By:
Submission
The Hennepin Canal State Park is not enrolled in the ReserveAmerica camping reservation system and DOES NOT take camping reservations. Camping at the Canal is on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are no set check-in or check-out times. The Canal’s site security officer makes rounds to each campsite to collect camping fees, in-person. Campers can pay by cash or check.
Camping along the Hennepin Canal towpath is PROHIBITED – camping is only allowed in the designated campsites. Fires are only allowed in the state designated fire pits at the campgrounds. Camping is not permitted in the main complex area (the area around the visitor center).
Currently, the ONLY DRINKING WATER available on the ENTIRE canal is located at the main parking lot in front of the visitor center at the large shelter. There is also a faucet on the side of the visitor center, just to the left of the main entrance. There are no operable drinking water fountains along the rest of the canal so bring your own water for your hike or camping trip.
It is not easy to find, but the map WILL take you there. It's twisty-turney and will look like you are in the wrong spot (there are no signs) . The last "turn" is onto a gravel road BEFORE you get to the cement railroad bridge (immediately before). If you go under the bridge, you will hit a dead end.
First come first served and be prepared to pay, but there is no drop box for money. Someone is to visit the sites each eve to collect the funds from campers.
There are no set check-in or check-out times. The Canal’s site security officer makes rounds to each campsite to collect camping fees, in-person. Campers can pay by cash or check.
The canal offers class "C" (primitive camping without showers or electricity) for $8.00 per family/per night, regardless of mode of camping, i.e. tent, camper, pop-up.
Youth groups = $20.00 daily minimum. When the minimum has been met, each additional person is $2.00 per night. Each group of up to 15 youths must be supervised by at least one adult. Youths are considered persons under the age of 18.
IL Senior citizens camp for free from Monday-Thursday; Friday-Sunday = $8.00.
IL Disabled persons with a Class 2 or Class 2A card camp for free Sunday-Saturday.
Beautiful trail, nice & wide. Just wish park district would put lime over river rock put on trail. Hard to ride bikes over chunky rocks.
Great site to pitch a tent next to a running dam on the canal for background noise. Half decent bathroom amenity, picnic tables, small firepits and a perfect spot for fishing plus a walking trail.
