Best Campgrounds near Meadowlands, MN
Meadowlands, Minnesota provides a range of camping experiences with developed campgrounds scattered throughout the surrounding region. Jay Cooke State Park Campground offers year-round accommodations including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping options about 40 miles southeast of Meadowlands. Floodwood Campground, situated along the St. Louis River approximately 15 miles from Meadowlands, provides electric hookups, showers, and tent and RV camping from early May through late September. Savanna Portage State Park Campground, located about 25 miles east, features tent, RV, and cabin camping from April to November with access to hiking trails and lakes.
Most campgrounds in the region maintain seasonal operation, with limited year-round options. Electric hookups are common at established sites, while water and sewer connections vary by location. A visitor noted, "The campground is very quiet at night, and we heard a beautiful owl chanting in the night," highlighting the peaceful nature experiences available. Mosquitoes can be challenging, particularly in wooded areas and near water. As one camper commented about Savanna Portage: "Mosquitoes are brutal here, especially on the hiking club trail and to a somewhat lesser degree in the campground." Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with some campgrounds having no coverage while others offer reliable connections. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak summer months when sites fill quickly.
Waterfront camping represents a key attraction in the region, with sites along lakes and rivers receiving positive feedback. The St. Louis River provides a picturesque backdrop at Floodwood Campground, which one visitor described as "a small campground in a really pretty location right on the banks of the wild St Louis River." Several campgrounds offer recreational amenities like fishing access, boat launches, and swimming areas. Campers frequently mention the region's quietness and natural setting as highlights. Red Pine Campground (formerly Ogston RV Park) receives praise for its cleanliness and lake access, with one visitor noting "beautiful lake, social hall, bathrooms" among its features. Sites with full hookups tend to be more developed with gravel pads, while forest campgrounds like Hay Lake provide more rustic experiences with pit toilets and well water.
