Campgrounds near Andover, Minnesota center around the Rum River watershed, with sites at elevations between 850-920 feet above sea level in the mixed hardwood forest region. Summer temperatures average 78-83°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons experience significant temperature swings from 40-70°F. Most campgrounds in this area maintain seasonal operations from late April through mid-October due to Minnesota's northern climate conditions.
What to do
Tubing and water recreation: The Rum River provides popular recreational activities at Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River. "The tubing is a plus... Key thing is the river is very clean and sandy bottom," notes camper David G. The park offers equipment rentals for river activities, with organized shuttle service during summer months.
Mini golf and games: Family-friendly activities abound at St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park, located about 40 minutes northwest of Andover. "It has a 9 hole mini golf, shuffleboard, salt water pool, and a lobby/gift shop. They also offer a nice seating area for those hot or raining days with free arcade," according to reviewer S L. The campground maintains these amenities from May through mid-October.
Nature trails and wildlife: Baker Campground offers extensive outdoor recreation with six miles of paved biking trails connecting to regional networks. "Spent a lot of my childhood playing and exploring this park! I love birding here as well," shares Alison O. The campground's location next to Lake Independence provides opportunities for spotting local wildlife including waterfowl, deer, and small mammals.
What campers like
Spacious, well-maintained sites: Campers consistently praise the roominess of sites at Country Camping RV Park. "Love this place. Close to the Twin Cities, right on the Rum River. Great tent sites right on the river," reports Tom D. The park's layout provides adequate separation between camping areas with mature trees throughout.
Family-oriented amenities: Cokato Lake RV Resort receives positive feedback for its comprehensive facilities. According to Rachel H., the resort features an "Inground, heated swimming pool; mini golf; pickleball; tennis; arcade room attached to the office. Ice cream shop has 8 flavors of hand-dipped yum!" These amenities make it suitable for extended family stays during the summer season.
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness ranks high in visitor satisfaction. At Baker Campground, Bryan S. notes, "The sites are good sized, and the bathroom/showers are great. With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be." Most campgrounds in the area maintain similar cleanliness standards for bathrooms, showers, and common areas.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the Andover area operate on limited schedules. Baker Campground runs from April 30 to October 20, which aligns with the typical camping season in this region. Sites fill quickly during peak times, especially weekends from June through August.
Varying reservation policies: RV parks operate with different booking requirements. Mississippi Riverwood RV Park has specific rental conditions that require careful attention. One reviewer cautions, "If you do NOT stay the entire amount of time you have paid for, you may lose the right to return to your site, even if your lease says the lot is still yours." Always review the complete reservation terms before booking.
Privacy considerations: Many sites offer limited seclusion. As Bryan S. mentions about Baker Campground, "The sites are about as private as the typical state park, so not very, but that is offset by all the other positives this campground has to offer." Campers seeking isolation should research specific site numbers or request recommendations when booking.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Ham Lake Resort offers excellent family amenities. According to Kristin C., "The campground itself seems remote, secluded and peaceful" and includes activities like a "petting arena with goats, ponies, and a llama." Families with young children benefit from these structured activities.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature swimming facilities. At Cokato Lake RV Resort, Alan V. notes it's a "Great resort with outstanding amenities (Heated pool, lake with beach, boat launch area just block away, tennis/pickle ball, mini golf, resort store with ice cream, goat park, paved roads and much more)!" Swimming areas typically operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Bug preparation: Minnesota's summer months bring mosquitoes, particularly near water features. Kristin C. advises about Ham Lake Resort, "We visited in August and needed gallons of bug spray." Families should pack insect repellent, lightweight long-sleeved clothing, and consider screened tents for outdoor dining areas.
Tips from RVers
Electric reliability: Some rv sites near Andover, Minnesota report occasional power issues during peak usage. At Country Camping Tent & RV Park, David G. mentions, "Had one issue with power dropping so we had to pull the surge protector off then it was fine. Also very hot and humid so everyone was running AC to the max." RVers should bring surge protectors when camping during hot periods.
Site surfaces: RV campgrounds around Andover feature various parking surfaces. At RiversEdge RV Park, Tori K. appreciates the "Concrete Patios on every lot" and "Crushed granite streets and drives." These stable surfaces provide easier leveling for larger recreational vehicles.
Quick stopover options: For travelers passing through the Andover region, Love's RV Hookup offers convenient overnight parking. "I love that Love's has RV spots that are big rig friendly! These are a great option for a stop halfway through a trip," says Tori K. The location provides basic services including electric hookups, bathrooms, and nearby dining options.
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