Updated at: 09/03/2009 8:29 AM | KSAX.com
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Campsites Still Available For Labor Day Traveling

(DNR) - With about 30 percent of the reservable campsites not yet spoken for, and another 25 to 30 percent of campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis, there’s a good chance campers can still find a spot to pitch a tent at a Minnesota state park during Labor Day weekend.

Four of the Minnesota state parks with at least 15 reservable sites available are within 100 miles of the Twin Cities. They are:

-Minneopa State Park (Mankato), which has a beautiful double waterfall.

-Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area (Jordan), which includes a multi-use trail that runs parallel to the Minnesota River, an ideal spot for hiking, biking and inline skating.

-Myre-Big Island State Park (Albert Lea), where visitors enjoy canoeing, kayaking and birdwatching on Albert Lea Lake.

-St. Croix State Park (Hinckley), the largest Minnesota state park, with an extensive trail system, a fire tower that visitors can climb, two scenic rivers, and canoe rentals.

For those willing to drive farther, the following Minnesota state parks also have at least 15 reservable sites open: Blue Mounds, Camden, Kilen Woods, Lac qui Parle, Lake Bronson, Lake Shetek, Red River State Recreation Area, Scenic, Schoolcraft and Zippel Bay.

Campsites are also available at other Minnesota state parks, but in more limited numbers.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) advises anyone planning to camp over the holiday weekend to make reservations as soon as possible by calling 866-85PARKS or 866-857-2757 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily, or by visiting .

Those without reservations will increase their chances of getting one of the nonreservable campsites by arriving at a state park by Thursday morning. Additional campsites open up on Sunday as weekend visitors begin to head home. It’s always best to call ahead to find out how many sites are open.

Can’t camp overnight? Then consider spending the day hiking, biking, paddling and geocaching. Following a change in state law that went into effect July 1, many state parks also allow fishing without a license. A daily vehicle permit is just $5. Annual permits, which are $25, provide unlimited access to Minnesota state parks for a full year from the month of purchase.

For details on Minnesota’s state parks, including descriptions of each park’s scenery, wildlife and recreational opportunities, call 651-296-6157 or toll free 888-MINNDNR (646-6367), or visit www.mndnr.gov.