Monticello, Minnesota offers camping options within a 30-mile radius, including state forests, county parks, and private campgrounds. The region sits where the Mississippi River cuts through rolling hills and agricultural lands at approximately 925 feet elevation. Summer temperatures typically range from 60°F to 85°F, while spring and fall bring cooler camping conditions with potential for rapid weather changes.
What to do
Hiking at Lake Maria State Park: All campsites require hiking in from parking areas, making this park perfect for those seeking a more remote experience. "Backpack sites only. Love this park as it offers many backpacking sites with some being very short hikes in and some being longer hikes. Some are lake front and some are more woodsy sites," notes reviewer Tori K. from Lake Maria State Park Campground.
Swimming beaches: Multiple campgrounds offer water recreation across various lakes. One camper at Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve shared that the park has "2 swimming beaches: 1 for the campground and one for all of the day visitors. You can rent canoes, paddle boats and SUP boards, and many people bring their own boats."
Nature exploration: The Sand Dunes State Forest area provides opportunities to observe diverse plants and wildlife. "The trails are a lot of fun... lots to see," according to Johnny H. who has been camping at Ann Lake for 30 years, though he warns of "TONS of poison ivy" throughout the area.
What campers like
Private, secluded sites: At Lake Maria State Park, site B6 stands out as "a secret woodland sanctuary — set up on a slight rise, tucked beneath a cathedral of towering oaks and maples," according to Alison O. She continues, "It's close enough to Lake Maria's best hiking trails and just a short walk to the lake itself, where you can sit on a log and watch wood ducks paddle past."
Spacious campsites: Ann Lake in Sand Dunes State Forest features well-designed sites. "Sites are large with varying degrees of privacy. Well spaced out, just some have less undergrowth," reports Kari P. Another camper, Andy L., adds that "sites range from open and flat to secluded and a little hilly. Most sites are fairly private and well spaced."
Wildlife viewing: Many campers mention the abundance of animals around Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park Campground. Christopher C. notes this park "had awesome trails and so many deer! It's like they were camping with us."
What you should know
Bug situation: Insect activity can be intense depending on season and location. At Lake Maria, Steph H. reports, "First step onto the grassy trail exploded in a cloud of mosquitos. Walking along the kids all looked like Pig-Pen from Peanuts. Even though we'd sprayed everyone down the bugs must have felt safety in numbers because we were covered in welts in no time flat."
Plant hazards: Poison ivy appears consistently in reviews as a concern in many campgrounds. "Be aware that the undergrowth is at least 25% poison ivy. Sites are large so they are clear. If you're susceptible, not for you," warns Kari P. about Ann Lake.
Site reservation systems: Most established campgrounds require advance booking, while South of Sand Dunes State Forest offers dispersed camping without reservations. As Samuel C. notes, "For the proximity to the city and nearby highways, this was a good spot. Didn't expect to see as many campers as I did, but all seemed to be friendly."
Tips for camping with families
All-ages activities: Baker Campground offers extensive recreation options. "This campground is a gem so very close to the Twin Cities. The sites are good sized, and 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," shares Bryan S.
Beach considerations: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas of varying sizes. One visitor to Schroeder County Park reports "The beach front is long and beautiful, lots of room to roam," making it ideal for families with children who need space to play.
Accessibility vs. privacy: Consider how far you want to walk with children and gear. Brian C. points out that at Lake Maria State Park, sites are "a one mile hike from the parking lot, so be ready to walk if you need to make more than one trip. The hike itself is rather hilly, and the site is about a quarter mile off of the main path."
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: At Minneapolis Northwest KOA, one camper advises, "be sure to call the office ahead and let them know that you want a site with trees and not one backing up to the road." This advance communication can significantly improve your camping experience.
Road conditions: For those with larger rigs, Andy L. cautions about Ann Lake: "Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides. Campsites are nice, mowed, gravel parking."
Cell service considerations: If connectivity is important, note that service varies significantly between campgrounds. At Ann Lake, Andy L. mentions "2 bars of 4g service made it a little difficult to pay online over the phone. No reception in lower elevation sites."
