County approves 17-site seasonal campground in Gray Eagle Township with conditions

Todd County commissioners approved a conditional‑use permit on Aug. 19 for a 17‑site seasonal campground and a 40-by-40 office building on Parcel 11027400 in Gray Eagle Township, following a multi-session planning commission review and a county engineer and environmental-health evaluation.

Planning staff told the board the application was reviewed by the planning commission and the airport commission; the final recommendation was to grant the CUP subject to conditions. County staff said the proposed site is outside state-owned bridges and wetlands were mapped on the site; the campground layout was revised to avoid wetland areas and to direct road and stormwater away from wetlands.

The board imposed 11 conditions adopted from the planning commission. They include: prior establishment of a compliant septic system and connection for each campsite before operations begin; a construction stormwater permit and a stormwater-management plan developed with the Soil & Water Conservation District; establishment of a 911 address and physical sign; installation of traffic-warning signage south of the campground entrance (the county will install the sign and the landowner will reimburse the county); a seasonal operation limit (no earlier than May 15 and no later than Sept. 30, per the applicant’s submitted operations plan); maintenance of at least 50% common open space; a 400-square-foot maximum for individual RVs/park models; and compliance with applicable Minnesota Department of Health standards for campground operation.

The county engineer told the board that site distance to the south is limited for vehicles pulling trailers and recommended a traffic-warning sign be installed and reimbursed by the property owner. The county’s environmental health staff said final licensing and plan review (septic, holding tanks, shower-house and waste disposal systems) must be completed and signed off before the campground can begin licensed operations. The environmental health official also said holding tanks were proposed near the road right-of-way for pumpers’ access; a full system design had been submitted to environmental‑health for review.

The board’s motion adopted the planning commission findings and the listed conditions. Commissioners said they were balancing local economic benefits — the addition of campsites to the Gray Eagle area was identified as a potential boost to local businesses — with concerns raised about traffic safety, wastewater and impacts on neighboring properties. The applicant was required to obtain and show proof of all permits (septic compliance, stormwater, MDH licensing) before operation.

The board recorded a voice vote approving the CUP; staff will verify environmental‑health and public‑works conditions prior to issuing any licenses or allowing operation.