T S.
Guide
GuideSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Loved it!
Nice spot right on the lake. Lots of animal noises! Pretty sunrise/sunset.
Best Campgrounds near Clearwater, MN
Camping options near Clearwater, Minnesota range from developed RV parks to more primitive sites in nearby state forests. St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park offers full hookups for RVs, tent sites, and cabin rentals just outside town, while Lake Maria State Park Campground provides a more natural setting with wooded sites approximately 20 miles southwest. Several campgrounds in the area feature a mix of amenities, with most offering basic facilities such as drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings, though amenity levels vary significantly between public and private operations.
Road conditions and accessibility vary seasonally throughout the Clearwater area, with many campgrounds operating only from May through October due to Minnesota's harsh winters. The Sand Dunes State Forest area offers dispersed camping opportunities with minimal facilities, requiring visitors to be self-sufficient. Most developed campgrounds in the region require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. Cell phone coverage can be spotty in more remote areas, especially in the state forests. According to one camper who frequents Sand Dunes State Forest, "I've been camping here since I was a little kid...The further back you go on the road, the more spread out sites get. Show up early on weekends if you want one of the better spots."
Campgrounds with water access receive particularly high ratings from visitors. St. Cloud Campground & RV Park is noted for being "very well maintained and clean" with amenities including a pool, lodge, and laundry facilities. Developed sites throughout the region typically include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to restrooms, though primitive sites may require campers to pack out all waste. Family-friendly options are abundant, with several parks offering playgrounds and recreational activities. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout the area, though campers should be prepared for mosquitoes during summer months. Poison ivy is prevalent in some areas, particularly in Sand Dunes State Forest where one visitor noted, "TONS of poison ivy. Sand fleas." Privacy between sites varies significantly, with state forest dispersed sites offering more seclusion than developed campgrounds.
Best Camping Sites Near Clearwater, Minnesota (99)
1. Lake Maria State Park Campground
34 ReviewsSilver Creek, MN8 milesWebsite+1 (763) 878-2325$22 - $80 / night
"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."
2. St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park
8 ReviewsClearwater, MN2 milesWebsite+1 (320) 558-2876"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 !!"
3. Ann Lake Campground — Sand Dunes State Forest
23 ReviewsZimmerman, MN17 milesWebsite+1 (763) 878-2325$50 / night
"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"
4. Schroeder County Park
5 ReviewsAnnandale, MN9 milesWebsite+1 (763) 682-7693"Lots of walking trails , well groomed. Camping spots were large and specious."
"There is also a fishing pier and boat launch available, great lake for water ski and other water sports. Fishing is mostly pan but you can catch large bass and northern on this lake."
5. St. Cloud Campground & RV Park
8 ReviewsSaint Cloud, MN13 milesWebsite+1 (320) 251-4463$75 / night
"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."
6. South of Sand Dunes State Forest
15 ReviewsZimmerman, MN18 miles"For the proximity to the city and nearby highways, this was a good spot. Didn’t expect to see as many campers as I did, but all seemed to be friendly."
"I love that it's so close to home. I was able to walk in and find an incredible spot to camp and lay in my hammock."
7. Olsons Campground
4 ReviewsSilver Creek, MN6 miles"But far enough you feel away from the cities Full hook ups. Bit on the higher price side. Friendly owners. Small bar Lots of fun"
8. A J Acres Campground
2 ReviewsClearwater, MN3 milesWebsite+1 (320) 558-28479. Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park Campground
3 ReviewsMonticello, MN12 milesWebsite+1 (763) 295-0409"Meadow setting where the campsites are, but then TONS of hiking trails with significant trees& shade. Really beautiful. Nice people staying in adjacent sites. We would return."
"There was some suggestion that there was some drive in sites that were not reservable, that is. They were first come first serve. But I was unaware or unable to find those."
10. RiversEdge RV Park
1 ReviewBecker, MN7 milesWebsite+1 (763) 262-3440"Located 50 Miles NW of Minneapolis, and only 15 Miles from St. Cloud, MN."
Recent Camping Photos near Clearwater, MN
109 Photos of 99 Clearwater Campgrounds
S L.
St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park
Bill K.
Olsons Campground
Tori K.
Lake Maria State Park Campground
Chris B.
Ann Lake Campground — Sand Dunes State Forest
Skip H.
South of Sand Dunes State Forest
Janet R.
Creekwood Acres
Tori K.
Benton Beach Campground
Josh B.
Collinwood County Park
kirsten
Two Rivers Campground
Zach H.
Minneapolis Northwest KOA
Wade H.
Three Rivers Park District Baker Campground
ERolf P.
Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve
Recent Reviews near Clearwater, MN
405 Reviews of 99 Clearwater Campgrounds
Greg M.GuideSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Good spot for a night
Got in late on a Sunday night and there was plenty of space. Most sites are right along the gravel road so not super private. Wouldn’t recommend for large trailers/RVs as sites are small. Found a couple sets of deer bones right next to my site, not sure if it’s from hunters dumping their waste or coyotes but keep an eye out either way.
DIANNE T.GuideSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Girl on first car camping trip
Kind of confusing for first time. Was not sure where I could camp. But then found out it's the spots right along road. Beautiful. Some good spots. Ended up in a pull thru around w view.
Cindy
TravelerAvatan Family Nudist Campground
"Family-Friendly" in Name Only: A Cautionary Tale from a Disillusioned Par
We visited Avatan Nudist Campground last July with our two kids (ages 8 and 11) for what was supposed to be a wholesome, body-positive family getaway. The website and brochures paint a perfect picture: serene woods, a sparkling pool, family activities, and a "welcoming community" vibe. And on the surface? Yeah, the grounds are stunning—pristine trails, a well-maintained pool. The facilities are clean, the staff (mostly) polite, and the natural setting is genuinely relaxing. If you're just looking for a quiet spot to shed your clothes and unwind in nature, it checks those boxes.
But dig a little deeper, and Avatan reveals itself as something else entirely—a place that's quietly optimized for adult fun, with kids as an inconvenient footnote they have to tolerate to keep the "family" label. From the moment we arrived, it was clear the real energy was elsewhere. Evenings around the fire pits and at the "Squirrel's" (code for the bar area) had this unmistakable swinger-party undercurrent. Lots of lingering glances, couples disappearing into the woods or private cabins, and a vibe that felt more like a discreet resort for the lifestyle crowd than a spot for building sandcastles with the little ones. Our kids picked up on it fast—whispers about "grown-up games" and awkward questions we had to deflect. The camp "tolerates" families, sure, but it's obvious the core membership would prefer a child-free zone. Activities for kids are minimal: a basic playground and the occasional nature hike, while the adults get themed nights, "sensual yoga," and late-night mixers that go until dawn.
What really soured the experience was the toxic underbelly of the community itself. This place is a powder keg of power struggles, with a small cadre of long-time board members and "elders" locked in a perpetual cold war. Gossip flows like the creek itself—endless whispers about who's sleeping with whom, who's "stealing" prime cabin spots, or who's cozying up to the President for favors. We overheard more drama in one week than in a season of reality TV. Cliques form fast: the "party crew" vs. the "purists," the swingers vs. the swingers-who-pretend-they're-not. As newcomers (and parents, no less), we felt like outsiders crashing a private club. Smiles were surface-level; the second you stepped away, the backstabbing started.
And then there's the elephant in the (clothing-optional) room: the camp's ugly history with sexual predators. We didn't know it going in, but after a few days, the stories trickled out from sympathetic members—multiple incidents over the years involving members who turned out to be registered offenders or worse, preying on the vulnerable in this "trust-based" environment. The rules around anonymity are ironclad: no photos, no last names, "what happens at Avatan stays at Avatan." It's sold as protecting privacy in a nudist space, which sounds noble until you realize it shields the creeps. Anyone who dares speak up—whether it's a parent noticing a sketchy guy lingering too long near the kids' area or a survivor sharing a red flag—is immediately branded a "troublemaker," "paranoid," or "anti-community." We've heard of families getting shamed in group meetings, then quietly asked to leave for "disrupting the harmony." Evictions happen fast if you rock the boat, all in the name of keeping the peace and the paying members happy.
Look, we're no prudes. Nudism can be liberating, and we've been to other resorts where it felt truly inclusive and safe. But Avatan? It's a divided house built on denial. The adult-party atmosphere thrives because the kids are an afterthought, and the predator problem festers because calling it out gets you exiled. If you're a child-free couple into the full swinger scene, this might be your paradise—plenty of like-minded folks and zero judgment. But if you're a family hoping for that advertised "safe, empowering space"? Steer clear. Your kids deserve better than being tolerated in a place where silence is golden and the wrong questions get you blacklisted. We won't be back, and I hope this review saves someone else the regret.
- Lex G.Traveler
Love's RV Hookup-Rockville MN 842
Only place open in the state
If you’re just passing through especially in the off-season, this is an extremely convenient location. Propane run out in the middle of the night? They got you. Need more beer? They got you. 10/10 if you just need a place to sleep. View is irrelevant
David R.GuideSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Quick overnight
Nice spot with plenty of space between sites, which gives you some privacy. It’s right off a busy road, so you’ll hear some traffic noise. The hunters were out during my stay, so there were gunshots throughout the day, but that’s to be expected this time of year. Overall, a good spot for a quick overnight stay and it’s conveniently close to the cities.
- HHeather V.
ScoutBaker Campground - Baker Park Reserve
First time camping!
For our first time camping, this was a great site! It was very clean, had friendly staff, and was close to a really fun park for our kids. We will be back!
- CCaleb T.Scout
Ann Lake Campground — Sand Dunes State Forest
Quite camping just out of town
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
- RRick M.
RangerRum River State Forest
Free parking in solitude.
No potable water, grey dump, nor trash cans, but it's rugged wilderness along a gravel road with plenty of space to park.
Guide to Clearwater
Clearwater, Minnesota camping options range from primitive forest sites to full-service campgrounds with modern facilities. The camping season typically runs May through October, when temperatures average 45-75°F during spring and fall, and 65-85°F in summer. Mosquitoes are most prevalent from June through August, with evening activity peaking after rainfall.
What to do
Hiking through diverse ecosystems: At Lake Maria State Park Campground, trails offer glimpses of wildlife and varied terrain. "This site was nearly surrounded by a lake which lended to a lot of bugs, but was absolutely gorgeous! We could see one other camper in a different site, but it still felt like you were in the wilderness," notes Lydia N. from Lake Maria State Park Campground.
Waterfront activities: Fishing and swimming are popular at Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park. The park offers "awesome trails and so many deer! It's like they were camping with us," according to Christopher C. Numerous lakefront sites provide easy water access throughout the region.
Winter recreation: While most campgrounds close during winter, trails remain accessible for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. At Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park Campground, "There were some really nice wide trails around the lake. I think those were basically designed for cross-country skiing in the winter," David T. reports.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the secluded nature of forest camping areas. "Backpack sites only. Love this park as it offers many backpacking sites with some being very short hikes in and some being longer hikes. Some are lake front and some are more woodsy sites," explains Tori K.
Mature forest shade: The older growth trees provide natural cooling during hot summer months. Brian K. at Lake Maria State Park mentions, "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. Good trails and a fun experience."
Sandy beaches: Swimming access is highly rated by families visiting the region. At Schroeder County Park, "The beach front is long and beautiful, lots of room to roam," reports Kelli D. The park's swimming area provides a shallow, gradual entry point making it suitable for younger children.
What you should know
Poison ivy prevalence: The plant grows abundantly throughout the region, particularly in Sand Dunes State Forest. "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. Sites are large so they are clear. If you're susceptible, not for you," warns Kari P. at Ann Lake.
Dispersed camping regulations: Free camping is available in designated areas south of Sand Dunes State Forest. "There's lots of little spots off the main gravel road. Nothing allowed further into the forest. One pull through area that I found. Couple vehicles pass a day," reports Heather W.
Varied site privacy: Campsite layouts differ significantly between parks. "Sites are not large and not wooded. It does not have a rustic feel, more like a vacation neighborhood... with friendly neighbors!" explains Danny K. about Schroeder County Park.
Tips for camping with families
Plan for insects: Summer camping requires thorough preparation for mosquitoes and ticks. Steph H. from Lake Maria State Park shares, "Walking along the kids all looked like Pig-Pen from Peanuts. Even though we'd sprayed everyone down the bugs must have felt safety in numbers because we were covered in welts in no time flat."
Check campground amenities: Facilities vary greatly between sites. At St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park, "This a nice family campground. It has a 9 hole mini golf, shuffleboard, salt water pool, and a lobby/gift shop. They also offer a nice seating area for those hot or raining days with free arcade," notes S L.
Consider walk-in sites for older children: Some parks offer more secluded sites requiring short hikes. Emily H. recommends, "I highly recommend the walk-in-sites for the most private tent camping experience. The walk from the car isn't far, but the sites are off the road and in the pines."
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility varies: Many forest campgrounds have limited clearance for larger rigs. "30' class C motor home. Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides. Campsites are nice, mowed, gravel parking," reports Andy L. about camping at Ann Lake.
Utility hookup availability: Full-service sites fill quickly during peak season. At St. Cloud Campground & RV Park, "We were in a pull through at the north end of the campground and the site itself was nice and had decent spacing between sites, but I noticed some of the other sites were quite close," observes Tina.
Off-season camping benefits: Shoulder seasons offer quieter experiences with fewer neighbors. "Navigating around trees was not so fun with our 5th wheel. We got the slideouts to fit in between the trees... We camped midweek, so there was no activity happening," notes Nettie W. about A J Acres Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Clearwater, MN?
What camping is available near Clearwater, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Clearwater, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 99 campgrounds and RV parks near Clearwater, MN and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Clearwater, MN?
Which is the most popular campground near Clearwater, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Clearwater, MN is Lake Maria State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 34 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Clearwater, MN?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Clearwater, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Clearwater, MN.
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