Ramsey, Minnesota camping options range from full-service RV parks to family-friendly lakeside retreats within a 30-mile radius. Located in the Mississippi River Valley with elevations ranging from 850 to 950 feet above sea level, the area experiences warm summers with average July temperatures of 83°F. Winter weather typically closes most facilities from October through April, with seasonal operations resuming when overnight temperatures consistently remain above freezing.
What to do
Tubing adventures: Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River offers river tubing with shuttle service. "They have a bus that takes you into town float back to the campground, love it," reports Tom D. The Rum River provides clean, sandy-bottomed conditions for water recreation.
Mini-golf and games: St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park features a 9-hole mini-golf course and indoor recreation. "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," notes S L. The park maintains these amenities throughout their May to October operating season.
Wildlife viewing: Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve offers excellent bird watching opportunities with several species visible from campsites. "I love briding here as well," mentions Alison O. The park's diverse habitats support various wildlife viewing opportunities within walking distance of camping areas.
Water recreation: Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River provides multiple water activities beyond basic swimming. "The campground is nice and clean. Good size spaces. The tubing is a plus. Had one issue with power dropping so we had to pull the surge protector off the. 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 I recommend this campground. Key thing is the river is very clean and sandy bottom," shares David G.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Baker Campground receives high marks for maintenance standards. "It is one of the cleanest camps," with "nice clean bathrooms." A camper notes, "The sites are fairly large, but very open (which was ok with a group of us, not our style when it's just us though). The bathrooms and showers are nice and clean, some of the best I've seen at a campground!"
Spacious sites: St. Cloud Campground & RV Park offers well-designed camping areas. "We were in a pull through at the north end of the campground and the site itself was nice and had decent spacing between sites," reports Tina. The campground maintains a variety of sites suitable for different camping styles.
Family amenities: Cokato Lake RV Resort provides extensive recreation options. "Inground, heated swimming pool; mini golf; pickleball; tennis; arcade room attached to the office. Ice cream shop has 8 flavors of hand-dipped yum! Freezer pizzas can be cooked at the store or bring one home for later," shares Rachel H. The resort maintains 225 sites with varying levels of amenities.
Quiet atmosphere: St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park offers a peaceful setting with mature trees. "Just stayed for the weekend and we had a wonderful time. Shaded lot, much quieter than other sites I've been too. Many lots seem to be seasonal owners, but all were very well kept," notes a reviewer named Shone.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require advance booking. Baker Park "requires a minimum two-night booking" during peak season. Sites fill quickly, especially on summer weekends from June through August.
Variable connectivity: Mobile service differs by location. "It was the worst wifi of about 15 campgrounds we've been to on our trip this year. They warned us it was slow, but we couldn't even connect to it from our site," reports Tina about St. Cloud Campground & RV Park.
Weather considerations: Summer storms can impact camping experiences significantly. "We came outside to asses damages and instead of the park owner checking on us he belligerently screamed at my children," reported one camper after a severe hailstorm damaged their RV roof vents at St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park.
Seasonal limitations: Cokato Lake RV Resort Cooperative Association operates with reduced services in shoulder seasons. "Impressed with the distance to/from the metro (less than an hour on Highway 12 heading west to Cokato)," notes Rachel H., making it convenient for weekend trips during operational months.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Country Camping Tent & RV Park offers extensive children's recreation areas. "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 10-10 would most defiantly go again! A ton for the kids to do!" shares Beasty B.
Swimming options: Multiple facilities maintain pools for safer swimming experiences. "This campground is great for everyone! It's has a heated pool, splash pad area, BIG playground area, indoor game room, HUGE sites!" writes Spencer C. about Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River.
Rental equipment: Ham Lake Resort provides complimentary recreational equipment. "They patiently described how to utilize the grey and black water tanks, as well as encouraged us to check-out the canoes, row boats, bikes, horseshoes, ladder golf and many other entertainment items - for FREE!" reports Kristin C.
Pizza delivery: Some campgrounds allow local food delivery services. "You can even get pizza delivered by the local Chanticlear Pizza!" mentions Barbara B. about Country Camping, providing a convenient dinner option when camping with children.
Tips from RVers
Overnight convenience: Love's RV Hookup in Rockville offers practical amenities for transient RV travelers near Ramsey, Minnesota. "Still open in the winter! Convenient location right off I94 and HWY 23. Close to Waite Park for entertainment and food. Love's is open 24 hours and has most things you would need. There is also a Hardee's if you need dinner!" shares Tori K.
Power management: During heat waves, RV parks near Ramsey may experience electrical issues. "Had one issue with power dropping so we had to pull the surge protector off the. It was fine. Also very hot and humid so everyone was running AC to the max," notes David G. about Country Camping Tent & RV Park, suggesting travelers bring surge protectors and be prepared for occasional outages during peak demand.
Site selection considerations: RV camping locations offer varied site configurations. "The sites were pretty large, much larger than data KOA, but not so big or private as some campgrounds we've been to. If any thing- the only weird thing is that the campground is situated under some very large high tension power lines...didn't affect our stay whatsoever, just worth mentioning," advises Amanda S. about St. Cloud Campground & RV Park.
