 August 2025
 đ·: Cottonwood Campground in Bowstring State Forest
Discover Minnesota's State Forests
When most people think about getting outdoors in Minnesota, state parks often come to mindâand for good reason. But tucked all across the state are 60 state forests that offer a quieter, wilder, and often more spontaneous way to explore. This month, we're shining a spotlight on these incredible public lands and all they have to offer.
Whether you're pitching a tent at a non-reservable campground, saddling up for a ride on a horse trail, or hitting the beach for the day, there's something in state forests for every kind of adventurer. With over 4 million acres of forested land to roam, itâs time to rediscover the joy of taking the road less traveled.
 Minnesota State Forests đČ
Branch out in Minnesota's 4 million acres of state forest.
 đ·: White Earth State Forest
Minnesotaâs 60 state forests are some of the most versatile public lands in the state, offering far more than just a beautiful backdrop for your next outdoor adventure. These forests provide opportunities for camping, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, paddling, OHV riding, and winter recreationâall with a little extra elbow room and a quieter, wilder feel than a typical state park.
Love to go where the day takes you? State forest campsites donât require reservations, making them ideal for last-minute getaways and spontaneous weekend escapes.Â
Beyond recreation, state forests play a critical role in preserving Minnesotaâs natural heritage. They provide large stretches of forested habitat where native plants and wildlife thrive, providing migration corridors and shelter for species like black bear, moose, and ruffed grouse. These forests also help protect our lakes and rivers, filtering water, preventing erosion, and supporting healthy watersheds.
State forests are actively managed for sustainability and conservation, balancing recreation, wildlife habitat, and timber production. They also serve as living laboratories, where researchers study forest health, wildlife, and the impacts of climate change to inform future management. This careful stewardship ensures these lands remain healthy and productive for generations to come.
If you love state parks, consider branching out and exploring a state forest. State forest maps are a great guide; many are available as downloadable GeoPDFs. With fewer crowds, more rustic charm, and wide-open space to roam, state forests offer a different kind of outdoor experience.
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 đ·: Thistledew Lake Campground in George Washington State Forest
No Reservation â No Problem! đïž
Spontaneous camping adventures await at state forests.
State park campgrounds fill up each year during the summer and fall, but state forests offer another camping experience waiting to be explored. State forest campsites are first-come, first-servedâno need to worry about reservations. Show up and claim your spot!Â
Minnesotaâs 40+ state forest campgrounds offer a more rustic experience than state parks. You wonât find organized nature programs, modern facilities like showers or flush toilets, and only a few campgrounds have hosts. However, most still provide the essentials: a cleared campsite with a fire ring, picnic table, vault toilet, garbage cans, and access to drinking water. Campsite fees are required and help support cleaning, maintenance, and basic services.
In select campgrounds, off-highway vehicles (OHVs) are permitted to ride directly to and from their campsite. For more information on where riding is allowed, visit the OHV access to state forest campgrounds page. Horseback riders can also enjoy the convenience of riding into camp with state forest horse campsites, which provide basic amenities such as picket lines and compost bins for manure.Â
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Group campsites in state forests come with amenities such as a picnic table, fire ring, and vault toilet. These campsites are designated for larger groups of 12 or more people and can accommodate multiple tents. The sites are popular for family gatherings and scout groups.Â
If youâre looking for more of a wilderness experience, far from others and with no amenities, dispersed camping is for you. Set up camp at least one mile outside of designated campsites or campgrounds on state forest land. Dispersed campers can camp in any suitable site that already exists or any opening in the woods. This more primitive experience requires extra knowledge and extra responsibilities â are you up for it?
Hit the Trails đ§
Thousands of miles of trail await in state forests.
Minnesota's state forests are home to some of the best outdoor trails in the state. Miles of trails accommodate every kind of activity from mountain biking to off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails and horseback riding. Find your next rugged path, and don't forget to share the trail!
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State forests provide horse trails with miles of winding paths perfect for horseback riding. These trails are ideal for riders who want to enjoy the outdoors at a more leisurely pace. You can even stay overnight with your horse in a state forest at designated campgrounds! Horse trails are open year-round, but only maintained May 1 to November 1. Don't forget to pack your Horse Pass! A Horse Pass is required on all state horse trails.
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Explore trails that twist and turn through dense woods. Mountain biking is permitted on all state forest roads and trails unless posted closed, with the exception of Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State forest, where mountain bikes are permitted only on designated trails. State forest roads can range from asphalt to gravel, maintained to minimal maintenance road surfaces. Some roads and trails may cross wetlands that will limit mountain bike use. These trails cater to a range of skill levels, from beginners looking for gentle routes to experts seeking a challenge.Â
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For those looking to take their off-roading skills to the next level, some state forests offer a network of OHV trails. The trails are designed for ATVs, OHMs, and other off-road vehicles, allowing riders to explore the forest's more remote areas. OHVs are also permitted in certain state forest campgrounds. Ride into the wilderness and enjoy an adrenaline-packed experience, complete with mud, hills, and scenic views. An OHV registration or out of state trail pass is required to ride on all OHV trails. Please remember to tread lightly, and stay on the trail!
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With more than 20,000 miles of groomed trailsâmany weaving through state forestsâyouâll find plenty of room to rev your engine and ride in Minnesota. State forests provide expansive snowmobile trail networks that connect to nearby communities and regional systems. When snow conditions allow, Grant-in-Aid trails open December 1 through March 31 each year.Â
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  Simple Steps to Stop Invasive Species đ±
Help protect Minnesota's native ecosystems. Â
In Minnesota, weâre lucky to have no shortage of places or ways to explore and play. Part of what makes our landscapes so wonderful is the diverse native species that call them home. You can help protect your favorite places by not spreading invasive plants, which can disrupt native landscapes, impact our ability to enjoy our favorite recreation â and even be harmful to our health.
What is an invasive species? Itâs not just a weed. According to Minnesota statute, an invasive species is a nonnative species that 1) causes or may cause harm economically, environmentally or to human health; or 2) threatens or may threaten natural resources or the use of natural resources in the state.
Common invasive plants you might recognize include common buckthorn, leafy spurge, common tansy, garlic mustard, and many more.
What can you do?
You can help reduce the spread of invasive species in state parks, forests and trails by staying on designated roads and trails. Walking or riding off-trail increases your chances of passing through patches of invasive plants, where seeds or plant fragments can stick to your clothing and gear and be carried to new areas. Staying on trail can limit that risk.
Cleaning gear like boots, tents, and clothing also helps prevent the spread of invasive species. Be sure to clean all equipment thoroughly after use, removing any seeds or plant material. Use boot brush stations at trailheadsâor carry a small brush with youâto quickly clear away dirt and debris before you head home.
Explore more ways to prevent the spread of invasive species based on the activities you enjoy on the DNR website.Â
 Bonfire Bliss, Without the Wildfire Risk
Practice fire safety while camping.
Thank you for being safe with campfires this summerâyour diligence is greatly appreciated! But wildfire season isn't over yetâŠ
Fall is traditionally a dry time of year, which means a second wildfire season in Minnesota. Keep up the effort to be safe with anything that can cause a spark:
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Check fire danger conditions and burning restrictions before lighting a match.
đ„ Only use established fire rings at campgrounds or picnic areas. When dispersed camping, choose a level area away from vegetation, scoop out a depression in the center of the area, and put a ring of rocks around the fire.
đ Always watch your campfire. Never leave a fire unattended.Â
đ» Park vehicles â including OHVs â away from grass or vegetation, where hot exhaust systems could spark a wildfire.
đ§ When youâre done, make sure the fire is out before leaving. Drown-stir-repeat until it is out COLD. If a campfire is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave.
đ» Remember: only you can prevent wildfires!
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