- Max Trip Size: 8 people
11-13 Jan Winter Camping, Cross Country Skiing, and Snowshoeing at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
Join us for a two-night midweek winter camping trip to the Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, 85 miles north of MSP, it will take about 1.5 hours to drive. Covid-safe carpooling is encouraged.
This campout is very suitable for beginners as well as experienced winter campers. We will hike, ski, snowshoe, and cook out. I have reserved a backpack campsite requiring about a 1-mile moderate hike to access our site, we have space for four more campers at this site. More sites are available and can be reserved depending on interest.
Cross Country Skiing – There are 19.8 Miles of ski trails available for beginners to expert skiers. The park has 10.9 K of easy trails, 12.4 K of moderate trails, and 8.7 K of difficult trails. All trails go through wooded terrain. Ski rental is available in the park.
Snowshoeing – There are 7.7 Miles and three trails are marked for snowshoers. These trails take you to some great scenic areas. In addition to these trails, snowshoers can explore any area of the park but are asked to stay off groomed ski trails. Snowshoes are available through the Rovers equipment locker for members, as well as snowshoe rental at the park for $6.
Dress warm and plan for temps from the teens to as low as zero. We can discuss clothing and equipment with you, the idea is to use what you have and use extra layers without spending money on new items. The Rovers have camping equipment and winter camping bags that can be checked out from the equipment locker. Contact the equipment director or assistant [email protected] to check out any Rovers equipment, including pulks for this Rover trip. Here is the recent Rovers presentation on winter tips to stay warm https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wisNrpk1K2Q
Cost will cover our backcountry campsite and firewood, estimated at $10-$25/per person for both nights. All vehicles entering the park need an MN State Park sticker which can be purchased at the park. An annual sticker costs $35.
Too Cold to Camp? If you don’t want to backpack camp, as of mid-day on 4 January, there are 3 camper cabins (costs ~$92 each cabin for up to 4 persons) open at the park, and a number of vehicle camping sites (cost varies). If you chose to vehicle camp or rent a camper cabin you are responsible for your lodging reservation and cost.
RSVP by Friday, 7 January by emailing Laura at [email protected] include your name, experience winter camping, cellphone, and email if you can drive or need to carpool, and your location for carpooling.
Once we determine who is attending, we will meet over Zoom to discuss logistics – equipment, clothing, meal planning, and transportation coordination, and I provide a link to a google doc to coordinate the trip.