Banning Campground

Closed — Closed for the winter season. The campground typically operates from April or May through mid-November. Reservations can be made through the Minnesota DNR reservation system.

About

Banning State Park Campground sits along the Kettle River in east-central Minnesota, just minutes from I-35 near Sandstone. The campground features 33 drive-in sites positioned in wooded areas that provide privacy and shade. Eleven sites include electrical hookups for RVs, with a maximum length limit of 50 feet. The campground serves as a base for exploring the park's 17 miles of hiking trails, whitewater rapids, and historic sandstone quarry sites. The park is renowned for its spring whitewater rapids, including Blueberry Slide, Mother's Delight, Dragon's Tooth, and Hell's Gate, which attract experienced kayakers and canoeists. In addition to the drive-in campground, the park offers canoe campsites spaced along the Kettle River for paddlers seeking a more primitive experience. A paved bicycle path connects the park to the Willard Munger State Trail, providing access to 70 miles of recreational trails.

Directions

Banning Campground is located off Interstate 35 at Exit 195 (Finlayson/Askov Exit). After exiting, follow the signs to the campground, which is approximately 0.25 miles west of Banning State Park.

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