McFarland Lake Campground is located in the Grand Portage State Forest. Photo: MN DNR

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - April 14, 2026

Beginning in May 2026, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced it will implement a new payment structure for state forest campgrounds. The "same day pay then stay" model requires campers to pay for their campsite before occupying a space, rather than arriving and paying afterward. While campers will be required to pay in advance of arrival, this new model does not reserve a campsite, and locations remain available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The implementation of this new payment method is the result of feedback collected during a 2025 survey of state forest campers. According to the MN DNR, data showed that 80 percent of campers expressed a willingness to pay before arriving at a campground. Additionally, 24 percent of campers reported planning to visit a state forest campground the same day, while 49 percent plan between one and seven days in advance of their trip.

The DNR shared that the new payment model aims to bridge the desire to confirm a campsite before arrival while still supporting the "spontaneous trips" campers desire.

The online payment platform runs through the Yodel Portal, used by the DNR since 2023, which requires campers to have access to cell service or Wi-Fi to pay. Campers must pay the fee online on the same day they plan to occupy a site. For those without internet access or in areas with limited cell service, the DNR suggests paying before arrival or visiting a state park ranger station to pay via cash or check during business hours.

Upon arrival at the campground, visitors select an unoccupied campsite and fill out a campsite card with their payment confirmation number, which must then be attached to the site post.

According to the DNR, campers may pay for their entire stay on the first day, but must occupy the campsite each night they paid for. If a site is vacated early, it will be opened for other visitors to occupy. 

The cost to camp in one of the 53 designated Minnesota state forest campgrounds is $17 per night for standard sites and $22 per night for equestrian sites for campers with horses. These sites are considered "rustic," with no access to electricity and limited toilet facilities. 

This new payment method affects all designated state forest campgrounds in Minnesota. Within Cook County, this includes the following four locations:

• Devilfish Lake Campground (Grand Portage State Forest): 4 rustic sites with a boat launch.

• Esther Lake Campground (Grand Portage State Forest): 3 rustic sites accessed via hiking or boat.

• McFarland Lake Campground (Grand Portage State Forest): 5 sites at the end of the Arrowhead Trail, serving as a BWCAW entry point.

• Twin Lakes Campground (Pat Bayle State Forest): 3 primitive campsites with a boat ramp, dock space, and mooring buoys located off Lima Mountain Road.

This change does not impact any U.S. Forest Service (USFS) campgrounds.