a vintage safari tent on a platform! With all of our cottages (sorry not the tent) we provide a breakfast basket in your refrigerator. For ALL guests on the Wooded Retreat we now have a Spa Cottage! (State of the art exercise equipment and a two person infrared Health sauna) Each space is strategically placed on the property to provide utmost privacy and beauty. Welcome to the Wooded Retreat and don't forget to bring your camera and binoculars!
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$85.50
 / night
93%
(37)

Off Grid Lakeside Yurt

1 site · Lodging24 acres · Sandstone, MN
Your yurt overlooks Tamarack Lake. You will have privacy tucked away in the pines with your own setup of kitchen, picnic area, fire pit, and wood fire tub. A hand pump well with delicious clean water is available as well as a personal composting toilet within view of your yurt, through the trees. Our cabin is about 80 yards away and we are always happy to answer questions and lend a hand. Your yurt comes with a small kitchen that includes a two burner stove, grey water sink, pots, pans, dish ware, and utensils. French press, kettle, coffee and tea are provided. You are also welcome to use the outdoor wood fired cooking set up. The yurt has a wood fire stove that keeps the space toasty year round. Firewood is included for your stay. There is no electricity or running water but we provide a lantern and water inside the cabin. We have a small cast iron wood fired tub that overlooks the lake just outside your yurt! If interested let us know and we can assist. This is a great location for each season. With your booking you will have access to the canoes and our dock. Tamarack Lake is wonderful for fishing panfish, pike, and smallmouth. Come fish any season! You can enjoy yourself exploring via canoe or relaxing with a book at our dock! With nearly 10,000 acres of state land out the backdoor and many trails, adventuring can always be done no matter the season. We enjoy hiking, snowshoeing, backcountry xxsking, and hunting depending on the time of year. It is a big property, but sometimes there are crafting classes, such as basketry, wild food education, hide tanning, etc. While most weekends are quiet around here if you’re looking for privacy feel free to check in with us to make sure we are not hosting classes during your stay. We are looking forward to having you at the lake! Also there are more pics on Instagram @hex_and_strand Thanks =)
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$115
 / night
99%
(240)

The Jubilee Homestead

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Stanchfield, MN
Our family at The Jubilee Homestead is looking forward to another great camping season in 2024! This small hobby farm is where I (Esther) grew up and now my husband Joel, our four children, and my parents, are developing it into a self-supporting farmstead and event venue as we raise chickens and Nigerian dwarf goats, and grow a pick-your-own elderberry field. Our oldest son loves to plant and manage a small market garden with our campers in mind, so depending on when in the season you come, you may find some garden treasures to take home! We offer a single site for off-season and winter camping for longer visits at a discounted rate. Please reach out for more information if you're interested. What you can expect when you camp at The Jubilee Homestead: Free firewood Free 20amp electricity hookup at all sites (not enough to run A/C, plenty for everything else) Free water Free farm fresh, free-range eggs to collect yourself in the mornings plus more for sale when available. Free access to broomball court and equipment in barn loft Rustic trail around back of property about 1/4 mile long Playground Dishwashing sink Campers are welcome to enjoy The Milk Room which is our Lounge and Farm Store. You'll find self-serve coffee, hot cocoa, and other options available for purchase, including fresh garden produce when available. There is a microwave, places to sit and visit, and even a game table. Joel and I have co-authored several books (under the pen name J.E. Ribbey) which are also available in the Farm Store. We have an American post-apocalyptic thriller series and a historical fiction series for middle grade readers about the American Revolutionary War. We have a nice, fully private outdoor shower with hot water available for $2.50/shower. Guests can pay on-site via our posted QR codes or cash box. We have Nigerian dwarf goats, chickens, and geese. We also have several apple trees, cherries, and elderberries. We're also available for other events like birthday parties, intimate weddings, and group gatherings at our gazebo and/or 20ft x 40ft party tent. As a homeschooling, home business building family, there is usually a project or two always in the works to join in on if you feel so inclined or just sit back and enjoy the peace of clean air and loving goats! Several lakes in the area provide numerous options for fishing, boating, and hiking. And nothing beats those evening country road walks while agate hunting! Other area attractions include Mini golf in Cambridge, public aquatic center with water slides in Mora, and several state parks an hour or less away.
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$25
 / night
98%
(25)

Holiday Road

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · Isle, MN
Enjoy unforgettable sunsets over Lake Mille Lacs, painting the sky with vibrant hues. Step onto the sandy beach from your campsite and surround yourself with the soothing sounds of nature and the lapping of the lake's waves to help you unwind and connect with the outdoors. We have kayaks and paddle boards available, as well as a dock for fishing and swimming fun. We are close to Father Hennepin (closed for repairs) and Kathio State Parks, where you can enjoy wildlife and hiking. There is a bowling alley in town along with a city park. Local fishing launches are available and ATV rentals with nearby trails provide even more opportunities for adventure. There are also boutiques and shopping in Isle as well as nearby towns of Wahkon and Aitkin. End your days with a cozy campfire and stargaze under a clear night sky. We have three campsite spots, a rustic one-room sleeping cabin with a sawdust loo, as well as a guest cabin with a bathroom and shower. There is also an outhouse on site. Adding to the welcoming atmosphere, are two friendly dogs – Frank, a Goldendoodle, and his sister/sidekick, Lucy, a Mini Goldendoodle. They roam freely on part of our property with the help of an invisible fence. Feel free to shew them away if they get in your business. On this property you can have your pets off leash but please contain your pet as you see fit with other pet personalities. Sometimes, like humans we don't all get along. Please clean up after them as they roam the property and respect others campers/neighbors spaces. Please respect others space and keep your dog within your sight at all times. When we camp, we value privacy, and we'll ensure the same for you. Upon arrival, please head directly to your campsite or cabin. We can communicate through messaging to assist you with anything you need. Enjoy your stay! ***Campers must back campers in from the tar (Vista Rd). Guests will need to be self contained, take waste with them and leave no trace. ***Seasonal Winter Camping Guests starting October 14th water will be shut off*** Seasonal winter camping is a unique experience, quite different from the usual camping trips you might be used to. In this setup, there won't be any running water or indoor toilets, so you'll need to rely on an outhouse or bring your own portable toilet for your bathroom needs. Since the water systems are shut off during winter, you'll have to bring your own water supply or melt snow for drinking and cooking. On the plus side, there is a space heater provided for those booking a stay in the Hygge Hus, which will help keep you warm. You'll definitely want to dress in layers and have good insulation to stay comfortable. One of the best things about winter camping is the solitude—you'll likely have the whole place to yourself, as not many people choose to camp in the cold. It can be a peaceful and serene experience, perfect for those who enjoy the quiet and beauty of winter landscapes and of course ice fishing and other activities. Just be prepared for the challenges that come with the cold weather! ***Attention Summer Guests: Swimmer's Itch Prevention*** During the warmer summer months, please be aware of the potential for swimmer's itch in our lake. To help prevent it, follow these guidelines: 1. Apply Water Repellent Substances: Use petroleum jelly, waterproof sunscreen, or other skin oils (put a layer of something between them and you). These can help reduce the ability of the Cercariae to penetrate your skin. 2. Dry Off Immediately: As soon as you get out of the water, dry off with a towel. Do not let the water evaporate off your skin, as this can increase the risk of swimmer's itch. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy swimming in our beautiful lake with less worry. Stay safe and have fun!
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$40
 / night

The best camping near Banning State Park guide

Overview

About

Rocky gorges, waterfalls, and forested riverbanks set the scene for adventures in Banning State Park. Grab your canoe, kayak, or raft and tackle the gnarly rapids of the Kettle River—Blueberry Slide, Hell’s Gate, and Dragon Tooth are famous for their thrilling hairpin turns and dramatic scenery. Afterward, hit the trail to explore Banning Sandstone Quarry, Wolf Creek Falls, and Robinson’s Ice Cave; scale 40-foot cliffs overlooking the river; or bring your snowmobile or skis for a winter excursion. Campers can snag a spot at the small campground, pitch a tent at the five canoe-in campsites, or check into the camper cabin.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. You can reserve one of the park’s 33 campsites (11 with electric hookups) in advance via the Minnesota State Parks website. Watercraft campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis only. 
  2. Campsite reservations open 120 days in advance, and same-day bookings are possible. 
  3. Campsites can book up as fast, especially on summer and holiday weekends. Book your spot as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

When to go

Paddling season at Banning State Park runs from April through September, and the park can get busy, especially on weekends. Parking fills up quickly, so plan an early morning or late afternoon arrival to secure a spot. Banning State Park Campground is open from April through mid to late November. Winter visits are equally enjoyable with options for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, but expect minimal facilities if you visit in the off-season.

Know before you go

  • Banning State Park is set 93 miles north of Minneapolis or about a 1.5-hour drive away. 
  • Vehicle permits are required for all Minnesota state parks, in addition to camping reservation fees. Permits can be purchased in advance via the Minnesota State Parks website. 
  • Park facilities include a gift shop, vault toilets, and picnic areas. Flush toilets and showers are available at the campground in season only. 
  • There are accessible campsites, restrooms, and picnic areas at Banning State Park.

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