FREE Summer Camping Opportunities In The National Forests - Sno-Parks
As a bonus Sno-Park use in the summer is FREE. In winter a parking permit is required to use the parks. This minimal fee is used to pay for snow removal and other costs. FREE summertime camping does have its price; the services are minimal. As a rule тЂњPack It In - Pack It OutтЂќ is the standard for most Sno-Parks.The facilities and activities vary from park to park and most are suitable for family camping. In fact many Sno-Parks have large warming huts with wood stoves, tables & chairs and a few have facilities for electric hook-ups for portable generators. These large fully equipped parks are great for group get-togethers and parties. You can not reserve warming huts.
Sno-Parks are maintained by the USFS and are well kept and clean. Services vary by ranger district. Contact the district ranger station for details before leaving home. Some parks are winter staging areas only and not suitable for family camping. All parks have toilet facilities.
Sno-Parks were designed and located for the winter sports enthusiast. Snowmobile riders are the predominate users and snowmobile trails are abundant. Cross-country skiing and dog sled trails can be found in some areas. Most parks offer maps of these trails which can be hiked in summer months. Contact the district ranger station for map information.
In general summertime activities are minimal with hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and ATVs being the primary activity. As all these activities are not permitted in all areas; check with the district ranger station before leaving home. Water sports are rare and usually require travel. Remember these are not high use campgrounds; these are underused FREE summertime Sno-Park camping opportunities.