Itasca State Park Remote Campsites

Open

Open year-round. Reservations required and available up to 120 days in advance through reservemn.usedirect.com or by calling 866-857-2757.

Air Quality Alert issued June 6 at 11:06AM CDT by NWS Grand Forks ND

June 6th, 11:06 AM — 11:00 PM

* WHAT...The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an Air Quality Alert for ozone pollution. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to reach the Orange or Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category. * WHERE...Southern, central, and western Minnesota. * WHEN...Until 11 PM CDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, children and older adults, and people who are active outdoors, may experience health effects. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Ground-level ozone is expected to be high Saturday and Sunday afternoon across much of Minnesota. Mostly sunny skies, warm temperatures, and low humidity will provide a favorable environment for two types of pollutants (volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides) to react with sunlight in the air to produce ground-level ozone. The ozone levels will decrease after sunset Saturday and be lower Sunday morning before increasing again Sunday afternoon. Consider moving outdoor activities outside of the afternoon hours.

About

Itasca State Park, Minnesota's oldest state park established in 1891, offers 11 backcountry campsites for backpackers seeking primitive wilderness experiences. These remote sites are located at scenic spots throughout the park's 32,000+ acres, including shores of Hernando DeSoto Lake, Deer Park Lake, and Iron Corner Lake. Each site sits at least a half mile from parking, accessible only on foot via the park's extensive trail network including a section of the North Country Trail. Each backcountry site features a cleared tent pad, in-ground fire ring, primitive pit latrine, and bear-proof food locker. The sites offer total tranquility deep in the Itasca wilderness, with opportunities to wake to trumpeter swans and explore over 100 lakes within the park boundaries. Reservations are required year-round and can be made up to 120 days in advance through the Minnesota DNR reservation system. The park is open year-round, including winter backpacking with proper reservations.

Directions

From Park Rapids, head north on US-71 for approximately 21 miles. The park entrance is on the left. Remote campsites require hiking at least a half mile from designated parking areas within the park.

Amenities

Water
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $23

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (218) 699-7251

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

Availability

Community Posts

No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!