Glamping options and cabin camping experiences near Clearwater, Minnesota include both rustic and modern accommodations. The area sits at around 1,060 feet above sea level in central Minnesota's Stearns County, where summer temperatures range from 60-85°F with occasional summer thunderstorms. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below zero, with snow typically covering the ground from November through March.
What to do
Hiking through mature forests: At Lake Maria State Park, visitors can explore trails through diverse woodland settings. "Site comes with a fire ring, picnic table, and bear locker. Site 1 is my favorite despite the road noise due to the location of the tent pad and being on almost a peninsula offering lots of lake views," shares Tori K. who recommends sites 1, 2, and 3 for more seclusion.
Water activities on multiple lakes: Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park offers swimming and fishing opportunities within minutes of your campsite. "Really nice campground! Meadow setting where the campsites are, but then TONS of hiking trails with significant trees & shade. Really beautiful," reports Kathy L.
Playground access for children: Family-friendly parks provide dedicated play areas within walking distance of campsites. "We had a great time camping here with the family!" notes Anne G. about Lake Maria State Park, while facilities at other parks include modern playgrounds and recreational fields perfect for day use.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing and natural buffers between campsites. "The sites are fairly large, but very open (which was ok with a group of us, not our style when it's just us though)," explains Jennifer H. about Baker Campground.
Clean facilities: Maintained bathrooms and shower facilities are consistently mentioned in positive reviews. "Clean bathrooms with hot water, clean laundry room," reports Heidi H. about St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park.
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting provides opportunities to spot local wildlife. "We saw pileated woodpeckers, red squirrels, and a chorus of chorus frogs," writes Alison O. about her experience at Lake Maria State Park, noting the peaceful environment where "nature feels close here."
What you should know
Bug season challenges: Summer brings mosquitoes and black flies, particularly in wooded areas. "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," shares Steph H. about their Lake Maria experience, recommending late fall visits to avoid the worst of bug season.
Walk-in sites require preparation: Some of the most desirable glamping locations require hiking in with gear. "If you're new to hiking, I suggest doing some research if you're going to attempt stuff like this," advises cheeming Y. about backpack site 7 at Lake Maria, noting the hilly terrain can make carrying supplies challenging.
Seasonal operation: Most glamping facilities in the Clearwater area operate from May through October, with limited winter options. Water systems are typically winterized after mid-October, and advance reservations are strongly recommended during peak summer weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access considerations: Bunker Hills Regional Park offers water recreation that complements a glamping stay. "Huge waterpark, miles of bike trails," notes Tiffany W., making it an excellent option for families seeking both natural settings and developed recreation options.
Beginner-friendly options: For first-time glampers with children, choose sites with minimal hiking required. "For our first time camping, this was a great site! It was very clean, had friendly staff, and was close to a really fun park for our kids," shares Heather V. about her experience at Baker Park Reserve.
Pack for varying weather: Minnesota's weather can change rapidly, even in summer. Bring extra layers and rain gear to ensure comfort. Multiple campground reviews mention unexpected temperature drops, particularly at night, even during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: When booking glamping or cabin accommodations, request specific location types. "We have a pop up so we parked on a grassy spot next to the cabins that backed up to a field. It was nice to be there instead of in the thick of the big camper section," shares Teresa O. about A J Acres Campground.
Hookup variations: Electric service at glamping sites varies significantly between parks. "There are both primitive (tent) non-electric sites, and sites with electricity, even some 50 amp," notes Doug B. about Bunker Hills Regional Park, highlighting the importance of confirming your specific power needs when booking.
Late arrival protocols: Many campgrounds offer self-service check-in for after-hours arrivals. "Easy late check in with campsite hosts," mentions Lynsey M., advising travelers to note that "your reservation fee does NOT include the daily parks fee of 7 dollars" at some locations.
