The Staples, Minnesota area sits at approximately 1,300 feet elevation within the transition zone between Minnesota's hardwood forests and prairie regions. The area experiences dramatic seasonal changes with summer temperatures typically ranging from 70-85°F with occasional thunderstorms, while winter camping requires significant preparation for sub-zero temperatures. Campsites near Staples provide access to multiple water bodies including the Crow Wing River system, which connects several smaller lakes and offers excellent paddling routes.
What to do
Paddle the Crow Wing River: Launch directly from Old Wadena County Park where water access points make for easy entry. "Beautiful park. Several camping spots for tents & RV's no hookups. Although they have old fashioned water pump if you need water. Not able to connect a water hose. But can fill up buckets for water. On the river. So you can launch canoes & kayaks," reports one visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes within 30 minutes of Staples offer various fishing experiences. At Rock Lake, "I caught a few bass and panfish both times I was there. There is a picnic/day use area, swimming beach and boat launch," notes one regular visitor. The smaller lakes are particularly good for introducing children to fishing.
Winter recreation: While most campgrounds close by November, some areas remain accessible for winter activities. "We booked early an early trip to pick up our new camper and ended up pushing out due to weather. We decided to brave the weather on the changed dates and went despite some snow. They plowed out a site for us," shared a winter camper at Crow Wing State Park.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Many campsites provide direct water access. At McGivern Park Campground, campers appreciate that it's "Great spot. Very nice to stay. On the crow wing river. Clean and well spaced sites. Firewood's available for free." The swimming areas are typically uncrowded compared to more developed recreational lakes.
Historical significance: The area contains numerous sites of historical interest. One visitor to Crow Wing State Park Campground noted, "Great state campground, good hiking trails, Paul Bunyan Bike Trail passes through park(120 miles long). Crow Wing town site interesting."
Well-maintained facilities: Many campers comment on the cleanliness of facilities. At Dower Lake Recreation Area, a visitor mentioned, "offers sites with no hookups and sites with electric (no water, but potable water station is provided to fill up prior to parking) bathrooms and showers in the campground. Fire ring and picnic table provide for each site."
What you should know
Reservations and timing: Most popular campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. "If you had a water site you did good. However, you have to get here before 10 am on Friday to ensure that of happening," advises a Rock Lake visitor. Weekday camping offers much better site selection.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically across the region. Some campgrounds have reasonable service while others are completely off-grid. Planning ahead with downloaded maps is essential, especially for campgrounds on the western side of Staples.
Seasonal insect considerations: Mosquitoes can be intense during early summer. A visitor to Sunnybrook Park recommended, "Lots of fun amenities, most notable are disc golf and a small zoo with some bison and deer. Sites are fairly spacious and the tent sites are closest to the river." Bringing appropriate insect repellent is essential from June through August.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly swimming areas: Several campgrounds offer designated swimming beaches with gradual entry points. "Some full hookup sites but we just had electric only. Sites are nicely spaced but tight width wise. On a little lake with a swimming area, great for kayaks, fishing, SUP," notes a visitor to Dower Lake Recreation Area.
Playground access: For families with young children, campgrounds with playground equipment provide additional recreation options. Sunnybrook Park offers "fishing in Whiskey Creek, (stocked with rainbow trout, crappies, and sunfish), picnic area, children's playground, semi-enclosed shelters, campground area with full hook-up and tent sites."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Knob Hill provides unique natural settings for wildlife observation. "This is on the Crowe Wing River, and while I believe you can access it by car, we canoed to the site down the Crowe Wing River. It is very unique and pretty! There is an upper level campground and a lower campground. The lower has a view of the river and it a little further from the bathrooms, but much prettier."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric sites are limited at many campgrounds. At Rock Lake, "This a rustic campground with no showers and vault toilets. some sites are open and next to each other. there are RV people who think that because it's rustic that they can run their generators all day long." Plan accordingly if you require electrical hookups.
Site sizing considerations: Many of the best places to camp near Staples, Minnesota have varying site dimensions. A visitor to Crow Wing State Park Campground observed, "We canoed into the park on the Mississippi and had to carry a canoe to our site. It wasn't easy to find, but once we got there, we settled in. Trees for hammocks, picnic table, fire pit bathrooms and showers nearby."
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult access roads for larger rigs. "This place is off the beaten path for sure. It's more of a trail than a road for the last part and I was riding my Victory Motorcycle. 4 wheels is advised or a dirt bike," warns a visitor about Knob Hill Campground. Call ahead to confirm road conditions for larger RVs.
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