New Payment Policy Now In Place For Minnesota State Forest Campgrounds
Peak camping season is fast approaching in Minnesota, and that's great news to a lot of people, considering that over 1.1 million people reportedly enjoy camping overnight in state parks annually.
Peak camping season in Minnesota runs from late May through early September, with July and August being the busiest and warmest months. Demand is highest during holiday weekends like Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day. The fall color season, from mid-September to early October, is also very popular.
Camping in Minnesota state forest campgrounds is a budget-friendly option. Campers don’t need vehicle permits in state forests. A state forest campsite costs $17 per night. Equestrian campsites for campers with horses are $22 per night.
In the past, Minnesota campers who enjoyed state forest campgrounds would first occupy their site and then pay. However, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently announced that campers should prepare for a new policy to be in effect this year.
New Policy Announced for Minnesota State Forest Campgrounds
The Minnesota DNR says that beginning in May 2026, it is introducing a “same day pay then stay” model for camping in state forest campgrounds. Under this new model, campers will pay for their campsite before occupying it, rather than occupying a site first and paying afterward.
The change was implemented after analyzing the input from state forest campers during a 2025 survey. The data showed state forest campers prefer online payment to other options by a wide margin, and 80 percent were willing to pay before arriving at the campground.
When asked how far in advance they plan a state forest camping trip, 24 percent plan the same day, and 49 percent plan between one and seven days in advance.
The DNR says the new model gives campers the ability to confirm a campsite before they arrive while still supporting the spontaneous trips they desire. It also expands access to online payment, allowing campers to pay from any location with cell service or Wi-Fi.
How To Pay For Your Campsite
The 53 state forest campgrounds in Minnesota offer a more rustic camping experience than state parks and recreation areas. There are no electric campsites, and only rustic toilet facilities are available.
Campers can check online before their arrival for availability within a campground and pay on the same day they plan to occupy a campsite.
It's important to note that same-day advance payment does not reserve a specific campsite; site selection is still on a first-come, first-served basis upon arrival at the campground.
Payment is handled through the Yodel Portal, the same online payment platform that has been used for state forest camping since 2023.
Here's how it works:
- Pay the fee using the Yodel Portal. Some campgrounds have limited cell service, so paying ahead of campground arrival is encouraged. Cash or check same-day payment can alternatively be made at any state park ranger station during open hours.
- Campers will need to arrive on the same day payment was made.
- Upon arrival at the campground, campers choose an unoccupied campsite.
- Campers fill out the campsite card with the payment confirmation number and attach it to the site post.
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Visitors may camp up to 14 consecutive nights between the first Saturday in May and the second Sunday in September, and 21 consecutive nights for the rest of the year.
Campers may pay for their entire stay on the first day, but must occupy the campsite each night they paid for, unless they choose to vacate the campsite early. If they leave early, the campsite will be open for others to occupy.
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Gallery Credit: Samm Adams