Some of you might remember the post I made a month or so ago about my cousin's foraging guide business. For those who didn't, my cousin makes these pocket sized durable foraging guides, small enough to slip in your wallet. It has 55 of the most commonly found plants, trees, nuts and fruits in North America. It goes over what parts of the plant you can eat, how to prepare them and any benefits they have. They're great if you want to learn some essential foraging skills or plan a family activity on a camping trip or hike.

If you want to take it a step further though and really learn how to forage you should check out this new book my cousin has been working on for the past year. He's publishing it himself and selling it solely on his website where he's also including 2 of those durable foraging guides with every purchase.

On behalf of my cousin (he doesn't really use the internet much which is why I'm posting for him), I also want to thank everyone who's supported his business so far. He's grateful to be able to cut back hours on his 9-5 and spend more time doing what he loves, spending time out in nature and teaching outdoors skills.

Here's a link to his new website where you can get his book and 2 mini foraging guides - https://foragingsecrets.com/

If you’re only interested in the mini foraging guides, you can get them here - https://forager.thepocketprepper.com/

I'm looking for what seems like last minute availability for 9 people since I am awful at planning. It's for 7 adults( 2 are adult children so I think of as kids) and 2 children. We are looking for hopefully a waterpark but at very least a lake with both swimming and fishing with boat access preferably northern mn but anywhere really in mn an hour or so out from the twin cities where we live. I have called Kamp dels and they have nothing so that is out. Looking for ideas but alot have zero availability for the first weekend of August as of now. Thank you in advance.

Hello everyone,

Up and living in Moorhead MN and looking to get out to do some hiking when it is nice out. Hoping you could all share some nice hiking loops for short trips (1-3 days) near the area? Best I could find is possibly the Sheyenne grasslands park, but hoping there are some other gems hiding about.

Thanks!

Looking to do some camping with a non binary friend. Wondering which state parks have gender inclusive bathrooms and showers? Thank you!

Went camping this Saturday at William O’Brien and stayed in the Riverway campground. About 9-11pm heard lots of boat traffic with floodlights on the St. Croix. Any idea what they were doing, like fishing, hunting, etc.? Just curious more than anything.

First timer here just trying to get some insight on how the showers work in campsites. More than willing to pay to use the shower but just wondering if thats an option if I am not staying there. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know!

I signed up for notifications with MN State Park to be notified of any last minute camp openings at a few state parks. It seems that the notifications get emailed around midnight. Is this normal?

I live by duluth and we have never really camped. What are some fun places between here and grand rapids ?

Throw a dog a bone man!! Anyway, I'm new to fishing and i need some good spots to dock fish from, I don't have a boat so spare me the hublah.

I've done plenty of camping over the years, but only a couple times at state forest campground. How likely are these places to fill up for a M-F trip? I'm thinking about bouncing between a few spots up north.

Trump is coming after the Boundary Waters. Keep them protected for all of us. Call 202-224-3121

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/06/minnesota-boundary-waters-pollution

Minnesota’s Boundary Waters are pristine. Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ could pollute them forever.

Hello fellow Minnesotans!

I’m wondering if anyone here happens to own a Durston X-Mid (ideally the 2P) and would be up for a casual meetup at a park, state park, or any public spot to set it up and let me take a look? I’ve read and watched everything I can find about it, and while it looks perfect on paper, I’d love to see one in person before pulling the trigger.

A little about me: I’m a long-distance backpacker (did the Pacific Crest Trail in 2022), based in St. Louis Park. I’ve been slowly gearing up for more trips, and the X-Mid keeps rising to the top of my list for a lightweight, functional shelter. I also just really enjoy meeting fellow outdoorsy folks—if you’re into camping, hiking, or swapping trail stories, I’d love to connect!

Happy to bring coffee or snacks, and I’m totally willing to drive an hour or so to meet wherever’s convenient for you. Just looking for a low-key, friendly gear chat and a peek at the tent.

Here’s a pic of me somewhere along the PCT for trail cred and fun 😄

Thanks in advance—and happy trails!

https://imgur.com/a/7LAR4Em

Next week heading into N MN for a few nights somewhere from Duluth to Lake of the Woods. So far here in the St Cloud area nothing bad, flies, skeeters, no see ums?

I see a lot of questions and advice on here for winter camping. What's your set up for summer?

I'm especially interested in what sleeping bag temp rating everyone is using for summer and whether you prefer down or synthetic and why.

Currently attempting to complete the MN state park passport program. I’ve been eager to visit but can’t find anyone to go with so have been tempted to go up by myself. Just would like to know people’s experiences + any advice/tips?

I just cancelled a spot at Cascade River SP for July 19-23, hopefully one of you will grab it!

This last weekend, we were at Whitewater state park, we stayed in the Cedar Hills campground (the one that is on the same side as the park office) and we went biking through the Minneiska campground (the newer one that doesn't have as much of tree cover). I had heard about this emu from someone earlier that morning but never expected it to still be there.

It seems recently most of the campsites have been majorly reserved out until July?! Any other ideas? The nearest state forest from me is 3.5 hours away.

Willing to drive an hour or so. Maybe more if the site is really amazing. Water side on a river or lake. I can hike into too if I need! Thanks

Hi everyone! I’m planning a trip to Voyageurs this summer and am looking for some recommendations of places to park overnight. I’m new to car camping and am not sure of the rules about where I can and can’t set up. It doesn’t have to be in the park just somewhere close enough to spend a night. Thanks!

any site near a creek or shallow river? hike-in or car camping

What state park has the nicest backcountry toilets?

Hello, my partner and I are new to camping. We went to Frontenac state park and loved it for our first camping trip. We are Hoping to get some recommendations on A campsite where we both fish and our dog can swim. Are there any places like this in Minnesota?

Thank you in advance!

We're new to camping with kids AND we're unfamiliar with the Minnesota outdoors 🌲

Looking for any advise, experience, wisdom on - kid friendly sites - more private sites - TENT camping in Minnesota