New two-for-one midweek camping special available this fall at Minnesota state parks

The Minnesota Department Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Parks and
Recreation today announced a new two-for-one camping promotion where
customers who camp one night, Sunday through Thursday, will get the next
night free. The offer is good in October and November.

"The fall color season always brings visitors out to enjoy the scenic
beauty of our state parks," said Courtland Nelson, director of the DNR
Division of Parks and Recreation. "Fewer bugs and mosquitoes also add to
the benefits of fall camping."
Nelson added that if the string of good weather continues, he expects
state park campgrounds will continue to see good business this fall.

"Weekends usually are very busy in the fall, but after Labor Day,
midweek business slows down, " Nelson said. "We would like to encourage
more midweek use of our campgrounds and hope visitors will take
advantage of the 'two for one' camping this fall."

The promotion offers campers an opportunity to buy one night's camping
and get the next night of camping free. The nights must be consecutive,
in the same park, and must occur between Sunday and Thursday. The free
night applies for a campsite of the same price.
If customers choose to change to a more expensive site the second night,
they must pay the difference.

The promotion applies to most state parks and includes campsites in
horse camps, group camps, rustic sites, semi-modern sites, full hookup
sites, electric sites and remote sites.

The promotion does not apply to camper cabins, group centers, lodging,
campsites in state forest campgrounds or to parks where camping is not
available after Labor Day. That list includes Carley, Hayes Lake, Kilen
Woods, Lake Louise, Monson Lake, Old Mill, Red River and Schoolcraft
state parks. Camping will not be available at Judge Magney State Park in
November. Also, campgrounds in some state parks that are holding special
deer hunts will be temporarily closed for a few days in November.
Visitors are asked to call ahead to the park or check the special deer
hunt information on the DNR Web site for details and dates.

Customers who already made midweek reservations in October will receive
a refund for the second night of camping when they arrive at the park.
Camping is first-come, first-served; no reservations are needed or taken
for state park camping after Nov. 1.

Some shower and modern restroom facilities close for the season in late
September or early October; facilities in other parks remain open until
late in October or until a hard or continued frost occurs. Rustic
conditions and fees apply when water lines are drained and modern
restrooms are closed for the season. All parks, however, have vault
toilets available for use year-round.

Visitors who have questions about camping fees, facility availability,
fall colors or other seasonal information should check the DNR Web site
at www.dnr.state.mn.us. Specific information about conditions at all
state parks will be listed on each individual state park Web page under
"Seasonal Updates."

Questions also can be directed to the DNR Information Center at (651)
296-6157 or toll free at 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367).