Camping Trips 2018

May 4-6, 2018 William O'Brien State Park:
Rolling hills surrounded by fields, woods, ponds and fishing lakes make this park popular for hikers, anglers, canoeists, swimmers and campers. Reserve at www.dnr.mn.us/state_parks/reservation, one year in advance.

 
May 25-28, 2018 (Memorial Day Weekend) Bunker Hills Campground:
Located in Coon Rapids, the campground offers 72 secluded and shaded sites, ranging from the rustic to modern with water and electrical hookups. There is one group site that can accommodate up to 30 people, using tents, with water and electricity hook-ups. The campground does offer 2 camper cabins as well. Reservations can be made at www.anokacounty.us/910/camping.


June 15-17, 2018 Bemidji State Park:
This park is the perfect playground any time of year, offering visitors swimming, boating, fishing, birdwatching, hiking, camping, biking, picnicking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and year-round naturalist-led activities. Hikers can explore the beauty of a tamarack bog carpeted with showy lady's slippers, pitcher plants, dragon's mouth, grass pink, and insect-eating sundews. Most flowers are blooming in the bog during late spring and early summer. Reserve at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/reservations.html


July 13-15, 2018 Temperance River State Park:
Take the trail that winds along the edge of the Temperance River gorge and enjoy the rushing waterfalls surrounded by pine, spruce, cedar and birch forests. The rapidly flowing river has cut deep potholes in and along the riverbed. Hike the trail to Hidden Falls or connect up with trails into the Superior National Forest and the Cross River Wayside. Visitors come to camp and picnic along the shore of Lake Superior. Winter brings snowshoers and snowmobilers to tackle the hilly terrain. Carlton Peak, a recent addition to the park, is popular with rock climbers and offers even more recreational opportunities to park visitors. Reserve at www.dnr.mn.us/state_parks/reservations, one year in advance.


August 17-19, 2018 Gull Lake Recreation Area:
Gull Lake Recreation area offers something for everyone with boating, hiking, fishing and swimming in Minnesota's famous Gull Lake, the largest of the 10 lakes on the Gull chain. Visitors will have the opportunity to see and hear an abundance of wildlife like bald eagles, deer, otters, a variety of songbirds and the legendary call of the loon. Federal park with a 6 month reservation window. Reserve at www.recreation.gov.

September 14-16, 2018 Myre Big Island State Park:
This park has something for everyone. The trails take visitors around wet lowlands, oak savanna, and grasslands. Albert Lea Lake and park marshes draw hundreds of waterfowl during migration. Oak savanna and prairie landscape, including wetlands, dominate most of the park. One of the more unique aspects of the park is the 116-acre Big Island, covered with maple/basswood forest. Another is the glacial esker located in the northeast section of the park. Reserve at www.dnr.mn.us/state_parks/reservations, one year in advance.


October 12-14, 2018 Frontenac State Park:
Located on the Mississippi River, Frontenac is a birdwatcher's paradise. It's one of the best spots in the country to view birds migrating in the spring and fall. More than 260 species of birds have been recorded here. No wonder: Lake Pepin's diverse habitats -- bluffland, prairie, floodplain forest and upland hardwood forest -- attract numerous warblers, hawks, waterfowl and shorebirds. Hikers and skiers enjoy spectacular views of this beautifully wooded river valley. Fishing, swimming and boat tours are all available nearby. Reserve at www.dnr.mn.us/state_parks/reservations, one year in advance.

As many of you know Minnesota State Parks have a one year in advance reservation system. Wisconsin State Parks have an 11 month in advance reservation system. Federal camp grounds, such as Gull Lake, have a 6 month in advance reservation system. If you do not have a reservation already made, do not hesitate to try to get a site or let us know in case someone has to cancel the use of their reservation. Please do not cancel a site before checking with the club as it makes good sense to give someone interested an option to buy it from you.

Sally Jenner has agreed to be our camping coordinator once again for next season.  She will, with your assistance, keep track of who is going to various camp outs and site numbers for those who wish to know. You can send your information to her at sallyjenner@aol.com or call her at 651-717-5832.