Banning Campground

Star4.53
137 reviews
P.O. Box 643, Sandstone, MN 55072
Great Hiking

Quick Facts

1,119 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

34 campsites

Season

All Banning State Pa...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

ElectricShowers

Opens Minnesota State Parks (Minnesota DNR) site

Official Website
Get Directions
Banning Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Reservations require a non-refundable reservation fee (call center $10 / web $8). Specific nightly camping rates are not listed on the park page. The...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Minnesota State Parks
Provider
866-857-2757
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What Campers Say

4.53

Top-Rated

Based on 137 reviews

136 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiethiking

"Visitors praise the park’s trails, river scenery, waterfalls and quiet, wooded campsites; reviewers also note well-kept sites and clean restroom facilities when services are available. Common visitor complaints focus on heavy mosquitoes in certain seasons and intermittent water/shower availability."

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Campground Map

P.O. Box 643, Sandstone, MN 55072

Banning Campground

P.O. Box 643, Sandstone, MN 55072

Driving directionsPark is located just minutes off I-35 near Sandstone (follow park directions on the official park page).
Accessible from I-35 (near Sandstone).

Best Time to Camp at Banning Campground

The prime camping window stretches from spring's first green shoots through the golden days of mid-November, with reservations available starting April 1st. Spring brings rushing high water and wildflowers, summer offers perfect river conditions, and fall transforms the gorge into a palette of reds and golds. Planning a visit during the quieter shoulder seasons of early spring or late fall? The ranger station keeps limited hours from November through April, so it's wise to call ahead and confirm services before you arrive.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5
Below Average

Peak season for hiking and riverside trails; reviews (avg 4.52, 122 reviews) are strongly positive.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5
Below Average

Mixed hardwoods imply strong fall color and continued good hiking opportunities.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5
Below Average

Spring offers trails and riverside scenery, but wet/slick conditions may affect access to some features.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5
Below Average

No winter-specific details; Minnesota winters limit some activities though trails may be used for snow sports.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: All Banning State Park campsites are reservable from April 1 to mid-November.

About Banning Campground

Nestled along the rushing Kettle River near Sandstone, Banning State Park Campground puts you right at the heart of Minnesota's dramatic sandstone country. Wake up to the sound of rapids, explore ancient quarry ruins, and hike to thundering waterfalls—all from your basecamp among towering rock formations. With both electric and non-electric sites plus a cozy camper cabin available from April through mid-November, you'll find the perfect spot to experience this rugged river gorge.
Reservable campground open spring through mid-November with a mix of electric and non-electric sites and one camper cabin; sites are described as long but with narrow turning radii for backing in.
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Best Campsites

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Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
  • Individual campsites (state forest campground guidance) are designated for up to 8 people and 2 camping shelters
  • group camp capacity noted as up to 50 people.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Popular base for hiking and river recreation along the Kettle River corridor; other activities include paddling, picnicking and nature/photography outings.
HikingExtensive trails access the Kettle River, Wolf Creek Falls and the historic sandstone quarry loop—short hikes from the campground lead to falls, rapids and scenic river gorges.
Boating
Wildlife viewing
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe Kettle River contains turbulent rapids—exercise caution for water users. Campground notes indicate long sites exist but the turning radius to back into them is narrow; check site specifics with the park office.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Banning Campground

Reviews

4.5
137 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Banning Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Visitors praise the park’s trails, river scenery, waterfalls and quiet, wooded campsites; reviewers also note well-kept sites and clean restroom facilities when services are available. Common visitor complaints focus on heavy mosquitoes in certain seasons and intermittent water/shower availability.
Review Summaries
Based on 137 reviews

What Campers Love

Excellent hiking (river trails, falls and quarry loop), scenic Kettle River rapids and gorge, generally quiet and wooded campground, and proximity to river recreation including paddling and rafting...
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Based on 137 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring insect repellent and drinking water; call the park office to confirm current shower/water status and to ask about specific site suitability (turning radius and site size); purchase firewood at...
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Based on 137 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Mosquitoes were horrendous…bring the best repellent you can buy.” — “Water was shut off for the season, but the grounds were well kept, the camp tables were sturdy, and the bathrooms were...
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Based on 137 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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