Jason A.
Scout
ScoutBeebe Lake Regional Park Group Camp
No rv camping
Great place if you have tents but no rv or pull behind parking
Camping near Waite Park, MN
105 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Campgrounds near Waite Park, Minnesota range from full-service RV parks to rustic cabin accommodations. St. Cloud Campground & RV Park and St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park provide amenities for tent and RV campers, with both offering cabin options for those seeking more shelter. Lake Maria State Park Campground, located approximately 30 miles southeast of Waite Park, features more rustic camping with tent sites, RV spaces, and cabin options in a natural setting. Most campgrounds in this region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several offering dedicated cabin rentals.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, typically from May through October, though Lake Maria State Park remains open year-round. "We stopped here for one night. But the campground was nice and the staff was very friendly," noted one visitor about St. Cloud Campground & RV Park. Winter camping options are limited, with Love's RV Hookup in Rockville being one of the few locations confirmed to remain open during winter months. Summer brings high occupancy at popular locations, particularly on weekends, making advance reservations essential during peak season. Campground amenities vary widely, with larger establishments offering pools, recreation areas, and camp stores, while more rustic options focus on natural surroundings.
The camping sites around Waite Park feature a mix of wooded sites and open areas. Several visitors mentioned shade as an important feature, particularly at St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park, which received praise for its "mature trees" including "cedars, white oaks, hickories and more." Family-friendly amenities are common at the larger establishments, with swimming pools, mini-golf, and playgrounds available at several locations. Noise levels vary by location, with highway-adjacent sites like Love's experiencing consistent traffic sounds. According to feedback on The Dyrt, campers seeking quieter environments should consider sites farther from major highways or opt for locations with natural buffers. Water access is limited in the immediate Waite Park area, though Lake Maria State Park provides opportunities for water-based recreation. When searching for campgrounds near Waite Park, consider what amenities matter most for your camping style, as options range from primitive campsites to fully developed camping facilities.
Best Campgrounds near Waite Park (105)
1. Lake Maria State Park Campground
"This park is only about 50 minutes away from me, and for hiking/camping I only think it is worth a trip in the fall."
"I chose Lake Maria for a solo camping excursion because it was close to the Cities, but still offered the level of seclusion I wanted."
from $22 - $80 / night
Check Availability2. St. Cloud Campground & RV Park
"On the outskirts of St Cloud, this campground was very well maintained and clean."
"No lake but a pool. More like an RV Park although they do have rustic sites."
from $75 / night
Check Availability3. St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park
"We have a pop up so we parked on a grassy spot next to the cabins that backed up to a field. It was nice to be there instead of in the thick of the big camper section. Pool was nice and store too."
"If this place was close to home I’d be here every weekend. Absolute beautiful weather with a nice breeze no mosquitoes not something you get in Florida in July !!"
4. Love's RV Hookup-Rockville MN 842
"Convenient location right off I94 and HWY 23. Close to Waite Park for entertainment and food. Love's is open 24 hours and has most things you would need. There is also a Hardee's if you need dinner!"
"Conveniently off highway 23 and I94 so you should be able to get back on the road quickly!"
from $29 / night
Check Availability5. Creekwood Acres
"I had been out of town and away from home the previous week, and decided I would stop here on the long drive home in order to break up my trip."
from $150 / night
Check Availability6. El Rancho Manana
"You can spend extra money to go horseback riding on trails. The sites are very close together not much privacy."
7. Two Rivers Campground
"This is a well kept and well run campground tucked in between the Mississippi River and the outlet of the Platte River."
8. El Rancho Manana Campgrounds & Riding Stable
"This is a small campground in the middle of Minnesota that plays host to the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association' two annual festivals."
9. A J Acres Campground
10. Ann Lake Campground — Sand Dunes State Forest
"Lots of close camp sites for larger groups near the entrance. The further back you go on the road, the more spread out sites get. There are a few walk-in sites that I absolutely love."
"Just a quick one night trip but a perfect getaway close to home. Very quiet. Camp host was nice . Found a tucked away site that we could park Infront of for more privacy"
from $50 / night
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Drive Time
- 7 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 1 hr from Minneapolis, MN
- 1 hr 58 min from Mankato, MN
- 2 hrs 19 min from Duluth, MN
Recent Camping Photos near Waite Park, MN
100 Photos of 105 Waite Park Campgrounds
Janet R.
Creekwood Acres
S L.
St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park
Tori K.
Benton Beach Campground
kirsten
Two Rivers Campground
Bill K.
Olsons Campground
Tori K.
Lake Maria State Park Campground
Amy K.
Lake Koronis Regional Park
Caleb T.
Ann Lake Campground — Sand Dunes State Forest
Jorge G.
Cokato Lake RV Resort
Skip H.
South of Sand Dunes State Forest
Joel L.
Birch Lakes State Forest Campground
Amy G.
Charles A. Lindbergh State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Waite Park, MN
379 Reviews of 105 Waite Park Campgrounds
- P
Pat Z.ScoutBaker Campground - Baker Park Reserve
Baker Park Reserve
Large sites. NO sewer hookups but there is a dump station.
- GGlen B.
RangerReddington Pass Dispersed
Goose chase
Gps puts the site smack in the middle of a soybean? field. The Dyrt needs to get with it on it's Minnesota sites. Phft.
- Crystal R.
GuideCamper Cabins — Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
Beautiful cabins, excellent staff!
I had a very...interesting experience at the camper cabins this week! I stayed at the cabin #3 this week, Monday through Thursday (3 nights). Monday and Tuesday were awesome. I was the only one there on the whole side of the road, and it was soooo peaceful.
Early Wednesday morning (around 3am)is where things stopped being peaceful. A really bad storm developed (that I had no idea was coming). It was probably the worst storm I had ever experienced in my life. Five trees fell in the yard, one small one hitting the cabin. One tree even fell a couple of feet behind my car, blocking me in. After taking a short walk when the sun came up, I realized the damage was everywhere in the park. I was seeing downed trees all over every single trial and road. I emailed the park office which opened at 8 that I was trapped, and they cleared all the trees from the office to where I was (almost three miles away) and was getting me out by 9:30. I was so impressed with how fast they worked. Amazing job! They offered to give me a refund if I wanted to go home early (I didn't, because I was still really enjoying my time there). I will definitely be back!
Without the whole storm fiasco, here are some pros and cons:
Pro *the cabins are gorgeous and cozy. *they have electric and heat (a gas burning stove heats the cabin, how cute!) *there's a screened in porch allowing you to enjoy the weather without bugs. *the vault toilet is really close, but there is also flush toilets with a shower in the campground, which is like a five minute walk, or a very short drive. *the mattresses on the bunk beds appear to be newer than some cabins I stayed in, that being said, a foam mattress topper isn't a bad idea if you struggle to sleep *the trails are gorgeous. The cabins aren't far from the lake either. There's a visitor center that's currently closed for renovations (2026) but I think will be open next year. There's a short interpretive trail behind it too. *there's a fire ring and picnic table outside.
Cons (there aren't many!) *I think being separated from the main campground is both a pro and a con, depending on your personality. If you like solitude then it's perfect. If you enjoy being where everyone else is, then it's a con.
- the cabins are kinda close together, but there's trees and shrubs between (although several fewer than there were earlier this week 😭) so it does kinda feel private. But the noise can travel (there were people two cabins down my first night and I did hear them just a little bit).
- there's not much cell service. I heard Verizon does best. I had t mobile and depending on where I was standing I either got zero bars or occasionally up to 2bars (usually I didn't really get much though). That's kinda annoying especially during situations like the storm that happened (thankfully I was not harmed, my car wasn't harmed, and the cabin didn't get damaged from the tiny tree that fell right on it).
- SScott S.
TravelerEl Rancho Manana
Run down with buildings in disrepair.
Just spent 4 nights here with our popup and disappointed in how poor the place has been kept up. Only one shower worked out of 3 in the mens and womens bathroom and the light was out in the one that did work. Hardly any water came out as well. Same for the hand washing sinks in the mens, only one had water coming out. The laundry building mens bathroom had a faucet the wasn't even attached to the counter top so I had to hold it down to move the lever to turn the water on. The gravel roads have a lot of washed out areas so ruts and potholes everywhere. Definately not worth the price and won't be staying here again. The only two positives that I can say is that the staff is freindly and the lake is very clear for June compared to other lakes in MN. Caught quite a few nice sunfish off the dock and even a few sm bass. The old west show area does look nice but nothing went on there the weekend we were at the campground.
Jeremiah B.ScoutSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Great Spot
Got a nice spot by the water, big parking spot, little below the spot is an opening towards water with a fire pit. 2-3 bars of service but never had an issue. Worked well. Very private. Bugs weren’t bad either
- SShanae O.Traveler
Two Rivers Campground
Amazing
Absolutely love this campground. 2nd year for my family. We plan on coming back for many years to come. This place is completely family oriented. Very well maintained. Wonderful staff members. Just overall a wonderful experience each and every time. I highly recommend a visit if you want to make memories that will last a life time.
Larisa M.ScoutSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Peaceful
I was able to find a campsite not on the road. There was a trail from the parking spot so keep an eye out. Lots of animals saw a turkey and coyote so just be aware. Very pretty and calm. Had to pick up some trash from other campers just a reminder to leave no trace.
Nika S.TravelerSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Very popular but good
We stayed here from about 10pm to 6am. There were a ton of people there so it was hard finding somewhere to sleep. Once we did, it was very quiet and we got a good nights rest. There were a couple of cars that passed us in the morning when we left but nothing too crazy. The scenery was very beautiful. This is definitely a great free option if you’re looking for a peaceful spot in the woods to sleep!
Guide to Waite Park
Cabin camping options near Waite Park, Minnesota range from rustic state park structures to more amenity-rich resort cabins. This central Minnesota area sits at approximately 1,050 feet elevation with a continental climate featuring warm summers and cold winters. Most cabin facilities operate May through October, with a few year-round options available for winter enthusiasts.
What to do
Hiking at Lake Maria State Park: Several miles of trails wind through hardwood forests and around the lake. A visitor noted, "Good trails and a fun experience," while another mentioned "the vibe... It's close enough to Lake Maria's best hiking trails and just a short walk to the lake itself."
Swimming beaches: Ann Lake offers a quieter swimming experience than larger recreational areas. One camper shared, "The beach is nice and private, but it's a bit of a hike from the campsites. I'd recommend just hopping in the car and driving over if you've got young kids with you."
River tubing: Two Rivers Campground provides access to river recreation between the Mississippi and Platte Rivers. A reviewer emphasized, "tubing down the river is a MUST! Lots of fun. There's mini golf, a decent arcade, a camp store."
Horseback riding: Guided trail rides available at El Rancho Manana, allowing visitors to explore the countryside on horseback. According to a guest, "On site horseback riding was great. Unfortunately, during COVID, the bar was not available."
What campers like
Sauna access: The rustic Creekwood Acres cabin features a dedicated sauna facility, providing relaxation after outdoor activities. One visitor described it as "a heavenly sauna that is set up for either dry or steam saunas. I loved having a sauna before bedtime and sleeping soundly til the rooster crowed at sunrise."
Winter camping availability: Love's RV Hookup remains open year-round, making it one of few winter options in the area. A camper confirmed it's "Still open in the winter! Convenient location right off I94 and HWY 23. Close to Waite Park for entertainment and food."
Clean facilities: St. Cloud Campground & RV Park maintains their grounds and amenities well. One visitor noted, "This campground is well maintained. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The shower house was clean. We enjoyed our stay here and will return."
Variety of accommodation types: Several campgrounds offer multiple options from tents to cabins. At Lake Maria State Park, a visitor explained, "Appreciated the camper cabin and the clean sites. Most if not all sites are in the woods from what I could tell so there is a lot of leaves."
What you should know
Site spacing varies: Some campgrounds have more privacy than others. At St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park, a camper observed, "Shaded lot, much quieter than other sites I've been too. Many lots seem to be seasonal owners, but all were very well kept."
Poison ivy awareness: Several natural areas contain significant poison ivy growth. At Ann Lake, a visitor warned, "Sites are large with varying degrees of privacy. Well spaced out, just some have less undergrowth. Be aware that the undergrowth is at least 25% poison ivy."
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. One visitor advised, "Show up early on weekends if you want one of the better spots."
Cell coverage limitations: Signal strength varies throughout the area. A camper at Ann Lake reported, "2 bars of 4g service made it a little difficult to pay online over the phone. No reception in lower elevation sites."
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Two Rivers Campground offers multiple family-friendly amenities. A visitor detailed, "They have a lazy river, a splash pool for little ones, and another pool for all ages. Kids will love the giant inflatable bouncy house, mini golf, and the many activities offered."
Site selection for kids: Choose locations with appropriate features for children. One parent suggested, "If you have young kids with you" to consider driving rather than walking to beach areas from more distant campsites.
Weekend programming: Some campgrounds offer scheduled activities. At El Rancho Manana, a camper noted, "Every weekend have something different going on to do."
Noise considerations: Party atmosphere may exist at some locations. A visitor to El Rancho Manana warned, "We stayed here last year and it was fun although if you like quiet nights I would not recommend it. It does get loud into the night."
Tips from RVers
Tree clearance: Lake Maria State Park Campground has some sites with limited overhead clearance. An RVer cautioned, "30' class C motor home. Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides."
Pull-through availability: Limited dedicated pull-through sites exist in the region. At A J Acres Campground, a visitor observed, "Limited availability to sewer hookups, only about 5 true pull thrus, taken by seasonal."
Site leveling: Some campgrounds have more level sites than others. One RVer reported, "The site was level and easy to get into."
Wi-Fi reliability: Internet access can be spotty. A camper at St. Cloud Campground noted, "It was the worst wifi of about 15 campgrounds we've been to on our trip this year. They warned us it was slow, but we couldn't even connect to it from our site."
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any public parks in Waite Park that offer camping facilities?
Are there any public parks in Waite Park that offer camping facilities?
While Waite Park itself has limited camping options within city parks, nearby communities offer public park camping. Holdingford City Park on the Lake Wobegon Trail is a municipal campground within reasonable driving distance. This typical small-town park offers several campsites with hookups suitable for RVs, along with community amenities like ball fields, playgrounds, volleyball courts, picnic shelters, and a Veterans memorial. Another option in the region is Games Lake County Park near New London, which provides tent and RV camping with electric hookups, clean facilities, and a friendly staff environment.
What campgrounds are available in and around Waite Park, MN?
What campgrounds are available in and around Waite Park, MN?
The Waite Park area offers several camping options for travelers. St. Cloud Campground & RV Park is located on the outskirts of St. Cloud near Waite Park, featuring well-maintained grounds with a pool, lodge, bath house, and laundry facilities. Sites are spacious and the campground provides various amenities. Another convenient option is Love's RV Hookup-Rockville MN 842, located just off I-94 and Highway 23, making it easily accessible from Waite Park. This location remains open year-round, including winter, and offers electric hookups for RVs with the convenience of the adjacent Love's travel stop for supplies and food.
What unique or scenic camping spots can be found near Waite Park?
What unique or scenic camping spots can be found near Waite Park?
The Waite Park region offers several distinctive camping experiences in scenic natural settings. Mille Lacs Kathio State Park features the Petaga Campground with private, spacious sites surrounded by trees. The park offers a perfect balance of seclusion while maintaining reasonable distances between campsites. For those seeking a more rustic experience, South of Sand Dunes State Forest provides a wilderness feel just an hour from the Twin Cities. This dispersed camping area follows MN DNR guidelines with no amenities (no toilets, water, or trash cans), offering a true backcountry experience among the unique landscape of forested sand dunes.
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