Camping options near Clearwater, Minnesota concentrate along the Rum River and surrounding lakes within a 40-mile radius of the town. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with evening lows in the 50s, creating comfortable camping conditions from May through September. Most camping areas sit at elevations between 900-1100 feet above sea level, with sites featuring mature oak, cedar and hickory trees providing natural shade during peak summer months.
What to do
River tubing and kayaking: The Rum River offers sandy-bottomed waterways perfect for summer recreation. At Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River, visitors praise the water activities: "The tubing is a plus. They have a bus that takes you into town float back to the campground, love it." The river conditions remain consistently favorable with "very clean and sandy bottom" according to campers.
Swimming pools and splash pads: Many campgrounds offer water recreation beyond natural bodies of water. Country Camping RV Park features "swimming pool with splash pad" that appeals to all ages. One camper notes their grandkids particularly enjoy the "swimming pool with splash pad, little camp store, Golf cart rentals!"
Mini golf and yard games: Several campgrounds provide recreational options beyond water activities. Cokato Lake RV Resort features "mini golf; pickleball; tennis; arcade room attached to the office." As one visitor mentioned, "Inground, heated swimming pool; mini golf; pickleball; tennis; arcade room attached to the office. Ice cream shop has 8 flavors of hand-dipped yum!"
What campers like
Spacious, well-maintained sites: Campers frequently mention appreciating the size and upkeep of sites in the area. At Westrich RV Park, groups find "a site big enough for all of our rigs" with walking paths behind sites that are "great for those of us with dogs!" The campground maintains various recreational facilities including "a playground, pool, volleyball area, basketball court, and shower/bath house."
Wooded, mature tree coverage: Sites with established trees receive consistently positive reviews. At RiversEdge RV Park, visitors appreciate the "large wooded lots, most facing the river or wildlife pond" and note the "lush lawns and nice walking paths with colorful gardens" that enhance the camping experience.
Clean facilities and friendly staff: Campground cleanliness and staff helpfulness rank high in positive reviews. St. Cloud Campground visitors note: "This campground is well maintained. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The shower house was clean. We enjoyed our stay here and will return."
What you should know
Wi-Fi variability: Internet connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. Some locations struggle with consistent service, especially during peak occupancy periods.
Seasonal operation restrictions: Most campgrounds in the area operate from early May through mid-October, with precise dates varying by location. Plan accordingly if visiting during shoulder seasons as some amenities may be limited.
Site variations and pricing differences: Campgrounds in the region have widely varying price points. Codgers Cover RV Resort charges "$80 daily for non-seasonal" stays, which some campers consider "kind of high" despite the lake location. Another camper described it as "Expensive and Crowded, $70 minimum."
Power system limitations: During peak summer heat, electrical systems at some campgrounds may become stressed. One camper noted having "one issue with power dropping so we had to pull the surge protector off" when everyone was "running AC to the max" during particularly hot and humid periods.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated play areas: Campgrounds with multiple kid-friendly amenities provide the best family experience. Boulder Woods RV Park features a "mature trees and park like setting" with well-maintained sites including "power and water at all sites" making it comfortable for families.
Choose campgrounds with organized activities: Sites offering structured recreation keep children engaged. Cokato Lake RV Resort provides numerous options as one visitor explains: "Impressed with the distance to/from the metro (less than an hour on Highway 12 heading west to Cokato). Inground, heated swimming pool; mini golf; pickleball; tennis; arcade room attached to the office."
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds enforce quiet hours more strictly than others. One camper reported leaving a campground when "the same group of people thought it was ok to open up their vehicle doors and blast music well into the night. Owner warned them the first time but quiet time isn't until 11 pm."
Tips from RVers
Check power capabilities: For RV camping near Clearwater, Minnesota, electrical hookup capacity matters, especially during summer. Some campgrounds offer both 30-amp and 50-amp service while others may have limitations.
Consider location convenience: RV campers appreciate easily accessible locations. Love's RV Hookup offers "RV spots that are big rig friendly" with a "convenient location right off I94 and HWY 23." One camper noted it has "clean bathrooms in Love's, Hardee's for food, Love's for snacks and drinks, and gas is right there so you can fill up before you head out."
Site surface varies by campground: RV pads range from gravel to concrete among area campgrounds. RiversEdge RV Park features "concrete patios on every lot" with "crushed granite streets and drives" providing stable parking regardless of weather conditions.
