Camping areas near Mound, Minnesota provide year-round options with seasonal considerations affecting availability. Located in Hennepin County at 955 feet above sea level, the area experiences hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 80°F and cold winters when many campgrounds close or offer limited services. The Mississippi River watershed creates diverse camping environments from riverside locations to lake-oriented properties within 30-45 minutes of Mound.
What to do
Water activities on Lake Independence: Baker Campground offers lake access for fishing, swimming and paddling. "There are nice paved trails around a couple of lakes/ponds for biking, and easy access to the shower and bathroom facilities (which were very nice)," notes one visitor to Baker Campground.
Tubing adventures: The Rum River provides natural recreation at Country Camping Tent & RV Park. "The tubing is a plus. Had one issue with power dropping so we had to pull the surge protector off then it was fine. Also very hot and humid so everyone was running AC to the max. Pool was small but nice. Splash pad was even nice for adults. Key thing is the river is very clean and sandy bottom," shares a camper.
Indoor entertainment options: Many campgrounds offer alternative activities during inclement weather. "Game room small pool unfortunately all closed due to COVID but super cute little park," mentioned a visitor to Town & Country Campground. This provides options when outdoor activities aren't possible.
What campers like
Spacious sites with concrete pads: Dakotah Meadows RV Park offers well-maintained sites with hard surfaces. "Great place to stop and rest when traveling through the twin cities. Great price for full hookup," notes one reviewer who appreciated the convenience.
Proximity to Twin Cities attractions: Location matters for visitors wanting to explore Minneapolis-St. Paul. "If you want to be close to the city this does it. 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," explains a camper at Town & Country Campground.
Family amenities: Multiple recreational options keep families entertained. "The campground is nice and clean. Good size spaces. The tubing is a plus. Pool was small but nice. Splash pad was even nice for adults," states a visitor at Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River.
What you should know
Seasonal availability fluctuations: Many campgrounds operate with limited schedules. Baker Campground is open "Apr 30 - Oct 20" while other parks like Town & Country operate "All year," allowing for winter camping options.
Site selection considerations: Cokato Lake RV Resort offers varied site experiences. "Small town camp group. It's okay. Small. Gotta cross a county road to get to lake," mentions one camper, highlighting access limitations at certain sites.
Reservation requirements: Advance booking is essential for peak periods. "We lucked out and were able to stay 2 nights without reservations...only had to move because they were fully booked for the 4th," reports a visitor to Dakotah Meadows, underscoring the importance of planning ahead.
Weekday vs. weekend experiences: Occupancy patterns affect ambience. "Friendly staff, quiet during the week and busy on the weekends," noted a longer-term visitor at St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park, indicating timing considerations for those seeking quieter stays.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park provides multiple recreation options. "This a nice family campground. It has a 9 hole mini golf, shuffleboard, salt water pool, and a lobby/gift shop. They also offer a nice seating area for those hot or raining days with free arcade," shares one family camper.
Kid-friendly water features: Splash pads and pools provide alternatives to natural swimming. "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," reports a visitor to Country Camping Tent & RV Park.
Biking opportunities: Paved trails create safe cycling for children. "We love to camp here. Access to lake independence. A lot of biking trails. Nice clean bathrooms. Nice park for kids just a small hike away," notes a Baker Campground visitor.
Rental options: Some parks offer equipment that eliminates packing hassles. "Tubing! They have a bus that takes you into town float back to the campground, love it," explains a visitor to Country Camping, highlighting organized activities that simplify family outings.
Tips from RVers
Laundry and utility access: Practical amenities matter for extended stays. "Nice campground with amenities, pool and water play area for kids. Nice on-site store for any needs. I have a small travel trailer that is self contained so I could reserve spots down by the river," shares an RVer at Country Camping.
Site leveling considerations: Terrain varies across rv campgrounds near Mound, Minnesota. "Sites are paved and have well-maintained grass. We were located near the casino road, which has an occasional loud car, even at night," notes a Dakotah Meadows visitor, highlighting both benefits and drawbacks.
RV size compatibility: Not all parks accommodate larger vehicles equally. "This RV park is clean, friendly, and convenient to the cities. Some road noise, but you are in the city so expected, but yet still quieter then in some areas being close to things," reports a visitor to Town & Country Campground.
Service limitations: Utilities can be affected during peak usage periods. One camper at Country Camping mentioned, "Had one issue with power dropping so we had to pull the surge protector off then it was fine. Also very hot and humid so everyone was running AC to the max," pointing out that electricity demand can strain systems during extreme weather.
