Medicine Lake RV camping options extend throughout the northwest Twin Cities area, with several campgrounds located within a 45-minute drive. Sites around Medicine Lake range from seasonal facilities to year-round operations catering to various camping styles. Elevation in this region averages 900 feet above sea level with summer temperatures typically reaching 80-85°F during peak camping months of June through August.
What to do
River recreation: Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River offers tubing, canoeing, and kayaking opportunities. "Large sites. Great tubing and canoeing," notes camper Rory T. The river features a clean, sandy bottom that enhances water activities according to David G., who states, "Key thing is the river is very clean and sandy bottom."
Mini golf and games: St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park provides family-friendly activities including a 9-hole mini golf course and indoor games. A visitor reports, "It has a 9 hole mini golf, shuffleboard, salt water pool, and a lobby/gift shop. They also offer a nice seating area for those hot or raining days with free arcade."
Wildlife viewing: Baker Campground at Baker Park Reserve offers nature observation opportunities with a rain garden that attracts local wildlife. "One of the standout features of Campsite C1 is the beautiful rain garden. It adds a touch of tranquility to the surroundings, with its lush greenery and vibrant blooms attracting local wildlife for a truly immersive nature experience," according to a recent visitor.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Country Camping RV Park features well-sized camping areas that accommodate large rigs. "We've stayed at Country Camping for years! Great variety of things to do for everyone. Group sites, tent sites, covered wagon sites!" explains Carol H., highlighting the range of accommodation options.
Clean facilities: Baker Campground maintains well-kept bathrooms and shower facilities. One camper notes, "The bathroom/showers are great. With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be." Another adds, "The bathrooms and showers are nice and clean, some of the best I've seen at a campground!"
Mature trees: St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park provides shade with established tree cover. Aaron L. describes it as an "Absolutely beautiful campground with mature trees. Cedars, white oaks, hickory's and more. The birds are singing and so are the kids because this place has so much to do for them."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Several campgrounds near Medicine Lake operate on limited schedules. St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park runs from May 3 to October 13, while Baker Campground operates from April 30 to October 20. Plan accordingly as these dates may change annually.
Distance considerations: Dakotah Meadows RV Park provides convenient access to Minneapolis attractions. As one visitor explains, "Great place to stop and rest when traveling through the twin cities. Great price for full hookup." Baker Park is described as "a gem so very close to the Twin Cities" with sites approximately 25-30 minutes from Minneapolis.
Site privacy variations: Baker Campground offers good-sized sites but limited seclusion. A camper notes, "The sites are about as private as the typical state park, so not very, but that is offset by all the other positives this campground has to offer."
Tips for camping with families
Water features for kids: Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River provides multiple water activities for children. According to Beasty B., "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!"
Recreational variety: Baker Campground offers diverse activities within walking distance. A visitor explains, "With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be." Multiple families can coordinate trips as described by another camper: "We went with a group of friends (all families with young kids). It was the perfect place to easily get in, set up, hangout, and just relax."
Family-friendly layouts: Sites at some campgrounds accommodate multiple families. Spencer C. describes Country Camping Tent & RV Park: "This campground is great for everyone! It's has a heated pool, splash pad area, BIG playground area, indoor game room, HUGE sites!"
Tips from RVers
Concrete pads: RiversEdge RV Park provides solid parking surfaces for easier leveling. A recent visitor notes, "Concrete Patios on every lot" and "Crushed granite streets and drives" which help with stability during wet conditions.
Power considerations: Country Camping Tent & RV Park offers both 30 and 50 amp service, though occasional power fluctuations may occur during peak usage. One camper reports, "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."
Near-city convenience: Town & Country Campground & RV Park provides proximity to urban amenities despite some road noise. David E. confirms, "This RV park is clean, friendly, and convenient to the cities. Some road noise, but you are in the city so expected, but yet still quieter then in some areas being close to things."
