Best Campgrounds near Darwin, MN

Camping near Darwin, Minnesota, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds nearby, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature, whether you're into hiking, fishing, or just chilling by the campfire.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the trails at Lake Maria State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "You can either do a short-hike from the parking lot via the road to B5 or a 1 mile easy hike via the trail."
• Birdwatching: If you're into birding, this park is a good choice. A visitor noted, "Another reason we chose this park was for birding," even though they had a bit of trouble getting information from the park ranger.
• Swimming and Beach Activities: At Oak Ridge Campground — Sibley State Park, you can enjoy a nice swimming beach. One reviewer said, "Nice beach for swimming. Shower and bathrooms available in the campground."

What campers like:

• Privacy: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Lake Maria State Park Campground. A happy camper shared, "The backpacking sites are very spread out; we could barely tell anyone else was at the park with us ever."
• Clean Facilities: Many enjoy the well-maintained amenities at St. Cloud Campground & RV Park. One visitor remarked, "The shower house was clean. We enjoyed our stay here and will return."
• Family-Friendly Activities: At St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park, families can enjoy a variety of activities. A reviewer said, "The bathrooms are clean along with the showers. If this place was close to home I’d be here every weekend."

What you should know:

• Bug Spray is a Must: Many campers warn about mosquitoes, especially in the warmer months. One camper at Lake Maria State Park Campground advised, "Be prepared with bug spray/repellant!"
• Site Spacing: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A visitor at Oak Ridge Campground — Sibley State Park mentioned, "Heard sites were very close at Lakeview so chose Oak Ridge, but felt they were still pretty close."
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive facilities. A camper at Masonic West River Park noted, "Only reason it didn’t get 5 stars is because it has no showers and bathrooms are small."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park that offer activities for kids. One parent said, "This is a nice family campground. It has a 9 hole mini golf, shuffleboard, salt water pool, and a lobby/gift shop."
• Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can make your camping experience smoother. A visitor at Green Lake County Park mentioned, "Affordable rentals, and so much to do!"
• Plan for Quiet Time: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially during busy weekends. A camper at St. Cloud Campground & RV Park noted, "Some of the other sites were quite close."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Oak Ridge Campground — Sibley State Park shared, "If you have a large tent, consider these campsites."
• Be Prepared for Limited Wi-Fi: Many campgrounds have spotty internet. A visitor at St. Cloud Campground & RV Park said, "They warned us it was slow, but we couldn't even connect to it from our site."
• Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have stores nearby. A camper at Lake Ripley County Park Campground mentioned, "Close to town in case you forgot something."

Camping near Darwin, Minnesota, has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family getaway, you'll find plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.