Minnesota is one of the most relaxing RV destinations in the Midwest — from the dense northern forests to the pastoral southern farmlands, this charming state is the perfect place to get away from it all. Rent an RV from the most popular cities in Minnesota, and spend your days kayaking, biking, or hiking. As you're planning, start your RV search in three popular areas: Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Rochester, and Duluth. Each city is easy to access, conveniently located, and packed with RV rentals.
In Minnesota, you can choose from a wide range of small and large RVs. Average prices usually start around $100 per night and most models fall between $100 and $150. Of course, if you're looking for luxury amenities like slide-outs and entertainment areas, you can find plenty of upgraded RVs in the $200-$250 range.
Many of the RVs you'll find for rent in Minnesota come from Forest River RV. Select from a wide range of models to suit your outdoor style. Some popular options for smaller groups are the pop-up Rockwood Freedom or Flagstaff campers. Light and compact, these campers are easy to pull behind a smaller SUV. If you're after more space and luxury, check out the Cherokee, Georgetown, or Sunseeker models from Forest River.
Located on the eastern side of central Minnesota, Minneapolis and Saint Paul are the state's largest cities. With downtown areas that are just 12 miles apart, these cities are often regarded as a single, large metro area — you'll often hear them called the "Twin Cities". The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport offers regular service, and the region is well-served by public transportation; if you're flying in, it's a breeze to get to your RV rental. From here, it's an easy drive to any Minnesota attraction.
If you're planning to explore the rolling hills of southern Minnesota, Rochester is a fantastic place to rent an RV. Home to the world-famous Mayo Clinic, this bustling city also offers a wide selection of restaurants and entertainment venues. A short drive to the east, you'll find the Mississippi River. Head west, and you'll find a variety of campsites on the many lakes near Mankato.
For cool weather, dense forests, and some of the most beautiful waterways in the United States, rent your RV in Duluth. It's the gateway to the remote north shore of Lake Superior. Camp deep in the trees, or pull your RV into a site overlooking the cool, refreshing water. Rich in history and wilderness, this region is ideal for summer and fall camping.
Minnesota is home to just one national park: Voyageurs National Park. When you're traveling in an RV, the park is best visited in the summer or fall months since it's located near the Canadian border, and winters bring extremely cold temperatures and heavy lake-effect snow. During the warmer months, the park is a wonderful spot to get off the grid. Explore more than 200,000 acres of clean, cold water, deep forests, and beautiful rocky shores. Make sure to step out of your RV after dark; the remote location is free of light pollution, so the stars shine brightly overhead.
Keep in mind that all of the campsites in Voyageurs National Park are boat-in only. You can find a variety of RV-friendly campgrounds on the shores of Kabetogama Lake. From here, it's a quick drive, hike, or boat ride into the national park.
Located between Minneapolis and Duluth, Banning State Park is home to a historic sandstone quarry. It's a popular place for kayaking and canoeing the Kettle River. If you're interested in the excellent boating and fishing in the Brainerd Lakes region, stop by Crow Wing State Park and tour the historic 1800s-era buildings.
Thinking about driving the North Shore? Book a campsite at the lovely Gooseberry Falls State Park, which is known for its beautiful waterfall and a campground overlooking Lake Superior. While you're there, drive up to check out the state's tallest waterfall at the day-use Grand Portage State Park near the Canadian border. This park also offers fascinating exhibits about the Grand Portage Ojibwe people and the region's fur-trading history. Another great North Shore option is Tettegouche State Park, which is known for its soaring cliffs and world-class rock climbing. If your RV is winter-ready, this state park offers year-round camping.
In central Minnesota, Glacial Lakes State Park is known for its spring-fed lake and excellent fishing. At Glendalough State Park, you can fish on Annie Battle Lake; this park offers year-round camping. Experience Minnesota and Wisconsin at Interstate State Park.
In southern Minnesota, visit the peaceful Blue Mounds State Park to hike through the prairie and enjoy the views of Eagle Rock.
Whether you're interested in the remote, cool shores of Lake Superior to the warm, pleasant lakes near Rochester, Minnesota offers a wide variety of campgrounds that are suited to RVs. The vast majority are easily accessible for both large and small motorhomes — Minnesota is known for its relatively gentle terrain.
If you're starting your vacation in the Twin Cities area, spend a few nights nearby to explore all that the region has to offer. The St. Paul East RV Park offers plenty of amenities, including full hookups and wireless internet. You can also check out Dakotah Meadows RV Park, which is a short drive from Minneapolis and St. Paul. Both options make a great home base for day trips to the Mall of America.
Explore northern Minnesota from the many campgrounds near Duluth. From the riverside Indian Point Campground to the lovely Burlington Bay Campground on the shores of Lake Superior, there's an option for everyone. Campgrounds in the Duluth area are particularly beautiful in the fall when the leaves change color.
You'll find other great campgrounds scattered around the state. Experience one of Minnesota's legendary 10,000 lakes at Pete’s Retreat Family Campground & RV Park, which sits close to Mille Lacs Lake. Near Bemidji, the Royal Oaks RV Park provides lovely sites tucked into a forest.
Many areas of Minnesota are lightly populated, especially in the remote northern regions. Before you get on the road, get your RV ready with a stop at one of the handy dump stations in Minnesota. Some options are run by municipalities, so you can pay a small fee to empty your tanks. State parks are another great place to look for dump stations, even if you're not booked into the campground. In some Minnesota parks, including Camden State Park, dump facilities are free. Keep in mind that since this state experiences very cold winters, many dump stations close in late fall.
Minnesota State Fair: Every summer, this enormous fair takes over the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in Minneapolis, offering family-friendly rides, games, food, and entertainment.
Dragon Festival: Visit St. Paul in July for this colorful festival, which celebrates the many different Asian cultures with a presence in the region. The name comes from the dragon boat race that's the highlight of the festival.
St. Paul Winter Carnival: Make the most of the cold winter weather at this frosty festival, which happens every January. From parades to kids' games, this festival has something for everyone.
Between trips to Minnesota's national and state parks, why not spend some time exploring the many landmarks and monuments that are scattered around the state? The best sites offer scenery and a fascinating dive into the rich and storied history of the region.
Learn about mining history at the Mountain Iron Mine, a National Historic Landmark that lies north of Duluth. This open-pit mine ran from 1892-1956; now, it's filled with water. Enjoy beautiful views from Mountain Iron Locomotive Park. Then, drive to the Split Rock Lighthouse, which sits high on a cliff overlooking Lake Superior. This iconic landmark served as a safety beacon for ships until 1969. Today, it's open to visitors. If you're coming by RV, these sites are best visited from spring through fall — winter brings heavy snow and frigid temperatures.
Minnesota has long been home to indigenous people. Some of the most fascinating sites are located at the Kathio Site, which has 19 different archaeological sites dating back to 3,000 BC. Continue your exploration of the state's Native American traditions at Pipestone National Monument, where local tribal groups have been quarrying red stone for sacred pipes for generations. For a lesson in more recent history, visit the Andrew Volstead House museum to learn about Minnesota's ties to Prohibition.
On average expect to pay $156 per night in Minnesota.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Minnesota?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Minnesota from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Minnesota?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
Do you need a special license to drive an RV in Minnesota?No. You don’t need a special license or CDL to drive an RV in Minnesota.