Minnesota is a state known for its natural beauty. Whether you love the long, balmy days of summer or you’re more of a winter enthusiast, the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” has something for just about everyone. Of course, with so much to see, you have to know the best places to go to see it all.
If you love the outdoors, chances are you’re thinking about camping. Did you know that Minnesota has over 500 RV parks? This gives you plenty of choices no matter where you want to go and what you want to do. But which RV parks are worth the time it takes to get there? We’ve compiled a list of the 10 best RV campgrounds in Minnesota
1. Dakotah Meadows RV Park
For those of you that enjoy a more urban location, Dakotah Meadows might be just the place. Located near the Twin Cities in the Minnesota River Valley, Dakotah Meadows offers a bit of everything regardless of whether your interests lie in the city or out in the country.
From a city standpoint, you’re close to just about anything, including the Mall of America, Valley Fair and Mystic Lake Casinos, one of the largest casinos in the entire state. If you prefer to have fun outdoors, the River Valley offers all the outdoor fun and excitement you could ask for.
Of course, as a fully-functioning RV park, Dakotah Meadows offers all the amenities you could expect, including paved sites, water, electricity, showers, a camp store and laundry facilities. They even offer a shuttle service to and from the casino!
Website:https://www.dakotahmeadows.com/
What We Like
- Close to both the cities and the outdoors
- Located near the Twin Cities and Mystic Lake Casinos
- Loaded with amenities
What We Don’t Like
- Proximity to the cities means you don’t get that true “outdoor”
2. Stony Point Resort & Campground
Located in the middle of the northern half of the state, Stony Point is located near the beautiful and peaceful town of Cass Lake. Because of this, the focus here is all about the water. If you enjoy being on the water, this park offers boat rentals, pontoons, kayaks and canoes so you can enjoy the water however you would like.
A clean, secluded swimming area gives you a chance to be in the water without worrying about boats and other hassles, and if fishing is more of your thing the campground’s fish cleaning house offers the perfect spot to take your catch and get it ready for that night’s dinner.
Stony Point even has an indoor swimming pool open all year for when the outside refuses to cooperate.
Website:https://www.stonyptresortcasslake.com/
What We Like
- Perfect for those looking for a water-themed getaway
- Plenty of amenities, including wifi, boat launches and a camp store
- Located near the Chippewa National Forest so there’s plenty of hiking and walking available, too
What We Don’t Like
- If water-based activities aren’t your thing, you might find yourself a bit underwhelmed
3. St Cloud Clearwater RV Park
Located near Clearwater, the St. Cloud/Clearwater RV Park has a bit of everything for everyone. Hiking, fishing, swimming, basketball and board games are only some of the activities here. They even have mini-golf!
This is a nice, quiet area that isn’t too far from civilization but also offers a quiet, restful area without the hustle of the big cities. In addition, there are plenty of amenities including hot showers, free wifi and a camp store. All tucked into a beautiful campground that you will hate to leave when your stay is up.
Website:https://www.time2camp.com/
What We Like
- Has a wide variety of activities ranging from mini-golf to board games to basketball
- Full of amenities to make your stay as pleasant as possible
What We Don’t Like
- The sites are a bit close to each other, according to several online reviewers
4. Town & Country RV Park and Campground
Town & Country RV Park might win the award for “Most Accurate Name” as it is exactly where it says it is. Located in Savage, MN, this park is another that is close enough to the Twin Cities to let you enjoy the city, but far enough away that you will still feel like you’re out in the country as well.
This park offers a variety of sites, from full hookups to tent-ready sites. Each site has picnic tables, access to the campground’s free wifi, as well as other amenities including a heated salt-water pool, the onsite playground and the camp store. The park even has a game room.
In addition, the summer months come with a variety of scheduled activities for the entire family to enjoy.
Website:http://townandcountrycampground.com/
What We Like
- Clean restrooms, expanded laundry facilities and a convenient camp store
- Free wifi and cable TV available
What We Don’t Like
- Located within Savage, MN, which means you aren’t getting the full rural experience
5. Autumn Woods RV Park
Rochester, MN is located in Southeastern Minnesota, and is probably most famous for the Mayo Clinic. It’s not unusual, then, to see that Clinic listed as one of the main reasons to visit Autumn Woods RV Park. This park doesn’t offer all the bells and whistles of some of the other places, but it does offer clean facilities, convenient camping and a quick access to the Mayo Clinic (including shuttle service)
Of course, that’s not all this park has to offer. Rochester boasts many golf courses, restaurants and other things you would expect in a moderately-sized city, so staying here gives you access to all of these things as well.
In addition, the camp has free wifi, designated dog areas and a quiet, peaceful atmosphere, which is perfect for camping no matter where you are.
Website:http://autumnwoodsrvpark.com/
What We Like
- Close to the Mayo Clinic
- Nice, quiet and peaceful
- Rochester, MN has plenty of activities
What We Don’t Like
- This is not a campground for people looking for exciting outdoor activities and plenty of outdoor options
6. Woodenfrog Campground, Kabetogama State Forest
If you don’t mind roughing it a little, Wooden Frog Campground in the northern part of the state is the perfect location. This campground offers 60 primitive sites that are available only on a first-come, first-served basis. When we say “primitive” that is exactly what we mean: there are no water or electric hookups here, and certainly no real facilities other than pit toilets, picnic tables, fire rings and a water spigot.
While that might not be everyone’s idea of idea, keep in mind that this campground is located right next to Kabetogama Lake and is very close to Voyageurs National Park, so your options for outdoor recreation are as varied and numerous as you can imagine. In addition, these sites, while primitive, are large and spacious, offering you a great deal of privacy.
Website:http://autumnwoodsrvpark.com/
What We Like
- Large, private spaces
- Located next to Kabetogama Lake and Voyageurs National Park
What We Don’t Like
- Primitive sites with no hookups
- Pit toilets, picnic tables, fire rings and water spigots are the only amenities
- No reservations
7. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Cart-In Campgrounds
This is another campsite located in the northern part of the state, this time on the shore of Lake Superior. Because of this, you can expect fantastic natural views at Split Rock Lighthouse Campground, provided you can get to your campsite.
In this case, “Cart-in” refers to the fact that you can’t actually park at your campsite. Instead, carts are available for you to haul your gear to your site – which is located no more than 2,000 feet from the parking lot. Provided you can make the trek, you can expect to be rewarded by some of the best views in the entire state.
It might sound primitive, but there are some amenities here, including flush toilets, showers and clean water available to all campers. But, of course, the real draw here is the beauty of your surroundings.
Website:http://greatlakesdrive.com/GLD/property/split-rock-lighthouse-state-park-cart-in-campground/
What We Like
- Beautiful, natural surroundings
- Clean water, toilets and showers available
What We Don’t Like
- All campers must walk to the campsite
8. Jay Cooke State Park
Another campsite located near Lake Superior, Jay Cooke State Park is famous for having some of the best hiking trails in the entire state. This campground offers a wide range of sites, from primitive tent areas to full-hookup RV sites.
Jay Cooke has over 50 miles of trails to explore, so there’s plenty of hiking to keep you busy, In addition, hot showers and restrooms are available on-site to make your stay more convenient.
Website:https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00187#homepage
What We Like
- Over 50 miles of hiking trails are available
- Accommodates all campers from primitive tents to RVs
What We Don’t Like
- If you’re not into hiking you’ll find there are few other activities available
9. Portsmouth Campground, Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area
Located in the central part of the state, this Portsmouth Campground is near Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, and has plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy. One of the main attractions to this area is mountain biking, with over 25 miles of bike trails available to explore.
In addition, there are over 20 natural or man-made lakes in the immediate vicinity, allowing you to enjoy yourself on, in or under the water through fishing, swimming or even scuba diving.
Sites range from primitive to full hookups, and reservations are required. Showers and restrooms are available, but there are no dumping facilities for RV campers.
Website:https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=sra00302#overnight_facilities
What We Like
- Ove 25 miles of biking trails are nearby
- 20 Lakes nearby offer a variety of water activities
- Full hookups available, as are showers and restrooms
What We Don’t Like
- No dumping available for RVs
- Reservations required for all sites
10. Afton State Park Backpack Sites
Our final site on this list, Afton State Park is another excellent campground that you have to work just a little harder to get to. Located near Saint Paul, this campground offers prairie-filled views, provided you can backpack to the sites. Each of the 27 sites is located within a mile of the parking lot, but a hike is required to get to each of them.
Once there, you can expect a lot of privacy in your secluded site, with plenty of access to trails, woods and prairies. Each site also comes with a fire ring and picnic table, and access to the communal pot toilet and water spigot.
Website:http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/afton/index.html
What We Like
- Beautiful secluded sites
- Fire rings and picnic tables included at all sites
What We Don’t Like
- All sites must be hiked to
- No water or electric hookups available
As you can see, Minnesota offers a wide variety of camping options, whether you prefer to relax in comfort or more primitive surroundings. Whether walking, swimming, shopping or gambling is your thing, you can always find a place to accommodate your tastes and rise to your expectations.
The next time you’re ready to go for an outdoor adventure, check out one of the places on this list, and enjoy everything Minnesota has to offer.
