State Parks

Camping is probably not on your mind today (Friday) as we prepare for Christmas. However, the DNR reminds you that you only have through Monday night to reserve your camping site at a State Park, our you'll have to wait until March.

For all those last-minute Labor Day camping trip planners out there, good news. The Department of Natural Resources says there are plenty of state park campsites open around the state.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reports a record day after the state park reservation system reopened following the state's government shutdown. More than 4,100 camping and lodging reservations were made Tuesday, the first day the reservation system was open after the shutdown.

Minnesota state parks resume taking reservations for campsites and cabins at 8 a.m. Tuesday following the state government shutdown. Due to the expected call volume, the Department of Natural Resources recommends going online at www.stayatmnparks.com. Reservations also can be made by phone at 866-857-2757.

The Stearns County parks will still be open for business, even if the State parks are not. Campsites and camper cabins at Lake Koronis Regional Park near Paynesville are available.

You'll have to put your next trip to a state park on hold, if the state government shuts down on Friday. All 66 of the state parks and six recreation areas will have to close.

A government shutdown could disrupt the July Fourth holiday for those planning to use Minnesota's 66 state parks and six recreation areas. More than 3,000 campsites have been reserved in state parks for the holiday weekend.

Minnesota's state parks are offering free admission on Saturday to celebrate National Get Outdoors Day. The Department of Natural Resources will waive the requirement for vehicle permits at all 74 state parks and recreation areas for the day.

If you're planning on camping at one of Minnesota's 72 State Parks, you'd better move fast. The DNR says about 30% of the campsites are nonreservable and are available on e first-come, first-served basis. So, the sooner you can get there today the better.

It's Memorial Day weekend! If you're still looking for something to do on this long holiday weekend, Jim Maurice and Abby Faulkner have come up with another list of "Five Cool Things" to do this weekend.