Motorhome and RV accommodations near Willmar, Minnesota typically range from county-operated parks to family-owned resorts. Located in the prairie pothole region of central Minnesota, this area features numerous glacial lakes and rolling terrain with elevation changes of 100-300 feet across campgrounds. Seasonal operations generally run from May through October, with most facilities closing during Minnesota's winter months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Koronis Regional Park offers multiple fishing options with a diverse aquatic ecosystem. "Canoed all day out on the lake!" shared one visitor who came specifically to enjoy fall colors on the water.
Paddleboarding rentals: Glacial Lakes State Park Campground maintains a crystal-clear lake perfect for water sports. "Our favorite part of this trip was renting stand up paddle boards. The lake water was crystal clear and glass like calm," reported a camper who visited during summer.
Hiking trails: Multiple walking paths connect camping areas to natural features. "There was some lovely views" on the High Peak Trail at Glacial Lakes according to reviewers, while others mention "walking paths right behind our site" that worked well for dog owners at various parks.
Wildlife viewing: The area's mix of prairie and woodland habitats supports diverse wildlife. Visitors to Outdoors Inn Campground reported seeing swans and other birds along nearby lakes, noting "We had an encounter with a pair of swans on the side of the road next to a lake. These are large beautiful birds!"
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently rate shower buildings and restrooms highly across multiple locations. At Prairie View RV Park & Campground, visitors appreciate the "Very clean and up to date facilities" that complement the concrete pads and full hookups.
Family amenities: Cokato Lake RV Resort provides extensive recreational options. "Inground, heated swimming pool; mini golf; pickleball; tennis; arcade room attached to the office. Ice cream shop has 8 flavors of hand-dipped yum!" reported one enthusiastic visitor.
Proximity to attractions: Many RV sites near Willmar provide convenient access to regional attractions. One camper at Outdoors Inn noted the campground serves as an excellent base for exploring "Glacial Ridge Trail... Continue on MN-29 to Starbuck for a sizable lake. Take some time and explore the back roads."
Winter accessibility: Unlike many seasonal operations, Love's RV Hookup provides year-round electric sites. "Still open in the winter! Convenient location right off I94 and HWY 23," noted a visitor who appreciated the accessibility during colder months.
What you should know
Site orientation challenges: At Lake Koronis Regional Park, site layout issues affect some campers. "Pretty disappointed to arrive and be in a backwards site... the firepit is on the backend of the camper instead of the front," explained one visitor who learned "1/3 of their sites are setup backwards."
Seasonal pricing variations: RV sites during peak summer months command premium rates. Expect rates of $70-80 per night at some locations for non-seasonal campers.
Tent pad terrain: Not all campgrounds provide ideal tent surfaces. At Glacial Lakes State Park, tent campers should prepare for rocky sites as "your tent will be on rocks, not grass."
Water level fluctuations: Lake levels can vary significantly by season and year. "The lake was really high when we visited, which led to a useless campground fishing pier and a boat dock that you had to swim to to use," reported one Glacial Lakes camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Westrich RV Park offers multiple recreation options for children. "There is a playground, pool, volleyball area, basketball court, and shower/bath house," noted a visitor who stayed with family.
Insect preparation: Prairie campgrounds require adequate insect protection. "The bugs on the hiking trails were unrelenting even with lots of deet bug spray," warned one Glacial Lakes visitor who cut a planned 5-mile hike short after just 2 miles.
Group accommodations: Several parks accommodate family reunions and large gatherings. Westrich RV Park can host larger family groups, with one visitor noting, "Stayed here with a large group of family and had a site big enough for all of our rigs."
Tick awareness: Grassy prairie sites present tick challenges, particularly in spring and early summer. "Due to the grass, there were many ticks, pets should be treated for ticks ahead of time," advised a Glacial Lakes camper.
Tips from RVers
Overnight convenience: Love's RV Hookup provides basic accommodations for travelers passing through. "I love that Love's has RV spots that are big rig friendly! These are a great option for a stop halfway through a trip," explains one camper who appreciated having "clean bathrooms in Love's, Hardee's for food" right on site.
Electric-only options: While full hookups are common at private RV parks, some county facilities offer electric-only sites. The Glacial Lakes electric sites in the Lower Campground are numbered 14e, 16e, and 18e, with reviewers noting these sites are preferred by many campers.
Firewood quality: Local campground stores vary in firewood quality. At Outdoors Inn, "The proprietor is an arborist and sold us a large bundle of hard wood that made great smores," according to one satisfied customer.
