Camping near Columbus, Minnesota offers year-round outdoor recreation with seasonal accommodations throughout the region. Most campgrounds in the area experience peak occupancy from May through early October, when temperatures average 70-85°F during summer days. The region features several bodies of water including the Rum River and various lakes that provide water-based activities for campers at multiple recreational sites.
What to do
Tubing on the Rum River: At Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River, tubing is a popular summer activity. "We've stayed at Country Camping for years! Great variety of things to do for everyone. Group sites, tent sites, covered wagon sites! Floating on the Rum River, swimming pool with splash pad, little camp store, Golf cart rentals!" A shuttle bus takes tubers into town, allowing them to float back to the campground.
Explore nearby quarries: The Clearwater area offers unique outdoor experiences within short driving distance. "We stayed here to visit the nearby quarry park and that was a blast!" reports a camper who stayed at St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park with their pop-up camper. Quarry parks typically feature swimming holes in former mining sites surrounded by hiking trails.
Mini golf and recreational amenities: Many campgrounds offer on-site activities beyond water recreation. "This a nice family campground. It has a 9 hole mini golf, shuffleboard, salt water pool, and a lobby/gift shop. They also offer a nice seating area for those hot or raining days with free arcade," notes a visitor to St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Many rv campgrounds in Columbus, Minnesota and surrounding areas offer generously sized sites. "Large sites. Great tubing and canoeing," according to a Country Camping review. Another camper at Wildwood RV Park & Campground mentioned, "We tent camped for two nights in site CC, which had a small quiet creek beside it. These primitive sites are down a small dirt road away from the main RV camping area and are nicely wooded."
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness consistently ranks high in visitor satisfaction. "Clean bathrooms with hot water, clean laundry room," reports a recent St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park visitor. Another camper at Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve stated, "The bathrooms and showers are nice and clean, some of the best I've seen at a campground!"
River access: The sandy-bottomed Rum River receives particular praise from campers. "Key thing is the river is very clean and sandy bottom," notes one visitor. Riverfront camping areas provide direct water access for swimming and paddling activities throughout the warmer months.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the Columbus area operate from early May through early October. St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park runs from May 3 to October 13, while Wildwood RV Park & Campground operates from May 5 to October 8. Weather conditions determine exact opening and closing dates, with some facilities extending seasons during mild years.
Cell service variability: Connectivity differs between campgrounds and carriers. "Verizon cell coverage is good here and OTA TV has a few channels," notes a Mississippi Riverwood RV Park visitor. Another camper at Wildwood mentioned, "Sadly I needed 4 hours of internet and my cellular data here was spotty. I spent this time right outside the office."
Site-specific amenities: Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds and even between site types within the same park. "The sites do not have fire rings but there are some community ones and it appears the other campers brought their own smokeless fire pits to use," notes one camper about shared amenities at certain locations.
Tips for camping with families
Look for splash pads and pools: Water features provide entertainment for children during hot summer days. "I stayed here 3 weeks ago with my wife and 2 young children and it was fantastic great playground and heated pool the spaces were well kept and spaced apart 10-10 would most definitely go again! A ton for the kids to do!" reports an enthusiastic Country Camping visitor.
Consider kid-friendly campground layouts: Some parks organize their facilities with families in mind. "This campground is great for everyone! It's has a heated pool, splash pad area, BIG playground area, indoor game room, HUGE sites!" notes a visitor to Country Camping RV Park. Playgrounds and recreation areas provide supervised activities for different age groups.
Check for group camping options: Family reunions and multi-family trips benefit from specialized sites. "We went with a ground of friends (all families with young kids). It was the perfect place to easily get in, set up, hangout, and just relax. The sites are fairly large, but very open," explains a Baker Park Reserve visitor describing their experience camping with multiple families.
Tips from RVers
Diverse site types available: RV campgrounds near Columbus, Minnesota accommodate various equipment sizes and preferences. "The campground is so nice and quiet! Located 50 Miles NW of Minneapolis, and only 15 Miles from St. Cloud, MN. Large wooded lots, most facing the river or wildlife pond. Full hook-ups, with 30 or 50 amp service. Concrete Patios on every lot," notes a visitor to RiversEdge RV Park.
Off-season considerations: Seasonal closures affect services at most campgrounds. "Boulder Woods is mostly seasonal camping but does have RV sites for overnight and weekly camping. The park is well maintained with power and water at all sites," reports a visitor to Boulder Woods RV Park, highlighting the availability of utilities even outside peak season.
Prepare for weather events: The Minnesota climate includes sudden storms during camping season. "We came outside to asses damages and instead of the park owner checking on us he belligerently screamed at my children," reported one camper describing the aftermath of "a TERRIBLE storm with nickel to quarter size hail." Weather preparedness should include adequate shelter and damage mitigation plans.
