Get Camping!

Lake Country's natural summer beauty and warm weather are tailor-made for camping. So gather the family and spend a few days in the great outdoors.

Here in Minnesota, it's easy to use the Internet to find just the right campsite. You can even do some last-minute trip planning—although impromptu outings might be more difficult to coordinate during busy holidays (like the upcoming July 4th weekend).

These three websites are a great place to start.
• You can research and reserve campsites in state parks through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website.
• You can also conduct online research of Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds throughout the state.
• An online search of campgrounds through the state's tourism office, ExploreMinnesota.com, is also quick and easy.

And if you're concerned that your camping skills are a bit rusty, consider enrolling in one of the DNR's I Can Camp! Workshops, scheduled through August. These overnight sessions, conducted by trained staff, offer outdoor activities for kids and adults, like nature walks and geocaching, plus hands-on experience with basic outdoor skills like setting up tents, starting campfires, and cooking outdoors.

Wherever you choose to camp in Lake Country, have fun and enjoy nature's bounty. If you have a favorite campground or outdoor activity, please share with our readers. Just register or sign in and leave a comment.