Willmar, Minnesota offers numerous pet-friendly camping opportunities throughout its prairie landscape dotted with over 360 lakes. Located in Kandiyohi County at an elevation of 1,140 feet, this area experiences warm summers and cold winters, with camping season typically running May through September. Most campgrounds maintain similar leash restrictions requiring pets to stay on leads no longer than 6 feet.
What to do
Hiking trails with panoramic views: At Oak Ridge Campground, the 3-mile trail system includes the popular Mount Tom lookout. "This park has everything from bike trails, hiking trails, look out tower at the top of Mount Tom, to swimming and fishing. Close to our home so we go often!" shares Colleen D.
Lake activities beyond swimming: Lake Koronis Regional Park offers excellent canoeing opportunities year-round. "We came for the fall colors!! They were beautiful! Canoed all day out on the lake!" mentions Anne G., highlighting seasonal activities beyond summer.
Family-oriented recreation areas: Lake Ripley County Park features multiple facilities for all ages. "Easy parking with lake and playground. Close to town incase you forgot something. Sites have large open areas in front of camps for kids to play," notes Mick S.
What campers like
Spacious, private camping options: Sites at Oak Ridge Campground vary in privacy levels. "Campsite 81 was nice because it was secluded, but close to the bathrooms. Short drive in to cute town of New London," reports Sara S., highlighting the balance between seclusion and convenience.
Clean facilities with regular maintenance: Green Lake County Park receives praise for its cleanliness. "All around amazing, they never disappoint!!! The deal sealer for me though is the bathroom/showers are clean and they have cleaners go in and clean 3 times a day," Jessica B. emphasizes.
Fishing opportunities in multiple lakes: Several area lakes offer fishing access directly from campgrounds. "Basically it is part of the 'Norway chain of lakes,' which total 2,800 acres, and provides an excellent fish population," one camper notes about Games Lake County Park.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Wind conditions can affect water activities at some locations. "The strong wind off the lake made fishing from shore nearly impossible. Only one dock was in the water, but the kids loved the beach," Dave T. mentions about Oak Ridge Campground.
Campground sizes and reservation needs: Monson Lake State Park has limited capacity. "This is a very small campsite with only 6 electric sites. The rest of the sites are non electric. The sites are good sized and spread out giving you privacy," explains Joe S.
Site orientation issues at some parks: Some campgrounds have layout quirks to consider. "Pretty disappointed to arrive and be in a backwards site. This is a back-in only site and yet the site is backwards. The firepit is on the backend of the camper instead of the front," warns Mandy S. about Lake Koronis Regional Park.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access with amenities: Oak Ridge Campground provides good swimming options. "Swimming was great! Cute little store by the beach. Sites we're pretty close together but it was still an enjoyable time!" reports Jessica L.
Kid-friendly spaces: Kandiyohi County Park 2 offers accessible shore areas for children. "It's nicely located near the lake with a nice little beach to spend time at. Dog friendly was a huge plus!" Brett M. shares, highlighting its pet-friendly policy.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Monson Lake State Park provides natural education chances. "A small park set in the middle of no where with a beautiful lake and an alright hiking trail. Nice little piece of Minnesota history there as well," notes Stephanie B.
Tips for RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Games Lake County Park accommodates bigger setups. "This is a nicely forested family-oriented campground on the shores of Games Lake. Though not quite as nice as the nearby Sibley State Park, it has easy access to it as well as the Glacial Lakes bike trail," Janet R. explains.
Pet exercise access: Pet-friendly camping near Willmar includes thoughtfully designed spaces for dog owners. "There were some walking paths right behind our site, which was great for those of us with dogs!" mentions Tori K. about Westrich RV Park, emphasizing convenience for pet exercise.
Dump station and hookup availability: Most county parks offer sanitary dump stations, but hookup levels vary. "Nice to get it here. I know a little bit about this Games Lake County Park which is located on the east shore of Games Lake," a visitor notes, referencing the facilities available.
