Benton Beach Campgrounds

For Minnesotans, embracing the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" often means seeking out those perfect spots where you can truly immerse yourself in nature. Whether you're a seasoned RV enthusiast or a family looking for a memorable tent camping experience, finding a campground that offers both tranquility and convenience is key. Benton Beach Campgrounds, located in Rice, MN, provides just such a balance. This charming county park offers a genuine outdoor experience with essential amenities, all while being surprisingly close to urban centers, making it an ideal choice for a local getaway.

Benton Beach Campgrounds is a well-regarded county-managed campground situated on the North shore of Little Rock Lake in Central Minnesota. Spanning 30 acres, it's designed to offer a rustic yet comfortable camping experience, appealing to both tent campers and RVers. Despite its name, and a history of having a beach, the county no longer maintains a designated swim beach due to water quality and a focus on restoring the shoreline. However, the campground still provides ample opportunities for enjoying the lake and its surroundings. Visitors consistently praise its quiet, clean, and tree-filled environment, highlighting it as a perfect spot for relaxation. It operates on an online-only reservation system, ensuring a streamlined booking process and a dedicated camp host on site to assist guests. Benton Beach Campgrounds represents an excellent option for those seeking a peaceful, natural setting without venturing too far off the beaten path.

Benton Beach Campgrounds is conveniently located at 96 125th St NW, Rice, MN 56367, USA. This address places it just 2.5 miles East of Rice on County Road 2, making it highly accessible for locals. What's particularly appealing about its location is its rural setting, providing a sense of escape, without being "in the middle of almost nowhere," as one reviewer noted. Its proximity to Interstate 94 (only 2.5 miles away) means easy access for travelers from the wider Minnesota region, including those from the Twin Cities or other parts of the state. Despite being close to the interstate, reviews confirm there's no significant highway noise, allowing for a peaceful stay. Furthermore, the campground is only a short drive from St. Cloud, MN, providing convenient access to a larger city for any supplies, dining, or additional attractions you might need during your stay. This blend of natural tranquility and urban accessibility is a significant advantage for Benton Beach Campgrounds.

Benton Beach Campgrounds focuses on providing essential services to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for all guests. While it maintains a rustic charm, it doesn't skimp on the necessities:

• RV Sites: The campground offers 44 sites, with many featuring electric hookups (including 50-amp power for some sites) and water. These sites are typically level gravel pads.
• Tent Camping: Numerous shaded and wooded sites are available for tent campers, offering a more traditional camping experience.
• Clean Restrooms and Showers: Guests consistently commend the cleanliness of the campground's bathrooms and showers, which, though described as older, are well-maintained.
• Porta-Potties: Additional porta-potties are strategically scattered around the camp for added convenience, particularly in areas further from the main restroom facilities.
• Dump Station: A dump station is available for RVs, allowing for easy waste disposal before departure.
• Excellent On-Site Wi-Fi: A standout feature highlighted by reviews is the "excellent" and "best I have ever seen in a campground" Wi-Fi, which is a significant bonus for staying connected, working remotely, or streaming content.
• Fire Rings: Each site comes equipped with a fire ring, perfect for campfires and s'mores under the stars.
• Online Reservations Only: All reservations are made online, streamlining the booking process. There is no physical office, but a camp host is on-site.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed but must be leashed, cleaned up after, and not left unattended.

Benton Beach Campgrounds offers several appealing features and highlights that contribute to its popularity among local campers:

• Rural Charm with Urban Proximity: It provides a genuine rural camping experience with plenty of trees and quiet surroundings, yet it’s only 2.5 miles from Interstate 94 and close to St. Cloud, offering easy access without the noise.
• Abundant Shade Trees: The campground is noted for its numerous shade trees, which are invaluable for keeping sites cool and comfortable, especially during warmer months.
• Large Playground: A "large play-scape" is a significant highlight for families with children, providing a dedicated and safe area for kids to play and burn off energy.
• Little Rock Lake Access: Situated on the North shore of Little Rock Lake, guests have access to the lake for fishing and enjoying the waterfront views, despite the absence of a maintained swim beach.
• Disc Golf Course: The park features an 18-hole disc golf course, offering a fun recreational activity for campers.
• Picnic Shelters: Picnic shelters are available for rent, ideal for group gatherings, family picnics, or simply enjoying a meal outdoors.
• Community Amenities: The park also includes horseshoe pits, sand volleyball courts, and a softball field with a backstop, providing ample opportunities for recreation and friendly competition.
• Clean and Quiet Environment: Consistently praised by visitors for its cleanliness and peaceful atmosphere, ensuring a relaxing stay.
• Dedicated Camp Host: The presence of an on-site camp host ensures that guests have assistance and support during their stay.

Benton County, which manages Benton Beach Campgrounds, generally focuses on affordable, consistent pricing rather than short-term promotions. Specific special offers are not publicly detailed in the provided information. However, for any potential discounts related to extended stays, group bookings, or seasonal promotions, it is always recommended for interested individuals to contact Benton County Parks directly via phone. They may have information on current rates or any seasonal opportunities not widely advertised. Given the online-only reservation system, any current specials would likely be visible during the booking process or communicated by the camp host upon arrival.

To inquire about availability, make reservations, or learn more about Benton Beach Campgrounds, you can use the following contact information:

Address: 96 125th St NW, Rice, MN 56367, USA

Phone: (320) 968-5292

Mobile Phone: +1 320-968-5292

Remember that reservations are online only, so while the phone number is useful for inquiries, the booking process will be conducted through their online portal.

For Minnesotans seeking a convenient and authentic camping experience, Benton Beach Campgrounds in Rice is an excellent choice. Its location offers the perfect blend of natural tranquility and easy access to local amenities and major transportation routes. Being just a short drive from St. Cloud means locals can enjoy a quick weekend escape without a long commute, while still feeling fully immersed in the outdoors. The campground's commitment to cleanliness, excellent Wi-Fi, and a large playground make it particularly appealing for families. The presence of a camp host ensures a welcoming and supported stay, even with the online-only reservation system. While it doesn't boast a swimmable beach, the access to Little Rock Lake, disc golf course, and other recreational facilities provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor enjoyment. Benton Beach Campgrounds truly embodies the spirit of Minnesota's outdoor appeal, offering a quiet, shaded, and well-maintained environment where locals can relax, reconnect with nature, and create lasting memories without straying too far from home. It's a reliable and enjoyable destination for any Minnesota resident looking to experience the best of camping in their home state.