Camping around St. Francis, Minnesota offers seasonal RV accommodations with nearby rivers and recreational facilities. Most campgrounds in this area are situated within 20 miles of St. Francis, with the Rum River providing water recreation opportunities for campers. Local RV parks typically operate from May through October with varying site sizes and terrain.
What to do
River activities: Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River provides tubing, canoeing, and kayaking options. "Great tubing and canoeing," notes Rory T., while David G. adds, "The river is very clean and sandy bottom."
Swimming options: Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River features a heated pool with splash pad area. Beasty B. reports, "It was fantastic great playground and heated pool the spaces were well kept and spaced apart 10-10 would most defiantly go again!"
Mini golf and games: St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park offers a 9-hole mini golf course and other recreational amenities. According to S L., "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."
Quarry visits: Teresa O. recommends, "We stayed here to visit the nearby quarry park and that was a blast!" Quarry Park offers swimming and hiking opportunities within a short drive from local campgrounds.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the roomy lots at Country Camping RV Park. Tom D. notes, "Great tent sites right on the river," and Carol H. adds, "Great variety of things to do for everyone. Group sites, tent sites, covered wagon sites!"
Clean facilities: Heidi H. reports, "Clean bathrooms with hot water, clean laundry room" at St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park. Similarly, Jody M. shares about St. Cloud Campground & RV Park: "This campground is well maintained. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The shower house was clean."
Shaded sites: The mature trees at many area campgrounds provide welcome relief during summer months. According to Aaron L., St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park has "absolutely beautiful campground with mature trees. Cedars, white oaks, hickory's and more."
Wildlife viewing: RiversEdge RV Park offers "large wooded lots, most facing the river or wildlife pond" according to Tori K., making it a good option for nature observation.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most RV campgrounds near St. Francis, Minnesota close from October through April. Cheri W. notes that St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park is "quiet during the week and busy on the weekends" and recommends visiting in "End of Aug-Sept."
Reservation requirements: During peak summer months, advance booking is essential. Laura P. notes that Boulder Woods RV Park is "mostly seasonal camping but does have RV sites for overnight and weekly camping."
Ownership structure: Some parks have unique arrangements. Dan O. explains, "Mississippi Riverwood RV Park is a PRIVATE RV Park where each lot is individually owned and most owners live South in the winter. Individual owners can rent their lot with restrictions."
Wi-Fi limitations: Internet connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. Dave P. reports, "Host stated that the wifi was weak but since there were not a lot of campers we should be alright. We were unable to even get a signal!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: St. Cloud Campground & RV Park offers family-friendly amenities. Elizabeth W. notes it has "nice facilities including 2 bathroom facilities, playground, volleyball court, dog walking area, baseball field, a lodge with games and a store."
Kid-friendly water features: Spencer C. recommends Country Camping Tent & RV Park for families: "This campground is great for everyone! It has a heated pool, splash pad area, BIG playground area, indoor game room, HUGE sites!"
Evening activities: Some parks organize regular social events. Barbara B. mentions, "You can even get pizza delivered by the local Chanticlear Pizza!" which can be a convenient dinner option for families.
Entertainment options: The area has indoor alternatives for bad weather. As S L. points out, "They also offer a nice seating area for those hot or raining days with free arcade."
Tips from RVers
Site entry challenges: Adrian G. cautions about Grand Casino RV Resort: "Virtually every site in the park is a blind back in from the driver seat. You're trying to back your trailer into a site on the right side without being able to see anything over there."
Power requirements: During heat waves, electrical capacity can be strained. David G. notes, "Had one issue with power dropping so we had to pull the surge protector off. It was fine. Also very hot and humid so everyone was running AC to the max."
Convenience stops: For overnight travel breaks, Love's RV Hookup offers practical amenities. Tori K. says, "I love that Love's has RV spots that are big rig friendly! These are a great option for a stop halfway through a trip. You have clean bathrooms in Love's, Hardee's for food."
Seasonal site options: Alan V. notes that Cokato Lake RV Resort offers both temporary and long-term options: "RV resort and some lot rentals, Heated pool, lake with beach, boat launch area just block away, tennis/pickle ball, mini golf, resort store with ice cream."
