Camping options near St. Louis Park, Minnesota range from lakeside retreats to riverside campsites within 50 miles of the Twin Cities. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-85°F with cooler nights around 60°F, while spring and fall camping brings more variable conditions. Seasonal operations vary by campground, with some sites operating May through October and others maintaining year-round availability for campers.
What to do
Tubing adventures: Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River offers excellent river recreation options. "Large sites. Great tubing and canoeing," notes Rory T. The park provides equipment rentals and transportation, making it easy to enjoy a float down the river.
Hiking and biking: Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve features extensive paved trails around multiple lakes and ponds. "There are nice paved trails around a couple of lakes/ponds for biking, and easy access to the shower and bathroom facilities," shares ERolf P. The trail system connects to broader networks, providing extended riding options.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer fishing access, with specific species varying by location. "The river is very clean and sandy bottom," reports David G. about Country Camping. Cleary Lake Regional Park provides lakeside sites with direct water access, and one camper notes the lake is "a good size and a kayaker's delight!"
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Cleary Lake Regional Park earns praise for site layout and privacy. "Lots of good trees and space between campgrounds which isn't always the case at the regional parks," says Scott M. The park's walk-in sites offer convenience while maintaining seclusion, as they're "a short walk from the car and right by the water yet spaced nicely for privacy."
Heated swimming pools: Many campers appreciate the swimming options at campgrounds like Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River, which features both river access and pool facilities. "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," writes David G.
Clean facilities: Baker Park Reserve receives consistent praise for maintenance. "This is one of the cleanest camps I've ever stayed at," reports Joe R. Similarly, Truly W. notes about Cleary Lake Regional Park: "Amazing bathroom/Showers. Quiet, lots of flies, good spot overall."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Summer weekends fill quickly at popular parks. "You'll need to book for at least two nights and book as soon as you can. There are 200 sites but on the July weekend we stayed, I'd say almost all of them were booked," advises Joe R. about Baker Park Reserve.
Noise considerations: Some parks near casinos or highways experience noise issues. "We would probably chose a site further from one of the main roads into Mystic Lake Casino. We heard a lot of traffic coming and going well into the wee hours of the night," reports Michelle A. about Dakotah Meadows RV Park.
Site variations: Campgrounds offer diverse site types with varying amenities. "Hike in sites are super close to the car so it doesn't even require much work," notes Jeff C. about Cleary Lake Regional Park. Some campgrounds distinguish between tent-only areas and sections for RVs.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-focused amenities: St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park offers numerous family activities. "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," reports S L.
Consider sites with playground access: Country Camping Tent & RV Park receives high marks from families. "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.
Find campgrounds with game facilities: Multiple parks offer indoor recreation options for rainy days. "Pool, pool table, soccer table, mini golf, swing set, clubhouse, 3 wheel bike racing, and water balloons wars," lists Aaron L. about St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park, noting it has "so much to do for them."
Tips from RVers
Hookup options: Dakotah Meadows RV Park provides full-service sites with concrete pads. "This is a really nice campground with cement parking pads with full hookups. The grass around the lots is very green, lush and well maintained," notes Jim M. The park includes both pull-through and back-in options with 50-amp service.
Site selection strategy: Different RV parks offer varying layouts worth considering. "We last stayed in side 25, a back in up on the hill. We have also stayed in the pull through sites, but not really a fan of those," explains Tom D. about Dakotah Meadows, adding that the "website has an incomplete campsite map showing only the lower sites between the pond and road."
Overnight options: For travelers passing through, some parks offer convenient overnight stays. "Great place to stop and rest when traveling through the twin cities. Great price for full hookup," says Jon C. about Dakotah Meadows RV Park. Town & Country Campground in Savage provides convenient access to interstate highways for RV camping near St. Louis Park.
