Camping opportunities near Mora, Minnesota include several state parks and forests within a 30-mile radius. The region sits at the transition zone between Minnesota's northern forests and southern prairies, creating diverse ecosystems for outdoor exploration. Summer temperatures average 70-85°F during peak camping season, while spring often brings muddy conditions that affect trail usability.
What to do
Stargazing at night: Lake Maria State Park features a designated star gazing area away from city lights. "This site is perfect for anyone who wants a little solitude, a lot of nature, and a chance to slow down and breathe. The darkness here is wild and beautiful," reports one camper at Lake Maria State Park.
Canoe and kayak rentals: St. Croix State Park offers watercraft rentals during summer weekends. "Canoe outfitters in park during most of the summer. A great way to spend a weekend," notes a visitor. The park also includes "a great lake for fishing and boating" according to another review.
Climb the observation tower: Mille Lacs Kathio State Park features a lookout platform with panoramic views. "There is an observation platform- the climb can be intimidating, but the views are well worth it!" shares a camper who stayed at the Mille Lacs Kathio Petaga Campground.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Wild River State Park offers secluded camping areas. "The campground was very nice. The sites are private, couldn't see any neighbors as there are a lot of trees. The park rangers were very helpful and informative," writes a visitor to Wild River State Park.
Abundant wildlife viewing: Many parks in the region feature frequent animal sightings. "We saw sooooo many deer some even walking right through campsites! You can hear coyotes, raccoons and very loud owls," describes a camper at St. Croix State Park.
Sandy beach access: Father Hennepin State Park includes swimming areas along Lake Mille Lacs. "It's a beautiful camp site on Lake Mille Lacs. Quite and clean. Big beach area. Water is also very clean," reports a visitor to Father Hennepin State Park.
What you should know
Bug intensity varies by season: May through July typically bring heavy mosquito and black fly populations. "If you spent any extended amount of time outside, there were 20+ [ticks]. It was terrible," warns a camper at St. Croix's Riverview Campground, while another notes "We used 40% deet spray and fogged our campsite 3x over the 3 days."
Primitive facilities at some locations: The Ann Lake Campground offers basic amenities. "Very rustic campground, clean facilities, and water spigots throughout. Really enjoy how quiet it is!" shares a visitor to Ann Lake. Some sites require more preparation than others.
Reservation requirements: Most state park campgrounds require advance bookings. "In Minnesota, reservations are required. We've found that if you make them in advance, and then decide to cancel the day of the reservation, there are cancellation fees and first night fees," advises a Wild River State Park visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Bunker Hills Regional Park offers numerous recreation options. "Something for everyone here! They have a water park with a wave pool, a disc golf course, a golf course, several pavilions with grills, a few playgrounds and plenty of trails both paved and unpaved," recommends a camper at Bunker Hills Regional Park.
Nature programs for children: Several parks offer ranger-led activities. "We DID have fun doing some of the activities like hunting for insects/animals in the pond with the ranger, hiking to the ranger tower, playing at the playground, and trying to catch butterflies with the ranger," describes a family who visited St. Croix State Park.
Short hikes for little legs: Select parks feature accessible trails for younger campers. "There are well over a hundred sites, about 100 of them tent pads (no electric), and about 50 with electric. A few group campsites as well as 4 handicapped sites," notes a visitor describing accessibility options.
Tips for RVers
Electric hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer powered sites year-round. "This is one campground in Minnesota that offers a handful of electric hookups for winter camping. The beauty of this campground, is that while the campsites available are in a row, there's plenty of space between sites and some of them are even pull-through," shares an RV camper at Country Camping Tent & RV Park.
Equestrian camping considerations: For those bringing horses, prepare for minimal facilities at horse campgrounds near Mora, Minnesota. Sites require bringing your own containment systems as no permanent corrals are available at individual sites. The primitive equestrian areas focus on trail access rather than amenities.
Road conditions to sites: Access can be challenging for larger rigs at some locations. "30' class C motor home. Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides. Campsites are nice, mowed, gravel parking," reports a visitor detailing the approach to Ann Lake campground.
