I'm introducing my son (9) to winter camping in stages. First, backyard in the fall when it's not super cold (Completed two weeks ago). Next step, backyard once snow falls and temps drop below freezing. Next step, car camping at a state park, county park, wherever. Final step, two night overnight in or on the edge of the BWCA. I need your help/advice for stage 3, car camping. Any suggestions of some places you've liked that are within 90 minutes of the northwest suburbs of Minneapolis?

Actually, we were just at Lake Rebecca (about 30 min. from Bloomington) for Wingnight and it was really nice! You could try there.

I did a similar type thing in the winter with my son. Started at Jay Cooke State Park and then went to Whiteface Reservoir. Jay Cooke was nice in the winter, and is close to your 90 minute cutoff, but I don't know if the park will be open, absolute devastation to 210 that runs through the park. If you stay south of Carlton County or go into Wisconsin, there are lots of hardwoods that will burn real nice in the stove. Willow River State park near Hudson Wisconsin is spectacular. I was absolutely amazed that such a rugged place was so close to the Twin Cities. Really nice gorge and waterfalls.

Your boy will have no problem with the cold, especially with a hot tent to warm up in. My son sleeps better than me in the winter. Just keep him fed and he will be happy. And most importantly, practice utmost safety around the stove.

Savanna Portage, Banning, or St. Croix state parks. If you want to try something more rustic, St. Croix state forest or Chengwatana. If the regular campgrounds in Chengwatana and St. Croix state forests are closed for the season, you can jump ahead of the curve a little and do some dispersed camping which can be similar to your 4th step if you make it that way.

I suggest Lake Maria State Park or Wild River State Park along with the other ones already written. Both have some hike in sites that are close to the car as well as camper cabins that are a bit rustic but still provide an outdoors expirence. Since your in the Northwest Suburbs, I highly suggest Lake Maria. It is a beautiful park. Lots of hiking paths and a large mix of trees, from oaks to tall pines. There are lakes as well as prairie.

I know it's further away than you'd like, but Tettegouche State Park is one of the few State Parks that have heated bathrooms and showers in the dead of winter! Plus since you're the only one there during those times, odds are pretty good you can get the site closest to the heated building!

It's how I started my girlfriend into cold winter camping, and it did work out nice. She got cold our first night, so we warmed up in the there for a half hour and she was fine the rest of the night! I know you're hot tenting...but it's always nice to have a (warm) backup plan when you're starting out!

Rick

quote Minnesotian: "
I suggest Lake Maria State Park or Wild River State Park along with the other ones already written. Both have some hike in sites that are close to the car as well as camper cabins that are a bit rustic but still provide an outdoors expirence. Since your in the Northwest Suburbs, I highly suggest Lake Maria. It is a beautiful park. Lots of hiking paths and a large mix of trees, from oaks to tall pines. There are lakes as well as prairie.
"

Lake Maria can offer a short 1 mile hike through the woods. Whereas Wild River will be a car camp or if you choose a short hike. Either one is a nice place to start a simple trip. Good luck!