Camping spots near Little Falls, Minnesota offer direct access to the Mississippi River and its tributary waterways. The region encompasses the transition zone where northern pine forests meet the prairie ecosystem, creating diverse habitats for wildlife viewing. Summer temperatures average 80°F during the day with cooler 55-60°F nights, while spring and fall campers should prepare for temperature swings of up to 30 degrees in a single day.
What to do
Water activities on multiple waterways: Crow Wing State Park Campground offers excellent paddling opportunities with canoe and kayak access points. As one visitor noted, "This park boasts an amphitheater, trails along the river, a group center, an historic site, decent bathroom facility, and spacious camp sites... Great access for canoeing and kayaking the Mississippi water trail. If you start at Kiwanis Park in Brainerd- you can make it to crow wing in four hours leisurely, or three fairly easily."
Historical exploration: The Charles A. Lindbergh State Park Campground contains significant historical sites beyond just camping. "The land encompassed by the park is historic for 2 reasons: Zebulon Pike spent the winter here with a search party who were going up river to search for the source of the Mississippi River, and probably camped right at the very campsite here on the shores of Pike Creek; and a century later it was the homestead of the Lindbergh family and where aviator Charles grew up."
Biking on Paul Bunyan Trail: The regional trail system connects multiple camping areas. A camper at Crow Wing Lake Campground mentioned, "The campground is very quiet and clean. Biking on the Paul Bunyan Biketrail amazing." Another visitor shared their experience: "We were bike riding the Paul Bunyon Trail and rode into Crow Wing in the dark."
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Many campsites offer direct river access, providing peaceful settings. A camper at Military Park Camp Ripley DeParcq Woods Campground observed, "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 RVs highly recommend."
Clean facilities: Most established campgrounds maintain good hygiene standards. A visitor to Two Rivers Campground remarked, "It's well maintained and taken care of. A few nice spots to shower and restrooms. Quiet beaches one is 1100 to 0900."
Site privacy: Non-electric sites often provide more seclusion. "The campsite was fairly small, but served its purpose. We were at site C1... A very flat tent pad was a great find. Fire ring, picnic table, plenty of trees and shade," reported a camper at the Canoe Landing Campsite within Crow Wing State Park.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Camping seasons vary significantly by location. For instance, "Cedar Lake Memorial Park operates from May to September," while other campgrounds like Charles A. Lindbergh State Park remain open year-round but with limited services outside peak season.
Varying amenities between campgrounds: Amenities differ significantly between parks. A visitor to Pierz Park noted, "Water hookups at most. No full hookups or dump site. There is a beach and swim area on Skunk Creek. A playground by the bathroom and showers. That building is clean, showers are free."
Site selection matters: Choose carefully based on specific needs. One camper advised, "Sites are close together compared to some other Minnesota state parks. Lots of trees. Bathroom is older but decent. Hiking trails ok nothing special."
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds specifically cater to families. A camper at Cedar Lake Memorial Park shared, "You can have events or family get togethers here, or just go for the day and hang out on the well maintained beach! With a playground for the kids, BBQS, and picnic tables it's the perfect spot to hang with the family!"
Consider activity variety: Multiple recreation options keep children engaged. According to a visitor at Crow Wing Lake Campground, "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. They have paddleboards and funyaks to rent, you can bring your boat to fish or fish off the dock."
Check camping logistics: Family-friendly sites should accommodate practical needs. One reviewer mentioned, "Every RV site had a cement pad to use for lawn chairs or a camp picnic table. The campground had nice big trees for shade. The owners were very pleasant. We had a great time there with our grandkids."
Tips from RVers
Site considerations: RV campers should research specific site details before booking. A visitor at 37 Acres Campground shared, "RV Site with Sewer was $45/day (had all three water, electricity, sewage) thought this was a little pricey."
Accessibility matters: Navigation to and within campgrounds can present challenges. "The campsite was fairly small, but served its purpose... As hard as it was to find, it was incredibly easy to get into. A few little steps out of the water and that was it. We were there!"
Seasonal site options: For longer stays, seasonal rentals offer good value. One camper observed, "This is a well kept and well run campground tucked in between the Mississippi River and the outlet of the Platte River. The emphasis is on RV camping, and a large percentage of the sites are for full season May to October rentals. The monthly RV site rental is about $800 a month for a bluff side site which might be a nice retreat for families or retirees."
