Semi-Modern Campground

For Minnesota residents looking for a vibrant and amenity-rich camping experience that beautifully balances natural serenity with convenient access to urban attractions, the Semi-Modern Campground at Flandrau State Park in New Ulm, MN, is an exceptional choice. Nestled within the scenic bluffs of southern Minnesota, this popular state park offers a diverse range of recreational opportunities and comfortable camping facilities, making it a beloved destination for families, nature enthusiasts, and history buffs alike. It's a place where you can immerse yourself in the great outdoors by day and still be just minutes away from the charming, historic city of New Ulm by evening.

Flandrau State Park's Semi-Modern Campground is designed to provide a comfortable camping experience for a variety of preferences. With a mix of electric and non-electric sites, it caters to both RVs seeking hookups and tent campers who appreciate a bit more convenience than rustic sites. The park itself spans 1,000 acres, encompassing grasslands, marshes, and wooded areas along the Big Cottonwood River, offering a rich tapestry of natural beauty to explore. One of its standout features, frequently highlighted by visitors, is the unique chlorinated sand-bottom swimming pond and beach, a perfect spot to cool off during warm Minnesota summers. Beyond swimming, the park offers extensive hiking and groomed cross-country trails, sand volleyball courts, a playground, and corn-hole areas, ensuring there's never a dull moment. The campground prides itself on its well-maintained facilities, including accessible showers and restrooms, though some may be seasonal. Even with its popularity and being part of a vibrant state park, the Semi-Modern Campground aims to provide a pleasant and well-equipped base for your New Ulm adventures, making it a compelling option for Minnesota locals seeking a blend of outdoor recreation and convenient amenities.

The Semi-Modern Campground is located within Flandrau State Park, with its primary address at 7GVJ+X7, New Ulm, MN 56073, USA. More specifically, the park's main entrance is often noted as 1300 Summit Ave, New Ulm, MN 56073. This strategic location places the campground squarely within the city limits of New Ulm, a significant advantage for Minnesota residents. Being just minutes from downtown New Ulm means campers have incredibly easy access to the city's unique German heritage, including historic sites, shops, restaurants, and the famous Schell's Brewery.

For Minnesota locals, accessibility to Flandrau State Park is excellent. New Ulm is well-connected by state highways, making the park easily reachable from major population centers like the Twin Cities (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes drive) and Mankato (around 26 minutes). The campground is primarily "drive-in," meaning campers can bring their vehicles directly to their sites, facilitating easy setup for RVs and trailers. The park maintains paved and well-groomed internal roads, ensuring smooth navigation within the campground. While some reviews mention sites can be "tightly packed" or lack significant privacy in parts, the convenience of electric hookups and proximity to amenities often outweighs this for many. There are also "walk-in campsites" for those seeking a bit more seclusion, and the entire park is integrated with hiking trails. The Semi-Modern Campground itself is conveniently located within walking distance of the swimming pond and playground, further enhancing its accessibility for families. A Minnesota State Park vehicle entry fee is required for all vehicles entering the park, either a daily pass or an annual permit.

• Electric Campsites: Features 34 electric sites, offering 30 and 50 amp service for RVs and trailers.
• Non-Electric Campsites: Provides 18 non-electric sites for tent camping or RVs not requiring hookups.
• Modern Shower Building: Access to a shower building with flush toilets and hot water, available seasonally.
• Picnic Tables & Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring for outdoor cooking and gatherings.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available throughout the campground.
• Dump Station: An RV dump station is available for waste disposal.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood can be purchased at the park office, with a strict policy against gathering outside firewood to prevent the spread of invasive species.
• Chlorinated Sand-Bottom Swimming Pond: A unique and popular feature, offering a designated swimming area with a sandy beach and lifeguards on duty during seasonal hours.
• Playground: A dedicated playground area for children, ensuring family-friendly recreation.
• Volleyball & Horseshoe Pits: Courts and pits are available for recreational games, with equipment often borrowable from the park office.
• Accessible Facilities: The park offers some accessible features, including a ramp into the swimming pond and an accessible beach house shelter.
• Historic Structures: Features historic buildings erected by the WPA and CCC, including a stone CCC cabin available for seasonal rental.
• Concessions (Seasonal): A concession area at the beach house shelter may offer snacks and refreshments during peak season.

• Unique Sand-Bottom Swimming Pond: A major highlight, offering a clean, chlorinated swimming experience with a natural sandy bottom, making it a perfect oasis on hot summer days.
• Proximity to New Ulm: Its location "just minutes from downtown" allows campers to easily explore New Ulm's rich German heritage, including historic sites, museums, breweries, and local festivals like Oktoberfest.
• Extensive Trail System: Offers eight miles of hiking trails and groomed cross-country ski trails that wind through varied landscapes, including woodlands, grasslands, and along the Cottonwood River.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: With a playground, sand volleyball courts, corn-hole areas, and a swim pond, the park is well-equipped to keep families and children entertained.
• Historical Significance: The park holds historical importance, featuring structures built by the WPA and CCC in the 1930s and 40s, and even served as a WWII prisoner of war camp.
• Year-Round Activities: While camping is seasonal, the park offers year-round recreational opportunities, including winter activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
• Scenic Beauty: Provides beautiful natural scenery, including river and valley views, shaded campsites under mature trees, and opportunities for wildlife viewing (deer, turkeys).
• Variety of Accommodation: Offers diverse camping options from electric RV sites to non-electric tent sites and even camper cabins and a lodging cabin, catering to different comfort levels.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: Campers generally find the park and its amenities to be well-maintained and clean, contributing to a pleasant stay.

Address: 7GVJ+X7, New Ulm, MN 56073, USA (Flandrau State Park)

For more specific inquiries, reservations, current operating hours, and any park advisories (such as swim pond status or trail conditions), Minnesota residents should contact Flandrau State Park directly. The most reliable method is through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website for Flandrau State Park or by calling the park office. The park office phone number is typically available on the DNR website for Flandrau State Park. While a general phone number for the campground itself isn't directly listed as "Semi-Modern Campground" in public data, contacting the main park office at (507) 233-9800 (as often associated with Flandrau State Park) is the appropriate channel for all inquiries related to camping within the park.

For Minnesota locals, the Semi-Modern Campground at Flandrau State Park in New Ulm is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination that offers a multifaceted outdoor experience. Its primary advantage is its unique blend of accessible natural beauty and proximity to a charming urban center. Minnesotans can easily escape to the park for a refreshing dose of nature without a long, arduous drive, making it perfect for spontaneous weekend trips or a mid-week break. This convenience allows more precious time to be spent enjoying the park's offerings rather than traveling.

The campground's "semi-modern" designation means it strikes a perfect balance: providing essential comforts like electric hookups, clean showers, and flush toilets, while still preserving a genuine connection to the outdoors. The standout features, such as the one-of-a-kind sand-bottom swimming pond and the extensive network of hiking trails, cater to diverse interests, ensuring there's something for every family member. Moreover, being located right on the edge of New Ulm means campers can effortlessly explore the city's rich German heritage, attend local festivals, or simply grab supplies. This combination of practical amenities, varied recreation, and cultural accessibility right within the heart of Minnesota makes the Semi-Modern Campground at Flandrau State Park an ideal choice. It provides a fulfilling and convenient way for locals to enjoy the best of Minnesota's state park system and create lasting memories close to home.

Semi-Modern Campground

7GVJ+X7, New Ulm, MN 56073, USA