u/GDWhiskeyBoy

This park is quickly becoming a favorite. Earlier in the spring I was at site 3 and it was very nice but I tried out site 6 on a rainy evening in October. The walk is about a mile on easy trails and I wouldn’t even call it a hike. Finding a flat spot for anything bigger than a 2 person tent would be difficult. There is a proper bear box, table and fire ring, along with a walled in pit toilet a short hop back up the trail. The beavers were a bit noisy in the small lake which is right there. There is a steep little trail down to the water if needed. This park is close enough to the twin cities for a quick excursion but faint traffic can be heard at night.
Overall, 10/10, would recommend.

I was at this site in the first heatwave of summer and did not enjoy so I thought I’d give her another chance. This trip was infinitely better and I was able to enjoy the tough trail and the tiered campsite.

Truly enjoyed a trip this weekend. My teenage son enjoyed learning about fur trapping and the portage route. Site K is under a mile from the campground, which can be heard over the water. There is a three sided shed with firewood, table, fire pit, clean enough pit toilet and great surrounding paths. The dog enjoyed a quick romp in the water and we got to listen to beavers being busy during the night. The rangers we spoke with were lovely and very helpful. Bugs weren’t too bad, either.
If only I had remembered my sleeping bag🥶
The main trail is easy, mown grass and the shorter path to the site is quite uneven with roots, rocks and 1 downed tree to climb over.

Being out with my dog requires a 2p tent that is not fragile. I currently use a Sea to Summit Telos. What are your favorites?

Over the weekend I was backing and the trailhead area was quite busy with visitors. Some of the area had a rocky scramble and I had to wait for a while to scramble down with the dog as we had to take the whole width of the trail. A couple decided to come up while we were halfway down and I just had to stop and stare at them until they realized they blocked us in. Also a few trail runners swept by, going up and down while we stepped to the side.
Did I do the right thing?
Pic for tax.

I’ve been backpacking for the last 18 months or so, I find it feels safer than being in a campsite with neighbors. Until now I’ve never been more than a mile or two away from the car, easy to bug out if things go south.
Yesterday, my dog and I hiked just over 4 miles into a more remote place. It was physically hard and I almost turned back a couple of times. I persevered.
Set up, ate dinner, and had an okajish night of sleep. It was great!
Now for breakfast and hiking back out, on sore legs.

The last two overnights with the dog and he doesn’t use the pad I bring for ground and in tent. He’d rather lie in the long grass or the closed cell pad in the tent.

Had an overnight walk in site booked at my favorite state park. As soon as I got onto trail the swarm of flies and mosquitoes attached themselves to my dog and I. We persevered through the heat and swarm and had a perfect, clear night with no fly on the tent. Great stargazing!

Had an overnight walk in site booked at my favorite state park. As soon as I got onto trail the swarm of flies and mosquitoes attached themselves to my dog and I. We persevered through the heat and swarm and had a perfect, clear night with no fly on the tent. Great stargazing!

So glad that I splurged and bought a new H2O filter! Doggo was so thirsty. I was supposed to have someone with me but they couldn’t make it. I never felt uncomfortable due to having the dog with me.