Why Travelers Country Club of Clear Lake is the Secret Spot for Long-Term RVers

You’re driving through Sherburne County, maybe heading toward St. Cloud or just wandering the Minnesota lakes region, and you see it. It isn't a flashy resort with neon signs. It’s Travelers Country Club of Clear Lake, and honestly, if you aren’t looking for it, you might just cruise right past. That would be a mistake. This isn't your typical "pull in for a night and dump the tanks" RV park. Not even close. It's a member-owned community that’s basically a small town with wheels.

People get confused. They hear "country club" and think of stuffy guys in polos and $50,000 initiation fees. Travelers Country Club of Clear Lake—often just called TCC by the regulars—is more about community than status. It’s about 300-plus lots spread over roughly 130 acres of woods and grass. Most people here are seasonal. They don't just visit; they live here from May to October, planting flowers around their decks and knowing exactly whose grandkid is visiting for the weekend.

What Actually Happens at Travelers Country Club of Clear Lake?

Let’s get the layout straight. The park sits right on the shores of Clear Lake, which is a decent-sized body of water, though maybe not as famous as the big ones further north. It’s enough. You’ve got a private beach. You’ve got docks. If you’re into fishing for walleye or just want to float around while the sun goes down, it works.

But the real heart of the place is the nine-hole executive golf course.

It’s not Pebble Beach. It won’t win any awards for difficulty. However, for a community-run course, it’s kept in surprisingly good shape. The best part? If you’re a member, you aren't paying $70 in greens fees every time you want to swing a club. It’s part of the deal. You’ll see folks out there in the morning, usually more focused on the conversation than their handicap, and that’s sort of the vibe of the whole place. It’s relaxed. Nobody is rushing you.

The infrastructure is solid too. We're talking:

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• A large clubhouse for those rainy Saturday night potlucks.
• A heated swimming pool (Minnesota lakes are cold, okay? You need the pool).
• Tennis and pickleball courts—because apparently, it’s a law now that every community must have pickleball.
• A gated entry that actually works, keeping the random traffic out so kids can bike around without parents hovering every second.

The Ownership Model: Why It’s Different

Most RV parks are owned by a corporation or some guy named Bob who collects your cash at the gate. TCC is a member-owned association. This is a huge distinction. When you "buy" a spot here, you aren’t just renting dirt. You’re becoming a shareholder in the association.

There are pros and cons to this. The pro? You have a say. There’s a Board of Directors. There are meetings. You actually own a piece of the pie. The con? It’s a bit like an HOA. There are rules. You can’t just paint your shed neon purple or let your grass grow three feet high. If you’re the type who hates being told what to do, a member-owned park might feel a little restrictive. But for most, that structure is exactly why the property values stay up and the place doesn't turn into a chaotic mess.

Living the Seasonal Life in Minnesota

The reality of Travelers Country Club of Clear Lake is that it’s a seasonal paradise. Because this is Minnesota, the water lines have to be blown out before the ground freezes solid in November. You can’t live here year-round unless you enjoy ice fishing from your living room (which isn't allowed anyway).

Most residents arrive in late April, shivering while they take the covers off their trailers. By July, the place is humming. It’s a specific lifestyle. You see the same neighbors every year. You know who has the best grill and who always forgets to turn off their outdoor lights.

One thing that surprises people is the quality of the units. These aren't just beat-up campers from the 90s. Many lots feature "park models"—those tiny-house-style RVs that stay put. They have lofts, full kitchens, and massive wooden decks built onto the side. Once someone lands a spot at TCC, they tend to stay for twenty years. It’s a generational thing. You’ll meet people whose parents owned a lot, and now they’ve bought the one next door for their own family.

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The Cost Factor (The Real Talk)

Let’s talk money. Buying into Travelers Country Club of Clear Lake isn't like buying a house, but it’s not cheap either. You’re looking at a purchase price for the membership/lot rights, plus annual dues.

The dues cover things like:

1. Water and sewer.
2. Trash pickup.
3. Golf course maintenance.
4. Pool upkeep.
5. The salary for the park manager.

Compared to paying $3,000 or $4,000 for a seasonal slip at a commercial RV park, the annual dues here are usually a bargain. But, you have that upfront investment. It’s a "buy-in" community. If you’re just passing through for a weekend, this probably isn't your spot. They do have some guest arrangements, but the focus is 100% on the permanent members.

Navigating the Membership Process

You can't just click "Buy Now" on a website. Since it’s a private association, there’s a process. Usually, you find a lot for sale—either through a local realtor who specializes in the park or through the community’s internal listings.

Then comes the "meet and greet" or the application phase. The association wants to make sure you aren't going to be a nightmare neighbor. They check backgrounds. They explain the rules. It sounds formal, but it’s really just about maintaining the peace. If you’re a decent person who wants a quiet place to drink coffee and maybe hit a few golf balls, you’ll fit in fine.

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Common Misconceptions About TCC

• "It’s only for retirees." Honestly? It used to be. But that’s shifting. You’re seeing more families who want a "cabin-lite" experience. It’s way cheaper than buying a $500,000 lake house on Gull Lake, but you get 80% of the same benefits.
• "The golf course is for pros." No. Just no. If you’ve never picked up a club, this is actually the perfect place to learn. Nobody is going to glare at you if you take six shots to get out of the sand.
• "It's far from everything." Not really. You’re close to St. Cloud for major shopping and hospitals, and you can get to the Twin Cities in about an hour if you really need to see a skyscraper.

Is It Right For You?

Travelers Country Club of Clear Lake is a very specific flavor of American life. It’s for people who value stability. If you want a new view every morning, keep your RV on the road. If you want a place where your neighbors become your best friends and you know exactly where you’re going every Memorial Day weekend, this is it.

It’s about the smell of woodsmoke on a Friday night. It’s the sound of golf carts whirring down the paved paths. It’s that weirdly specific Minnesota summer vibe where everyone is trying to squeeze every drop of joy out of the warm months before the snow returns.

Actionable Steps for Potential Members

If you’re seriously considering a spot at TCC, don't just show up at the gate and expect a tour. Start by checking the local Sherburne County real estate listings or looking for "Travelers Country Club Clear Lake lots for sale."

1. Visit as a guest first. If you know someone who lives there, ask to come up for a weekend. See if you actually like the culture.
2. Read the bylaws. Seriously. Before you buy, ask for the association rules. Know the restrictions on pets, golf carts, and renovations.
3. Check the unit condition. If you’re buying a lot that already has a park model on it, get it inspected just like a house. Check for soft spots in the floor and roof leaks.
4. Talk to the neighbors. Walk down the street and say hi. Ask them what they hate about the park. If they say "nothing," you’ve found a winner. If they spend twenty minutes complaining about the Board, you’ve been warned.

Travelers Country Club of Clear Lake represents a dying breed of community-focused, affordable summer living. It isn't fancy, but it’s real. And in a world of overpriced corporate resorts, that’s worth a lot.

Next Steps:

• Search for current lot listings in Sherburne County to see the current market price for a TCC membership.
• Contact the association office directly to inquire about their "guest stay" policies if you are considering a long-term purchase.
• Map out the distance from your primary residence; for most, the "sweet spot" is being within a 90-minute drive for easy weekend access.