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Campground options around Fort Ripley, Minnesota span a diverse mix of state parks, private facilities, and riverside sites along the Mississippi River. Crow Wing State Park Campground offers tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations with both drive-in and boat-in access. Nearby, Crow Wing Lake Campground provides similar amenities with highly-rated family facilities. Military Park Camp Ripley DeParcq Woods Campground, located within a National Guard installation, presents another option for those seeking camping with river access. Facilities typically include fire pits, picnic tables, and basic amenities, with several campgrounds featuring electric hookups, drinking water, and shower facilities.
The camping season in the region generally runs from early May through October, with most facilities closing for winter. "This is a well kept and very pleasant campground within the compound of the National Guard's Camp Ripley," noted one visitor about DeParcq Woods. Travelers should be prepared for occasional noise from the adjacent military training facility at Fort Ripley, with several reviews mentioning audible firing ranges or mechanical sounds. Weather conditions can change rapidly, particularly during spring and fall, when rainfall may affect access to riverside camping spots. Crow Wing State Park requires advance reservations for standard campsites but maintains some first-come, first-served water trail sites for paddlers.
Mississippi River access represents a defining feature of the Fort Ripley camping landscape. Several visitors highlighted water-based activities as central to their experience. Canoe Landing Campsite at Crow Wing State Park serves paddlers traveling the Mississippi River Headwaters Water Trail and receives positive reviews for its maintenance and riverside location. A review mentioned the site is "beautifully maintained by the state park, and has fire ring, picnic tables, and ample tent space for several tents." Free primitive sites like Baxter Canoe Camp and Overlook Park Canoe Campsite provide alternatives for paddlers seeking minimalist accommodations. Crow Wing Lake Campground earns high marks for family-friendly amenities including a swimming pool, playground, and lakefront sites, though some noted the lake itself can be "mucky and weedy" for swimming.
"Excellent map signage on the hiking trails too. Clean and tidy vault toilets. There is access to the extended bike path from this state park as well."
"Tent camp here once and a while, but finally got around to officially doing the hiking club trail."
from $24 - $80 / night
Check Availability"What a beautiful, peaceful sight in the woods next to the lake. Sit back and relaxing camping at it finest"
"Only drawback was the lake was too mucky and weedy to swim in but has to be a great fishing lake. The owner's were awesome. Seriously great family rv campground."
from $24 - $34 / night
Check Availability"Sites are close together compared to some other Minnesota state parks. Lots of trees. Bathroom is older but decent. Hiking trails ok nothing special."
"There is about a 500yd walk to the restrooms, and you have to go another 500yds to the main campground to find the showers."
from $20 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Minnesota in the summer the parks are very full of large RVs. Our teardrop fits inside one. Nice clean campground. Friendly rangers. Nice showers."
"We stayed in site 29 with electric and it was large but the only down fall is the firewood for purchase is next to the site, so there is a bit more foot traffic walking by."
from $32 - $50 / night
Check Availability"It is designed as an MWR location for active duty, retired, and veterans of all the uniformed services, but other guests can stay there with permission."
"Quiet, not quite remote and with access to enough if you need it. You get a large tent site on the Mississippi River across a road from the RV’s highly recommend."
from $7 - $17 / night
Check Availability"This is a canoe campsite that is part of the Mississippi River Headwaters Water Trail, one stop on the paddle trail which allows canoers and kayakers to paddle from Lake Itasca to to the north, all the"
"We were bike riding the Paul Bunyon Trail and rode into Crow Wing in the dark. I self registered because the office was closed (wrote in canoe site since you can't reserve it online)."
"This campground definitely caters to seasonal stays although was a convenient location off the highway. Restrooms were nice and they had a compost area too."
from $20 - $35 / night
Check Availability"There is a trail for maintenance workers to drive in (they come by regularly to empty the trash cans!), but I don't know if it's for drive in traffic as well."
"This hidden gem is on the Mississippi water trail around mile 996. It is called "Overlook Park" and owned/maintained by the city of Baxter, but is part of the DNR's state water trail."
GuideThere’s not one but two wonderful bathrooms at each end of the lower level campsites. Our children loved riding their scooters around the loop. If you happen to own a boat, you can park it right on the beach and tie off across from your campsite if you’re lucky enough to have one on the lake side. We stayed at spot 85 but site 102 is on the end and then you will only have one Neighbor.
GuideThe great part about this campground was that it was conveniently located in the attractive town of Crosby. The sites were small and close together. The most negative part was the restrooms. They were very old and used by all the people enjoying the lake & park. It would be nice to have a restroom facility dedicated to campers only. The concept of a campground in the city park is wonderful, but could use just a little more fine tuning.
ScoutNice big camping spots. Very peaceful area with good tree coverage between sites. FULL HOOK-UP!!!!! Loved the info board with games to play & businesses offering discounts. Crosby is a fun little town with tons of shops & eateries. We made use of the kayak rental in town & it was super convenient. Literally just had to show up & hop in. Kayaking in the middle area was amazing. See frogs, fish, soft shell turtles, beautiful rocks & scenery. I wish I'd brought my bike to ride the trails. Just means I have to go back!
GuideNice little park with four hookups. Maybe six, I'm not sure, but four for sure. Bathrooms with showers. $30/night with hookups, $15/night without. They also have potable water and a dump station, which they charge for. Gotta pay cash though I guess a check will work.
ScoutFishing ,great campground for little ones, lots of space two playgrounds. Very clean bathrooms and showers.
ScoutIn town campground near in a busy park. Wasn’t to bad during the day but was awful at night. More street lights than I had anticipated but the worst was how many people drove through parking area of park late at night with loud music or the police using bright search lights after midnight or pulling people over in the parking lot. Only one shower in a public restroom with prison style equipment. If you want to be in town this is your spot otherwise I would look into other campgrounds.
TravelerGreat site. Has a good fire ring. Has a wilderness toilet off away from the site. Trail into the site is well marked. You’ll get plenty of animal sounds from the beaver dam lake that is right by the site. Has a picnic table. There is only one tent pad. Not a completely level place for a second tent so prepared if you have two tents that one of them will be on a slight angle.
GuideThis is a large and popular developed campground. With camping options for a variety of campers. There are sites with both water and electric, some with just electric, and some without either. Do not expect quiet or solitude. This is a busy place. There are 2 shower houses with restrooms. Only 1 vault toilet. There are water spigots. There was only one boat launch in operation. The only garbage is by the park entrance. The biggest fault is the lack of facilities for the size of the campground. That being said the sites are spacious, shaded, and well maintained. This is a great place for boating and the beaches are nice and one is dog friendly. Staff are friendly and helpful.
ScoutGreat location, with large sights. Out sight was surrounding by wild Raspberries so that was also a bonus. They had a scavenger hunt/ and campground bingo that was DIY that my daughters loved. 10/10 campground, would definitely recommend.
Camping near Fort Ripley, Minnesota is situated where the Mississippi River meets several tributaries at an elevation of approximately 1,160 feet. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F from June through August, cooling rapidly in September when many campers report nighttime temperatures dropping to 40-50°F. Winter camping options are limited as most facilities close by late October.
Bike the Paul Bunyan Trail: The 120-mile trail passes through Crow Wing State Park Campground, offering excellent cycling opportunities. "Great state campground, good hiking trails, Paul Bunyan Bike Trail passes through park(120 miles long). Crow Wing town site interesting," notes one visitor.
Paddle the Mississippi Water Trail: Launch from designated water access points along the river. "The canoe campsite is beautifully maintained by the state park, and has fire ring, picnic tables, and ample tent space for several tents," shares a paddler who visited Canoe Landing Campsite.
Historical exploration: Learn about local history at sites throughout the region. "The park is nothing spectacular, but it was nice, wooded, and the staff were great. You can join the hiking club trail straight from the campground, which was nice," reports a solo camper at Crow Wing State Park.
Secluded tent camping: Many campsites offer privacy despite being in established campgrounds. At Charles A. Lindbergh State Park Campground, a reviewer appreciated that "the canoe campsite (also accessible through cart-in) is located on a small creek just off of the Mississippi river. There is a fire ring, picnic table, and ample tent space."
Clean facilities: Maintained bathrooms and shower facilities receive positive mentions. At Gull Lake Recreation Area, a camper noted, "This place is quiet and has a mix of large secluded sites with a few that are perfect for small group caravanning. The grounds are very well-kept with minimal loose brush or debris."
Water recreation access: The connection to lakes and rivers is a major draw. "Set on the Upper Mississippi this was well worth the 8 Mile detour off the main east/west route through MN. History, hiking, biking, fishing and boating here," shared one Crow Wing State Park visitor.
Military installation proximity: The Military Park Camp Ripley DeParcq Woods Campground has special considerations. "This is a well kept and very pleasant campground within the compound of the National Guard's Camp Ripley. It is designed as an MWR location for active duty, retired, and veterans of all the uniformed services, but other guests can stay there with permission."
Water conditions vary: Lake quality differs across locations. At Crow Wing Lake Campground, a reviewer mentioned, "Everything was clean and a great family RV campground. Only drawback was the lake was too mucky and weedy to swim in but has to be a great fishing lake."
Noise levels fluctuate: Some campgrounds experience mechanical or natural noise. At Charles A. Lindbergh State Park, campers noted: "The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because there is a train line that runs along the Mississippi River a few miles from the campsite, and the sound of train whistles in the evening really carries."
Choose sites with amenities: Look for campgrounds with facilities specifically for children. "This campground is perfect for families with the heated pool, swimming beach, super playground and activities like horseshoes, shuffleboard, basketball, ladder golf, disc golf, and more," recommends a visitor to Crow Wing Lake Campground.
Consider spaciousness: Larger sites accommodate family equipment better. "RV site had 30amp with FHU's. Campground owner was helpful by leading us to our site and directing us into spot," noted a camper at Crow Wing Lake Campground.
Plan for weather changes: Late summer and early fall camping requires preparation for temperature shifts. A camper at Crow Wing State Park advised, "If you visit in the summertime, expect hellish mosquitoes and pack accordingly!"
Check site dimensions: Many campgrounds offer spacious, level sites. At Gull Lake Recreation Area, a camper reported, "The sites are huge and generally well separated. Plenty of room for even the biggest rigs. The sites are flat gravel (class5) no leveling blocks needed."
Water and dump considerations: Be aware of hookup availability and dumping fees. "If I were to knock anything it would be the 5$ dumping charge," noted a Gull Lake visitor, while another mentioned at Baxter Canoe Camp that services are limited for primitive sites.
Seasonal availability: Most RV campgrounds open May through October. At Crow Wing Lake Campground, campers find "a family camping dream" during the regular season, which typically runs "May 1 - Oct 1" according to the campground information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping at Fort Ripley?
While Fort Ripley itself is a military installation, there are several excellent camping options nearby. The Military Park Camp Ripley DeParcq Woods Campground near Little Falls offers drive-in camping with basic amenities. Another option is Charles A. Lindbergh State Park Campground, also near Little Falls, which features wooded sites though they are closer together than some other Minnesota state parks. Both locations provide convenient access to the Fort Ripley area while offering different camping experiences.
What amenities are available at Fort Ripley campgrounds?
Campgrounds near Fort Ripley offer a range of amenities to accommodate different camping preferences. Crow Wing State Park Campground provides basic amenities including water and toilet facilities, making it suitable for a weekend getaway. For more developed facilities, St. Cloud Campground & RV Park offers a swimming pool, lodge, bathhouse, and laundry facilities with well-maintained, clean grounds. Many sites in the area feature electric and water hookups, shower facilities, and access to recreational opportunities including hiking trails, fishing, and boating.
Do I need a reservation for camping at Fort Ripley?
Reservations are highly recommended for campgrounds near Fort Ripley, especially during peak season (late spring through early fall). At Father Hennepin State Park Campground, lakeside sites fill up quickly and should be booked well in advance. Similarly, the popular Mille Lacs Kathio Petaga Campground has spacious, private sites that are best secured through reservations. For most state parks in the area, reservations can be made up to 120 days in advance through the Minnesota DNR website, while private campgrounds often have their own reservation systems and policies.
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