Camping options near Annandale, Minnesota center around several lakes and forests at approximately 1,100 feet elevation in the Central Minnesota region. The area features a mix of rolling hills, oak woodlands, and glacial lakes, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Winters can reach well below freezing, with most campgrounds operating from late April through October, though some offer year-round access.
What to do
Water activities on multiple lakes: Clearwater Lake at Schroeder County Park offers excellent fishing and water recreation options. "The lake is great for tubing!" notes Anne G., who visited for a family birthday celebration. The park features a fishing pier and boat launch for anglers targeting panfish, bass, and northern pike.
Hiking through diverse terrain: The extensive trail network at Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park provides opportunities for wildlife viewing with "awesome trails and so many deer! It's like they were camping with us," according to Christopher C. The wide trails around the lakes were "basically designed for cross-country skiing in the winter" but make perfect walking paths during warmer months.
Swimming at sandy beaches: Several campgrounds maintain swimming areas for cooling off during summer months. "The beach front is long and beautiful, lots of room to roam," writes Kelli D. about Schroeder County Park. Most beaches are unsupervised, so families should plan accordingly and be aware of water conditions.
What campers like
Secluded backcountry sites: Lake Maria State Park Campground offers true wilderness camping experiences with hike-in sites. "Site B6 feels like a secret woodland sanctuary — set up on a slight rise, tucked beneath a cathedral of towering oaks and maples," writes Alison O. These sites require planning but reward campers with privacy and natural surroundings.
Clean, modern facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept shower facilities and restrooms. At Baker Campground, Jennifer H. notes, "The bathrooms and showers are nice and clean, some of the best I've seen at a campground!" This level of maintenance makes longer stays more comfortable for all campers.
Spacious, well-designed sites: Campgrounds often feature thoughtfully arranged sites with adequate space. "The sites are nice size and well shaded" at Collinwood County Park according to Josh B., who was pleasantly surprised to discover unexpected water hookups. Sites at many parks include standard amenities like fire rings and picnic tables.
What you should know
Seasonal bug considerations: Summer insects can be challenging in wooded areas. At Lake Maria State Park, Steph H. warns about bug pressure: "The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon...Walking along the kids all looked like Pig-Pen from Peanuts." Plan visits during early spring or fall for fewer insects.
Reservation requirements vary: While some parks like Baker Campground require advance bookings, others operate differently. Ann Lake Campground uses a first-come system as Emily H. explains: "This campground is on a first come, first serve basis. There are no reservations for the regular sites (although I do think they might take reservations for the equestrian and group sites)."
Site conditions and maintenance: Campsite quality can vary within a single park. Ashley V. notes about Ann Lake: "We arrived after sundown and in the morning, we realized we wouldn't have picked the site if we would have seen all the problems with it. Broken glass under picnic table, grill on fire pit was broken." Arriving during daylight hours allows for better site selection.
Tips for camping with families
Look for easy-access activities: Baker Campground offers family-friendly amenities close to camping areas. Bryan S. shares: "With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be." The paved trails are particularly good for younger cyclists.
Consider walk-in site difficulty: For pet-friendly camping near Annandale, Minnesota with children, evaluate the hiking distance required. At Lake Maria, cheeming Y. cautions: "If you're new to hiking, I suggest doing some research if you're going to attempt stuff like this... Carrying firewood, food, water, gear, on a hilly trail through the woods can become real tough real fast."
Check for playground access: Several parks offer play equipment for children. At A J Acres Campground, Joe S. recommends: "Best playground is at the top of the hill from office," though notes that some advertised amenities like the petting zoo were no longer available despite being listed on maps and websites.
Tips from RVers
Tree clearance challenges: Many campgrounds feature wooded settings that may present challenges for larger rigs. At A J Acres, Nettie W. shares: "Navigating around trees was not so fun with our 5th wheel. We got the slideouts to fit in between the trees." Consider site dimensions when booking.
Hookup availability varies: Some campgrounds offer limited full-hookup sites. Nettie W. continues about A J Acres: "Limited availability to sewer hookups, only about 5 true pull thrus, taken by seasonal." Contact parks directly about specific hookup needs before arriving.
Road conditions to consider: When traveling to Ann Lake Campground, Andy L. cautions: "Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides" of his 30' class C motorhome. Parks may not regularly trim access roads for larger recreational vehicles.
