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 St. Cloud, MN
State parks and forests surrounding St. Cloud, Minnesota provide a diverse range of camping experiences within an hour's drive of the city. Lake Maria State Park in Monticello offers year-round camping with walk-in sites and cabins in a wooded setting, while St. Cloud Campground & RV Park and St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park provide developed options with full hookups closer to town. The Sand Dunes State Forest near Big Lake features more rustic camping at Ann Lake Campground, with both drive-in and walk-in sites available from May through November. Several smaller county and municipal campgrounds complement these larger facilities, creating a network of options ranging from primitive tent sites to full-service RV parks with 50-amp electrical service.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through October, with limited winter camping available at select locations. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends, particularly for waterfront sites. As one camper noted, "The sites were pretty large, much larger than at a KOA, but not so big or private as some campgrounds we've been to." Cell service varies significantly across the area, with better coverage at developed campgrounds near town and spotty reception in state forests. Summer brings mosquitoes and ticks, especially in wooded areas, while poison ivy is prevalent in Sand Dunes State Forest. Winter camping requires four-wheel drive vehicles in some locations, as forest roads receive minimal maintenance during snow season.
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for many campers visiting the St. Cloud area. Several reviewers highlighted fishing opportunities on local lakes and rivers, with one noting "large wooded lots, most facing the river or wildlife pond" at RiversEdge RV Park. Privacy levels vary considerably between campgrounds, with state forest sites generally offering more seclusion than municipal or private facilities. Fall camping receives particular praise from visitors, especially at Lake Maria State Park where "the middle of October was prime color season" according to one reviewer. Wildlife sightings are common throughout the region, with birds, deer, and occasionally wolves reported by campers in the more remote areas.
Best Camping Sites Near St. Cloud, Minnesota (104)
1. Lake Maria State Park Campground
34 ReviewsSilver Creek, MN17 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 Campground & RV Park
8 ReviewsSaint Cloud, MN5 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."
3. St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park
8 ReviewsClearwater, MN8 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 !!"
4. Love's RV Hookup-Rockville MN 842
3 ReviewsWaite Park, MN7 milesWebsite+1 (320) 443-0150$29 / night
"Convenient location right off I94 and HWY 23. Close to Waite Park for entertainment and food. Love's is open 24 hours and has most things you would need. There is also a Hardee's if you need dinner!"
"Conveniently off highway 23 and I94 so you should be able to get back on the road quickly!"
5. Ann Lake Campground — Sand Dunes State Forest
23 ReviewsZimmerman, MN23 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"
6. A J Acres Campground
2 ReviewsClearwater, MN9 milesWebsite+1 (320) 558-28477. Schroeder County Park
5 ReviewsAnnandale, MN17 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."
8. Creekwood Acres
1 ReviewSt. Joseph, MN11 miles+1 (320) 267-6240$150 / night
"I had been out of town and away from home the previous week, and decided I would stop here on the long drive home in order to break up my trip."
9. Two Rivers Campground
7 ReviewsRoyalton, MN19 milesWebsite+1 (320) 584-5125"This is a well kept and well run campground tucked in between the Mississippi River and the outlet of the Platte River."
10. South of Sand Dunes State Forest
15 ReviewsZimmerman, MN25 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."
Recent Camping Photos near St. Cloud, MN
107 Photos of 104 St. Cloud Campgrounds
S L.
St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park
Janet R.
Creekwood Acres
Bill K.
Olsons Campground
Tori K.
Benton Beach Campground
Joanna B.
Lake Maria State Park Campground
kirsten
Two Rivers Campground
Chris B.
Ann Lake Campground — Sand Dunes State Forest
Skip H.
South of Sand Dunes State Forest
Amy K.
Lake Koronis Regional Park
Anne G.
Pierz Park
Jeff G.
Charles A. Lindbergh State Park Campground
Josh B.
Collinwood County Park
Recent Reviews near St. Cloud, MN
407 Reviews of 104 St. Cloud 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 St. Cloud
The St. Cloud area provides accessible camping options along the Mississippi River watershed, with most sites situated between 1,000-1,100 feet elevation. Winter camping requires specialized gear as temperatures can drop below -20°F, while summer highs typically reach 80-85°F with high humidity. Several campgrounds feature walk-in sites requiring hikes from parking areas to campsites.
What to do
Lake access fishing: Ann Lake Campground offers fishing opportunities with multiple access points. As one camper noted, "The trails are a lot of fun... lots to see. The outhouses are kept up well and pump water road side."
Mushroom spotting: Lake Maria State Park features diverse fungi varieties during summer months. "We were all entertained by the plethora of mushroom varieties that surrounded the camp," reports one visitor who stayed despite challenging bug conditions.
River tubing: Two Rivers Campground provides river tubing on the Mississippi. "Tubing down the river is a MUST! Lots of fun. There's mini golf, a decent arcade, a camp store," shares one camper who rated the experience highly.
Winter camping: Lake Maria State Park stays open year-round with more solitude during cold months. A reviewer who visited in November noted: "Despite all my problems, it was a great experience. Just being out in the woods in November usually meant there wasn't any people around so we were able to enjoy the outdoors."
What campers like
Private backcountry sites: Site B6 at Lake Maria offers seclusion with natural amenities. According to one visitor: "This hike-in site is about a half-mile walk from the parking area, and the journey in is half the magic: winding wooded trails, wildflowers, and glimpses of the lake through the trees."
Wildlife viewing: Ann Lake Campground provides opportunities to see local fauna. One regular visitor reports: "Very beautiful and lots of deer on the trails."
Off-peak camping: Many campers prefer spring and fall visits to avoid crowds. "I visit here often, great walking trails and wildlife," mentions a Lake Maria State Park regular who gives the park five stars.
Beach access: Schroeder County Park features shoreline swimming. "The beach front is long and beautiful, lots of room to roam," notes one visitor who gave the park four stars.
What you should know
Poison ivy prevalence: Sand Dunes State Forest has significant poison ivy issues. "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 one recent visitor.
Walk-in distance considerations: Lake Maria sites require carrying all gear from parking areas. A camper advises: "If you're new to hiking, I suggest doing some research if you're going to attempt stuff like this... Carrying firewood, food, water, gear, on a hilly trail through the woods can become real tough real fast."
Bug seasonality: Summer brings intense insect activity at wooded sites. "First step onto the grassy trail exploded in a cloud of mosquitos. Walking along the kids all looked like Pig-Pen from Peanuts," describes a family who visited during peak bug season.
Site maintenance varies: Some Ann Lake campsites need attention after busy weekends. "We arrived after sundown and in the morning, we realized we wouldn't have picked the site if we would have seen all the problems with it. Broken glass under picnic table, grill on fire pit was broken."
Tips for camping with families
Pack protection: Insect defense is crucial during summer months. A parent recommends: "Luckily at our actual campsite the bugs weren't quite as horrendous so we were able to get out a bit after applying a few more layers of repellant."
Consider cabin options: St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park offers family-friendly cabin accommodations. "Just stayed for the weekend and we had a wonderful time. Shaded lot, much quieter than other sites I've been too," reports a visitor who appreciated the amenities.
Pool access: Many families appreciate swimming options at private campgrounds. "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 a St. Cloud-Clearwater visitor.
Age-appropriate activities: Some sites offer better options for specific age groups. "On the outskirts of St Cloud, this campground was very well maintained and clean. They have a pool, lodge, bath house and laundry facilities," shares a camper who found the facilities suitable for children.
Tips from RVers
Overhead clearance: St. Cloud Campground & RV Park provides better access for larger rigs. "They have a pool, lodge, bath house and laundry facilities, the sites were pretty large, much larger than at a KOA," mentions one RVer.
Site spacing considerations: Some campgrounds offer more separation between units. "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."
Internet connectivity: Wifi quality varies significantly between campgrounds. According to one RVer: "Campground is very nice, with shade and open areas. Hosts are friendly and helpful. Sites are well maintained as are the showers and restrooms... We were unable to even get a signal!"
Tree navigation challenges: Maneuvering through wooded campgrounds requires care. "30' class C motor home. Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides. Campsites are nice, mowed, gravel parking," notes a camper at Ann Lake who recommends caution with larger vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near St. Cloud, MN?
What camping is available near St. Cloud, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, St. Cloud, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 104 campgrounds and RV parks near St. Cloud, MN and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near St. Cloud, MN?
Which is the most popular campground near St. Cloud, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near St. Cloud, MN is Lake Maria State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 34 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near St. Cloud, MN?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near St. Cloud, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near St. Cloud, MN.
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