The St. Cloud area provides accessible camping options along the Mississippi River watershed, with most sites situated between 1,000-1,100 feet elevation. Winter camping requires specialized gear as temperatures can drop below -20°F, while summer highs typically reach 80-85°F with high humidity. Several campgrounds feature walk-in sites requiring hikes from parking areas to campsites.
What to do
Lake access fishing: Ann Lake Campground offers fishing opportunities with multiple access points. As one camper noted, "The trails are a lot of fun... lots to see. The outhouses are kept up well and pump water road side."
Mushroom spotting: Lake Maria State Park features diverse fungi varieties during summer months. "We were all entertained by the plethora of mushroom varieties that surrounded the camp," reports one visitor who stayed despite challenging bug conditions.
River tubing: Two Rivers Campground provides river tubing on the Mississippi. "Tubing down the river is a MUST! Lots of fun. There's mini golf, a decent arcade, a camp store," shares one camper who rated the experience highly.
Winter camping: Lake Maria State Park stays open year-round with more solitude during cold months. A reviewer who visited in November noted: "Despite all my problems, it was a great experience. Just being out in the woods in November usually meant there wasn't any people around so we were able to enjoy the outdoors."
What campers like
Private backcountry sites: Site B6 at Lake Maria offers seclusion with natural amenities. According to one visitor: "This hike-in site is about a half-mile walk from the parking area, and the journey in is half the magic: winding wooded trails, wildflowers, and glimpses of the lake through the trees."
Wildlife viewing: Ann Lake Campground provides opportunities to see local fauna. One regular visitor reports: "Very beautiful and lots of deer on the trails."
Off-peak camping: Many campers prefer spring and fall visits to avoid crowds. "I visit here often, great walking trails and wildlife," mentions a Lake Maria State Park regular who gives the park five stars.
Beach access: Schroeder County Park features shoreline swimming. "The beach front is long and beautiful, lots of room to roam," notes one visitor who gave the park four stars.
What you should know
Poison ivy prevalence: Sand Dunes State Forest has significant poison ivy issues. "Be aware that the undergrowth is at least 25% poison ivy. Sites are large so they are clear. If you're susceptible, not for you," warns one recent visitor.
Walk-in distance considerations: Lake Maria sites require carrying all gear from parking areas. A camper advises: "If you're new to hiking, I suggest doing some research if you're going to attempt stuff like this... Carrying firewood, food, water, gear, on a hilly trail through the woods can become real tough real fast."
Bug seasonality: Summer brings intense insect activity at wooded sites. "First step onto the grassy trail exploded in a cloud of mosquitos. Walking along the kids all looked like Pig-Pen from Peanuts," describes a family who visited during peak bug season.
Site maintenance varies: Some Ann Lake campsites need attention after busy weekends. "We arrived after sundown and in the morning, we realized we wouldn't have picked the site if we would have seen all the problems with it. Broken glass under picnic table, grill on fire pit was broken."
Tips for camping with families
Pack protection: Insect defense is crucial during summer months. A parent recommends: "Luckily at our actual campsite the bugs weren't quite as horrendous so we were able to get out a bit after applying a few more layers of repellant."
Consider cabin options: St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park offers family-friendly cabin accommodations. "Just stayed for the weekend and we had a wonderful time. Shaded lot, much quieter than other sites I've been too," reports a visitor who appreciated the amenities.
Pool access: Many families appreciate swimming options at private campgrounds. "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 a St. Cloud-Clearwater visitor.
Age-appropriate activities: Some sites offer better options for specific age groups. "On the outskirts of St Cloud, this campground was very well maintained and clean. They have a pool, lodge, bath house and laundry facilities," shares a camper who found the facilities suitable for children.
Tips from RVers
Overhead clearance: St. Cloud Campground & RV Park provides better access for larger rigs. "They have a pool, lodge, bath house and laundry facilities, the sites were pretty large, much larger than at a KOA," mentions one RVer.
Site spacing considerations: Some campgrounds offer more separation between units. "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, but I noticed some of the other sites were quite close."
Internet connectivity: Wifi quality varies significantly between campgrounds. According to one RVer: "Campground is very nice, with shade and open areas. Hosts are friendly and helpful. Sites are well maintained as are the showers and restrooms... We were unable to even get a signal!"
Tree navigation challenges: Maneuvering through wooded campgrounds requires care. "30' class C motor home. Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides. Campsites are nice, mowed, gravel parking," notes a camper at Ann Lake who recommends caution with larger vehicles.
