Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)

Office of Transportation Sustainability

In response to sustained high fuel prices and increasing concerns around transportation-related emissions, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has introduced the Seasonal Camping Fuel Offset Credit (SCFOC) for eligible seasonal campers statewide.

This program is designed to reduce unnecessary vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by encouraging longer, consolidated camping stays rather than frequent towing and weekend travel. The initiative supports Minnesota’s broader transportation efficiency and sustainability goals while recognizing the role outdoor recreation plays in quality of life.

Transportation accounts for the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions in Minnesota, with personal vehicle travel contributing significantly to fuel consumption statewide. According to MnDOT, reducing total vehicle miles traveled is a key strategy in improving fuel efficiency, lowering emissions, and easing transportation costs for Minnesota households.

Seasonal camping presents a unique opportunity for fuel reduction. Repeated towing of campers and trailers—often multiple times per month—results in elevated fuel usage compared to extended on-site stays. By incentivizing campers to leave units in place for the season, MnDOT estimates meaningful reductions in fuel demand during peak travel months.

The Seasonal Camping Fuel Offset Credit provides a calculated fuel-savings credit to campers who maintain a registered seasonal site and reduce towing frequency throughout the camping season.

The credit is based on:

• Estimated towing distance avoided
• Average fuel consumption rates for vehicles towing recreational trailers
• Reduced trip frequency over the camping season

Credits may be applied toward eligible campground-related expenses at participating locations.

To qualify for the Seasonal Camping Fuel Offset Credit, participants must:

• Maintain a registered seasonal campsite at a participating campground
• Certify reduced towing frequency for the season
• Submit an estimated travel profile including:
  
  • Typical round-trip towing distance
  • Average number of trips avoided
• Agree to program guidelines encouraging trip consolidation and extended stays

MnDOT has consistently emphasized that reducing discretionary travel is one of the most effective ways to:

• Lower fuel expenses for families
• Reduce roadway congestion during peak weekends
• Decrease emissions associated with recreational travel

Programs that encourage fewer, longer trips align with MnDOT’s Transportation Carbon Reduction Strategy and Minnesota’s climate resilience objectives.

Seasonal camping provides a practical, voluntary pathway for Minnesotans to participate in fuel conservation without reducing access to outdoor recreation.

Preliminary modeling indicates that a single seasonal camper who avoids weekly towing trips over a five-month season could reduce fuel consumption by dozens of gallons, depending on vehicle type and towing load.

When applied across multiple campgrounds, these reductions support statewide transportation efficiency goals during high-demand travel periods.

The Seasonal Camping Fuel Offset Credit is available at participating private and public campgrounds that elect to participate in the program and verify seasonal residency.

Program Start Date: May 1, 2026
Administered By: MnDOT Office of Transportation Sustainability

• Minnesota Department of Transportation – Transportation Emissions & Sustainability Initiatives
• MnDOT Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Reduction Strategies
• U.S. Department of Energy – Fuel Economy Impact of Towing
• Minnesota Climate Action Framework – Transportation Sector

This page is part of a April Fools. For official Minnesota laws, transportation regulations, and fuel policies, please refer directly to MnDOT or the Minnesota Legislature.