Banning Campground

The Great Outdoors

Book one of the RV rentals in Pine County, and start your adventure by heading for St. Croix State Forest near Hinckley. The forest is divided by two rivers, the St. Croix and the Tamarack; the refuge is a great location for accessing the St. Croix State Canoe Route and an ideal destination for hiking. There are also trails for mountain bikers and ATV riders, but some trails are designated for hiking and horseback riding only, so be cautious and watch for posted signs.Mille Lacs State Wildlife Management Area is a multi-use area that provides timber resources through selective logging, habitat for local wildlife species, and outdoor recreation for the general public. The landscape is made up of forest tree stands, wetlands, and bogs, while some areas around the refuge are agricultural (producing corn and hay). The area is open for hunting and trapping, with the appropriate licenses, and for camping during hunting season (contact the park administration for details). There are miles and miles of hiking trails for you to enjoy, and you can also picnic within the park and take the opportunity to engage in nature and wildlife photography.Take the Sandstone camper rental to Mille Lacs Kathio State Park near Onamia to tour this National Historic Landmark, important for both its history and its archeological discoveries. The park has an interpretive center which has exhibits and nature education programs; you can start here to learn more about the park or make your own self-guided program (remember to bring a camera). While you're here, you can hike the many trails that dissect the park, enjoy the swimming beach, or rent a canoe or kayak and head out onto the water bodies (the Rum River, Ogechie Lake, or Shakopee Lake). The park is a prime opportunity to engage in wildlife viewing with bald eagles, hawks, deer, and coyote being just some of the wildlife species on hand.

Exploring The Area

Minnesota has a long and interesting history, so while you're camping at Banning State Park, you should try to experience some of the local culture. Sandstone is a pleasant village with a country music theater hosting live acts; you can enjoy their popcorn while listening. It has an ice park located in a former quarry; this is a popular destination for rock climbers (in the summer) and ice climbers (in winter). The local Audubon Center is where you can learn about nature as you enjoy it; it has a sky ropes course, a lake where you can rent a canoe, an archery range, and more. If hunger is becoming an issue, several restaurants can help to satisfy your appetite.Willow River is another small community with a few restaurants on hand (a cafe and a pub restaurant); the cafe is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus brunch on the weekends. You can dine in or ask for takeout, and the interior is ADA accessible. The pub restaurant is situated in a motel and has live music and weekly food specials.Finding a campground that is close to both natural and human-made attractions is how you create the perfect camping vacation; park your rental motorhome in one of the campsites at Banning Campground, and you'll be in a prime position for exploring this scenic area.