Best Campgrounds In Minnesota: Glacial Lakes State Park
Located near Starbuck, Minnesota, Glacial Lakes State Park is home to a unique stretch of soaring hills that serve as a contrast to supine valleys created by glaciers over ten thousand years ago. Visitors can take a swim in the crystal clear lake, hike along the parks ridgetops, and explore the oak savanna and prairie of Minnesota. The campground at Glacial Lakes State Park features handicap-accessible campsites, group camp facilities, pull-through sites, camping cabins, tent campsites, restroom facilities with flush toilets, hot showers, and a sanitary dump station. There is also a camping area for guests with horses.
25022 County Road 41, Starbuck, MN 56381, Phone: 320-239-2860
Chippewa National Forest Has One Of The Best Campgrounds In Mn
One of the best places for camping Northshore Minnesota has can be found at Chippewa National Forest.
Chippewa National Forest is located in north-central MN.
The National Forest has more lakes and wetlands than any other National Forest in the US.
It also has some of the best camping in Minnesota.
There are several campgrounds within the National Forest, with over 100 campsites, and different experiences.
You can stay at a traditional campsite, a group campsite, backcountry campsites, and RV campsites.
Most of the campgrounds are only open seasonally, so keep that in mind when you plan your Minnesota camping adventure.
Stay On The Minnesota River At Fort Ridgley State Park
The Fort Ridgley State Park is home to Fort Ridgley, a fort used during the Dakota War of 1862.
Its located right on the Minnesota River, which is one of the reasons its such a great campsite in Minnesota.
Youll be able to enjoy beautiful river views while enjoying this Minnesota campground.
This campground in Minnesota has over 50 campsites. And is a great place to go hiking in Minnesota.
They range from Creekside Campsites, Horse Campsites, and a seasonal Farmhouse and Chalet you can rent.
There are also bathrooms with showers and toilets.
Fort Ridgley State Park is one of the best campsites in MN. And a great place to visit in the Midwest.
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Try Glamping At Baker Campground
Baker Campground is located in Maple Plain Minnesota in the Baker Park Reserve.
The park has hiking trails, beaches for swimming, boat access with watercraft rentals, picnic areas, and of course campgrounds.
Its a great spot for camping in Minnesota.
They have over 200 individual campsites.
Some are equipped for RVs with electrical hookups while others are more traditional campsites.
Baker Campground also has a selection of Camper Cabins that you can rent if you are interested in trying glamping.
Its one of the best campgrounds in MN to test out a fun glamping experience.
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
The Lebanon Hills Regional Park Campground offers visitors of all ages an opportunity to spend a night in the great outdoors, under the starry sky in Dakota County. Surrounded by serene woodlands, the campground is conveniently located only minutes away from the Minnesota Zoo, the Mall of America, and downtown Minneapolis, yet feels like its much further, offering an ideal getaway close to home or a different camping experience for out-of-town visitors. Campground features include wireless internet at full hookup campsites, a playground, laundry facilities, hiking trails, hot showers, restroom facilities, pull-through sites, and 50-amp electric service.
12100 Johnny Cake Ridge Rd, St Paul, MN 55124, Phone: 651-480-7773
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Lake Maria State Park Monticello
Another of the lesser-known Minnesota campgrounds, Lake Maria State Park is not only close to the Twin Cities, but one of the smaller parks in Minnesota.
With only 17 campsites and 3 permanent cabins, this park is intimate and quiet, perfect for a serene Minnesota camping experience.
Theres 14 miles of hiking/skiing trails, 6 miles of horseback trails, rental canoes, and a public boat ramp .
Theres even a pond located in the park that is groomed into a rink in the winter! Visitors can expect to see ponds, wetlands, and old-growth oak forests along the trails.
Keep your eyes peeled for some special wildlife in the area: Lake Maria is home to a group of Blanding turtles, an endangered Minnesota species.
Minnesota Camping: Whitewater State Park
Whitewater State Park near Altura boasts several reasons for it being one of Minnesotas best state parks. Between the Whitewater Rivers churning waters and the bluff-lined trails for hiking, what ties everything the park has to offer together is the scenic and spacious campsites. There are over one hundred campsites at Whitewater State Park, with the most popular and abundant ones being located in the Cedar Hill Campground along the riverfront. This area offers several other activities, such as fishing, wading, and tubing. Sites include fire rings and picnic tables, and the campground also offers clean water, showers, and toilets.
19041 Highway 74, Altura, MN 55910, Phone: 507-312-2300
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Afton State Park Backpack Sites
Located less than a half hour east of Saint Paul, Afton State Park is a popular park that attracts campers from the Twin Cities and beyond.
What makes the campgrounds at Afton unique within the Minnesota state park system is that they are only available for those willing to backpack their gear to the sites.
The 27 backpacking sites at Afton State Park are located less than a mile from the parking lot. All include a picnic table, fire ring, and plenty of space to pitch a tent or two as well as shared access to a communal pit toilet and water spigot.
The backpacking campsite at Afton vary from shaded to exposed. All offer views and access to the surrounding wooded and prairie environments, including the extensive trail system that winds its way through the park.
No campsite is a direct neighbor to another, offering more privacy than your average campground, but its not uncommon to hear the crackle of a nearby campfire throughout the night, reminding you that youre not completely alone in the woods.
Gull Lake Recreation Area
Another amazing Minnesota campground, the campground at Gull Lake Recreation Area sits on the Gull River at the outlet of Gull Lake.
Each campsite is uniquely carved out giving each camper plenty of peace and quiet. Its very private here, even though youre just 9 miles from town.
Gull Lake is popular with fisherman thanks to the large fish population which includes stocked walleye, northern pike, bass, and panfish.
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Minnesota State Parks For Your Next Rv Camping Trip
See Places on a Map
No matter what your outdoor goals arefishing, hiking, swimming, skiing, hunting or just nature-based R& Rtheres a Minnesota State Park for you and your RV.
Traveling by RV continues to grow in popularity as more people discover the freedom and ease of taking their home on the road. RVs can access many remote areas, opening doors to far-flung adventures, all without the hassle of constantly packing and unpacking. People can travel at their own pace and carry everything they need with them, and still enjoy the best Mother Nature has to offer.
Here are 10 great examples of Minnesota State Parks that offer pull-through RV spaces and dump stations, including a few that offer free WiFi if you want to work remotely while traveling.
Find More Great Places For Camping In Minnesota
For all of your camping and trip planning needs, look no further than RV LIFE Campgrounds and RV LIFE Trip Wizard. RV LIFE Campgrounds is a trusted source of campground and RV park reviews offered by camping and RV enthusiasts just like you. With its accompanying RV LIFE App, RV LIFE Trip Wizard gets you to your camping destinations utilizing RV-friendly routes specific to your RV and travel preferences.
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Go Camping At Charles A Lindbergh State Park
The Charles A Lindbergh State Park is located outside of Little Falls, MN.
It has a little over 560 acres of beautiful farmland.
Thats because it was once the home of Congressman Charles Lindbergh, and his famous son, aviator Charles Lindbergh.
Today, their 1906 farmhouse and two other buildings have been restored.
You can visit the farm buildings while youre camping at this campground in MN.
There are over 30 campsites, with about half of them being electrical sites.
They also have spots for RVs.
With modern bathrooms, unique attractions, and private campsites, this is one of the best places for camping in MN.
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Other Adventures in Minnesota: The state of Minnesota is the Land of 10,000 lakes and there’s much to explore. For an overview of the top spots for adventure in Minnesota, our guide to the best state & national parks in Minnesota highlights the varied terrain found throughout the state.
More Places to Visit in Minnesota: The cultural capital of the state, Minneapolis, is one of the first places to head for city attractions and events. In southern Minnesota, the city of Rochester, home to the world-famous Mayo Clinic, is also a fun place to visit throughout the year.
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Lake Bronson State Park
Location: Lake Bronson, MNReserve Here
There are 3 beautiful campgrounds located within Lake Bronson State Park.
For some awesome camping, right at Lake Bronson, choose to stay at the Lakeside Campground .
There are 48 sites, and many of them have great views of the lake, and youre able to walk right down to it!
Visitors can also rent boats and canoes to enjoy the water during their visit.
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park Onamia
Its not every day that a hiker can scale a 100-foot fire tower with views reaching all the way to one of the largest lakes in Minnesota.
With 35 miles of hiking trails and 20 miles of horseback trails along Lake Mille Lacs and the Rum River, Kathio State Park is a water lovers paradise.
This 11,000-acre park is best-known for its stunning fall colors in the autumn, thousands of visitors flock to the aforementioned fire tower to see the vibrant fall hues visible from above the treetops.
During the other seasons, theres a swimming beach, 20 miles of cross-country skiing or snowmobiling trails, a playground, and a sledding hill. Kathio offers 70 campsites , and 5 cabins on the grounds.
Kathio is also one of the most historically-significant parks in the state, containing almost 20 archaeological sites dating back to the Archaic Period.
One of the best Minnesota campgrounds is located just outside Mankato.
Minneopa translates roughly to water falling twice in the Dakota Indian language, and waterfall enthusiasts will admire the duo-falls found in Minnesotas third-oldest state park.
90 miles south of Minneapolis, Minneopa is a modest 331 acres and includes 61 campsites , and one cabin, as well as modern showers and restrooms. The trails here are brief but action-packed.
Theres an old-oak savannah to enjoy, along with the : a 32-foot German-style windmill built in 1862 that is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Ashriviera Resort & Rv Park
The Ash Riviera Resort is located on the Ash River Trail gateway to the Voyager National Park in Northern Minnesota. While the area is renowned for world-class fishing, the Ash River also offers other outdoor activities including hiking, canoeing, biking, and birdwatching. The resort offers rustic, fully equipped cabins with private decks.
Lake Maria State Park
Lake Maria State Park is perfect for those who are interested in a slightly more challenging Minnesota camping experience.
Its about an hour away from the Twin Cities, making the trip there easy for most, but far enough you feel away from your everyday life.
Campsites and cabins are about a one-mile hike from where youll park your car. Walking and hiking trails are forested and winding, one even brings you on a wooden trail through a marsh.
During the winter there is a frozen pond you can skate on next to the Trail Center. Lake Maria State Park is also known to have a variety of wildlife and is perfect for bird watching.
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What Are The Different Types Of Campsites Available In Minnesota State Parks
There are three types of campsites available in Minnesota state parks: drive-in, walk-in, and boat-in. Drive-in campsites are the most common type and include a parking space for your vehicle and a camping pad for your tent or camper.
Walk-in campsites are located close to the parks trails and must be accessed on foot. Boat-in campsites are only available at parks with lakes and include a parking space for your boat and a camping pad for your tent or camper.
Split Rock Lighthouse
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
When many people think of huge trees, the picture of redwoods in northern California may come to mind, however, Nerstrand Big Woods State Park in Minnesota offers big tree fun as well. Huge basswoods throughout the park tower over visitors, hiding the fittingly named Hidden Falls. One advantage to the Nerstrand Big Woods Campground is that it doesnt get as busy as several state parks in Minnesota since it lacks historical sites or bodies of water, the latter making the campground less buggy as well. The one sometimes crowded spot in the park is the main trail to the Hidden Falls.
9700 170th Street East, Nerstrand, MN 55053, Phone: 507-384-6140
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Stay At Little Winnie Resort And Campground Year Round
If youre looking for a more unique camping experience year-round, head to the Little Winnie Resort.
The Little Winnie Resort offers cabins that you can rent year-round.
They are definitely glamping as they have full amenities including wifi and cable television.
You can also stay at one of the RV campsites during the warmer months.
Its one of the best RV parks Minnesota has near Deer River.
This campground in MN is surrounded by 83 acres of Chippewa National Forest and on the shore of Lake Winnibigoshish.
The campground also has modern bathrooms, a heated outdoor pool, a communal lodge, and hiking trails to explore.
You cant go wrong camping in Minnesota at this large campground.
Dakotah Meadows Rv Park
Nestled around a pond in the scenic Minnesota River Valley, Dakotah Meadows RV Park defines best camping in Minnesota with a tranquil nature setting near the nightlife of the Twin Cities. The park offers 122 paved pull-through or back-in RV sites with full hookups.
Self-serve fuel dispensers are located next to the self-serve RV wash with regular, unleaded, and diesel. The wash bay can accommodate the biggest RVs, buses, and large vehicles with 15 foot clearance in height, 12 feet wide, and 52 feet long.
Snacks, beverages, and souvenirs are available at the Headquarters Building. An outdoor pavilion is available for family or group gatherings with picnic tables and barbecue grills.
A nearby playground is available for the kids or take them to Playworks where they can burn off energy on a play structure, interactive dance floor, arcade games and more. Adults can take a free shuttle to Mystic Lake Casino or Little Six Casino for some gambling fun.
Nearby is Hookata Tis, a 3,805-square-foot public exhibit, called Mdewakanton: Dwellers of the Spirit Lake. The attraction provides visitors with information regarding the Mdewakanton Dakota people and their history. Tours are available and Dakota Sioux artifacts can be viewed in the public gallery.
Dakota Meadows RV Park. Photo via RV LIFE Campgrounds
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Dower Lake Recreation Area
Next on our list of great places for Minnesota lake camping is Dower Lake Recreation Area. Located two miles west of Staples, Minnesota, Dower Lake Recreation Area is a hidden gem for central Minnesota vacationers. This fifty-four-acre park boasts a softball complex, 9-hole disc golf course, basketball court, swimming beach, sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits, picnic shelter, picnic areas, public lake access, and tons of opportunities to enjoy nature.
There are twenty RV sites with electrical hook-ups, eleven rustic tents sites, and fourteen seasonal sites with full water, sewer, and electrical hookups. Unfortunately, this park doesnt have the ability to accommodate horses, so horses arent allowed. But dogs are welcome as long as they are kept on a leash at all times.
What People Are Saying About Town & Country Rv Park And Campground
Excellent campground. Lots of shade. Management extremely accommodating. Offered a storm shelter in severe weather with pets allowed. Opened store an hour before opening time so I could get milk. Very clean and well-maintained. Nice access to dog walking trails which lead to the city park. Jeri, Google reviews
Location
- Town & Country RV Park and Campground
- 12630 Boone Ave
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Why Youll Love St Paul East Rv Park
Youll be able to have a comfortable stay at this park no matter what kind of RV youre traveling in. There is level, full hookup sites to accommodate both large and small rigs. Youll be staying in luxury- with wireless internet, a safe campground protected by a security access gate, and heated swimming pool. Even Fido will be staying in luxury, with on-site dog walking services available!
Tettegouche State Park Silver Bay Mn
Among the wildest state parks on the North Shore, Tettegouche combines rugged Lake Superior scenery with backcountry hiking opportunities, a gorgeous inland lake , and one of the states tallest waterfalls . While hiking abounds, including part of the Superior Hiking Trail, you neednt do so to get to your campsite. Most of the parks sites are easily accessible from nearby parking lots, yet secluded enough to feel like an authentic backwoods experience.
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Campgrounds Near Me: Stony Point Resort & Campground
Stony Point Resort and Campground in northern Minnesota is designed for campers of any age. Guests will find several modern cabins featuring all of the home comforts, including leaving housekeeping to the resort while visitors play on the long sandy beach or go swimming, biking, fishing, and sightseeing. Along with these cabins, Stony Point also has a full-service campground for tent camping and a RV park. Stony Point Resort and Campground offers numerous amenities as well, including playgrounds, laundry facilities, safe swimming areas, picnic shelters, a gift shop, and a family-style restaurant, as well as kayak, canoe, paddle boat, and pontoon boat rentals.
5510 US-2, Cass Lake, MN 56633, Phone: 218-335-6311