Best Of MN: Campgrounds

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- There are as many places to camp as there are ways to do it.

Although Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is a bit of a drive from the Twin Cities, it's worth the trip.

"You're in the Northwoods of Minnesota, and you're on a lake shore," said park manager Audrey Butts. "It's the best part of Minnesota as far as I'm concerned."

With just 20 campsites, Split Rock isn't as big as other nearby state parks. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in scenery, whether you want to skip stones on the beach, hike, bike or watch the birds.

"When you have a landscape like this, people like to use it," Butts said.

Swimming, on the other hand, probably isn't the best idea.

"I think of this lake kind of as a toaster," Butts said. "So, if you think you're going to get in and swim, it'll just pop you right back out."