Camping options within 40 miles of Cold Spring, Minnesota range from smaller private parks to larger lakeside resorts. Seasonal operation typically occurs from early May through mid-October with nighttime temperatures dropping below 45°F in spring and fall. Many campgrounds are situated along waterways including the Elk River and Mississippi River, offering water recreation opportunities beyond standard RV amenities.
What to do
Swimming and water recreation: Lake Koronis Regional Park features a beach area on the lake that's perfect for swimming during hot summer months. According to one visitor, "Nice beach area and Great picnic area!!! Big playground picnic tables scattered everywhere. There was even a small trail off to the side with (time of year) had a small creek running through it."
Tubing adventures: Two Rivers Campground offers river tubing as their specialty activity where the Platte River meets the Mississippi. A reviewer notes, "Tubing down the river is a MUST! Lots of fun. There's mini golf, a decent arcade, a camp store."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple fishing spots are available at RiversEdge RV Park where anglers can access the Elk River. As one camper shares, "Fishing, tubing, & canoeing on the Elk River" are popular activities with "large wooded lots, most facing the river or wildlife pond."
Walking and hiking: Many campgrounds feature walking paths for light exercise and nature observation. At St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park, guests enjoy exploring the grounds with "mature trees. Cedars, white oaks, hickory's and more. The birds are singing and so are the kids because this place has so much to do for them."
What campers like
Clean facilities: St. Cloud Campground & RV Park receives consistent praise for its maintenance standards. A camper mentions, "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."
Swimming pools: Several rv campgrounds near Cold Spring, Minnesota feature pools as alternatives to lake swimming. At St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park, campers appreciate the "salt water pool" alongside other amenities like "9 hole mini golf, shuffleboard, and a lobby/gift shop."
Family-friendly environments: The campgrounds cater to families with various activities. As one visitor to Cokato Lake RV Resort shared, "Heated pool, lake with beach, boat launch area just block away, tennis/pickle ball, mini golf, resort store with ice cream, goat park, paved roads and much more!"
Wooded sites: Campers frequently mention appreciating tree cover for shade and privacy. At RiversEdge RV Park, the "large wooded lots" are popular, especially those "facing the river or wildlife pond."
What you should know
Pricing variations: Campground rates fluctuate significantly across the Cold Spring area. Codgers Cove RV Resort charges higher rates with one reviewer noting, "Just passing through, great lake location but $80 was kind of high" while another mentioned, "Expensive and Crowded, $70 minimum."
Site orientation issues: Some campgrounds have unusual site layouts. At Lake Koronis Regional Park, a camper pointed out, "Pretty disappointed to arrive and be in a backwards site. This is a back-in only site and yet the site is backwards. The firepit is on the backend of the camper instead of the front."
WiFi limitations: Internet connectivity varies widely at Cold Spring area campgrounds. One reviewer at St. Cloud Campground & RV Park explained, "It was the worst wifi of about 15 campgrounds we've been to on our trip this year. They warned us it was slow, but we couldn't even connect to it from our site."
Seasonal rate increases: Some campgrounds have implemented significant price increases. A Two Rivers Campground visitor reported, "New owner as of 2022- huge jump in prices! Extra fees added everywhere-more than two children fee, guest fees, pet fees, river view fees, holiday fees."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Choose campgrounds with multiple recreation options to keep children engaged. A visitor to Baker Campground shared, "With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. At Westrich RV Park, a camper noted, "There is a playground, pool, volleyball area, basketball court, and shower/bath house. The owners are onsite and very friendly people."
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds offer swimming pools specifically designed with children in mind. Two Rivers Campground provides "a lazy river, a splash pool for little ones, and another pool for all ages. Kids will love the giant inflatable bouncy house, mini golf, and the many activities offered."
Indoor recreation: For rainy days, some Cold Spring area rv campgrounds maintain indoor facilities. St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park offers "a nice seating area for those hot or raining days with free arcade," providing entertainment options regardless of weather conditions.
Tips from RVers
Year-round availability: Some RV parks remain open during winter months while most close seasonally. A visitor to Love's RV Hookup noted, "Still open in the winter! Convenient location right off I94 and HWY 23. Close to Waite Park for entertainment and food."
Site surface considerations: RV sites feature various pad materials affecting leveling and comfort. RiversEdge RV Park provides "concrete patios on every lot" and "crushed granite streets and drives" for improved stability.
Convenience amenities: Several parks offer services beyond standard hookups. At Two Rivers Campground, "The general store has all your camping essentials, plus they make great pizza and other food—delivered right to your campsite along with firewood and ice, just by calling or texting."
Road conditions: Interior roads vary across campgrounds with some featuring unpaved surfaces. At Westrich RV Park, visitors should note that the "road through the campground is dirt," which may affect access during wet weather.
