Banning Campground

About

Located just minutes off I-35 near Sandstone in east-central Minnesota, Banning State Park Campground provides a peaceful wooded retreat along the Kettle River. The campground features 33 drive-in sites spread through a forested area, with 11 sites offering electric hookups. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and fire ring with grill for cooking. A modern restroom and shower facility serves campers during the operating season. The park also offers a camper cabin with a full-size bed and three twin beds for those seeking more shelter, plus four primitive canoe-in sites along the Kettle River for paddlers. The Kettle River, Minnesota's first state-designated wild and scenic river, runs through the park with dramatic Class II-IV rapids that draw experienced kayakers and whitewater enthusiasts. Beyond camping, visitors can explore the remains of the historic Banning sandstone quarry, hike trails through striking rock formations and pine forests, fish for smallmouth bass and northern pike, or simply enjoy the scenic overlooks above the river gorge.

Directions

From I-35, take Exit 195 (MN-23) east toward Sandstone. The park entrance is approximately 4 miles east on the north side of MN-23.