We fit in one last camping weekend in September, and it was probably the nicest weather we’ve had during this cool Minnesota summer.  Our destination was Kiesler’s Campground & RV Resort in Waseca, MN.

Because we were staying during one of Kiesler’s least-busy times, we got a special rate of $30 per night (with water, electric, sewer, and cable TV) plus an extra-person charge of $2.50.  During a summer weekend, our nightly rate would have been $62/night for the same site, and $66/night for holiday weekends.  Firewood is $4.75 for the first bundle, $3.75 for additional bundles purchased at the same time, or $22.00 for six bundles.  Wi-fi is $2/day, with discounted rates for 7 or 30 days.  This is closing in on the cost of a hotel, so the likelihood of us staying here at a non-discounted rate is slim.

Kiesler’s does have a lot to offer, however.  They have two nice playground structures, volleyball and basketball courts, shuffleboard, kiddie pool, heated pool with waterslides, game room, and rec center, as well as a well-stocked camp store and snack stand in the area of the office.  Mini golf ($3/person) and horseshoes are on the edge of the campground.  My kids liked the mini-golf course. 

Across Highway 14 is Clear Lake, which has a five-mile paved trail around it, and Kiesler’s has its own boat dock and fishing dock that are reserved for campground guests.

We chose site B6 for its proximity to the playground, and it was nice to let the kids run and play where we could see them while we were setting up camp or making meals.  They also enjoyed riding their bikes around the circle drive.

There are almost 300 sites at Kiesler’s, many of which are seasonal sites.  The nightly sites are located nearest the office/pool area and along the back edge of the campground, so it is possible to choose a site with proximity to activities or one that is more secluded.

The bathroom/shower facilities were nice, and were cleaned twice daily.  The women’s restroom had six stalls and sinks and four showers.  The shower building is adjacent to the office and pool area; “satellite” bathrooms with modern toilets but no sinks are located around the campground.

Laundry facilities are available.

The pool was large and the water warm, and there were plenty of deck chairs for observers to soak up the sun.  The wading pool is right next to the big pool, so one adult could watch kids in both areas.  The big pool has both an enclosed waterslide and a traditional playground-type slide into the pool.  My kids went on the slides over and over and over again.  Although there is no lifeguard on duty, there was a campground employee supervising the pool area.

Staff were friendly.  When we checked in as “first-timers,” we were asked if we wanted help getting into our site.  When we saw that our fire-ring area was littered with peanut shells (not what you want to see if you have a peanut-allergic child), our request to use another fire ring was granted immediately, along with an offer to help clean up some of the shells.

While the sites are not large compared to most state-park sites, they aren’t crammed together either.  All sites are partially shaded.  Gravel pads are quite level.  There is a picnic table and fire ring at each site.

Quiet hours at the campground are from 10:30 until 8 p.m., and the campground itself was very quiet at these times.  Because of our site’s proximity to Highway 14, however, we had quite a bit of traffic noise, and several trains ran behind the campground during the night.  Perhaps a site in a different part of the campground would be more insulated from these noises.

We made use of most of the recreational facilities, such as the pool, mini-golf, playground, shuffleboard, fishing dock, and bike trail.  In addition, special activities are held each weekend, like movie nights, scavenger hunts, and concessions specials.  A newsletter and map noting all the activities and rules were given to us at checkin.

The camp store was thoughtfully stocked with camp-food basics, toiletries and emergency items, some RV supplies, souvenirs, and rainy-day activities such as board games and coloring books.

We had a very pleasant experience at Kiesler’s Campground & RV Resort and would return, especially on another reduced-rate weekend.

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