Camping near Brook Park, Minnesota offers year-round opportunities across varied terrains with easy access to rivers, lakes, and forested areas. The region sits in the transitional zone between prairie and forest ecosystems at elevations averaging 930-1,050 feet. Most campgrounds in the area experience significant seasonal fluctuation, with temperatures ranging from summer highs in the 80s to winter lows well below freezing.
What to do
River tubing and canoeing: Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River provides direct river access with equipment rentals. "Tubing! They have a bus that takes you into town float back to the campground, love it," notes Tom D., who appreciates the convenience of the shuttle service.
Winter ice fishing: Hidden Bay RV Resort transforms into an ice fishing destination during colder months. "I'm talking winter camping on the lake on the Ice in an 'Ice castle' catching walleye. Had a great time fishing in the camper (Ice Castle) well plowed roads, nice showers," shares Michael V., who caught numerous slot fish during January and February visits.
Golf access: Fiddlestix RV and Golf Resort offers integrated camping and golfing. "The seasonal guests can golf on the weekends/holidays for free as part of their package, so tee times are needed," explains MickandKarla W., noting the course was undergoing redesign but remained playable during construction.
What campers like
Pool and splash pad amenities: Country Camping Tent & RV Park receives praise for its water recreation options. "Great variety of things to do for everyone. Group sites, tent sites, covered wagon sites! Floating on the Rum River, swimming pool with splash pad, little camp store, Golf cart rentals!" shares Carol H., highlighting the range of accommodations and activities.
Quieter alternatives to state parks: Banning RV Park and Campground serves as an overflow option when nearby state parks fill up. "With easy access to both the Twin Cities metro area and Duluth, with desireable whitewater paddling and rockclimbing both available in the area, Banning State Park campground fills quickly especially in summer and on weekends, and the Banning RV Park is an excellent backup alternative," explains Janet R.
Dog-friendly facilities: Several campgrounds feature dedicated pet areas, with Banning RV Park offering an exceptional setup. "It was not just some small dog area it was top of the line dog park, we are going back again for our 2nd visit," states Matt P., while another reviewer noted the facility included "a complete dog playground with all the standards elements of a dog agility course."
What you should know
Site visibility challenges: Grand Casino RV Resort presents unique parking difficulties. "Virtually every site in the park is a blind back in from the driver seat. You're trying to back your trailer into a site on the right side without being able to see anything over there," cautions Adrian G., noting the site number pedestals are positioned in difficult-to-see corners.
Water hookup locations: Many campgrounds feature shared water hookups requiring Y-adapters and extra hose length. At Banning RV Park, one camper discovered "water hookups were shared with other sites and required 'y' connections at the spigots" and needed over 75 feet of hose to reach their site, warning others to "bring a lot of hose."
Seasonal guest concentration: Pokegama Lake RV Park reserves many sites for seasonal campers, reducing availability for short-term stays. "A good portion of the campground was occupied by seasonal campers. There were some sites that were well cared for and some that could use some TLC," observed Sam C.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Banning RV Park and Campground features multiple play areas. "Remarkably, in addition to playgrounds for children in different places around the campground, there was a huge dog walking and play area that was grassy and beautifully clean," notes Janet R., indicating separate recreation spaces for children and pets.
Activity centers: Some facilities offer organized entertainment beyond typical outdoor recreation. At Banning, the campground pavilion included "picnic tables, family bathrooms with showers, playground, activity center with craft classes etc, and laundry room," providing indoor options during inclement weather.
Affordable multi-family sites: Large tent sites accommodate group camping at reasonable prices. "We had two families with 3 tents and two vehicles, plus bought firewood (which was delivered in generous quantities) and the total price was $48," reports one camper, comparing this favorably to the cost of multiple sites at nearby state parks.
Tips from RVers
Drainage challenges: Grand Casino RV Resort features elevated sewer connections that create drainage issues. "All of the sewer connections are cut off about 12 inches above the ground. This means that even in a relatively tall fifth wheel, you are going to be trying to make shit filled water flow uphill," warns Adrian G., recommending nearby alternatives for overnight stays.
Big rig accessibility: Most parks claim big rig friendliness but have limitations. Banning RV Park offers pull-through sites that benefit less experienced drivers: "The staff was great and willing to help with any questions or concerns we as rookies had! They have pull through sites that made our first time that much easier," shares Matt P.
Leveling requirements: Expect variable site terrain requiring equipment adjustments. "Our sites were grass that was a little long and rutted from what seemed from previous tenants. This made getting leveling a little difficult and out fold out stairs touched the ground before fully being deployed," reports a visitor to Banning RV Park.
