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| McCarthy Beach State Park is north of Hibbing |
It's already been a season of high demand for the popup in the last few weeks with folks taking mostly weekend trips. But yesterday a renter in August canceled her reservation. Why? She couldn't find a campground.
It's hard to tell whether this is a growing problem, or whether people are trying to jam in a few "popular" spots and state parks while ignoring the rest. But anecdotal data surrounding the end of the pandemic at leasts suggests the demand for campground locations is outstripping their availability.
Coupled with a possible state shutdown, the post July-1 period could be rough for people who want to get away.
And that's another thing: Is it even possible to get away anymore at campgrounds?
I'm a big fan of Minnesota State Parks, not only because they're beautiful, but because they're respectful of the need for space. The private campgrounds? Not so much.
So a short article in today's St. Paul Pioneer Press is worth noting.
Too many campgrounds, it notes, are basically like Target parking lots with people jammed right into each other's personal spaces. This is even worse for people using pop-ups because the people who need to have air conditioning, satellite dishes, and a full-sized living room (the land yacht people) tower over their neighbors like midtown Manhattan skyscrapers.
Choosing the right place to camp requires plenty of research, which should begin in mid to late winter.
So campsitephotos.com seems to be a promising tool. You can look up what a campsite looks like before you decide whether it's for you.
The site is separated into state park sites available for Minnesota and a list of private campgrounds. But there are few pictures for the private campgrounds.
The site also has a Campground Assist function, which texts you when there are available sites. I can't vouch for whether it works.
If you plan on camping, I urge you to find a camping spot first, then book the Dutchman.
