Starting in May 2026, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is introducing a “same day pay then stay” model for camping in state forest campgrounds. Under this new model, campers will pay for their campsite prior to occupying it instead of occupying a site first and paying afterward.
Input from state forest campers during a 2025 survey prompted this change. Data showed state forest campers prefer online payment to other options by a wide margin, and 80 percent were willing to pay before arriving at the campground. When asked about how far they plan a state forest camping trip in advance, 24 percent plan the same day, and 49 percent plan between one and seven days in advance of their trip.
This model gives campers the ability to confirm a campsite before they arrive while still supporting the spontaneous trips they desire. It also expands access to online payment, allowing campers to pay from any location with cell service or Wi-Fi.
Campers can check online prior to their arrival for availability within a campground and pay on the same day they plan to occupy a campsite. Same-day advance payment does not reserve a specific campsite; site selection is still on a first-come first-served basis upon arrival at the campground. Payment is handled through the Yodel Portal, the same online payment platform used for state forest camping since 2023.
Here’s how it works:
1. Pay fee using the Yodel Portal (yodelportal.com/mndnr). Some campgrounds have limited cell service, so paying ahead of campground arrival is encouraged. Cash or check same-day payment can alternatively be made at any state park ranger station during open hours.
2. Campers will need to arrive on the same day payment was made.
3. Upon arrival at the campground, campers choose an unoccupied campsite.
4. Campers fill out the campsite card with payment confirmation number and attach it to the site post.
Visitors may camp up to 14 consecutive nights between the first Saturday in May and the second Sunday in September, and 21 consecutive nights for the rest of the year. Campers may pay for their entire stay on the first day but must occupy the campsite each night they paid for unless they choose to vacate the campsite early. If they leave early, the campsite will be open for others to occupy.
The 53 state forest campgrounds in Minnesota offer a more rustic camping experience than state parks and recreation areas. There are no electric campsites, and only rustic toilet facilities are available.
Camping in state forest campgrounds is a budget-friendly option. Campers don’t need vehicle permits in state forests. A state forest campsite costs $17 per night. Equestrian campsites for campers with horses are $22 per night.
More information about Minnesota state forest camping is on the DNR state forest webpage (mndnr.gov/state_forests/camping.html).
