camping OT

We are for the first time going camping this weekend do any of you know a good spot?  I only want to go an hour away or so for the first time.  Any ideas would be great.  I want a good place to swim, fun things to do with the boys...........  Thanks

I'd call around, they said that camping sites in MN were booked ahead tight this summer since people can't afford more spendy resorts and things with the economy. You could always drive up to Duluth and stay over night? 2 hrs in the car...  but then you'd have to hotel it... but Park Point has an awesome beach on the other side of the lift bridge... and you could always head up the north shore to Gooseberry Falls (which might have camping now that I think about it?) for the day too.. or other stuff..  I haven't been camping in a few years and even then I never chose where to camp so I have no idea hun!

there is a place just south of Lester Prairie that has camp ground.  Cant remember the name but it is a cool place.

• Stahl's Lake Park, located five miles northwest of Hutchinson on 230th Street

• Swan Lake Park, located three miles northwest of Silver Lake on Swan Lake Road

• Wm. May Park, located two miles southeast of Winsted on Zion Avenue

• Buffalo Creek Park, located three miles east of Glencoe on County Road 1

How about Flandrau down in New Ulm.  They have a sand bottom swimming pool, volleyball, horseshoes, hiking trails, etc. and you can always find something to do in New Ulm if you are bored at the state park.

www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/flandrau/index.html

Lake Marion, which I think is south of Hutchinson. I like it there. It didn't seem overly crowded on the 4th when we went fishing. Still close to home. Maybe not far away enough?

Gooseberry Falls - BEAUTIFUL!

Interstate State Park between Taylor's Falls and St. Croix Falls, WI.  Just north of Stillwater.

Beautiful scenery and tent camping along the river.

Have fun!

I know I wont spell this right (just sound it out)LOL
Shokapee has an RV and camping grounds. Nice and woody,natural walking paths,indoor pool and relaxing. Not far from other things to do in town. If memory serves me correctly, there is a KOA one too that we have stayed at. Just because it says RV doesn't mean they have no tent spots. I always made my reservations for a tent area with water and elec hook ups.
Yeah I know what people are thinking, but that is roughing it to me. Needed to be able to brush teeth,and have curling iron or music going! LOL Yes, my idea of camping is either the RV or the Radisson
Kelly/tink

You DEFINITELY want to call ahead to assure there is space available.  Baker fills every weekend in advance, but Carver might have room?  It's a smaller, more rustic campground, with no electric, but that's kinda nice.  There's a beach and a play area, and several lakes with DNR fishing piers if you don't have a boat.  And it's REALLY close to Lake Minnetonka Regional Park, where there's an AWESOME play area, and a man-made sand-bottom, chlorinated and filtered swim pond (if you don't like lake swimming...)

763-559-6700 is the reservation line.

Bluff Valley in Zumbro Falls right south on 52.  Awesome tubing on the river.

Very good family friendly fun! lots of kids activities etc.

Our family went there last year and are planning another trip this August.  I have some friends going this weekend.

Suppose to be a nice weekend - Have fun where every you go!