Best Campgrounds near Virginia, MN

Camping near Virginia, Minnesota, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Jay Cooke State Park Campground. The park features beautiful hiking paths, and one reviewer mentioned, "The site was nice and secluded but still close to water and bathrooms."
• Fishing: Head to Gooseberry Falls State Park Campground for some fishing. A visitor shared, "The campsite was clean and well taken care of. My daughter and I tented it. It was so much fun!"
• Wildlife Watching: At Bear Head Lake State Park Campground, you can enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. One camper noted, "There was quite a few other campers here and we were pleasantly surprised how ‘private’ the camping sites are."

What campers like:

• Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the large, well-maintained sites at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "All of the sites are large and spacious with interesting rock features and vegetation that adds to the privacy."
• Clean Facilities: Many visitors rave about the cleanliness of the facilities. One camper at Jay Cooke State Park Campground mentioned, "The bathroom and private showers are new, clean, free, and hot."
• Beautiful Views: Campers love the stunning views at Gooseberry Falls State Park Campground. A visitor remarked, "The campground was nice but nothing special. The state park, however, is fantastic."

What you should know:

• Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the summer. A camper at Bear Head Lake State Park Campground warned, "The hike to get to this campsite was rough... there was an unfortunate amount of black flies and mosquitoes."
• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Fall Lake Campground, do not have showers. A visitor noted, "The campground is about 8 miles outside of the cute little town of Ely."
• Reservations Recommended: Popular spots fill up quickly, especially during peak season. One camper at Lake Superior Cart-in Campground mentioned, "These sites make a perfect base-camp for exploring other sites along the shore."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities like playgrounds and easy access to water. Baptism River Campground has a variety of sites and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere.
• Pack Bug Spray: With the presence of mosquitoes, especially in the summer, it's essential to bring bug spray. A camper at Eckbeck Finland State Forest advised, "Bring plenty of bug spray."
• Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep the kids entertained. One family at Spirit Mountain Campground enjoyed the nearby adventure park, saying, "The downhill mountain biking is awesome."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: RVers should be mindful of site sizes. A visitor at Fall Lake Campground mentioned, "Be mindful of your camping equipment and the size of the sites - it varies widely."
• Look for Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric hookups, which can be a game-changer for RVers. Bear Head Lake State Park Campground provides electric hookups, making it convenient for those with larger rigs.
• Plan for Dump Stations: Some campgrounds, like Burlington Bay Campground, have dump stations nearby, so plan accordingly.

Camping near Virginia, Minnesota, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a memorable experience!