Camping sites near Mora, Minnesota range from state park facilities to private homestead farms and dispersed locations in state forests. The area sits at approximately 981 feet above sea level within the Rum River watershed and experiences average summer temperatures in the 70s°F. Winter camping is possible at some locations, though forest roads often require 4-wheel drive vehicles after snowfall or during wet conditions.
What to do
Swimming and water activities: Father Hennepin State Park Campground offers waterfront recreation on Lake Mille Lacs. "The beach is long and rocky but ample enough to swim in. It is a busy place because of its location close to the cities and other areas up there," notes Scott M. The park also features "a paved path that runs near the water, so it's a pretty stroll late in the eve. This leads to a floating dock."
Hiking and exploring: At Banning State Park Campground, visitors can hike along the Kettle River and explore historical sites. "One leads to Wolf Creek Falls and is challenging and beautiful. Another goes along the Kettle River with beautiful views. You can also explore the sandstone quarry and do a self-guided tour to learn history of the ruins from the mining years," explains Joanna B. The park is known for its geological features and river views.
Farm experiences: Interact with animals and learn about homesteading at small farm properties. "Spending time with the goats was a therapeutic experience," reports Meesh M. "I was grateful for the available water so late in the season and it tasted great!" Some properties offer seasonal produce picking opportunities where visitors can harvest apples, berries, grapes, and fresh eggs for breakfast.
What campers like
Peaceful atmosphere: The Jubilee Homestead receives consistent praise for its tranquil setting. "We are excited to go back to the Farm! Wonderful atmosphere and if there are any hiccups the hosts are super reasonable and kind, great communication," says Maggie W. The property features farm animals and a market with fresh produce. Quiet time policies are generally well observed at smaller properties.
Wildlife viewing: Dispersed camping in Rum River State Forest provides opportunities to spot local wildlife. "We did encounter a lot of birds as well as deer," notes Art S. Another camper reported hearing wolves for the first time: "They were howling after sunset. A little creepy, camping alone. But, i don't suspect they'd come too close."
Lakeside views: Campsites on lakes offer scenic vistas and water access. "Lakefront sites with a view of the sunset is amazing if the weather is good," one camper reports. "Lovely lake sounds when the weather allows you to roll down the windows (or if in a tent, you hear it all night long)." Some areas feature benches along lakeshores for enjoying the scenery.
What you should know
Cell service availability: Service varies significantly by location. "The cell service with Verizon is good enough to stream videos and work on your laptop with ease," reports Erin G. about Rum River State Forest. Many established campgrounds maintain reliable connections, but signal strength decreases in more remote forest areas.
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds operate from May through October, with specific opening and closing dates. South Isle Family Campground runs "May 1 to Oct 1," while Father Hennepin operates "May 15 to October 1." Winter access is limited primarily to dispersed camping areas where road conditions permit.
Insect awareness: Bug activity peaks during summer months. "The bugs are not great but that's just what you're going to get in an area like this one," notes a camper at Rum River. Another camper mentioned, "The bugs were awful, but I think they were awful everywhere at that time." Ticks are commonly reported in forested areas, particularly in spring and early summer.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly amenities: South Isle Family Campground caters specifically to families with activities and facilities. "Great campground for kids, a pool to open soon; ideal for opening weekend in MN!" notes Jaime N. Another visitor shared, "They have many activities on the weekends designed for children and family. Other nightly activities also such as hay wagon rides, train rides, etc."
Farm experiences for kids: Several campers note that farm settings engage children. "I felt very safe letting my 5yr old run around with the other campers and be around the animals. The grounds were kept very tidy and well put together by any farm standard!" reports Maggie W. Children can often interact with goats, chickens, and other farm animals under supervision.
Playgrounds and recreation: Dedicated play areas provide entertainment for younger campers. "If you have children plenty of space for them, with the playground just across from the site," notes JoAnn E. Several campgrounds feature basketball courts, swimming pools, and organized weekend activities designed specifically for children.
Tips from RVers
Site access considerations: Fish Lake Resort And Campground provides suitable access for RVs but requires careful navigation. "First, google the directions, the App is off by a mile or two," advises Shane G. Some forest roads and campground entrances have low-hanging branches that may pose challenges for taller vehicles.
Electric and water hookups: Most established campgrounds offer electric connections, but amperage varies. "We happened to be the only one there that weekend late in the summer. Spending our time walking the property, having our old lab get close to the goats getting a look at the great old entertainment barn area," shares Carol H. about a site with standard hookups. RVers should verify hookup specifications before arrival.
Dump station logistics: When available, dump stations may have specific positioning requirements. One camper noted about a nearby facility: "Didn't even bother to use dump station on way out which was on an incline and in the way of a main intersection." Some seasonal campgrounds have limited dump station hours or access restrictions during busy weekends.
