Campgrounds near Golden Valley, Minnesota offer RV sites with varying seasonal availability throughout the Twin Cities metro area. Situated in Hennepin County at approximately 935 feet elevation, Golden Valley experiences humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. The camping season typically runs April through October with some locations remaining open year-round.
What to do
River tubing and canoeing: Country Camping RV Park on the Rum River provides tube, canoe and kayak rentals with shuttle service. "Great tubing and canoeing," notes Rory T., while David G. adds, "Key thing is the river is very clean and sandy bottom."
Biking trails: Baker Campground at Baker Park Reserve offers paved trails around multiple lakes. "There is a nice 6+mile biking trail that connects to others, so bring the bikes," advises Jennifer H. The park includes extensive trail networks for cyclists of all skill levels.
Fishing opportunities: Cleary Lake Regional Park provides shoreline fishing access with catch-and-release options. "Only caught a few catfish and bass there but still a great view fishing," reports Teresa O. The park maintains a fishing pier with regular fish stocking.
Mini-golf and games: St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park features a 9-hole mini-golf course and indoor recreation area. "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," according to S L.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River offers larger-than-standard campsites. "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," says Spencer C., while Beasty B. confirms sites are "well kept and spaced apart."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain above-average bathroom and shower facilities. "Amazing bathroom/Showers. Quiet, lots of flies, good spot overall," reports Truly W. about Cleary Lake Regional Park.
Family amenities: Pools, splash pads and playgrounds are common at RV parks around Golden Valley. "Heated pool, splash pad area, BIG playground area, indoor game room," lists Spencer C., while Aaron L. notes, "The birds are singing and so are the kids because this place has so much to do for them."
Privacy options: Cleary Lake Regional Park provides secluded camping spots. "I really like the hike in sites. Short walk from the car and right by the water yet spaced nicely for privacy," writes Jeff C. The park's walk-in sites offer a wilderness feel despite proximity to vehicles.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Weekend availability can be extremely limited during peak season. "We lucked out and were able to stay 2 nights without reservations...only had to move because they were fully booked for the 4th," explains Beth B. about Dakotah Meadows RV Park.
Noise considerations: Traffic and facility noise varies by campground location. "We heard a lot of traffic coming and going well into the wee hours of the night," notes Michelle A. Highway proximity impacts sound levels at several parks.
Facility access cards: Many parks utilize card systems for amenity access. "Shower rooms and Laundry room require hotel card entry. Cards are $5 with $3 returned at check-out," explains James and Susan K.
Gate closure enforcement: Parks strictly enforce closing times. "Word to the wise, gates ACTUALLY close at 10pm, there's no way to contact anyone and I had to walk about a mile in parked outside the gate," warns Lance L.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Choose campgrounds with dedicated swimming areas. "The kids enjoyed the compact playground and pool," mentions Jennifer H. about Town & Country Campground, while others note the value of splash pads for younger children.
Playground access: Most family-oriented RV parks near Golden Valley maintain play structures. "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!" enthuses Beasty B.
Group camping options: Cleary Point group camp at Cleary Lake accommodates larger family gatherings. "We always stay at the Cleary point group camp and we love it... The camp is great though, 4 or 5 hookups and a private dock and the whole site is private and on a little point so the lake is surrounding you," shares Teresa O.
Game rooms: Indoor recreation spaces provide rainy-day alternatives. "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 S L.
Tips from RVers
Concrete pads: Look for parks with level, stable parking surfaces. "This is a really nice campground with cement parking pads with full hookups. The grass around the lots is very green, lush and well maintained," reports Jim M.
Power limitations: Peak season usage can strain electrical systems. "Had one issue with power dropping so we had to pull the surge protector off then it was fine. Also very hot and humid so everyone was running AC to the max," notes David G.
RV wash stations: Some parks provide cleaning facilities. "There is fuel on site as well as RV wash station," mentions Beth B., which saves time locating external services.
Site length accuracy: Verify actual measurements when booking. "This place does have 30amp and 50amp hook ups and has pull through spots and sewer sites... Max trailer length that I've seen here is 70'. Anyone can fit in here!" advises Spencer C.
