Tent campsites near Clearwater, Minnesota feature a mix of waterfront and woodland options within a 30-mile radius of town. The region sits at approximately 1,010 feet above sea level along the Mississippi River, where campers often encounter a humid continental climate with summer temperatures averaging 80-85°F during peak camping months. Winter camping options remain accessible at several locations, though overnight temperatures frequently drop below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Hiking and birding trails: Lake Rebecca Park Reserve offers extensive trails for nature enthusiasts. "Great for birding and walking trails! One of my favorite places to go near home," notes camper Alison O. The park includes 13.25 miles of single-track mountain biking trails with "different loops available for varying skill levels."
Paddling the Mississippi: Primitive campsites along the river provide rest stops for paddlers. At Oak Island Watercraft Campsite, "This island on the Mississippi has a picnic table and a very primitive toilet. It's a great spot to take a rest while cavorting the Mississippi," according to LaMina H.
Swimming and boating: Several campgrounds offer water recreation options. A.J. Acres Campground provides "a dock for fishing as well. You can also rent boats, kayaks and paddleboards for a small fee," as Joe S. points out. The campground beach area requires caution since "boaters and kayaks are in the same general area."
What campers like
Secluded backcountry sites: Many tent campers appreciate the privacy of hike-in options. At Lake Maria State Park, Tori K. notes the park "offers many backpacking sites with some being very short hikes in and some being longer hikes. Some are lake front and some are more woodsy sites."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The primitive camping locations support diverse wildlife. "We saw pileated woodpeckers, red squirrels, and a chorus of chorus frogs. Nature feels close here — in the best way," writes one Lake Maria visitor.
Hammock-friendly trees: Several camping areas feature mature trees ideal for hammock camping. Brian C. mentions that at his Lake Maria site, "You could see the occasional car from the site, which is surrounded by a small pond... There are two trees perfectly spaced for a hammock."
What you should know
Insect conditions: Bug activity varies dramatically by season. At Lake Maria, Steph H. experienced extreme conditions: "First step onto the grassy trail exploded in a cloud of mosquitos... We were covered in welts in no time flat. That's when the jogging began."
Preparation for primitive sites: Mississippi River County Park offers specialized primitive camping: "The canoe campsite is accessible from the river. Camping is allowed for those traveling by canoe and limited to one night of camping with no overnight vehicle." They also have a bicycle campsite with similar restrictions.
Physical demands: Backcountry sites require physical effort. One Lake Maria camper warns: "If you're new to hiking, I suggest doing some research... Easily was carrying 100lbs and had to take a couple breaks on the way. I knew nothing about this place so that was my mistake."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Crow Hassan Park Reserve receives high marks from families with children. Daniel R. calls it "the best kids park at any campground I've been to" with "an amazing beach" and "great trails."
Firewood availability: Many tent sites require bringing your own wood. At Lake Maria's backcountry site BP7, a camper noted they "didn't have much dead wood around so we had to reserve the firewood we purchased."
Transportation options: For families with gear, consider logistics carefully. One camper suggested "bringing a cart for gear transport" to Lake Maria's sites, since the hills and distance can make multiple trips challenging.
Tips from RVers
Navigating wooded sites: A.J. Acres Campground poses challenges for larger rigs. Nettie W. reports, "Navigating around trees was not so fun with our 5th wheel. We got the slideouts to fit in between the trees." The campground has "limited availability to sewer hookups, only about 5 true pull thrus, taken by seasonal" campers.
Seasonal considerations: Many RV parks near Clearwater operate seasonally. According to Joe S., A.J. Acres campsites "are a little bit on top of each other. There aren't many campsites that you're able to reserve. The majority of the campsites are seasonal campsites."
