Sand Dunes State Forest and Lake Maria State Park dominate the landscape near Annandale, creating a diverse environment of mixed hardwood forests, sandy soil, and wetlands just 60 miles northwest of Minneapolis. Most campgrounds in this region sit at elevations between 970-1,100 feet, creating a relatively flat terrain punctuated by glacial lakes. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with higher humidity levels from June through August when mosquito activity increases significantly.
What to do
Hiking trails: Lake Maria State Park offers multiple backpacking sites with varying distances from parking areas. "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," notes a camper at Lake Maria State Park Campground.
Swimming and boating: Bertram Chain of Lakes provides excellent water access with multiple lakes connected by trails. "Really nice campground! Meadow setting where the campsites are, but then TONS of hiking trails with significant trees& shade. Really beautiful," shares a visitor at Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Many local lakes support panfish, bass and northern pike fishing. The St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park offers access to nearby fishing spots. One camper mentioned, "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."
What campers like
Walk-in site privacy: Sand Dunes State Forest offers secluded tent camping away from vehicle traffic. "I highly recommend the walk-in-sites for the most private tent camping experience. The walk from the car isn't far, but the sites are off the road and in the pines," explains a camper at Ann Lake.
Clean facilities: Many Annandale area campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and showers. "The bathrooms and showers are nice and clean, some of the best I've seen at a campground!" remarks a visitor to Baker Campground.
Family-friendly amenities: Schroeder County Park offers excellent recreational options. "This campground is about 1.5 hours from the twin cities and it has a beautiful sandy beach and swimming area. There is also a fishing pier and boat launch available, great lake for water ski and other water sports," notes a camper at Schroeder County Park.
What you should know
Campsite reservation timing: Most popular campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. "We spent two nights in the campground. It was fairly busy, but we still felt secluded despite a full campground," explains a visitor to Baker Campground.
Seasonal operation limits: Nearly all campgrounds around Annandale operate seasonally from late April/early May through September/October. "Stayed here overnight being its so close to my hometown. Its a nice quiet park and so are the campgrounds!!! They also have little cabins to stay in that id like to try out!" notes a visitor to Lake Maria State Park.
Insect preparedness: Bug activity varies significantly by season and location. "We went in the middle of Summer. High bug season. Take a look at other reviews as they come in and see what time of year they visited. Maybe they'll have a similar experience, maybe not," advises a camper at Lake Maria State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Collinwood County Park offers family-friendly swimming. "Nice campground, sites are nice size and well shaded. Beach and playground are nice. Wasn't expecting to have water hookup, but we did!" shares a visitor to Collinwood County Park.
Playground availability: Several campgrounds feature playground equipment for children. "Spent a lot of my childhood playing and exploring this park! It wasn't till a few years ago that I actually stayed and camped overnight. The campgrounds are grouped, we'll maintained, and always have firewood(etc) stocked for their guests," recalls a camper from Baker Campground.
Activity options: St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park provides multiple recreation choices in one location. "Absolutely beautiful campground with mature trees. Cedars, white oaks, hickory's and more. The birds are singing and so are the kids because this place has so much to do for them. Pool, pool table, soccer table, mini golf, swing set, clubhouse, 3 wheel bike racing, and water balloons wars."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: Many campgrounds around Annandale feature different levels of privacy between sites. "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," explains a visitor to A J Acres Campground.
Electric hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer electric service but with limitations. "Limited availability to sewer hookups, only about 5 true pull thrus, taken by seasonal," notes an RVer at A J Acres Campground.
Road conditions: Access roads can present challenges at some campgrounds. "30' class C motor home. Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides. Campsites are nice, mowed, gravel parking," explains a visitor to Ann Lake.
