RV camping near Dayton, Minnesota offers options within a 45-minute drive radius, with several parks remaining open through mid-October. The area's Mississippi River proximity creates sandy terrain at certain campgrounds, while summer temperatures average 75-85°F during peak camping season. Cell service generally improves closer to the Twin Cities metro area.
What to do
River activities: Country Camping on the Rum River provides access to watercraft rentals. As one visitor noted, "The tubing is a plus. Key thing is the river is very clean and sandy bottom." Campers can float from town back to the campground on a shuttle service.
Mini golf: St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park maintains a 9-hole mini-golf course for guests. A camper mentioned, "It has a 9 hole mini golf, shuffleboard, salt water pool, and a lobby/gift shop."
Quarry exploration: The state park near Clearwater offers unique swimming opportunities. One reviewer who stayed at St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park mentioned, "We stayed here to visit the nearby quarry park and that was a blast!"
Biking trails: Baker Campground features extensive paved routes connecting to larger trail systems. A visitor mentioned, "There is a nice 6+mile biking trail that connects to others, so bring the bikes." The trails wind around lakes and ponds, creating scenic riding opportunities.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer larger-than-average sites. At Country Camping RV Park, a camper observed, "HUGE sites! You can either relax in the pool or even take a ride down the rum river in a rented canoe, tube, or kayak."
Group-friendly areas: Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River provides designated spaces for larger parties. One visitor shared, "We've stayed at Country Camping for years! Great variety of things to do for everyone. Group sites, tent sites, covered wagon sites!"
Kid-friendly amenities: Families appreciate the recreational facilities. A recent guest wrote, "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 defiantly go again! A ton for the kids to do!"
Clean facilities: St. Cloud Campground & RV Park maintains well-kept grounds and bathrooms. A visitor noted, "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."
What you should know
Winter camping limitations: Few RV parks operate year-round. One exception is Love's RV Hookup, where a camper reported, "Still open in the winter! Convenient location right off I94 and HWY 23. Close to Waite Park for entertainment and food."
Reservation requirements: Due to high demand, especially on weekends, securing spots well ahead is essential. For Baker Campground, a visitor advised planning early since it's "a gem so very close to the Twin Cities."
Varying site privacy: Not all campgrounds offer secluded spots. At Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve, a camper mentioned, "The sites are about as private as the typical state park, so not very, but that is offset by all the other positives this campground has to offer."
Variable WiFi quality: Internet connectivity can be unreliable, particularly during busy periods. One guest at St. Cloud Campground noted, "Host stated that the wifi was weak but since there were not a lot of campers we should be alright. We were unable to even get a signal!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Campgrounds with dedicated play areas keep children entertained. At Baker Campground, "There are nice paved trails around a couple of lakes/ponds for biking, and easy access to the shower and bathroom facilities."
Heated pool availability: St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park maintains a salt-water pool ideal for families. A visitor commented, "Family Oriented Campground. This a nice family campground. It has a 9 hole mini golf, shuffleboard, salt water pool, and a lobby/gift shop."
Game rooms: Many campgrounds offer indoor recreation options for rainy days. One camper at St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park appreciated the "free arcade" and "nice seating area for those hot or raining days."
Splash pads: These water features provide safe fun for younger children. A visitor to Country Camping RV Park noted, "This campground is great for everyone! It has a heated pool, splash pad area, BIG playground area, indoor game room."
Tips from RVers
Big rig accommodations: Dakotah Meadows RV Park features concrete pads suitable for large motorhomes. An RVer shared, "The sites are paved and have well-maintained grass. Also, sites are 60+ feet, concrete and level."
Utility reliability: During peak summer heat, electrical systems may become strained. One camper at Country Camping noted, "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."
RV wash facilities: Dakotah Meadows provides specialized cleaning stations. A visitor pointed out, "There is a RV wash bay available for a fee and the campground even has gasoline available 24 hours a day using a credit card."
Year-round parking: For travelers needing overnight facilities during winter, a camper at Love's RV Hookup noted, "I love that Love's has RV spots that are big rig friendly! These are a great option for a stop halfway through a trip."
