Minneapolis area RV parks and campgrounds operate primarily between May and October, with a few year-round options. Located in the upper Midwest at an elevation of 830 feet, the region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures averaging 83°F in July and cooler falls with nighttime temperatures dropping to 45°F by October. Camping sites within 30 miles of the metro area tend to fill quickly on summer weekends, especially those with water access.
What to do
Tubing on the Rum River: Country Camping Tent & RV Park offers river tubing with shuttle service. "The campground is nice and clean. Good size spaces. The tubing is a plus. Key thing is the river is very clean and sandy bottom," notes David G. The river provides a natural recreational option not available at all Minneapolis-area campgrounds.
Golf near campgrounds: Cleary Lake Regional Park offers camping with convenient access to golfing. "The park also has a golf course and is very well kept! We really want to use one of the large group camp sites for a weekend party!" says Lili R. The reasonably priced golf course makes this park unique among camping options around Minneapolis.
Lake activities: The regional parks offer various water recreation. "Cleary Lake is a good size and a kayakers delight!" reports one camper about the lake at Cleary Lake Regional Park. Most lakes in the area permit fishing, though catches vary by location and season.
What campers like
Shuttle service to attractions: Dakotah Meadows RV Park provides convenient transportation. "The Casino operates a round trip Shuttle that picks you up and drops you at your site," mentions James and Susan K. This service allows campers to visit attractions without moving their vehicles.
Clean facilities: Bathroom quality varies among campgrounds, but many maintain high standards. "Amazing bathroom/Showers. Quiet, lots of flies, good spot overall," reports Truly W. about Cleary Lake Regional Park's facilities. Most campgrounds offer shower access, though some close these facilities during winter months.
Private waterfront sites: Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve offers sites with good water access. "I recently had the pleasure of staying at Campsite C1 in Baker Park Reserve... One of the standout features of Campsite C1 is the beautiful rain garden," notes Alison O. The proximity to lakes makes certain sites particularly desirable during summer months.
What you should know
Site privacy varies: Many campgrounds have open layouts with limited screening. "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," observes Bryan S. about Baker Campground. Sites on outside loops typically offer more separation than interior locations.
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds operate on restricted schedules. Country Camping RV Park runs "May 1 - Oct 1," according to their listing information. When planning fall trips, verify which facilities remain open as many close after mid-October.
Insect preparation: Bug activity can be significant, especially in summer months. "We visited in August and needed gallons of bug spray," mentions Kristin C. about Ham Lake Resort. Mosquitoes remain active until the first frost, typically in late September or early October.
Tips for camping with families
Family-oriented amenities: Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River offers numerous kid-friendly facilities. "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. The heated pool extends swimming season into cooler months.
Recreation variety: Campgrounds with diverse activities keep children engaged. "This campground is great for everyone! It's has a heated pool, splash pad area, BIG playground area, indoor game room, HUGE sites!" notes Spencer C. about Country Camping on the Rum River. Most family-friendly sites provide playgrounds, though quality and maintenance vary.
Animal attractions: Some campgrounds feature small petting areas. "There is a petting arena with goats, ponies, and a llama who gave my partner the stink eye," describes Kristin C. about Ham Lake Resort. These attractions provide additional entertainment options during extended stays.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Town & Country Campground & RV Park in Savage offers full-hookup sites with size considerations. "We're in town to catch a twins game and see the mall of America and this was a campground not too far from both. It's an easy on and off the interstate, super close to a gas station and RV wash bay," reports Jennifer H. Sites typically accommodate RVs up to 40 feet, though some parks have limitations.
Spacing between units: Site proximity varies significantly between parks. "It's a nice park but very close compact. Everyone is squeezed in like sardines. Very tight quarters on roads and sites," notes Claire M. about Town & Country Campground. When reserving, request end spots or corner locations for additional room.
RV maintenance facilities: Some parks offer RV service options nearby. "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," mentions Jim M. about Dakotah Meadows RV Park. Most RV parks near Minneapolis maintain dump stations, though winter access may be limited.
