Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park and surrounding campgrounds offer convenient tent and RV camping options within 30 miles of Columbus, Minnesota. The area features mixed terrain of oak forests, prairie lands, and wetlands with elevations ranging from 850 to 950 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with high humidity from June through August, while spring and fall camping provides cooler conditions.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Bunker Hills Regional Park features a top-rated disc golf course within the campground area. "Close to a top 10 disc golf course if that's your thing (it's ours)," notes Lynsey M. who stayed at Bunker Hills Regional Park.
Water activities: Ham Lake Resort offers rowboats and canoes free for guests. According to kristin C., "They patiently described how to utilize the grey and black water tanks, as well as encouraged us to check-out the canoes, row boats, bikes, horseshoes, ladder golf and many other entertainment items - for FREE!"
Horse trails: For campers interested in equestrian activities, camping near Columbus provides options for trail rides. "There is a stable with horses/ponies that you can take guided trail rides on," explains Krista T. about the facilities at Bunker Hills Regional Park.
What campers like
Spacious sites: The camping areas around Columbus feature well-spaced sites. At Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park, Courtney C. reports, "Stayed here when we got our first camper and it is nicely shaded large sites. Great walking paths and clean restrooms."
Wooded privacy: Many campgrounds offer tree cover for enhanced privacy. "This campground is massive! Our campsite was on the farthest loop and was very private! We saw sooooo many deer some even walking right through campsites," shares Kate H. about Wild River State Park.
Wildlife viewing: The natural areas surrounding Columbus provide opportunities for animal sightings. Spencer C. at Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River notes, "This campground is great for everyone! It's has a heated pool, splash pad area, BIG playground area, indoor game room, HUGE sites!"
What you should know
Yurt camping near Columbus, Minnesota: Stone Creek Farm offers yurt accommodations for those seeking alternative lodging. "Interesting place," notes Stephanie K., providing yurt camping options not found at many other Columbus, Minnesota campgrounds.
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds operate from May through October with limited off-season availability. "Open 4/1/2019 - 10/15/2019," shows the operational schedule for Minneapolis Northwest KOA, with most other campgrounds following similar patterns.
Insect preparation: Pack insect repellent, especially during summer months. "The bugs are aggressive here, especially near the tent sites which are located near a swampy area," warns Zach H. about Minneapolis Northwest KOA.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. Krista T. noted about Bunker Hills, "Based on the lack of Dyrt reviews and the overabundance of weekend availability for this campground, it might be a nice option for you to get camping even if you are a state-park-loving metro dweller like me."
Tips for camping with families
Water parks for kids: Several campgrounds feature swimming facilities. Barbara B. from Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River says, "Nice campground with amenities, pool and water play area for kids."
Multi-activity sites: Look for campgrounds with diverse recreation options. Kelly E. comments about Kozy Oaks Kamp, "Family friendly getaway for a quick camping fix. Nice pool and a lake. Room between campsites and some tree coverage."
Playground access: Many campgrounds feature play equipment. "There are a few restaurants around that deliver. Great spot," mentions Justin R. about Minneapolis Northwest KOA, highlighting both convenience and amenities.
Animal encounters: Some campgrounds offer petting zoos or wildlife viewing. Kristin C. notes about Ham Lake Resort, "The campground has a couple of ponds, as well as access to Ham Lake where the watercraft is launched. There is a petting arena with goats, ponies, and a llama."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Request specific sites when making reservations at popular campgrounds. At Baker Park Reserve, ERolf P. notes, "We spent two nights in the campground. It was fairly busy, but we still felt secluded despite a full campground."
Hookup availability: RV campers should check electrical options before booking. "There are both primitive (tent) non-electric sites, and sites with electricity, even some 50 amp," explains Doug B. about Bunker Hills Regional Park.
Dump station access: Most campgrounds provide sanitary dump facilities. "The bathrooms were nice and clean. The only down fall was there was no trash cans in the campground only with you were leaving the campground," shares Melissa A. about Bunker Hills, indicating limited convenience facilities.
Space requirements: Larger RVs should verify site dimensions. "Sites are close to each other, but easy access, clean grounds and facilities, friendly staff, and a K9 fenced area for a pet friendly campground," reports David E. about Minneapolis Northwest KOA.
