RV campgrounds near Mahtomedi, Minnesota offer camping options within a 30-mile radius of this eastern Twin Cities suburb. The area features numerous lakes and rivers with sandy bottoms, making water recreation a popular activity during summer months. Most camping locations sit at elevations between 900-1,100 feet, with seasonal operations typically running April through October due to Minnesota's cold winters.
What to do
Tubing on the Rum River: Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River provides equipment rentals and shuttle service for river activities. "The tubing is a plus. Had one issue with power dropping so we had to pull the surge protector off the. It was fine. Also very hot and humid so everyone was running AC to the max. Pool was small but nice. Splash pad was even nice for adults I recommend this campground. Key thing is the river is very clean and sandy bottom," reports David G.
Swimming in filtered ponds: Lake Elmo County Park Reserve features a unique swimming option with controlled water quality. "They have a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming," notes Timothy S. The park provides a cleaner alternative to natural lake swimming while maintaining a beach-like experience.
Archery and hiking: Some campgrounds offer specialized recreational facilities beyond standard amenities. "Great campground, sites are spacious and spread out, electric hookups at all sites, swim pond is great for kids, and other amenities like an archery range and hiking trails are fantastic for kids," says John H. from Lake Elmo County Park Reserve.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve offers larger than average campsites within a wooded setting. "The sites a Baker Park Reserve are larger than average. This is a big campground with a lot of paved bike trails and a nice lake a short walk away," shares Melissa H. Baker Park maintains over 200 sites that fill quickly during peak season.
Clean facilities: Wildwood RV Park & Campground maintains well-kept amenities according to guest reviews. "We tent camped for two nights in site CC, which had a small quiet creek beside it. These primitive sites are down a small dirt road away from the main RV camping area and are nicely wooded, but you can still see neighboring sites. The staff were friendly and kind, the facilities were clean, and it was a convenient location," reports Stacy S.
Kid-friendly amenities: Country Camping RV Park features numerous activities for families. "We've stayed at Country Camping for years! Great variety of things to do for everyone. Group sites, tent sites, covered wagon sites! Floating on the Rum River, swimming pool with splash pad, little camp store, Golf cart rentals! Our grandkids love it too!" writes Carol H.
What you should know
Cellular connectivity: Internet access varies significantly between campgrounds. At Wildwood RV Park & Campground, "Sadly I needed 4 hours of internet and my cellular data here was spotty. I spent this time right outside the office," according to Jaime N. Many campgrounds offer WiFi near main buildings but not throughout camping areas.
Site spacing differences: Town & Country Campground & RV Park has more compact arrangements than other local options. "It's a nice park but very close compact. Everyone is squeezed in like sardines. Very tight quarters on roads and sites. There is a game room and a small pool. Only a little space for one vehicle but overflow parking isn't terrible if you're close to office," notes Claire M.
Reservation windows: Peak season requires advanced planning. "You'll need to book for at least two nights and book as soon as you can. There are 200 sites but on the July weekend we stayed, I'd say almost all of them were booked," says Joe R. about Baker Park. Most RV campgrounds in Mahtomedi area open reservations 3-6 months in advance.
Tips for camping with families
Look for splash pads: Water features designed for children provide safe recreation options. "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!" shares Beasty B. from Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River.
Consider noise levels: Dakotah Meadows RV Park enforces quiet hours but traffic varies by site location. "We would be willing to try the campground again, but would probably chose a site further from one of the main roads into Mystic Lake Casino. We heard a lot of traffic coming and going well into the wee hours of the night," reports Michelle A.
Check playground proximity: Campground layouts place family amenities at varying distances from sites. "This park has awesome sites that fit the needs of just about anyone. The have beautiful hiking trails and a swimming beach for the hotter days. They also have an archery range and on Saturday nights they have a campgound program for the kids and families to watch," notes Tina H. from Lake Elmo County Park Reserve.
Tips from RVers
Electric service reliability: During hot weather, electrical systems at some campgrounds experience strain. "The campground is nice and clean. Good size spaces. The tubing is a plus. 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," explains David G. from Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River.
RV wash facilities: Some locations provide cleaning stations for vehicles and rigs. "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. Campground is right next to the hotel/casino and very much within walking distance. 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," writes Jim M. about Dakotah Meadows RV Park.
Site surface variations: Treasure Island RV Park features more hardscaped sites than other local options. "We are here for a show at the casino and thought it would be fun to bring the camper down and glamp for the weekend. It is just a parking lot but the sites are all pull through and there is plenty of room between sites and ours was perfectly level. We have dogs so the fact that it's all asphalt and rock is a bit of a bummer but we are close to the exercise area and they do love little walks," notes Ashley K.
