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  6. Parks in Farwell Avenue
  7. Docs Dock

Docs Dock

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Docs Dock Overview

Rating

Address 23051 Farwell Ave, Warsaw, MN 55087, USA

Hours

Docs Dock Location & Map

MinnesotaRice CountyWarsawFarwell Avenue

Docs Dock About

For Minnesotans, the pursuit of outdoor relaxation often leads us to discover hidden gems that offer more than just a place to stay. Docs Dock, nestled in the charming community of Warsaw, exemplifies this perfectly. It's not just a campground; it’s a place that consistently evokes feelings of warmth, hospitality, and genuine welcome from its visitors. Whether you're planning an extended camping trip or just passing through and need a moment to stretch your legs, Docs Dock stands out as a unique and delightful destination in the heart of our beautiful state.

What truly sets Docs Dock apart, as echoed by numerous enthusiastic reviews, is the incredibly friendly and accommodating spirit of its owners, Lori and Brian. Visitors describe interactions that feel less like a transaction and more like being a "delightfully welcoming" and "expected guest." This genuine warmth, combined with a peaceful setting right by the lake, creates an atmosphere of relaxation and enjoyment that keeps campers coming back season after season. It’s a place where kids can freely play, adults can unwind by the water, and everyone feels part of a cherished community.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Docs Dock. We’ll explore its precise location and how easily accessible it is, detail the various services and standout features that contribute to its charm, and provide essential contact information. By the end, you’ll understand why Docs Dock is ideally suited for local Minnesotans looking for a friendly, fun, and memorable outdoor experience.

Location and Accessibility

Docs Dock is conveniently located at 23051 Farwell Ave, Warsaw, MN 55087, USA. This address places it squarely within the serene rural landscape of Warsaw, a small community in Rice County, Minnesota. Its location makes it highly accessible for many Minnesotans, particularly those residing in the southern and central parts of the state. For instance, it's approximately 47 minutes from Minneapolis, 34 minutes from Mankato, and less than an hour from Rochester, making it an excellent choice for a weekend getaway without extensive travel.

The campground's setting is particularly appealing for those who appreciate natural beauty and convenient access to outdoor activities. It is situated right by a lake, offering picturesque views and direct access to the water, perfect for peaceful moments on the dock or enjoying the lakeside breeze. Docs Dock also benefits from its proximity to key regional attractions. It's located right next to "THE CHANNEL INN," a local spot mentioned by campers, indicating easy access to dining options. Furthermore, the campground is near the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail and the Cannon River, providing excellent opportunities for hiking, biking, and various water activities.

For those traveling by bicycle, its location near popular bike trails means it can serve as a perfect stopping point for a rest or an overnight stay. Visitors have noted that the main store/house is "immaculate," suggesting well-maintained facilities from the moment you arrive. While the reviews highlight positive aspects of the location, it's worth noting that its placement in a natural setting means some areas are grass with scattered trees, offering a rustic charm that is part of its appeal.

Services Offered

  • Camping Sites: Docs Dock offers various camping options, though specific details on hookups (electric, water, sewer) are not explicitly detailed in the provided reviews. However, as a functional campground, it's reasonable to expect standard camping amenities suitable for RVs and possibly tents.
  • General Store/Office: The main store/house is described as "immaculate," suggesting a well-kept facility where guests can check in, seek assistance, and likely purchase essential camping supplies or souvenirs. A reviewer mentioned buying a "very cute water bottle," indicating merchandise is available.
  • Customer Service: A major highlight is the "enthusiastically welcoming and warm" staff, specifically Lori and Brian, who are described as "great...friendly, helpful and accommodating." This high level of personal service ensures a pleasant stay for all visitors.
  • WiFi: According to external sources, Docs Dock offers Wi-Fi service, allowing campers to stay connected during their visit.
  • Trash Disposal: Trash services are available for campers, ensuring a clean and tidy environment.
  • Pet-Friendly: While not explicitly stated, the mention of "kids even love chasing the chickens" might imply a general pet-friendly atmosphere or at least a welcoming attitude towards animals, but specific pet policies should be confirmed directly with the campground.

Features / Highlights

  • Outstanding Hospitality: The most frequently highlighted feature is the "enthusiastically welcoming and warm" nature of the owners, Lori and Brian. Their friendly and accommodating demeanor creates a genuinely positive and memorable experience for guests, making them feel like "expected guests."
  • Family-Friendly Playground: Docs Dock boasts a fantastic playground with "numerous activities for children." This is a significant highlight for families, providing a dedicated and fun space for kids to stretch their legs and play, making it an ideal stop for those traveling with children.
  • Peaceful Lakeside Setting: The campground offers a serene environment, described as "peaceful to sit on the dock by the lake." This tranquil setting is perfect for relaxation, enjoying nature, and escaping the everyday hustle.
  • Animal Encounters: The unique opportunity for kids to "love chasing the chickens" adds a charming and memorable, rustic touch to the camping experience, particularly appealing to younger visitors.
  • Proximity to Local Eatery: Being "close to THE CHANNEL INN" offers convenient dining options just a stone's throw away, a definite plus for campers looking for a meal out.
  • Cleanliness and Maintenance: The "immaculate" main store/house indicates a commitment to cleanliness and upkeep throughout the campground, enhancing the overall comfort of the stay.
  • Community-Oriented Atmosphere: Visitors consistently mention feeling part of a "delightful" and enjoyable community, where "everyone seemed to be having delightful time." This suggests a friendly social environment.
  • Close to Bike Trails and River: Its location near the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail and the Cannon River provides easy access to hiking, biking, and water activities, catering to outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Perfect for Short or Extended Stays: Whether "just cruising through" or staying "a few times a season," Docs Dock accommodates various travel plans, making it versatile for local Minnesotans.

Promotions or Special Offers

Based on the provided customer reviews, specific "promotions" or time-sensitive discounts are not explicitly mentioned for Docs Dock. The value proposition appears to be rooted in its exceptional hospitality, unique family-friendly features, and peaceful setting, rather than price-based incentives.

  • Consistent Positive Experience: The consistent positive feedback from repeat visitors ("We love to stay at Docs Dock. ... we stay here a few times a season.") suggests that the quality of the experience and the welcoming atmosphere are the primary draws, fostering loyalty without the need for frequent discounts.
  • Inherent Value in Amenities: The availability of a well-equipped playground for children, the serene dock access, and the overall friendly environment are features that inherently add value to a stay, making the experience itself a "special offer" for families and those seeking relaxation.

It is always advisable to directly contact Docs Dock for the most current information on rates, availability, and any specific packages or offers they might have for different types of stays (e.g., daily, weekly, or seasonal rates, if applicable). Given the small, personal nature suggested by the reviews, direct communication would be the best way to uncover any unadvertised benefits or booking flexibility.

Contact Information

To connect with the friendly team at Docs Dock for reservations, inquiries, or any further information about their campground, please use the following contact details:

  • Address: 23051 Farwell Ave, Warsaw, MN 55087, USA
  • Phone: (507) 685-2280
  • Mobile Phone: +1 507-685-2280
  • Email: (While not provided in the snippet, general practice suggests an email address would likely be available on their official website or by calling the provided numbers.)

Given the glowing reviews about the staff's responsiveness and welcoming nature, a direct phone call would likely yield the most immediate and helpful information for planning your visit.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Minnesotans, Docs Dock in Warsaw offers a uniquely appealing camping experience that perfectly blends convenience, genuine hospitality, and family-friendly fun. Its suitability for locals stems from several key attributes that resonate deeply with our state's appreciation for accessible outdoor recreation and warm community connections.

Firstly, its location in Warsaw makes it an easy drive for many residents across Minnesota, especially from major population centers like the Twin Cities and Southern Minnesota. This accessibility means less time on the road and more time enjoying the serene lakeside setting. The peaceful atmosphere, coupled with the beauty of sitting on the dock by the lake, provides an ideal escape for those seeking quiet contemplation or simply a relaxing spot to unwind from the daily grind.

Beyond the physical location, the truly standout feature for Minnesotans is the "enthusiastically welcoming and warm" staff, Lori and Brian. Their commitment to making every visitor feel like an "expected guest" fosters a sense of belonging and community that is often sought after in local businesses. This personal touch transforms a simple camping trip into a memorable experience, making campers want to return "a few times a season," as one reviewer noted. This level of personalized care sets Docs Dock apart and aligns with Minnesota's reputation for friendly hospitality.

Finally, the array of family-friendly features, particularly the "numerous activities for children" at the playground and the charming sight of "kids even love chasing the chickens," makes Docs Dock an exceptional choice for families. It caters to the needs of both adults seeking relaxation and children needing to burn off energy, ensuring a delightful time for all. For Minnesotans who value a friendly welcome, a peaceful natural setting, and a place where family fun is a priority, Docs Dock is an undeniable must-visit for your next outdoor adventure.

Customer Reviews

4.0
27 reviews
J
Jeni Margules
May 11, 2025

So enthusiastically welcoming and warm, I wish we could have stayed longer! We were just cruising through, my kids and husband and friends and dad on our bikes, needing a place to stop for the kids to stretch their legs. We saw Doc's Dock because it was right next to where we were going to go eat for lunch, and we asked the owner if it was possible for us to use his playground. His reply was so delightfully welcoming that I felt like we had been expected guests. The playground has numerous activities for children, the main store/house is immaculate, I got a very cute water bottle, everyone seemed to be having delightful time and my kids even love chasing the chickens. I cannot more wholeheartedly recommend visiting and really want to say thank you to the owners!

L
Lori LaCanne
May 05, 2025

We love to stay at Docs Dock. Lori and Brian are great..friendly, helpful and accommodating. Nice campground. Peaceful to sit on the dock by the lake..so nice..we are day drinkers, so, didn’t get too involved with any night time campfires 🔥..but we enjoyed our stay.. close to THE CHANNEL INN.. we stay here a few times a season.👍👍👍👍

K
Kristin Von Rump
Aug 12, 2023

We moved our tiny home to the campground this April and we love it. The full-time campers are so friendly and fun. The owners Lori and Brian are awesome.

A
Ashley Schultz
Jan 14, 2022

Very fun for all ages. Family feel. Brian and Lori are very welcoming. Good vibes all around.

c
cameron wiltfong
Sep 16, 2021

Went to Minnesota from Texas to visit my wife's family for the first time. This is one of the first places we stopped. Really enjoyed it very beautiful.