 January 2025
Cozy Winter Escapes ❄️😊
From cozy camper cabins to winterized yurts, join us for a warm, comfortable, and unforgettable stay at a Minnesota state park this winter. Whether you’re looking to ski in and out of your cabin, wake up to frost-covered forests, or simply enjoy the peace of a crackling fire, Minnesota state parks offer the ultimate winter escape. Pack your gear and get ready to experience the beauty of a state park in its quietest, coziest season!
 📷: Aaron Reichow, camper cabin at Jay Cooke State Park
 Planning Your Overnight Adventure
Pro-tips for the coziest stay ever
Winter adventures take preparation, but the rewards are worth it. Here are a few key tips to keep in mind:
❄️Book early: Camper cabins, yurts and suites are always very popular. View availability on our reservation website.
❄️What's provided: Be aware of what amenities are available during your stay. Camper cabins and yurts require you to bring your own bedding, whereas guest suites do not. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with amenities before packing. Visit the park's website or call the park office for more information.
❄️Water access: Check the park website or reach out to park staff to confirm where water will be available. Some bathrooms and spigots will be shut off for the winter. Know where your closest option is during your stay.
❄️Check weather: Before you head out, check the forecast. Knowing if it will snow or be extra chilly will help you prepare and have a more comfortable visit.
❄️ Dress in layers: Choose moisture-wicking materials and bring extras to stay dry. Don't forget a hat and gloves! View more tips on dressing for winter.
❄️ Plan your meals: High-energy foods like nuts, cheese, and warm soups can help keep you fueled.
❄️ Stay active: Cross-country skiing, hiking, or even building a snow shelter will keep you warm and engaged.
 Your Perfect Winter Getaway
Explore the variety of overnight options available
 📷: Lily Lee, yurt at Afton State Park
Whether you’re seeking rustic charm or modern comforts, there’s a spot for everyone to enjoy the season at Minnesota state parks.
Camper cabins provide a warm and simple retreat, offering the perfect balance of comfort and nature. Many are equipped with heating, bunk beds, and outdoor fire rings for roasting marshmallows under the stars.
Looking for something unique? Try staying in a yurt, which offers an off-the-grid experience with a touch of whimsy. Heated by a wood stove and insulated, yurts are a great way to explore the outdoors while staying toasty.
For those who prefer modern amenities, many state parks offer cabins and guest suites that deliver all the comforts of home. These accommodations generally include heat, private bathrooms, and even fireplaces, perfect for warming up after a day on the trails.
If you’re a traditionalist, winter camping is still an option! Many state parks offer drive-in campsites or backcountry spots for a true winter adventure.
Ready to plan your winter escape? Explore the handy lodging map on the DNR website to see what options are available at your favorite parks. Whatever you choose, Minnesota’s winter wonderland is waiting!
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Cozy Camper Cabins
The perfect home base for winter adventures
 📷: Camper cabin at William O'Brien State Park
When the snow blankets Minnesota, there's no better place to cozy up than a camper cabin in a state park. These heated, rustic retreats offer the perfect balance of comfort and adventure, providing a warm home base for your winter explorations.
Equipped with heat and electricity, many camper cabins are available year-round in Minnesota state parks. Located near popular winter trails and scenic overlooks, these cabins make it easy to enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or simply unwinding in the beauty of nature. Parks like Jay Cooke, Big Bog, Mille Lac Kathio, Bear Head Lake, and Wild River all have winter cabin options making it possible to enjoy the beauty of the season without sacrificing comfort.
Inside the cabins, you’ll find simple yet functional amenities like bunk beds, tables, and benches—perfect for settling in with a warm drink after a day outdoors. Most cabins also come with a fire ring and picnic table outside, giving you the option to toast marshmallows or gather around a crackling fire under the stars. Bring your bedding, cookware, and sense of adventure.
For families, camper cabins offer a unique opportunity to bond while exploring winter’s quiet wonders. Younger kids will love spotting animal tracks in the snow, and parents can enjoy a peaceful evening away from the hustle of everyday life.
Itasca State Park Expands Offerings
A winter adventure hub with many overnight options
 📷: Headwaters Inn at Itasca State Park
Itasca State Park has transformed into a true winter adventure hub, offering incredible opportunities for both seasoned cold-weather enthusiasts and first-time winter travelers. Whether you’re looking for cozy lodging, invigorating outdoor recreation, or a unique camping experience, Itasca has something to make your winter getaway unforgettable.
Stay Your Way
From traditional winter camping to modern comforts, Itasca offers a variety of options to suit every adventurer. Stay at Pine Ridge Campground with drive-in electric campsites perfect for easy access to ski and snowmobile trails, or embrace the wild side with remote backcountry campsites you can ski or snowshoe to.
For a more modern stay, book one of the Four-Season Suites or a room at the Headwaters Inn, both offering ski-in/ski-out access. Families and groups will love the charm of Bert’s Cabins, complete with wood-burning fireplaces, outdoor fire rings, and even pet-friendly options. View all lodging options at Itasca State Park on our website.
Hit the Trails
Explore the Twinkle Light Trail, a magical, illuminated loop trail perfect for a short nighttime adventure under the stars and twinkling lights. For longer treks, Itasca offers groomed trails for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Stop by the Forest Inn, where you can rent snowshoes or skis, warm up by the fire, and connect with the park’s vast winter trail system.
This winter, make Itasca State Park your destination for adventure, comfort, and unforgettable memories!
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Winter Camping in State Parks
How to stay warm and have fun
 📷: Don and Kathy Wood, winter camping at Tettegouche State Park
Winter camping might sound daunting at first, but for those who embrace the challenge, it can be one of the most rewarding ways to experience Minnesota’s natural beauty. From crisp, quiet nights under the stars to the satisfaction of mastering the cold, winter camping in Minnesota state parks offers a truly unique adventure.
Did you know 20+ Minnesota state parks offer winter camping opportunities? Whether you're a seasoned camper or a beginner, winter camping can be as simple or adventurous as you’d like. Some parks, like Tettegouche State Park, even offer workshops to help new campers learn the basics of staying safe and comfortable in the cold.
Workshops at Tettegouche State Park
Since 2015, Tettegouche State Park hosts a day-long winter camping workshop for beginners in February. Led by interpretive naturalist Kurt Mead, the workshop provides step-by-step guidance on everything from dressing for the weather to building snow shelters like a quinzhee—a kind of snow cave that can stay surprisingly warm inside. It’s also a chance to experiment with different options, such as using a “hot tent” with a small wood stove.
For anyone who decides they’re not quite ready for the full experience, workshops are great because they’re led in a controlled environment with experienced staff on hand. Plus, there’s always the option to retreat to a nearby heated building for the night!
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The Rewarding Side of Winter Camping
While winter camping may be more physically demanding than its summer counterpart, it offers a rare sense of peace and accomplishment. “Winter camping helps us jar ourselves out of winter hibernation mode,” Kurt explains. “Twenty-four hours without indoor heat is a rewarding experience.” There's nothing quite like crawling into a warm sleeping bag after a day of hard work, hearing nothing but the crunch of snow underfoot and the wind in the trees.
Ready to Try It?
Winter camping is available at state parks across Minnesota. Be sure to check park-specific details before heading out, as water access, restroom availability, and plowed campsites vary by location. For first-timers, it’s always a good idea to call the park ahead to confirm conditions.
Want to learn more? Visit our website to see which parks offer winter camping, or check out the Winter Camping Workshop at Tettegouche State Park on February 8, 2025. With the right gear, preparation, and mindset, winter camping can become your next great adventure!
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Why Winter? ☃️
Unbelievable sights only available in the winter months
❄️ Frosty fields
Blankets of fresh snow transform Minnesota’s prairies and open spaces into breathtaking frosty fields. State parks like Blue Mounds, Glendalough and Glacial Lakes offer stunning views of glistening snow-covered landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see.
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🧊 Interesting ice formations
From Lake Superior’s icy shores to frozen bubbles on lake surfaces, Minnesota’s winter creates unique and dazzling ice formations. Explore parks like Split Rock Lighthouse or Scenic State Park for a closer look at these natural works of art.
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