Collinwood Regional Park & Campground

For Minnesotans who cherish the great outdoors, finding a campground that offers both a natural escape and ample recreational opportunities is a true delight. While the allure of a pristine lake is often at the top of the list, a park that provides more than just water access can enhance the entire experience. Collinwood Regional Park & Campground in Cokato, Minnesota, presents just such a multi-faceted destination. This 308-acre regional park boasts a diverse landscape of hardwood forest, open meadows, and shoreline along Collinwood Lake, promising a variety of activities for campers and day-use visitors alike. It's a place where you can find miles of trails to explore, extensive play areas for children, and facilities designed to make your stay comfortable, even if the lake itself has its seasonal quirks.

Collinwood Regional Park & Campground, managed by Wright County Parks & Recreation, aims to provide a comprehensive outdoor experience for the community. While some natural elements like lake quality can fluctuate with the seasons, the park compensates with well-maintained facilities and a broad spectrum of land-based activities. From challenging hikes to family-friendly picnics and playground fun, the park offers something for everyone. This article will provide a detailed overview of what makes Collinwood Regional Park & Campground a noteworthy destination for locals seeking their next Minnesota adventure, highlighting its strategic location, available services, key features, and how to plan your visit.

Collinwood Regional Park & Campground is conveniently located at 17251 70th St SW, Cokato, MN 55321, USA. This address places the park three miles southwest of the charming town of Cokato, off County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 31. For residents of the Twin Cities metro area and surrounding communities in Minnesota, this location offers a manageable drive, making it an excellent choice for weekend getaways or longer camping trips without venturing too far from home.

The accessibility of the park is a significant advantage. The well-maintained roads leading to the campground ensure easy navigation for all types of vehicles, from large RVs to cars towing pop-up campers. Once within the park, clear signage guides visitors to designated areas, including various campsite loops, picnic facilities, and trailheads. Being close to Cokato means campers have convenient access to local amenities such as grocery stores, gas stations, and other services should they need anything during their stay. This blend of natural immersion and practical accessibility makes Collinwood Regional Park & Campground a highly appealing destination for Minnesotans looking to enjoy the outdoors with ease.

Collinwood Regional Park & Campground provides a range of services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for its visitors. With 67 units in its campground, the park caters to various camping preferences:

• Campsites: The campground offers a diverse selection of sites:
  • 15 Full Service Sites: These sites are equipped with electrical hookups, water, and sewer connections, ideal for RVs needing complete amenities.
  • 40 Electric Campsites: These sites provide electrical hookups (typically 30-amp, with some 50-amp available), along with water access.
  • 10 Rustic Sites: For those preferring a more traditional tent camping experience, these sites offer a primitive setting without hookups.
• Restrooms and Showers: The campground features two modern shower and restroom facilities, ensuring clean and convenient access for all campers. While hot water can sometimes be lukewarm, the facilities are generally well-maintained.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is furnished with a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for outdoor meals and evening campfires.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A convenient RV dump station is available within the campground for wastewater disposal.
• Fish Cleaning Facility: A dedicated facility is provided for anglers to clean their catch, making post-fishing cleanup simple and hygienic.
• Park Office/Concessions: The park office offers a limited supply of snacks, ice cream, and other concessions, along with information on area recreational opportunities. Firewood is also available for sale at the park office.
• Reservable Shelters: The park features reservable picnic shelters, ideal for group gatherings and day-use events.
• Group Camp Facilities: Two group camp facilities with vault toilets and water access are available for larger groups seeking a more communal camping experience.

Collinwood Regional Park & Campground stands out with its extensive list of features and recreational opportunities, offering much more than just a place to stay. These highlights contribute to its appeal as a versatile outdoor destination:

• Miles of Hiking/Walking Trails: The park boasts miles of unpaved trails, offering fantastic opportunities for walking, hiking, and exploring the diverse landscape of hardwood forests and open meadows. These trails are also groomed for cross-country skiing in the winter. While some trails can be muddy after moisture due to clay, they offer scenic views.
• Large Playground: A significant highlight for families is the large and well-maintained playground, featuring various equipment including multiple slides, tunnels, and climbing structures, suitable for children of different ages.
• Swimming Beach: The park features a designated swimming beach on Collinwood Lake. While the lake's water quality, particularly later in the season, can be a concern for swimming due to algae bloom, the sandy beach area itself provides a pleasant space for relaxation and sunbathing. (Note: Recent information indicates the beach may be temporarily closed due to bacteria concerns, so it's always wise to check current conditions with the park.)
• Fishing Pier and Boat Access: For fishing enthusiasts, a fishing pier provides easy access to Collinwood Lake. The park also offers boat access, allowing visitors to launch their own watercraft for fishing or paddling.
• Sports Facilities: The park includes various courts and fields for active recreation:
  • Outdoor Basketball Court
  • Sand Volleyball Court
  • Horseshoe Pits
• Diverse Campsite Options: The campground offers a mix of sites, including shaded "numbered sites" that feel more private, and open "alphabet sites" that are great for larger RV units, though they lack natural shade. There are also a few pull-through sites for convenience.
• Winter Activities: Beyond summer, the park transforms into a winter wonderland, offering cross-country ski trails and a sledding hill, making it a year-round recreational spot.
• Picnic Areas: Numerous picnic tables and designated picnic areas are available throughout the park, ideal for day visitors.
• Pet-Friendly (with restrictions): Pets are allowed in most areas of the park, including trails, when on a leash (no longer than six feet). However, they are not permitted in the beach area, park buildings, or day-use picnic areas.

As a county regional park, Collinwood Regional Park & Campground operates with a standard fee structure for its campsites and shelter rentals. While specific, ongoing promotional "deals" are not typically advertised like private resorts, Wright County Parks & Recreation offers a tiered pricing system that benefits local residents and has clear reservation policies:

• Resident vs. Non-Resident Rates: Wright County residents enjoy lower nightly rates for campsites compared to non-residents. For example:
  • Full Service Campsite: $35 per night for Residents, $43 per night for Non-Residents.
  • Electric Campsite: $32 per night for Residents, $40 per night for Non-Residents.
  • Non-Electric Campsite: $22 per night for Residents, $28 per night for Non-Residents.
• Reservation Fee: A $5 reservation fee applies to all reservable campsites.
• Group Camp Rates: Group camps have a separate fee of $63 per night.
• Early Reservation Opportunities: Campsites open for reservation on the first Monday in March each year, while shelter reservations open on the first Thursday in January. Booking early is recommended, especially for popular dates.
• Camping Season: The camping season typically runs from early May through early October.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on fees, availability, and specific policies, it is always best to visit the official Wright County Parks & Recreation website or contact the park office directly.

To learn more about Collinwood Regional Park & Campground, check campsite availability, or make a reservation, you can reach them using the following contact details:

• Address: 17251 70th St SW, Cokato, MN 55321, USA
• Phone: (320) 286-2801
• Mobile Phone: +1 320-286-2801 (This is likely the same number for direct contact to the park office.)

Reservations for campsites and shelters can typically be made online, in person, or over the phone. Given the park's popularity, especially during peak season, it is highly recommended to make reservations in advance.

Collinwood Regional Park & Campground offers a compelling blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities that make it highly suitable for Minnesotans seeking an accessible and diverse outdoor experience. Its location just an hour west of the Twin Cities, near the charming town of Cokato, provides a convenient escape from urban life without requiring extensive travel. For families, the large and well-equipped playground is a significant draw, offering ample space for children to play and engage in outdoor fun. The extensive network of hiking and walking trails provides miles of exploration for all ages and fitness levels, allowing locals to immerse themselves in the region's natural landscapes, even if some trails require appropriate footwear after rain.

While the lake's suitability for swimming can vary seasonally, the park compensates with its other robust features, including a fishing pier, boat access, and various sports courts like basketball and sand volleyball. The availability of diverse campsite options, from full hookup RV sites to rustic tent sites, ensures there’s a fit for every type of camper. Moreover, as a Wright County park, it offers preferential rates for county residents, making it an even more affordable option for local getaways. Collinwood Regional Park & Campground provides a well-rounded outdoor destination for Minnesotans looking to enjoy everything from active recreation to peaceful moments in nature, solidifying its reputation as a valuable community asset for creating lasting memories.