Cottingham Park

- 25701 Co Rd 7, Staples, MN 56479

Welcome to Cottingham Park Campground, a beloved destination for Minnesota families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking an authentic, rustic escape. Nestled along the tranquil Crow Wing River in Wadena County, this park is celebrated for its natural beauty, its commitment to a classic camping experience, and its prime location as a hub for river activities.

Unlike commercial resorts, Cottingham Park embraces the "primitive" philosophy of the county park system. This focus means a deliberate lack of modern hookups, ensuring a quiet, traditional atmosphere where nature—and not noise—is the main draw. It’s a perfect spot for those who want to truly unplug and immerse themselves in the Northwoods environment.

Local campers return year after year, often citing the park’s friendly atmosphere and the exceptional quality of the river experience. As one returning guest notes, "We camp here every summer and we love this place! The river float is amazing, we look forward to it all year long!" Another review highlights its family-friendliness, stating, "We love to camp here every May and July we camp here for our kids birthdays."

A key highlight is the dedication of the park staff. Long-time park ranger "Ranger Glenn," though retiring soon, has set a high standard for customer service, with visitors recounting how "Ranger Glenn is attentive and friendly, he checked in on us after a storm rolled through and made sure everyone was accounted for!" This level of care and personal touch contributes significantly to the welcoming, family-oriented environment of Cottingham Park.

The park is part of a larger, 56-acre Wadena County property, providing not only campsites but also extensive trails and access to the river's slow, gentle current, making it an ideal location for all-day fun on the water.

Location and Accessibility

Cottingham Park Campground is conveniently located near the city of Staples in Wadena County, placing it in a sweet spot for Central Minnesota residents. Its address, 25701 Co Rd 7, Staples, MN 56479, USA, is easily navigable and offers straightforward drive-in access.

The park's setting is a blend of open spaces and wooded areas on generally flat terrain, providing comfortable spots for both tents and small recreational vehicles. Importantly, the park is directly situated on the Crow Wing River, making it a critical point on the river's popular water trail. It is located just south of Wahoo Valley, and it serves as a highly popular take-out or landing spot for river activities launched upstream. For those planning a full-day river excursion, the park's river access simplifies the logistics of watercraft retrieval.

Furthermore, the park's extensive trail system allows for connections to other notable county parks, such as Bullard's Bluff Park, via a through-trail. This connectivity means that a camping weekend at Cottingham can easily become a multi-day hiking or horseback riding adventure.

Services Offered

As a treasured Wadena County park, Cottingham Park Campground provides the essential amenities for a comfortable, authentic camping experience, focusing on necessary services without the burden of modern hookups.

• Primitive Campsites: Designated, spacious campsites are available for first-come, first-served use (excluding the only reservable park in the county system, Old Wadena). Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring.
• Water Access: Hand-pumped water sources are available throughout the county campgrounds to supply potable water, though campers should plan on bringing their own water containers for use at the site.
• Restroom Facilities: A permanent outhouse structure is provided for camper use. Reviews confirm these "large restrooms" are generally "clean and well-maintained," addressing the fundamental need for sanitation.
• Complimentary Firewood: Wadena County provides a "limited amount of block firewood" at its operated campgrounds at no extra charge, a major cost-saving and convenience factor for campers.
• Recreational Access: Direct, easy access to the Crow Wing River is maintained, making the park an ideal put-in or take-out point for tubing, canoeing, and kayaking.
• Picnic Areas: Dedicated and ample picnic areas are available for day visitors and campers alike, enhancing the park's popularity for swimming and family gatherings.

Features / Highlights

Cottingham Park’s blend of natural features and recreational offerings makes it a standout choice for local Minnesotans:

• Premier Tubing Destination: Voted a favorite by repeat visitors, the "river float is amazing," cementing its status as one of the best local spots for a relaxing day of tubing on the Crow Wing River.
• Equestrian Camping Sites: Uniquely, the park features campsites "available for accommodating horse enthusiasts," with direct access to a network of multi-use trails, including the 2.5-mile path to Bullard's Bluff Park for horseback riding, hiking, and ATV riding.
• Dog-Friendly Policy: The park welcomes pets, with reviews noting it "is dog friendly," allowing Minnesotans to bring their entire family, including their four-legged friends, to enjoy the outdoors (subject to county leash and waste regulations).
• Attentive Park Management: The long-standing reputation for friendly and attentive staff, such as the widely respected "Ranger Glenn," provides an added layer of safety and hospitality that is highly valued by regular campers.
• Swimming Area: The park is noted as being "a very popular park for picnicking and swimming," suggesting a safe and enjoyable area of the river is accessible for cooling off during the summer months.
• Family-Focused Atmosphere: The high number of families and groups who return for birthday celebrations and annual trips confirms a welcoming, secure, and memorable environment for all ages.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding current conditions, fees (which are typically low, county-rate fees per site per night), and other information, please contact the Wadena County Parks Department:

Address: 25701 Co Rd 7, Staples, MN 56479, USA

Phone: (218) 631-7604

Mobile Phone: +1 218-631-7604

Conclusion: Why Cottingham Park is Suitable for Minnesota Locals

Cottingham Park Campground perfectly embodies the spirit of affordable, community-focused outdoor recreation that Minnesotans love. It’s an ideal spot for locals because it offers a back-to-basics camping experience without requiring expensive equipment or hookups. The park’s primary value lies in its direct access to the Crow Wing River, making annual traditions of "amazing" river floats a reality.

For families, the primitive, flat sites, the availability of free firewood, and the welcoming environment—reinforced by dedicated staff—make it a safe and easy choice for multiple summer trips and celebrations. Moreover, the unique provision for equestrian camping and extensive multi-use trails ensures that a wide range of local outdoor hobbies, from hiking with dogs to trail riding, can be accommodated. Cottingham Park is more than just a place to stay; it is a beloved annual retreat for Minnesotans seeking simple, genuine fun in the heart of Wadena County.

Cottingham Park

25701 Co Rd 7, Staples, MN 56479, USA