Camping opportunities surround Mayer, Minnesota, a small community located in Carver County about 35 miles west of Minneapolis. The region features gently rolling terrain with elevations ranging from 900-1,100 feet and experiences warm summers with temperatures typically reaching the mid-80s Fahrenheit. Most RV campgrounds near Mayer, Minnesota operate seasonally from late April through October due to harsh winter conditions.
What to do
River activities: tubing and kayaking: Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River offers tubing excursions where campers can float back to the campground. "The river is very clean and sandy bottom. The tubing is a plus. Had one issue with power dropping so we had to pull the surge protector off," notes one visitor who enjoyed the river experience.
Quarry Park exploration: Nearby attractions include natural areas with unique features. "We stayed here to visit the nearby quarry park and that was a blast!" mentions a visitor at St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park, highlighting accessible day trips from camping bases.
Biking trails: Baker Park Reserve offers extensive paved routes for cycling enthusiasts. "There are nice paved trails around a couple of lakes/ponds for biking, and easy access to the shower and bathroom facilities," explains a reviewer who appreciated the recreational infrastructure at Baker Campground.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness consistently earns positive feedback. "Clean bathrooms with hot water, clean laundry room," reports a visitor to St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park, highlighting amenities that enhance comfort during stays.
Concrete parking pads: Level sites with durable surfaces reduce setup challenges. "Large sites. The sites are paved and have well-maintained grass. We were located near the casino road," notes a camper at Dakotah Meadows RV Park, mentioning both the convenience and occasional road noise.
Activities for children: Many campgrounds prioritize family-friendly amenities. "BIG playground area, indoor game room, 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," shares an enthusiast at Country Camping RV Park.
What you should know
Varying cell service: Connectivity differs between campgrounds, particularly at sites farther from urban areas. "Wifi is not great, less than 1MB download speeds from our site, and our Verizon service was pretty poor in our spot, max 2 bars," reports a camper at Dakotah Meadows RV Park.
Power capacity during peak times: During hot weather, electrical systems may become strained. "We 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," explains a visitor describing their summer experience.
Pricing variations: Costs can fluctuate significantly between properties. "Just passing through, great lake location but $80 was kind of high," mentions a reviewer at Codgers Cover RV Resort, indicating the premium pricing at certain facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Heated pools for unpredictable weather: Minnesota temperatures can vary, making heated swimming options valuable. "Heated pool, lake with beach, boat launch area just block away, tennis/pickle ball, mini golf, resort store with ice cream," lists a visitor describing family amenities at Cokato Lake RV Resort Cooperative Association.
Playground accessibility: For families with young children, play areas provide essential activity spaces. "Nice park for kids just a small hike away. Plus a decent amount of rentals," notes a Baker Campground visitor, indicating convenient access to recreational facilities.
Store provisions: On-site stores reduce travel needs for forgotten items. "Freezer pizzas can be cooked at the store or bring one home for later. All the incidentals and condiments you might need," explains a visitor to Cokato Lake RV Resort, describing food options that simplify meal planning.
Tips from RVers
RV wash facilities: Long-distance travelers appreciate cleaning options. "There is fuel on site as well as RV wash station. Bath house and laundry and card controlled ($5 card deposit on check in)...well maintained facilities," mentions a visitor to Dakotah Meadows RV Park.
Site selection strategy: Choosing specific sites can enhance camping experiences. "We have a pop up so we parked on a grassy spot next to the cabins that backed up to a field. It was nice to be there instead of in the thick of the big camper section," suggests a St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park visitor who preferred quieter locations.
Overnight convenience options: For travelers needing brief stops, truck stop camping provides basic amenities. "Love's is open 24 hours and has most things you would need. There is also a Hardee's if you need dinner!" notes a visitor to Love's RV Hookup in Rockville, highlighting practical overnight options for those traversing the Mayer area.
