Camping near Belle Plaine offers year-round opportunities across diverse natural settings. Located in the Minnesota River Valley, the area features glacial terrain with elevations ranging from 720 to 820 feet above sea level. Most campsites in the region are positioned within 30 miles of Belle Plaine, providing access to multiple watersheds with both shallow recreational lakes and deeper fishing waters.
What to do
Swimming at sand-bottom pools: Flandrau State Park maintains a large sand-bottom swimming pool that's especially popular during summer months. "The sand bottom pool wasn't opened but we've used it on past visits and always enjoyed it. Sites are well maintained and the staff is friendly," notes a visitor at Flandrau State Park.
Kayaking on calm waters: The lakes around Prior Lake provide protected paddling environments with minimal motorboat traffic in certain areas. "Cleary Lake is a good size and a kayaker's delight!" mentions one camper who stayed at Cleary Lake Regional Park.
Biking on connected trails: Many parks in the area feature interconnected trail systems suitable for all skill levels. At Baker Park Reserve, visitors can access "nice paved trails around a couple of lakes/ponds for biking, and easy access to the shower and bathroom facilities (which were very nice)," according to one reviewer.
Nature center visits: Educational opportunities exist at several parks within driving distance of Belle Plaine. "Lake Auburn Campground also has miles connected trails that lead through prairie lands and to a nature center where you and your kids can learn about the natural surrounding habitats," shares a camper who visited Lake Auburn Campground.
What campers like
Secluded camping options: Several parks offer walk-in sites that provide more privacy than standard campgrounds. "Lake Auburn's sites are all along a one way road that loops through the campground. While the park is nice and has mature trees, the sites are very open and offer little privacy between sites," observes one camper, providing useful context about site layout.
Family-friendly facilities: Parents appreciate the abundance of playgrounds and recreational areas. "Lake Auburn Campground part of the Carver Park Reserve was an awesome primitive style campground. We stayed here in late September and into October. There are 57 sites with an unguarded beach, playground, volleyball court and tons of miles of trails to shred on foot or bike," explains a visitor.
Clean bathroom facilities: Hygiene facilities receive consistent praise across multiple parks. At Baker Campground, a camper notes, "The bathrooms and showers are great. With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be."
Waterfront access: Many sites offer direct water views or quick access to lakes. "I can't really speak for any of the other sites here, but 13 is the only one right on the water and it's HUGE with lots of trees and absolutely beautiful scenery," comments a visitor about specific site recommendations at Cleary Lake Regional Park.
What you should know
Seasonal bugs: Minnesota's summer months bring heavy mosquito activity, particularly near marshy areas. A camper at Lake Maria State Park warns, "When we pulled up to the parking lot we knew we were in trouble. The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon. We prepared the kiddos for a quick grab and run and jumped out of the car."
Limited privacy at some sites: Many campgrounds feature open layouts with minimal screening between sites. At Lake Maria State Park, a reviewer notes the contrast: "You could see the occasional car from the site, which is surrounded by a small pond. You could hear voices, but not see anyone. In fact, I went the whole weekend without seeing a single person."
Gate closure times: Some parks enforce strict access hours that can affect late arrivals. "Biggest problem with the campground is gates in and out lock every night at 10pm and don't open again until 8am. So our first night we got locked out and had to sleep in the vehicle," cautions a visitor to Bray County Park.
Water quality variations: Lake conditions can change throughout the season, affecting swimming. A reviewer at Sakatah Lake State Park mentions, "Sakatah Lake is quite shallow so late season is at risk of algae bloom - the lake was pea soup green when we got there at the end of August, so go early in the season if you want to get on the water."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature modern play equipment suitable for various age groups. A camper at Minneapolis Southwest KOA shares, "It has a pool that stays open late, and it's got some playgrounds. Now, the cons....it's off the road behind a construction company."
Beach selection: Different swimming areas offer varying amenities and bottom conditions. "The beach area looks nice but we didn't use it," notes a Lake Auburn visitor, while another adds, "The swim area was cool after a hot day and the beach was gently sloping and smooth."
Weather planning: The Minnesota climate can change rapidly, especially in spring and fall. At Lake Washington County Park, a camper advises, "This is a county park that is fairly new. Campground host was super nice and very accommodating. Some traffic noise during the day. Bathrooms and showers were very clean."
Site selection for families: Choose sites strategically based on proximity to amenities. "Great playground and green space for the kids, beach is very nice. Bathrooms are clean," recommends a visitor to Lake Auburn Campground regarding family-friendly areas.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Many older parks have uneven sites requiring additional equipment. At Bray County Park, an RVer notes, "Sites in the back loop away from the lake are big, but not much for shade yet. Sites by the lake looked nice. Beach is nice and clean."
Tree clearance challenges: Several campgrounds feature mature trees that can restrict larger RVs. "Very nice park if your RV is not to big. I put our 38 foot 5th wheel in a site but you better be on your game here. Lots of shade and big trees," warns a visitor to Sakatah Lake State Park.
Electric hookup availability: Reserve powered sites well in advance as they're limited at many parks. "About the only nice thing about this place is the lady who answered the phone, Valerie. She was extremely nice other than that it was gravel. Roads that were poorly maintained trucks were parked sticking out into the road making it difficult to get around," notes a camper at Minneapolis Southwest KOA.
Dump station access: Not all parks provide on-site sanitary facilities. An RVer at Flandrau State Park mentions, "The sites were a little close and no privacy from fellow campers. There were nice walking/hiking trails. If you are there in the summer there is a sand bottom pool that looked nice."
