Campgrounds and RV parks near Medford, MN

Medford sits along Interstate 35 in southern Minnesota's Steele County, roughly an hour south of the Twin Cities and a short drive from Owatonna and Faribault. The area combines farmland with small lakes, hardwood pockets, and the shallow wetlands of the Straight River watershed, giving RV travelers a mix of state park camping and privately run resorts within a short radius. Camp Faribo and Riverview Campground offer RV sites close to town amenities and highway access. Roberds Lake Resort and Campgrounds and Winjums Shady Acres Resort sit on lakes west of Faribault, appealing to families who want swimming, fishing, and longer stays. Rice Lake State Park, a short drive east near Owatonna, protects a shallow wetland where American Indians once harvested wild rice and where waterfowl now gather during migrations, with camping under tall hardwoods. The location makes Medford a practical overnight stop for regional RV trips between the Twin Cities and northern Iowa, with quick access to outlet shopping, historic downtowns, and lake recreation without leaving the I-35 corridor.

Reservation systems differ between state parks and private campgrounds. For Rice Lake State Park, reservations are available 120 days in advance via mndnr.gov/reservations or by calling 866-857-2757. Phone reservations are handled April through September, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. A Minnesota state park vehicle permit is required in addition to the camping fee. Private campgrounds including Camp Faribo, Riverview Campground, Roberds Lake Resort and Campgrounds, and Winjums Shady Acres Resort take bookings directly by phone or through their websites. Holiday weekends, especially Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day, sell out weeks or months ahead, so book early for peak dates and confirm RV length limits and hookup type at the time of reservation.