Seasonal camping options surround Bigelow, Minnesota with most area RV parks operating from April through October. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing, making full-hookup availability limited during cold months. Campers visiting from Interstate 90 can access multiple campgrounds within a 30-minute drive of town.
What to do
Swimming and water recreation: Island Park in Rock Rapids offers a swimming area with slides for children. A visitor noted, "Huge swimming area with slides for kids, and river with a lot of fish!"
Gambling and golf: Grand Falls Casino provides on-site recreation beyond camping. A camper shared, "Also has nice looking golf course on property as well with reasonable rates. As for the casino, decent selection of slots and tables with a live poker room."
Historical exploration: The Pipestone National Monument is accessible from camping areas. A guest at Pipestone Family Campground mentioned, "The national pipestone monument area is right across the road. Really neat interactive place to visit."
Walking trails: Several parks feature walking paths suitable for nature observation. At Island Park, one camper noted, "You can walk and bicycle ride around the Campground. The river is nice and the walking trails are ok."
What campers like
Small-town atmosphere: Magnolia City Campground delivers a quiet rural experience. A camper observed, "Small town. Mill and farm land," while another appreciated that "It's a nice campground in a small farm town."
Affordable rates: Multiple campgrounds in the region maintain budget-friendly pricing. At Island Park, a visitor confirmed, "Very cheap, 15$ a night for rv with electric and water, 5$ for tents."
Modern facilities: Recent updates enhance visitor comfort. About Island Park, a camper mentioned, "Brand New shower houses," while a guest at Adrian City Park appreciated "Beautiful CG just off I-90 on our way east from NW. Absolutely loved this place. Perfectly level site with new hook ups, awesome WiFi and tons of cable channels."
Playgrounds: Several campsites feature recreational equipment for children. A Magnolia City Campground visitor reported, "The playground was rated 'amazing' by our kids."
What you should know
Limited water hookups: Some campgrounds have inconvenient water spigot placement. At Magnolia City Campground, a camper warned, "The electrical and water are a little spaced out. We took the end spot and count quite reach our two water hoses."
Road noise: Highway proximity affects sound levels at certain campgrounds. A visitor to Adrian City Park noted, "Only con is when you're outside you hear I-90."
Site leveling challenges: Terrain varies at area campgrounds. At Pipestone Family Campground, a camper mentioned, "We had a pull thru spot, leveling was tricky."
Seasonal closures: Verify operating dates before arrival. A late-season visitor to Magnolia City Campground shared, "Great overnight spot that was open with full hookups on October 30th. October 31st is their season ending date on website."
Local events impact noise levels: Racing events create significant noise at some locations. An Island Park visitor warned, "The night we stayed, there was racing going on at Rapid Speedway that lasted well into the evening. Extremely LOUD. Make sure to check the race schedule."
Tips for camping with families
Children's activities: Sioux Falls Yogi Bear offers programmed entertainment. A visitor shared, "Our family spent a long weekend here enjoying all of the activities they had to offer. Everything from laser tag to chocolate milk chugging contests."
Community events: Special celebrations enhance family visits. A Sioux Falls Yogi Bear camper mentioned, "Saturday night was the yogi bear parade and it was the highlight of our entire stay."
Pool access: Several campgrounds provide swimming facilities. About Adrian City Park, a visitor noted, "Great laundry and facilities. Even the use of the parks pool, although it was full of small children."
Playground quality: Recreation areas vary between parks. At Pipestone Family Campground, a visitor observed, "Campground was nearly full of local campers but the kids played great together."
Tips from RVers
Power cord extensions: Bring extra electrical cords for rv sites near Bigelow, Minnesota. A Magnolia City Campground visitor advised, "I did notice that the power boxes are set up is only few spots with multiple power boxes on the post. So you could need a power cord extention."
Self-registration systems: Many campgrounds use honor-system payment. A Magnolia City visitor explained, "It's a first come place with no reservations and you pay on the honor system when you pull in."
GPS accuracy concerns: Navigation systems may provide conflicting directions. A camper at Magnolia City recommended, "Follow the gps location on the app. Don't use the address off of the city's web site. Plus there are signs for camping that will lead you right to it."
Off-season RV parking: Grand Falls Casino accommodates RVs beyond formal sites. A visitor noted, "They offer free dry parking in their main parking lot. FHU 30/50 available."
