J
Jon E.
Guide
GuideSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Tents or small truck camper only
Small pullout area on state forest land. Can walk trail back to tent.
Best Campgrounds near Mora, MN
Camping options around Mora, Minnesota encompass both developed campgrounds and dispersed sites throughout the region. Fish Lake Resort and Campground provides waterfront sites with electric hookups and amenities suitable for tent and RV camping. The Jubilee Homestead offers a unique farm setting with limited sites for tent camping, RVs, and glamping experiences. Rum River State Forest, located west of Mora, provides free dispersed camping opportunities with more primitive conditions. Most established campgrounds in the area maintain seasonal operations, typically from May through October.
Road conditions vary throughout the camping areas near Mora, with some forest roads requiring careful navigation during wet conditions. Rum River State Forest dispersed camping features pull-off sites along dirt roads that may require four-wheel drive access, particularly during winter months or after heavy rainfall. Summer brings warmer temperatures but also increased insect activity. Many established campgrounds offer electric hookups and water access, with several providing shower facilities and dump stations for RVs. Cell service is generally available at developed sites but may be limited in more remote forest locations. According to one visitor, "The roads aren't really kept up for the winter. So, you'll want 4-wheel drive and slow and mindful driving."
Campers consistently mention the peaceful atmosphere at smaller homestead-style properties like The Jubilee Homestead, which offers interactions with farm animals and access to seasonal produce. "We spent two wonderful nights at this homestead farm. We loved the goats, chickens, geese, and the cats," noted one camper. Larger facilities like Fish Lake Resort provide lakefront recreation with boat access and swimming opportunities. Seasonal campers comprise a significant portion of several campgrounds in the region, including Woodsong RV Resort and Boulder Woods RV Park. Wildlife sightings, including deer and various bird species, are commonly reported in the Rum River State Forest area, where camping spots offer more seclusion and privacy despite being situated along forest roads. Mixed-use campgrounds in the region typically provide facilities for both tent and RV camping, with varying levels of hookups and amenities.
Best Camping Sites Near Mora, Minnesota (155)
1. The Jubilee Homestead
8 ReviewsCambridge, MN14 milesWebsite+1 (320) 515-0557$35 - $100 / night
"We decided to try out our new tow vehicle by going somewhere close to home. We found Jubilee and we’re we pleasantly surprised! We happened to be the only one there that weekend late in the summer."
"In the morning, we walked around briefly to say hello to the goats and chickens and to pick a few apples."
2. Father Hennepin State Park Campground
20 ReviewsIsle, MN21 milesWebsite+1 (320) 676-8763$24 - $68 / night
"Right on Lake Mille Lacs, one of Minnesota’s largest. Walking distance from the bakery and bar! Newer, updated facilities. Boat access. Lake side sites (if you book early enough)."
"Smaller sites and a little privacy in the lake campground. The ones next to the waters edge have a nice view and are more completely in the shade. The inner sites have more sun."
3. Fish Lake Resort And Campground
2 ReviewsMora, MN4 miles+1 (320) 679-2117$50 / night
"Close to Mora in case you need anything or are looking for something to do."
4. Woodsong RV Resort
2 ReviewsMora, MN6 miles+1 (320) 272-43005. Woodsong Campground
2 ReviewsMora, MN6 milesWebsite+1 (320) 272-43006. Boulder Woods RV Park
1 ReviewMora, MN7 miles"There is a view of Ann Lake, however, the RV park is not on the banks of the lake and does not have access to the lake."
7. Banning State Park Campground
34 ReviewsSandstone, MN29 milesWebsite+1 (320) 245-2668$24 - $80 / night
"Bawning park is a walk through the history of the area the self guided tour is both informative and entertaining and the hike along the river is one to remember featuring the only class 5 rapids in Minnesota"
"There are miles of trails to hike, including along the river and to a waterfall, all kinds of paddling and rafting possibilities(bring your own, or join a trip sponsored by a local outfitter), or go bouldering"
8. Rum River State Forest Dispersed
4 ReviewsMilaca, MN15 milesWebsite+1 (320) 616-2450"Once roadside during hunting season with oranges on and once in December. So far, I enjoy it. Where to start... The roads aren't really kept up for the winter."
9. South Isle Family Campground
6 ReviewsIsle, MN18 milesWebsite+1 (320) 676-8538"Close by one of Minnesota's best fishing lakes MilLacs Lake. Great bike trails! You will be satisfied!!!"
"Beautiful walking trails. Lots of activities for the kids."
10. Pokegama Lake RV Park And Golf
2 ReviewsPine City, MN12 milesWebsite+1 (320) 629-6552"They have golf, a pool, lake nearby, and seasonal camping."
Recent Camping Photos near Mora, MN
151 Photos of 155 Mora Campgrounds
Laura P.
Boulder Woods RV Park
Esther R.
The Jubilee Homestead
Skip H.
Rum River State Forest
Jaime N.
South Isle Family Campground
MickandKarla W.
Fiddlestix RV and Golf Resort
Deb M.
Grand Casino RV Resort
Casie S.
Snake River Campground
Benjamin
Father Hennepin State Park Campground
Corinna Y.
Old Railroad Bridge
Jeff S.
Snake River County Park Campground
Emily
Sandrock Cliffs — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
Lindsey H.
Robinson Park Camping
Recent Reviews near Mora, MN
506 Reviews of 155 Mora Campgrounds
Jay W.
LegendInterstate Park — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
Great park, plenty around the area...BUT THE NOISE!!!
Interstate Park in Wisconsin is just south of HWY 8 on HWY 35. The entrance is located on the west side of HWY 35 in the town of St. Croix Falls. St Croix Falls is a small town with a nice downtown on the river with plenty of restaurants (Dalles House Restaurant and Lounge is a favorite) and places for necessities. There are coffee shops, hotels and even a Wal-Mart nearby. There is also a casino in the town of Turtle Lake about 30 mins away.
The park is home to the western terminus of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail that covers 1200 miles through Wisconsin. The park also offers a Ice Age Interpretive Center which boasts interactive activities and displays of the last Ice Age. The park is also home to several other trails worth discovering.
There are two campgrounds in the park, a North and South campground as well as two group campsites. The South is a bit more rustic. The showers are located at the North campground.
For amenities there are flush toilets and showers. There is a sandy swimming area available as well as boat launch and other water activities.
This park is beautiful especially being on the cliffs of the St. Croix River offering spectacular views through out the park and the area. You can even take the bridge over to Taylor Falls Park Minnesota for more spectacular views as well as other shopping options. If you take this trip, Taylor Falls Park will be on the South and your shopping options will be to your North.
Even being in such a wonderful location with plenty of activities and amenities, I find the camping hard to enjoy at this park for all the noise that generates from the hwy crossing over the river. The sound especially of the semi trucks and their brakes that go all night long. This is the big reason for the average rating for this campground.
T S.GuideSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Loved it!
Nice spot right on the lake. Lots of animal noises! Pretty sunrise/sunset.
Greg M.GuideSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Good spot for a night
Got in late on a Sunday night and there was plenty of space. Most sites are right along the gravel road so not super private. Wouldn’t recommend for large trailers/RVs as sites are small. Found a couple sets of deer bones right next to my site, not sure if it’s from hunters dumping their waste or coyotes but keep an eye out either way.
DIANNE T.GuideSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Girl on first car camping trip
Kind of confusing for first time. Was not sure where I could camp. But then found out it's the spots right along road. Beautiful. Some good spots. Ended up in a pull thru around w view.
Corinna Y.
TravelerOld Railroad Bridge
Great little getaway spot for winter camping!
We stayed here with a group of hot tent campers in early January. The site is large and had a couple of fire pits. Includes a few picnic tables, and a pit toilet. It's a beautiful open area not far from the parking lot with a gorgeous view of the St. Croix River.
CindyTravelerAvatan Family Nudist Campground
"Family-Friendly" in Name Only: A Cautionary Tale from a Disillusioned Par
We visited Avatan Nudist Campground last July with our two kids (ages 8 and 11) for what was supposed to be a wholesome, body-positive family getaway. The website and brochures paint a perfect picture: serene woods, a sparkling pool, family activities, and a "welcoming community" vibe. And on the surface? Yeah, the grounds are stunning—pristine trails, a well-maintained pool. The facilities are clean, the staff (mostly) polite, and the natural setting is genuinely relaxing. If you're just looking for a quiet spot to shed your clothes and unwind in nature, it checks those boxes.
But dig a little deeper, and Avatan reveals itself as something else entirely—a place that's quietly optimized for adult fun, with kids as an inconvenient footnote they have to tolerate to keep the "family" label. From the moment we arrived, it was clear the real energy was elsewhere. Evenings around the fire pits and at the "Squirrel's" (code for the bar area) had this unmistakable swinger-party undercurrent. Lots of lingering glances, couples disappearing into the woods or private cabins, and a vibe that felt more like a discreet resort for the lifestyle crowd than a spot for building sandcastles with the little ones. Our kids picked up on it fast—whispers about "grown-up games" and awkward questions we had to deflect. The camp "tolerates" families, sure, but it's obvious the core membership would prefer a child-free zone. Activities for kids are minimal: a basic playground and the occasional nature hike, while the adults get themed nights, "sensual yoga," and late-night mixers that go until dawn.
What really soured the experience was the toxic underbelly of the community itself. This place is a powder keg of power struggles, with a small cadre of long-time board members and "elders" locked in a perpetual cold war. Gossip flows like the creek itself—endless whispers about who's sleeping with whom, who's "stealing" prime cabin spots, or who's cozying up to the President for favors. We overheard more drama in one week than in a season of reality TV. Cliques form fast: the "party crew" vs. the "purists," the swingers vs. the swingers-who-pretend-they're-not. As newcomers (and parents, no less), we felt like outsiders crashing a private club. Smiles were surface-level; the second you stepped away, the backstabbing started.
And then there's the elephant in the (clothing-optional) room: the camp's ugly history with sexual predators. We didn't know it going in, but after a few days, the stories trickled out from sympathetic members—multiple incidents over the years involving members who turned out to be registered offenders or worse, preying on the vulnerable in this "trust-based" environment. The rules around anonymity are ironclad: no photos, no last names, "what happens at Avatan stays at Avatan." It's sold as protecting privacy in a nudist space, which sounds noble until you realize it shields the creeps. Anyone who dares speak up—whether it's a parent noticing a sketchy guy lingering too long near the kids' area or a survivor sharing a red flag—is immediately branded a "troublemaker," "paranoid," or "anti-community." We've heard of families getting shamed in group meetings, then quietly asked to leave for "disrupting the harmony." Evictions happen fast if you rock the boat, all in the name of keeping the peace and the paying members happy.
Look, we're no prudes. Nudism can be liberating, and we've been to other resorts where it felt truly inclusive and safe. But Avatan? It's a divided house built on denial. The adult-party atmosphere thrives because the kids are an afterthought, and the predator problem festers because calling it out gets you exiled. If you're a child-free couple into the full swinger scene, this might be your paradise—plenty of like-minded folks and zero judgment. But if you're a family hoping for that advertised "safe, empowering space"? Steer clear. Your kids deserve better than being tolerated in a place where silence is golden and the wrong questions get you blacklisted. We won't be back, and I hope this review saves someone else the regret.
Karla J. B.GuideMoose Lake State Park Campground
Classic Minnesota State Park
We went post-season camping with friends. The water and showers were shut off, and the agate center was closed. Despite being post-season, the vault toilets were clean and stocked with TP (though these did not have hand sanitize), and firewood was available for purchase using a QR code. Cell service was fine. We walked the trails and head them mostly to ourselves. We only saw one large RV and one tent that weekend. It snowed overnight, so we went into town for a hearty breakfast!
David R.GuideSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Quick overnight
Nice spot with plenty of space between sites, which gives you some privacy. It’s right off a busy road, so you’ll hear some traffic noise. The hunters were out during my stay, so there were gunshots throughout the day, but that’s to be expected this time of year. Overall, a good spot for a quick overnight stay and it’s conveniently close to the cities.
Guide to Mora
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you rent RVs in Mora, Minnesota for camping?
Can you rent RVs in Mora, Minnesota for camping?
While Mora itself doesn't have dedicated RV rental facilities, nearby options are available. Ann Lake and Rum River State Forest Dispersed are popular destinations for RV camping in the area. For rentals, check with dealerships in nearby larger towns or use online RV rental marketplaces that offer peer-to-peer options. Many renters will deliver to your chosen campsite for an additional fee, making it convenient even without local rental facilities in Mora itself.
Are there campgrounds in Mora that allow livestock?
Are there campgrounds in Mora that allow livestock?
Most standard campgrounds near Mora don't specifically accommodate livestock. However, The Jubilee Homestead may be worth contacting as they might have more flexible policies given their homestead setting. For those willing to travel a bit further, some dispersed camping areas in Sand Dunes State Forest might permit livestock with proper permits. Always contact campground management directly before arrival to confirm current livestock policies, as these can change seasonally and may require advance arrangements or additional fees.
What are the best campgrounds near Mora, MN?
What are the best campgrounds near Mora, MN?
Fish Lake Resort And Campground offers excellent lakefront sites just outside Mora with a quiet atmosphere despite some minimal road noise. For those willing to drive a bit further, South Isle Family Campground features an in-ground heated pool, shaded sites with trees, and convenient access to Mille Lacs Lake, one of Minnesota's premier fishing destinations. Both campgrounds provide good amenities while maintaining the natural beauty that makes camping in this region special.
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