New ATV Campground, Accessibility Upgrades Coming to Minnesota State Parks

Minnesota is rolling out a series of significant upgrades across several state parks this year, including the development of its first all-terrain vehicle (ATV) campground and improvements aimed at enhancing accessibility, safety, and the overall camping experience. 

The renovations are part of a broader modernization effort funded by a $150 million allocation passed in 2023.

One of the projects is the Pyrite Campground, set to open this fall across Highway 169 from Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park. 

Located on a newly designated 400-acre recreation area, the campground will offer 24 pull-through sites measuring 90 feet by 15 feet, showers, and an ATV wash station to help prevent the spread of invasive species.

According to an article published by Star Tribune, Jim DeVries, assistant manager at the park and project leader, said the campground will connect to the Prospectors Trail network, which links destinations such as Ely, Babbitt, Embarrass, Tower, and Soudan. A soft opening is possible in September. 

William O’Brien State Park in Marine on St. Croix will also debut accessibility upgrades this season. The park’s Riverway Campground will reopen on May 2 with more wheelchair-friendly campsites and improved layouts. 

One site now features an elevated tent pad with a ramp, and a new shower building is scheduled to open on June 1.

Additional improvements at William O’Brien include a larger swimming beach on Lake Alice with a mat for water access, new picnic facilities, and a floating dock with roller bar ramps to ease canoe and kayak launching. 

At Tettegouche State Park near Finland, a new pedestrian bridge will be constructed over the Baptism River.

Made of weather-resistant fiberglass, the bridge will restore access to the High Falls trail and is expected to be completed by late November. Portions of the park, including the group campsite and trailhead parking, will be temporarily closed during construction.

In Sibley State Park, the Lakeview Campground on Lake Andrew has been redesigned to increase campsite size and improve stormwater drainage. The number of sites has been reduced from 71 to 41, with 40 offering electricity. 

Glendalough State Park recently completed a new 2-mile stretch of paved trail between Sunset Lake and the park entrance, creating a 12-mile loop that connects with the city of Battle Lake. A new trail center offering bike rentals is expected to open by mid-June.

The improvements across Minnesota’s park system align with findings from the inaugural Camper Compass Report, titled “Boosting Camper Stays: Key Strategies to Revive Campground Reservations.”

The report emphasizes the importance of upgraded amenities in increasing bookings, noting that features such as modern shower facilities and quality infrastructure contribute to more comfortable stays and attract a broader range of visitors.