Best Camping near Cold Spring, MN

Cold Spring is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Cold Spring, MN. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Cold Spring, MN (94)

Showing results 1-10 of 94 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Cold Spring

Recent Reviews in Cold Spring

312 Reviews of 94 Cold Spring Campgrounds


  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Linwood Resort & Campgrounds
    Nov. 13, 2024

    Linwood Resort & Campgrounds

    Great lake

    Amenities I remember when we had a seasonal spot here: cabins with beautiful lake view, boathouse lodge and game room, sunbathing dock on the water, large picnic grounds, sand-filled playground, paddleboard &kayak rentals, boat ramp and launching service, boat & pontoon rental, boatlifts, gas, oil, tackle and live bait, screened-in fish cleaning house, sand volleyball, mini golf, laundry.

    The nearby town of Osakis has convenience stores, grocery, liquor stores, gas, bars and restaurants, etc. Lake osakis is usually pretty good for fishing.

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Love's RV Hookup-Rockville MN 842
    Nov. 13, 2024

    Love's RV Hookup-Rockville MN 842

    Good pit stop

    Stayed here kind of last minute on my way home and wanted electric hook ups.

    Still open in the winter! Convenient location right off I94 and HWY 23. Close to Waite Park for entertainment and food. Love's is open 24 hours and has most things you would need. There is also a Hardee's if you need dinner!

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Spirit of Ripley
    Nov. 4, 2024

    Spirit of Ripley

    Close to lake

    Nice large grass pads, easily accessible for big rigs! Close to the lake and public boat access. Each site had a picnic table and a fire ring provided. All sites have power, water, and sewer hook ups. Went for several bike rides around the lake.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from South of Sand Dunes State Forest
    Oct. 31, 2024

    South of Sand Dunes State Forest

    Nice place. Lots of traffic

    Plenty of spots. Fairly small spots. This road is pretty busy for a dirt forest road and people FLY down it. Almost got hit a few times walking. Even through a Wednesday night cars are flying down the road.

  • David T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park Campground
    Oct. 23, 2024

    Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park Campground

    A really excellent stop over, although I didn't need a whole hookup!

    I was traveling Eastward through the upper Midwest and had a really hard time in this area finding a place to camp. I finally came across this place. There was some suggestion that there was some drive in sites that were not reservable, that is. They were first come first serve. But I was unaware or unable to find those. I ended up paying a fair amount of money for a full hookup site. The bathrooms were extremely modern and clean.

    There were some really nice wide trails around the lake. I think those were basically designed for cross-country skiing in the winter. But they made a perfect opportunity for me to let the dog run off. Leash. Probably was not within the rules, but it was very quiet there and the dog didn't bother anybody with her running.

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Masonic West River Campground
    Oct. 15, 2024

    Masonic West River Campground

    Large riverfront sites

    Amazing campsite! Sites are large and grassy! We had a lakeview site right off the paved walking/biking trail with room for a large tent and the pop-up camper. Fire ring and picnic table provided. A man drives through the campsite close to dusk to sell firewood as there is no traditional office. Bathrooms and showers are located near the dump station and dumpster. Be on the lookout for the code for the doors during your reservation process. We had missed it and had to ask a neighbor if they knew the codes so we could shower.

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sinclair Lewis City Campground
    Oct. 15, 2024

    Sinclair Lewis City Campground

    Great small town campground

    We stay every year typically for the legion's annual beer run! Great lake views and close to town. Boat launch is close by, bathrooms, showers, fish cleaning house provided.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Games Lake County Park
    Oct. 14, 2024

    Games Lake County Park

    Great Land, best place to relax and play my fav video game

    Really happy to be able to see some pictures of this lovely place, enjoying with family and pet is one of the most entertaining experience in life. Also have had a good time playing with the D2R items of my favourite video game. Will come back in this zone in the future.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sauk River City Park
    Sep. 21, 2024

    Sauk River City Park

    Lovely, new, accommodations in small town

    Rolled up in the middle of the night. $10 cash in the box for a tent site. Clean bathroom with shower. Felt safe and fell asleep quickly with the sound of the creek next to our site. Would definitely stay again.

  • Maria H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Games Lake County Park
    Aug. 23, 2024

    Games Lake County Park

    Nice Place Very Interesting

    3Patti Blue APK is a famous gaming app in Pakistan. This app provides entertainment as well as an opportunity to earn real cash. There are many ways you can earn money on the 3 Patti Blue app,

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Charles A. Lindbergh State Park Campground
    Aug. 6, 2024

    Charles A. Lindbergh State Park Campground

    Nice and Clean, SUPER buggy

    Came through on an evening in July to meet a buddy canoeing the misssissippi. This was easily the buggiest site we stayed in all summer. Mosquitos so thick we had to wear nets over our faces. Maybe we’re just sensitive about it, but it was hard to get anything done.

  • Mukesh A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Games Lake County Park
    Aug. 1, 2024

    Games Lake County Park

    Solara Executor

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  • Laurie V.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mississippi Riverwood RV Park
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Mississippi Riverwood RV Park

    Buyer Beware!

     If you do NOT stay the entire amount of time you have paid for, you may lose the right to return to your site, even if your lease says the lot is still yours.

    My husband and I camped at MRRV Park from July 5 to August 5th,2023, because my husband had a job in the area. We signed a lease that went through October 15th. We agreed that the lot’s owner could find another renter after we left with the condition that some of our money would be refunded. Shortly after we left, my husband found out he had a second job in the twin cities. We tried to contact the owner many times to see if any other renters were lined up. Only by contacting the park board did we find that the lot had been rented out 2 days after we left. The lot’s owner refuses to return any money for the 9 extra weeks we paid for! My husband had to rent a hotel room☹ 

    The RV Park board refuses to help so we are going to court.

  • samuel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from South of Sand Dunes State Forest
    Jul. 18, 2024

    South of Sand Dunes State Forest

    Good forest road, nothing special

    For the proximity to the city and nearby highways, this was a good spot. Didn’t expect to see as many campers as I did, but all seemed to be friendly. I stayed here for one night and roads were totally fine for any vehicle. Most spots are like the pictures shown. There are a few spots that have great views or pull-through areas, and there are limited spots that are big-rig friendly. Saw lots of dogs, and mine had a blast, even had what seemed to be a stray husky quickly roll through camp around dusk. Something to keep on your mind. The road goes for a long ways, I parked near the front and closer to numbers, always like to be safer. Overall there was some shouting and yelling but for the location I was happy.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from South of Sand Dunes State Forest
    Jul. 17, 2024

    South of Sand Dunes State Forest

    Very Quiet

    There’s lots of little spots off the main gravel road. Nothing allowed further into the forest. One pull through area that I found. Couple vehicles pass a day. Stand storks are very protective. Stay away from them. They attack. 🤣

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve
    Jul. 16, 2024

    Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve

    Favorite spot

    This is just the best campground that is close to Minneapolis! Peaceful, quiet, with spacious sites that are situated in a staggered way, so you never feel like you’re on top of each other. The lake was a bit reedy and silty but overall a fantastic and easy option.

  • Jason B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from South of Sand Dunes State Forest
    Jul. 2, 2024

    South of Sand Dunes State Forest

    Quiet with lots of different bird sounds

    this is a nice quiet area. Some younger people coming through sporadically playing with their trucks but nothing serious and not often. Be aware if you have an rv though. I had a county sheriff person tell me it's not lawful to park a trailer and they kicked me out. I called the dnr and they said that wasn't right but I decided to leave anyway. County sheriff's not pleasent around here.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Sauk River City Park
    Jun. 4, 2024

    Sauk River City Park

    Exposed

    We arrived, checked it out and decided to leave. The grassy sites had recently been mowed, but were very muddy and right on top of each other. Lots of people fishing. We just felt exposed. Drive to Birch Lake State Forest instead.

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Ann Lake
    Jun. 2, 2024

    Ann Lake

    Overnight Stay

    Very quiet campground, with large peaceful, rustic sites. We stopped for one night while traveling through Minneapolis area. Found several open sites on Saturday, first weekend in June. The road into the campground was a bit bumpy, take it slow it was only about 0.75 miles.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Charles A. Lindbergh State Park Campground
    May. 31, 2024

    Charles A. Lindbergh State Park Campground

    Small state park

    Small, well spaced out camp spots and very quiet. This was a wet spring and under the trees, the bugs were overwhelming so keep that in mind. Few nice trails, several museums right across the street, really nice parks in little falls and neat views of the dam on the river

  • W
    Camper-submitted photo from Games Lake County Park
    May. 21, 2024

    Games Lake County Park

    A great place with numerous facilities

    A great place with numerous facilities, including reliable Wi-Fi  Wave Executor and strong mobile service(Verizon). The office staff is very pleasant, making the experience even more enjoyable.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sinclair Lewis City Campground
    May. 21, 2024

    Sinclair Lewis City Campground

    Overpriced for Off-season

    Camped at Site #21 on Oct 8, 2023. Nice city park. Clean campsites along Sauk Lake. Fishing pier nearby. The office was closed for the season with the water & electric turned off, and the campground restroom closed. I don't mind this except that the $25 camping fee was high for the shut-offs & closures. (The was an open restroom down by the boat ramp.)  There was trash service. Close to town, the campground was well maintained. There was a table & hookups pedestal. Good place for an overnight stay.

  • Katie C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Maria State Park Campground
    May. 16, 2024

    Lake Maria State Park Campground

    Overall good

    If you're looking for a beginner backpack spot, with privacy and not too far from the cities, then this will fit your bill. You can either do a short-hike from the parking lot via the road to B5 or a 1 mile easy hike via the trail. The backpacking sites are very spread out, we could barely tell anyone else was at the park with us ever. 

    B5 was beautiful, already lots of mosquitos for May (and appeared poison oak/ivy). I'm not sure what this park does differently than most other parks, but our privy was LOADED with spiders. I get it, it's the outdoors. But still, I've used many in-ground toilets and never had dozens of spiders covering the toilet seat/front. 

    Another reason we chose this park was for birding. The park ranger at check-in was not helpful and then said he's never heard of MN State Parks free birding kits to borrow, though it's clearly listed on several spots on their website. Bummer, but we still enjoyed our time.



Guide to Cold Spring

Camping near Cold Spring, Minnesota, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature and make lasting memories.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the beautiful trails at Lake Maria State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The backpacking sites are very spread out, we could barely tell anyone else was at the park with us ever."
  • Fishing and Swimming: At Lake Carlos State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and swimming. A camper noted, "Nice larger sites, usual campground stuff. I stayed across from the lake and it was great."
  • Bird Watching: Lake Maria State Park Campground is a great spot for birding. One reviewer shared, "The park ranger at check-in was not helpful... but we still enjoyed our time."

What campers like:

  • Spacious Campsites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve. A happy camper said, "Peaceful, quiet, with spacious sites that are situated in a staggered way."
  • Clean Facilities: Many visitors enjoy the clean restrooms and showers at Lake Carlos State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Very clean restroom/shower house."
  • Helpful Staff: Campers often rave about the friendly staff at Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve. A visitor shared, "Everyone here at Baker is so helpful and accommodating."

What you should know:

  • Bugs Can Be Bad: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in the warmer months. A camper at Mille Lacs Kathio Petaga Campground noted, "The trails are probably not maintained... but they were almost impossible to hike on simply because of the amount of mosquitoes."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lake Maria State Park Campground, have fewer amenities. A visitor mentioned, "No water or sewer at any sites. Water and dump station located at the office."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak season. A camper at Bunker Hills Regional Park said, "Went early in the season... had no problems getting a good spot with electric hookups."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids, like Sinclair Lewis City Campground. One family shared, "Direct access to the bike trail, tons to do for the kids when mom and dad were worn out."
  • Plan for Outdoor Fun: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep the kids entertained. A camper at Lake Carlos State Park Campground mentioned, "Each site had a fire ring and picnic table."
  • Pack Bug Spray: Don’t forget bug spray to keep the mosquitoes at bay. A visitor at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park Campground warned, "Mosquitos so thick we had to wear nets over our faces."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the campsite. A reviewer at Ann Lake said, "We were able to find a spot for our 26ft Class C."
  • Look for Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Bunker Hills Regional Park, offer electric hookups. A camper noted, "Better for someone with an RV."
  • Be Prepared for Rough Roads: Some campgrounds have bumpy access roads. A visitor at Ann Lake mentioned, "The road into the campground was a bit bumpy, take it slow."

Camping near Cold Spring, Minnesota, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Cold Spring, MN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Cold Spring, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 94 campgrounds and RV parks near Cold Spring, MN and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Cold Spring, MN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cold Spring, MN is Lake Maria State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 30 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cold Spring, MN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Cold Spring, MN.

  • What parks are near Cold Spring, MN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Cold Spring, MN that allow camping, notably Mississippi River Headwaters - Cross Lake and Saint Croix National Scenic River.