The DNR is urging those interested in campsites at Minnesota state parks to reserve a spot in advance – ideally, online, as we head into the first major holiday weekend of 2016.

Parks that had at least a dozen campsites still available for the entire three-day weekend (as of May 16) include:

• Hayes Lake State Park in Roseau, which has a boardwalk through a bog and offers a variety of water recreation, including fishing, swimming and canoeing.
• Kilen Woods State Park in Lakefield, where visitors can hike along the tranquil Des Moines River and find views of the river valley from Dinosaur Ridge Overlook.
• Lac qui Parle State Park in Watson, where visitors can fish for catfish and walleye and explore the “lake that speaks” in a canoe or kayak.
• Lake Bronson State Park, north of Thief River Falls, with the world’s largest jack pine, an observation tower and a swimming beach.
• Red River State Recreation Area in East Grand Forks, where reasons to visit include biking, fishing and campsites with full hookups.
• Rice Lake State Park in Owatonna, a quiet spot to hike or paddle not far from the Twin Cities.
• Schoolcraft State Park in Deer River, where visitors can canoe, fish and picnic amid a virgin pine forest.
• Zippel Bay State Park, on Lake of the Woods, a scenic destination for swimming, fishing and boating.

Additional options are available for one- or two-night stays, for campers willing to hike or paddle to their site, for people camping with friends and relatives who want a group site, and for horse riders seeking equestrian sites.

Previously, up to 30 percent of the sites at various parks were only available on a first-come, first-served basis. In response to customer feedback, the DNR eliminated that option, and made all campsite reservable.

More improvements:

• Same-day reservations are now available, with no reservation fee.
• Vehicle permits can be purchased in advance, online or by phone.
• If you arrive at a park without a reservation, visit www.mndnr.gov/reservations to check availability and make a reservation.
• Those who already have their vehicle permit and reservations when they arrive do not need to stop and check in at the office.

To see which parks still have campsites open for Memorial Day weekend: www.mndnr.org/reservations.

To see a complete list of sites available statewide, select “Campint & Lodging,” click the green “Search All Parks” box, then enter desired arrival date.

For more information, contact the DNR Information Center at info.dnr@state.mn.us or 888-646-6367 between 8 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

By — Brenda Mak

News Reporter in Bemidji