RV parks near Wadena, Minnesota provide access to the state's central lakes region, with elevations averaging around 1,350 feet above sea level. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures typically ranging 70-85°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Many campgrounds operate seasonally from May through October due to harsh Minnesota winters.
What to do
Disc golf and wildlife viewing: Sunnybrook Park offers unique recreation with an on-site disc golf course and a small zoo featuring buffalo, whitetail deer, peacocks, and golden pheasants. A camper noted, "Lots of fun amenities, most notable are disc golf and a small zoo with some bison and deer. Sites are fairly spacious and the tent sites are closest to the river" (Sunnybrook Park).
Golfing on-site: Wildwedge Golf and RV Park combines camping with a well-maintained golf course. "The kids loved the mini golf and maze and we all loved the cute little golf course that was very well maintained," reports one visitor. The park's location provides convenient access to multiple activities in the surrounding area.
Trail access: Several campgrounds offer proximity to regional trails. Campers at Wildwedge mention biking opportunities: "Rode our bikes on the Paul Bunyan Trail to Nisswa and had some ice cream at The Chocolate Ox. Did a little shopping and got a beer at the brewery." The Paul Bunyan Trail connects multiple communities throughout the region.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Hardy's Lake in the Woods RV Resort receives praise for its generous site dimensions. "We stayed here Memorial Day weekend and it was their first weekend open. The sites are very large and it is nicely wooded. They have a few areas where the sites are more in the open but not many," shared one guest who appreciated the layout.
Beach access: Long Lake Campsite-RV Resort features extensive waterfront areas for swimming and boating. A reviewer highlighted, "Great beach. I'm giving this a 4 because it has a long strip of a beach but spaces are close. Lots of boats on the beach!" Another camper mentioned the "Large sandy beach and beautiful swimming area, store for convenience if forgetful, helpful and friendly staff, huge parking and play area for kids."
Quiet settings: Many RV parks near Wadena maintain peaceful environments despite their amenities. At Birch Bay RV Resort, guests mention "Sites are huge, very dog friendly, quiet, ice and firewood on site, cute little lake with gorgeous sunsets, huge kiddy play area on water, free kayak and paddle board use, nice little onsite store."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the region operate on limited schedules. Wildwedge Golf and RV Park, Long Lake Campsite-RV Resort, and Alexandria Shooting Park close during winter months, typically operating from May through September or October. Always verify operating dates before planning trips.
Visitor policies: Some resorts maintain strict rules about guests. At Birch Bay RV Resort, a reviewer cautions, "We give this resort 5 stars because, despite it not being visitor friendly, they are up front in their policies about visitors and the place is strictly enforced. We won't stay here again because of those policies despite how great the amenities are."
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds may present challenges. A visitor to RV There Yet Campground observed, "I should mention the road was very bumpy. This time of year it is fairly frozen, but could be messy in wet weather. Class 5 or gravel would be an awesome addition. The current road is primitive and might be difficult with RVs."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation: Sunnybrook Park provides fishing opportunities in stocked waters. "This park features fishing in Whiskey Creek, stocked with rainbow trout, crappies, and sunfish," reports a visitor. The park also offers children's playgrounds and volleyball areas for varied recreation options.
Free watercraft: Some resorts provide complimentary equipment for water activities. Birch Bay includes "free kayak and paddle board use" according to reviews, making it easier for families to enjoy water recreation without bringing or renting equipment.
Size considerations: Big Pines RV Park in Park Rapids offers convenient town proximity while maintaining a natural setting. "We booked last second and we didn't know what to expect with it being located in town. We were pleasantly surprised...our lot was decent size, full hookups, the kids (and adults) enjoyed the river, the Heartland Trail is a few blocks away, downtown is also close by, but yet, it didn't feel like we were in town."
Tips from RVers
Connectivity: Reliable internet access varies between parks. Long Lake Campsite-RV Resort offers strong connectivity according to one long-term visitor: "We stayed here for an entire week and felt very welcomed. We also worked full time from a spot by the main office and their onsite WiFi was pretty fast ~50/10 mbps."
Site amenities: Alexandria Shooting Park and RV Campground provides level sites with basic hookups. "Stayed here for one night...All lots, (lots of lots), were level and had water & electric. Super easy check in... Would definitely stay again," notes one RVer, adding "It is an active gun range so if shooting bothers you, may not be your place."
Density considerations: Some parks may feel crowded during peak periods. At Long Lake, a reviewer observed, "The campground probably has 20% more trailers in place than need be. Over-crowded. While it didn't matter to me as I was passing through, and most other RVs were unoccupied, I imagined that it would be mightily crowded on weekends."
