Minnesotans like to plan ahead, which means that a lot of campsites at the most popular state parks have already been reserved for summer weekends in 2018. But if you're willing to take the road less-traveled, consider staying at one of the 11 state parks that had at least 75 percent of their campsites go unused during the prime camping season (mid-June to mid-August) last year. Why the light use? Reasons vary from park to park, but include limited amenities (no flush toilets or showers) or recreational opportunities (no hiking trails) and a longer distance from the Twin Cities or other population areas.
If those are not obstacles for you, here are the state parks by region where you are most likely to find an open spot:
North: Zippel Bay (Williams), Schoolcraft (Deer River), and Franz Jevne (Birchdale).
Central: Monson Lake (Sunburg).
Southwest: Kilen Woods (Lakefield); Camden (Lynd), and Upper Sioux Agency (Granite Falls)
South: Fort Ridgely (Fairfax), Lake Louise (near Le Roy), and Rice Lake (Owatonna).
JEFF MORAVEC
