Best Campgrounds near Darwin, MN

Camping areas surrounding Darwin, Minnesota include a mix of county parks, state forests, and private campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. Lake Ripley County Park Campground in Litchfield offers developed sites for tents, RVs, and glamping accommodations with electric hookups, showers, and drinking water. Nearby, Masonic West River Park in Hutchinson provides boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in access with similar amenities. Collinwood County Park in Cokato features tent and RV camping with electric hookups and shower facilities, operating seasonally from late April through September.

Road conditions and accessibility vary throughout the region, with most developed campgrounds maintaining gravel or paved access roads suitable for standard vehicles. "This state park uniquely showcases an ecologic transition zone between hardwood forest, savannah, and prairie," noted one visitor about a nearby park. Seasonal considerations affect camping availability, with most campgrounds operating from April or May through September or October. Lake Ripley operates from April 15 to October 15, while Masonic West River Park is available from May to October. Winter camping options are limited, though Lake Maria State Park Campground in Monticello remains open year-round with walk-in tent sites and cabins. Cell service can be unreliable in more remote areas, particularly in state forest lands.

Campers consistently mention the region's lakes and water recreation as primary attractions. Several campgrounds offer direct lake access, including Spirit of Ripley and Lake Ripley in Litchfield, providing opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "The lakeside campground is green and leafy with mature trees but the campsites are very close together." Mixed-use campgrounds like Cokato Lake RV Resort combine traditional camping with cabin rentals and glamping options. For those seeking more seclusion, Lake Maria State Park features hike-in sites spread along trails for greater privacy, though visitors should prepare for seasonal insects. Campground amenities vary widely, with most county parks offering electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings, while more primitive sites in state forests may have minimal facilities.

Best Camping Sites Near Darwin, Minnesota (85)

    1. Lake Ripley County Park Campground

    4 Reviews
    Darwin, MN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 693-3673

    $20 - $25 / night

    "They have you park your vehicle behind a row of bushes to help keep the view clear for everybody. Anderson flower gardens are a short walk away. Sites come with a picnic table and fire pit."

    "Easy parking with lake and playground. Close to town incase you forgot something. Sites have large open areas in front of camps for kids to play. Great hosts as well"

    2. Masonic West River Park

    7 Reviews
    Hutchinson, MN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 234-4494

    "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."

    "But the experience was positive. Lots of geese!"

    3. Collinwood County Park

    3 Reviews
    Dassel, MN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 286-2801

    $19 - $36 / night

    "This is right on a lake in a very wooded area. Pretty camping basic area."

    "This was a small campground with nice trails. The campsites were open but still felt private. The bathrooms and showers were nice and clean."

    4. Spirit of Ripley

    2 Reviews
    Darwin, MN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 282-5260

    "Campground was easy to get to and is located across the highway from the lake with a pavilion and playground"

    "Close to the lake(mom and I went for some bike rides around 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."

    5. Lake Maria State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Silver Creek, MN
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 878-2325

    "This park is only about 50 minutes away from me, and for hiking/camping I only think it is worth a trip in the fall."

    "I chose Lake Maria for a solo camping excursion because it was close to the Cities, but still offered the level of seclusion I wanted."

    6. Cokato Lake RV Resort Cooperative Association

    3 Reviews
    Dassel, MN
    13 miles
    +1 (320) 583-9711

    $60 / night

    "Impressed with the distance to/from the metro (less than an hour on Highway 12 heading west to Cokato)."

    "RV resort and some lot rentals, 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)!"

    7. Piepenburg Park

    1 Review
    Hutchinson, MN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 587-2082

    8. Grove City Campground

    1 Review
    Darwin, MN
    14 miles
    Website

    $30 / night

    "Not much privacy but great views of the little lake. Appears that all sites have 30 amp, water, and possibly sewer."

    9. Schroeder County Park

    5 Reviews
    Annandale, MN
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 682-7693

    "Lots of walking trails , well groomed. Camping spots were large and specious."

    "There is also a fishing pier and boat launch available, great lake for water ski and other water sports. Fishing is mostly pan but you can catch large bass and northern on this lake."

    10. Lake Koronis Regional Park

    6 Reviews
    New London, MN
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 276-8843

    $20 - $70 / night

    "Sites a a nice distance apart, lots of trees. Nice playground with swings, close to a larger park near the lake."

    "We stumbled upon this place just taking back roads and driving around. Nice beach area and Great picnic area!!! Big playground picnic tables scattered everywhere."

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Recent Reviews near Darwin, MN

351 Reviews of 85 Darwin Campgrounds


  • H
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve

    First time camping!

    For our first time camping, this was a great site! It was very clean, had friendly staff, and was close to a really fun park for our kids. We will be back!

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Ann Lake

    Quite camping just out of town

    Just a quick one night trip but a perfect getaway close to home. Very quiet. Camp host was nice . Found a tucked away site that we could park Infront of for more privacy

  • Kathy L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park Campground

    Really nice campground!

    Really nice campground! Meadow setting where the campsites are, but then TONS of hiking trails with significant trees& shade. Really beautiful. Nice people staying in adjacent sites. We would return.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park

    Nice campsite

    Friendly staff, quiet during the week and busy on the weekends. Nice pool, laundry facility, nice restrooms with showers. Stayed for a little more than a month after selling my house. (End of Aug-Sept)
    Recommend!!

  • Andy L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Ann Lake

    Nice, quiet, rustic

    30' class C motor home. Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides. Campsites are nice, mowed, gravel parking. Fire rings and picnic tables at each site. Sites range from open and flat to secluded and a little hilly. Most sites are fairly private and well spaced. Higher elevation sites for air tv reception. 2 bars of 4g service made it a little difficult to pay online over the phone. No reception in lower elevation sites. Pay immediately or the camp host will nag you even if you have to walk to higher elevation to get signal. Very beautiful and lots of deer on the trails.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Two Rivers Campground

    Great place to camp.

    Two Rivers Campground is the perfect spot for a fun and relaxing getaway. They have 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. 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. The campground also features a beautiful beach area on the river that’s perfect for swimming. A few nice spots to shower and restrooms. Quiet beaches one is 1100 to 0900. It’s well maintained and taken care of. We will come back again.

  • Dan O.
    Jul. 27, 2025

    Mississippi Riverwood RV Park

    A hidden gem - PRIVATE RV Park

    This hidden gem is a PRIVATE RV Park where each lot is individually owned and most owners live South in the winter. Individual owners can rent their lot with restrictions and those rentals are between the owner and the renter. The owners association is not involved in these rentals or the disputes that sometimes arise.  That said, we own a riverside lot and absolutely love it here.

  • Kari P.
    Jul. 18, 2025

    Ann Lake

    Lake Ann

    Sites are large with varying degrees of privacy. Well spaced out, just some have less undergrowth. Be aware that the undergrowth is at least 25% poison ivy. Sites are large so they are clear. If you’re susceptible, not for you


Guide to Darwin

Camping spots near Darwin, Minnesota range from county parks to state forests within a 30-mile radius. The region sits at approximately 1,100 feet elevation in Minnesota's central lakes region where hardwood forests transition to prairie landscapes. Winter temperatures often drop below 0°F, while summer camping season brings averages of 70-85°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.

What to do

Kayaking excursions: At Lake Ripley County Park Campground, water activities dominate recreation options. "Even though we flipped our kayaks, we had a great time here on the lake!" reports Anne G., highlighting the casual paddling opportunities available to beginners and experienced kayakers alike.

Biking on paved trails: The region offers family-friendly biking paths connecting campgrounds to towns and lakes. At Masonic West River Park, one camper notes, "The camp is well kept and right on the river. Plenty of well developed trees and you are within city limits for activities with the family." Hutchinson's paved trail network allows easy town access on bikes.

Wildlife viewing: Many camping locations double as wildlife observation areas. At Masonic West River Park, Kay T. mentions, "Wild life Refuge so you have ducks and geese around often," providing birding opportunities without leaving your campsite. Morning and evening hours offer the best wildlife viewing times.

Winter camping opportunities: Unlike most regional options, Lake Maria State Park Campground remains open year-round. Experienced winter campers can access hike-in sites and cabins. "I really enjoy sites 1, 2, and 3 as they are a little more secluded from other sites," advises Tori K., noting that "Site 1 is my favorite despite the road noise due to the location of the tent pad and being on almost a peninsula offering lots of lake views."

What campers like

Spacious sites: At Collinwood County Park, campers appreciate the well-designed sites. "This was a small campground with nice trails. The campsites were open but still felt private," notes Melissa A. Josh B. adds that "sites are nice size and well shaded. Beach and playground are nice."

Lakefront camping: Many Darwin-area campgrounds provide direct water access. At Spirit of Ripley, Tori K. describes "Nice large grass pads, easily accessible for big rigs! Close to the lake (mom and I went for some bike rides around the lake) and public boat access."

Fall foliage: The transition zone between hardwood forests and prairie makes autumn a spectacular camping season. At Lake Koronis Regional Park, one visitor shared, "We came for the fall colors!! They were beautiful! Canoed all day out on the lake!" Peak colors typically occur from late September through mid-October.

Secluded backpacking: Lake Maria State Park offers rare backpacking opportunities close to Darwin. According to one camper, "If you're looking for a peaceful escape where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birdsong, and frogs singing at dusk — Site B6 at Lake Maria State Park is the one." Another notes, "When I went, the black flies were vicious, so be careful. You could see the occasional car from the site, which is surrounded by a small pond."

What you should know

Bug intensity varies seasonally: Minnesota's lake region experiences significant insect activity, especially in early summer. One Lake Maria camper warns: "When we pulled up to the parking lot we knew we were in trouble. The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon." Another suggests treating clothing with permethrin before visits.

Site orientation issues: At Lake Koronis Regional Park, campers should check site layout before booking. One reviewer cautions: "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." Another confirms: "many of the sites are facing the wrong way…including ours. Not that big of a deal for weekend trips."

Water pump challenges: Some campgrounds have infrastructure limitations. At Lake Maria, one camper noted their "only complaint... The pump for the water was very slow." Pack extra water containers if planning extended stays during peak summer heat.

Shower availability confusion: Masonic West River Park has conflicting reports about facilities. Bill E. claims "There are No showers only toilets at the 2 buildings," while Sabrina K. directly contradicts: "Idk why people are saying that there's no showers but there definitely is." Call ahead to confirm current amenities before booking.

Tips for camping with families

Beach access: For families with children, Schroeder County Park offers excellent swimming areas. "This campground is about 1.5 hours from the twin cities and it has a beautiful sandy beach and swimming area," notes Danny K. Another camper adds, "The beach front is long and beautiful, lots of room to roam."

Playground proximity: Several campgrounds feature play equipment for children. At Spirit of Ripley, Sheila K. mentions the campground "is located across the highway from the lake with a pavilion and playground." Similarly, Mick S. says Lake Ripley offers "lake and playground. Close to town incase you forgot something. Sites have large open areas in front of camps for kids to play."

Beginner-friendly backpacking: Lake Maria offers introductory backpacking experiences with short distances. "Backpack sites only. Love this park as it offers many backpacking sites with some being very short hikes in and some being longer hikes," notes one camper. Another advises: "I suggest doing some research if you're going to attempt stuff like this... I camped here back in 2020 of November. Overpacked, along with not packing the right gear and didn't have a cart."

Fish cleaning facilities: For family fishing trips, Lake Ripley provides dedicated cleaning areas. "Sites come with a picnic table and fire pit. There are bathrooms and showers. There is also a fish cleaning shed. Campground is dog friendly and dogs must be leashed," reports one visitor.

Tips from RVers

Water hookup availability: Some campgrounds offer unexpected amenities. At Collinwood County Park, Josh B. notes: "Wasn't expecting to have water hookup, but we did!" Check specific site amenities when booking as hookup options vary within campgrounds.

Full hookup options: For RVers wanting all conveniences, Masonic West River Park offers complete services. One camper shares: "We have stayed here several times now in many different area's. Sites with full hook ups with wide open grass and play area for kids and adults." Another confirms: "Nice level full hook up sites."

Site visibility considerations: RVers report mixed privacy levels across Darwin-area campgrounds. At Lake Ripley, "Most of the sites here are lakefront. They have you park your vehicle behind a row of bushes to help keep the view clear for everybody." This parking arrangement affects campsite setup and privacy.

Overnight parking alternatives: During peak season, flexibility helps when campgrounds fill up. One Lake Ripley visitor shares: "We ended up staying in the parking lot near campgrounds. We set up reservation and showed up that morning to find the place full we didn't bother to make a problem we just parked the rv in parking lot for public and had no problems, just used gennie and left a little earlier then we planed."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Darwin, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Darwin, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 85 campgrounds and RV parks near Darwin, MN and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Darwin, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Darwin, MN is Lake Ripley County Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Darwin, MN?

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