Best Campgrounds near Waite Park, MN

Camping near Waite Park, Minnesota, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From peaceful lakeside spots to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

• Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the beautiful trails at Lake Maria State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The park is beautiful to walk around," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
• Fishing and Swimming: At Lake Carlos State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and swimming. A camper noted, "I stayed across from the lake and it was great," highlighting the campground's proximity to water activities.
• Bird Watching: Lake Maria State Park Campground is also a good spot for birding. One reviewer shared, "We still enjoyed our time," despite some hiccups, indicating the park's natural beauty.

What campers like:

• Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve. A happy camper said, "Peaceful, quiet, with spacious sites that are situated in a staggered way."
• Clean Facilities: Many visitors rave about the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Lake Carlos State Park Campground stated, "Very clean restroom/shower house," which is a big plus for families.
• Helpful Staff: Campers often mention the friendly staff at various campgrounds. One camper at Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve said, "Everyone here at Baker is so helpful and accommodating."

What you should know:

• Bugs Can Be Bad: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in the warmer months. A visitor at Mille Lacs Kathio Petaga Campground noted, "The trails are probably not maintained because it was so wet but they were almost impossible to hike on simply because of the amount of mosquitoes."
• Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds, like Bunker Hills Regional Park, require reservations, especially during peak seasons. A camper mentioned, "Need to reserve online," emphasizing the importance of planning ahead.
• Limited Amenities at Some Sites: Some campgrounds, such as Ann Lake, have fewer amenities. A review stated, "Camping here is primitive with few amenities," so be ready for a more rustic experience.

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities like playgrounds and swimming areas. Bunker Hills Regional Park has a water park and several playgrounds, making it a hit with families.
• Pack Bug Spray: Given the mosquito situation, a camper at Lake Maria State Park Campground advised, "Be prepared with bug spray/repellant!" to keep the little ones comfortable.
• Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep kids entertained. One camper at Lake Carlos State Park Campground mentioned, "Nice level sites with soft ground," which is great for kids to play around.

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Size: RV campers should verify site sizes before booking. A review for Crow Wing State Park Campground noted, "Sites 40 to 45 are very nice and secluded," which is ideal for larger RVs.
• Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds may have tight spots. A visitor at Father Hennepin State Park Campground mentioned, "Site was a bit tight for our travel trailer," so plan accordingly.
• Look for Electric Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with electric hookups. Campgrounds like Lake Carlos State Park Campground offer these amenities, making it easier to enjoy your stay.

Camping near Waite Park, Minnesota, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a family getaway or a peaceful retreat in nature.