Campgrounds surrounding Crystal, Minnesota offer year-round camping options within 30-60 minutes of the metropolitan area. Most sites provide weekly or monthly rates for extended stays, with prices typically ranging from $30-45 per night depending on hookup options. Area campsites experience peak usage during summer weekends and fall color season when temperatures average 75-85°F in summer and 55-65°F during fall.
What to do
Water recreation at Rum River: At Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River, visitors can float down the river on rented equipment. "The tubing is a plus. Had one issue with power dropping so we had to pull the surge protector off. The key thing is the river is very clean and sandy bottom," notes David G. The park offers tubing, canoeing, and kayaking with pickup service.
Miniature golf and games: St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park provides 9-hole mini golf, shuffleboard, and indoor games for rainy days. According to S L., "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."
Biking and swimming: Baker Campground features extensive paved trails around lakes and ponds, plus swimming beaches for hot summer days. "With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be," states Bryan S., who recommends the area for weekend trips or holiday getaways.
What campers like
Spacious sites and recreation: Country Camping RV Park offers larger-than-average camping spots with multiple recreation options. "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!" says Carol H.
Heated pools and splash pads: Several RV campgrounds near Crystal feature water play areas for summer cooling. "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," reports Beasty B. These water features typically operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Concrete camping pads: Dakotah Meadows RV Park stands out with its paved, level sites. "This place has everything and it's in great as new condition. Sites are two pull-thru's to each site. Your door is opposite of your site mate and you each have your own power pedestal w/water. Sites are 60+ feet, concrete and level. Each site has their own fire pit," explains James and Susan K.
What you should know
Summer weekday availability: Most RV campgrounds around Crystal have better weekday availability during peak season. "Quiet during the week and busy on the weekends. Nice pool, laundry facility, nice restrooms with showers," notes Cheri W. about her month-long stay at St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park from late August through September.
Reservation requirements: Advance booking is essential for weekend camping, particularly during summer. At Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve, sites fill quickly despite being a large campground. "This campground is a gem so very close to the Twin Cities. The sites are good sized, and the bathroom/showers are great," explains Bryan S.
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds operate from May through October with limited winter options. Cokato Lake RV Resort specifically caters to long-term guests with 225 sites. "Impressed with the distance to/from the metro (less than an hour on Highway 12 heading west to Cokato). Inground, heated swimming pool; mini golf; pickleball; tennis; arcade room attached to the office," reports Rachel H.
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Town & Country Campground & RV Park offers family-friendly facilities close to city attractions. "The kids enjoyed the compact playground and pool. The site we're in is w&e only but they have a dump station. It appears to be sold out for the weekend so book ahead," advises Jennifer H., noting its convenient location near Minneapolis attractions.
Game room activities: Many RV campgrounds around Crystal provide indoor entertainment for rainy days. "It's a nice park but very close compact. Everyone is squeezed in like sardines. Very tight quarters on roads and sites. There is a game room and a small pool," reports Claire M. about Town & Country Campground.
Lake swimming and boating: Baker Park Reserve features water recreation on Lake Independence with rentable watercraft. "We spent two nights in the campground. It was fairly busy, but we still felt secluded despite a full campground. There are nice paved trails around a couple of lakes/ponds for biking, and easy access to the shower and bathroom facilities," shares ERolf P.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: RV parks near Crystal vary significantly in site spacing. "Nice campground with amenities, pool and water play area for kids. Nice on-site store for any needs. I have a small travel trailer that is self contained so I could reserve spots down by the river," explains Barbara B., who gives Country Camping a 4-star rating.
Power management: During hot summer months when air conditioners run constantly, some RV sites experience electrical issues. "Had one issue with power dropping so we had to pull the surge protector off. It was fine. Also very hot and humid so everyone was running AC to the max," reports David G. about his experience at Country Camping Tent & RV Park.
Shuttle services: For RVers seeking entertainment beyond the campground, RiversEdge RV Park offers convenient access to nearby attractions. "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 Tori K. about this quieter alternative to busier Crystal-area campgrounds.
