Camping near New London, Minnesota offers diverse overnight accommodations within the glacial terrain of central Minnesota. The area sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation in the transition zone between prairie and hardwood forests, where numerous lakes formed by retreating glaciers provide opportunities for water activities. Winter temperatures regularly drop below 0°F while summer highs average in the 80s, creating distinct camping seasons with varying amenities and accessibility.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: Games Lake County Park provides access to the 2,800-acre Norway chain of lakes with excellent fish populations. "This is a nicely forested family-oriented campground on the shores of Games Lake. Though not quite as nice as the nearby Sibley State Park, it has easy access to it as well as the Glacial Lakes bike trail, plus is set on a nice lake with fishing, boating, and swimming available," notes Janet R. about Games Lake County Park.
Winter camping options: Unlike seasonal sites, Glacial Lakes State Park Campground remains open year-round for those seeking cold-weather adventures. "We stayed in camper cabins that were really amazing. Fishing Pier and a small lake to canoe and kayak on. I'd definitely come back," shares Tikki B.
Hiking through prairie landscapes: The surrounding trail systems offer unique prairie hiking experiences. "Beautiful park with rolling prairies. Oak Ridge campground is prettier, quieter, and more private than the Lower campground. Site 28 and 30 don't have tree cover, but have beautiful views of the rolling hills," reports Mike O.
What campers like
Private wilderness feeling: Many campers appreciate the secluded nature of sites in the area. At Lake Maria State Park Campground, "This site was nearly surrounded by a lake which lended to a lot of bugs, but was absolutely gorgeous! We could see one other camper in a different site, but it still felt like you were in the wilderness," says Lydia N.
Family-friendly amenities: Campgrounds often feature recreational facilities beyond natural attractions. "Easy parking with lake and playground. Close to town incase you forgot something. Sites have large open areas in front of camps for kids to play. Great hosts as well," mentions Mick S. about Lake Ripley County Park Campground.
Community spaces: Many sites feature gathering areas for group activities. "There is a nice community center too. The campground is owned by Kandiyohi County, and rates for tent camping or various levels of RV camping are very reasonable but only offered for weekly rentals," explains Janet R.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds in the area operate on different reservation systems. At Lake Maria State Park Campground, "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," advises Tori K.
Seasonal considerations: Bug activity significantly impacts camping experiences in this region. "Site was a bit buggy, but very manageable with bug spray and a Thermacell. The bugs on the hiking trails were unrelenting even with lots of deet bug spray—I was planning to hike 5 miles but had to stop after 2," warns Mike O.
Facility availability: Water sources and bathroom facilities vary by location and season. "Water fill and dump stations are on the opposite side of most campers which was the only downside. There was not water supply at the dump station to rinse out the tank," notes Amanda M.
Tips for camping with families
Luxury glamping options: Beyond traditional camping, premium alternatives exist for families wanting comfort. "Impressed with the distance to/from the metro (less than an hour on Highway 12 heading west to Cokato). Inground, heated swimming pool; mini golf; pickleball; tennis; arcade room attached to the office," shares Rachel H. from Cokato Lake RV Resort Cooperative Association.
Beach access planning: For families with children, several campgrounds offer swimming areas. "No waterfront sites but the lake is still close by! There is a nearby boat launch with parking. As well as a playground and beach area with a slide. Be sure to check out some of the local attractions!" advises Tori K.
Weather contingencies: Prepare for rapidly changing weather conditions that can impact camping equipment. "We came outside to asses damages and instead of the park owner checking on us he belligerently screamed at my children," reports a visitor who experienced severe hail damage to their camper roof vent covers.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: At Memorial Park, "Hard surface parking with grass surround and gravel picnic table area. Newer power 30 and 50 amp. Good att cell signal but no satellite view in most sites. Current RV rate is $22. Fairly level sites," notes Lumpie C.
Tree navigation challenges: Mature trees provide shade but can complicate parking. "Navigating around trees was not so fun with our 5th wheel. We got the slideouts to fit in between the trees. A drive around showed many seasonal, if not permanent, trailers and campers," reports Nettie W.
Upgraded facilities: Some parks feature recently improved amenities. "The campground is shady, quiet, and clean. The bathroom is remodeled and was very clean. There is a new pavilion and playground with a small Zipline. The last 2 sites around the corner are very private," explains Bob B.
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