Robertson Park sits near the Minnesota-Iowa border, about 40 miles from Estherville at an elevation of approximately 1,400 feet. The surrounding countryside features gently rolling farmland interspersed with small lakes, creating natural areas for glamping and traditional camping. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally from May through October due to harsh winter conditions.
What to do
Fishing on multiple lakes: At Flying Goose Campground, visitors enjoy direct lake access. "What a beautiful, clean campground right on a gorgeous lake!! I really enjoyed my short stay here," notes Gypsy G. The campground offers fishing piers and rental equipment.
Hiking local trails: Jackson offers trail access near the Jackson KOA. "We unloaded our bikes and enjoyed the bike trails that encircle and go through Jackson," shares Peggy M. The town features a 5-mile trail system suitable for walking or cycling.
Visit historical sites: "New Ulm is about an hour away and well worth the visit! Cool little downtown area with lots of history, great restaurants, and cool shops," reports Gregory L., who stayed at the Jackson KOA. The Jeffers Petroglyphs, featuring ancient rock carvings, is another nearby attraction.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Cleanliness stands out at Everett Park. As Nancy Q. notes, "The shower had plenty of hot water with great water pressure. Dated but clean. Very quiet and peaceful here. Dog friendly." Many glamping spots near Estherville, Iowa maintain similar standards.
Reasonable pricing: Several campgrounds offer affordable glamping options. At Perch Lake Park, Larry K. reports, "$22 with electricity. $12 w/o. Stayed here in a 26' B+." Everett Park charges "$20 for a tent sight, $25 for a power hookup sight," according to clair W.
Peaceful settings: Bright Lake Co Park offers tranquil surroundings. Wally B. describes it as "Really nice spot almost overlooking the lake (Through the trees), had fire ring, picnic tables and room for quite a lot of tents!" Similar peaceful settings can be found throughout the area.
What you should know
Weather and seasonal operations: Most glamping facilities around Estherville operate seasonally. Flying Goose Campground runs "May 1 to Oct 31," while Jackson KOA operates "Apr 15 to Oct 13."
Reservations vs. first-come-first-served: While some sites like Jackson KOA and Flying Goose Campground accept reservations, others operate differently. Jeff J. notes that Robertson Park "is first-come-first-serve. Not sure why it popped up on the map."
Hookup variations: Water and electric connections vary between campgrounds. At Everett Park, Levi L. reports, "Electrical hookup only. Campfire rings and picnic tables. Bathrooms were decent." Some sites require filling water tanks before setup.
Weekend crowds: Weekday stays may offer more solitude. Chris S. at Flying Goose notes they "were nice and spaced out and didn't hear them at all, but we're told on weekends because of an on-site wedding venue, there are more people and the campsites are full."
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playgrounds: Flying Goose Campground features extensive recreation options. "There are three playgrounds (one at the swimming beach), a mini golf course, and an actual phone booth," reports hanaa. These amenities make it ideal for families seeking glamping close to Estherville, Iowa.
Swimming opportunities: The Grotto of the Redemption RV Park offers nearby water recreation. Kati T. mentions it's "Quiet, empty and very clean bathrooms!! Fires allowed, picnic benches and just a short walk to the grotto of redemption."
Local attractions: "The Grotto is interesting and inspiring. Admission is free," notes Gary H. This unique attraction provides educational opportunities for children while camping near Estherville.
Tips from RVers
Hookup placements: Check electrical connection locations before setting up. Amy K. at Land of Memories Campground advises, "The electric hook ups are really far from the pad so bring an extension."
Dump station access: While not all sites have sewer connections, many provide dump stations. Gary H. notes The Grotto of the Redemption RV Park has "Rest rooms, showers, fresh water and a dump station are provided."
Big rig accommodations: Several campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. Chris S. reports Flying Goose has "pull through sites with electric, water and sewage at every site" and the campground is "big-rig friendly."
