Best Campgrounds near Willmar, MN
The Willmar, Minnesota area encompasses several established campgrounds offering a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. County parks dominate the landscape with five Kandiyohi County Parks providing varied camping experiences. Oak Ridge Campground at Sibley State Park represents one of the most developed options, featuring both wooded and prairie sites approximately 15 miles north of Willmar. Green Lake County Park and Games Lake County Park provide lakeside camping options with full hookups. Most campgrounds in the region offer basic amenities including drinking water, electric hookups, and fire rings.
Seasonal availability varies across the campgrounds, with most operating from May through September or mid-October. Kandiyohi County Park 2 remains open year-round, providing winter camping opportunities. Reservation systems are in place for most locations, with Oak Ridge Campground and the camper cabins at Sibley State Park requiring advance booking during peak summer months. Sibley State Park features hiking trails leading to Mount Tom, offering panoramic views of the surrounding oak savannahs and prairies. Water recreation options abound, with several campgrounds providing direct lake access, swimming beaches, and boat launches. A visitor noted, "Swimming at Lake Andrew was fantastic and the beach was full of people enjoying the lake."
Campers report that Oak Ridge Campground offers more privacy than the nearby Lakeview Campground, with sites that are "very enclosed by trees making it really cozy and private." Site spacing varies significantly across campgrounds, with some visitors noting that Westrich RV Park accommodates large group gatherings with spacious sites for multiple rigs. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, raccoons, rabbits, and various bird species. The region experiences significant insect activity, particularly in the evenings. As one camper advised, "The biting bugs weren't too bad during the day, but they were plentiful and aggressive in the evening. Remember your insect repellent!" Family-friendly amenities are common at several locations, including playgrounds, volleyball courts, and clean shower facilities that receive positive mentions in multiple reviews.
