Best Campgrounds near Staples, MN

Camping near Staples, Minnesota, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Hiking and Biking Trails: Explore the many trails available in the area. One camper mentioned, "Many bike and walking/hiking trails. Well maintained park," while enjoying the trails at Bear Paw Campground — Itasca State Park.
• Fishing and Swimming: Enjoy fishing or swimming at the lakes. A visitor at Lake Carlos State Park Campground said, "Camped here on Oct 9, 2023. Large wooded campground on the lakefront. Easy access to the beach."
• Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One happy camper at Crow Wing State Park Campground noted, "Nice wooded campground. Gravel sites, fairly level. Lots of trails for hiking and biking."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Lake Carlos State Park Campground highlighted, "Very clean restroom/shower house."
• Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Bear Paw Campground — Itasca State Park said, "Campsites are level and we just backed in and set up."
• Beautiful Scenery: The natural beauty of the parks is a big draw. One camper at Glendalough State Park Campground remarked, "The lakes are ranked among the most pristine in the state."

What you should know:

• Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A camper at Mille Lacs Kathio Petaga Campground warned, "The trails are probably not maintained because it was so wet but they were almost impossible to hike on simply because of the amount of mosquitoes."
• Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Crow Wing Lake Campground noted, "Need to reserve online. Quiet, peaceful evening."
• Limited Amenities in Off-Season: Some campgrounds may have limited services in the off-season. A review from Sinclair Lewis City Campground mentioned, "The office was closed for the season with the water & electric turned off."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A parent at Crow Wing Lake Campground said, "Fun for the whole family. Amenities include: playground, pool, lake, dog park, and store."
• Plan Activities: Bring games and outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. One camper at Maplewood State Park Campground shared, "It is a very large park with miles of hiking trails and some pretty great mountain biking routes."
• Pack Bug Spray: Don’t forget to bring bug spray to keep the mosquitoes at bay. A visitor at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park Campground noted, "This was a wet spring and under the trees, the bugs were overwhelming."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Bear Paw Campground — Itasca State Park mentioned, "Bear Paw is probably best, it’s right on the lake and more spread out."
• Look for Full Hookups: Choose campgrounds with full hookups for a more comfortable stay. A review from Lake Carlos State Park Campground stated, "Level gravel campsite with metal fire ring and table."
• Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump stations are located. A visitor at Crow Wing State Park Campground noted, "Dump station on site."

Camping near Staples, Minnesota, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!