Lac qui Parle Upper Campground, near Montevideo, Minnesota, is a spacious spot that offers a mix of open prairie and stunning lake views. With a variety of site options, including tent, RV, and cabin accommodations, it caters to different camping styles while providing essential amenities like drinking water and electric hookups.

The campground is known for its well-spaced sites, allowing for a bit of privacy despite the open landscape. Visitors have noted the lack of shade due to the young trees, but the clear skies make for fantastic stargazing at night. As one camper mentioned, “The openness was also great for watching groups of large birds wheeling overhead.”

For those who enjoy outdoor activities, there are limited hiking trails nearby, and the boat launch is just a short drive away. Campers can also explore local attractions in Montevideo, such as Talking Waters Brewery and Java River Cafe, which are great spots to unwind after a day of adventure. 

While some have mentioned the pesky mosquitoes during certain times of the year, the overall experience at Lac qui Parle Upper Campground is enhanced by its natural beauty and the chance to connect with nature. Whether you're looking to relax by the lake or embark on a hiking adventure, this campground has plenty to offer.

Lac qui Parle Upper Campground — Lac qui Parle State Park

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Montevideo, MN is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Montevideo is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Montevideo. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Montevideo

The Best Camping Near Montevideo, Minnesota

We camped here in July and it was a great experience, but apparently it is spectacular during the spring and fall migration seasons, because this area is a major stopover on the Red River/ Minnesota River flyway fir migrating birds and waterfowl. During migration, the thousands of birds convening on the headwater lakes of these two rivers makes it sound as though the lake itself is speaking up in its own voice, hence the french furtraders name of “Lac Qui Parle”. The state park here has two sections, a lower part in the forested lowlands on tbe west side, and an upper section on an open prairie bluff on the east side. We camped at the upper camprground, where the sites were open but nicely spaced from the neighbors. The sites were surrounded by blooming prairie and had an exquisite view over the lake, especially at dawn and sunrise. There are also several really nice park camper cabins if you would rather not camp out. The park has lots to explore but is also close to a huge national wildlife marsh refuge that is great for birdwatching and paddling. The park has good facilities eg water and restrooms etc, but is pretty far off the beaten path in terms of access to groceries and supplies, so stock up before arriving and come prepared. This location is close to some interesting Minnezota history sites, too, as well as being a great destination for natural history and outdoor recreation

“The Lake that speaks”

Lots of shaded trails at the lower campground. Upper campground is very open and offers little to no shade, but beautiful views of the lake. The lake is gorgeous. 

Flood Plain trails

The upper campground was open and I found a level campsite for the evening. Very few trees. Bathroom faculties were ok. Cell phone coverage is good

Nice enough not much privacy

This was a nice campground but the upper section is open with little to no trees. There is a nice view of the lake. This had some hiking trails. When we stayed the lower campground was closed, this would be more private and tree covered. 

Nice campground 

We spent two nights tent camping at the Upper Campground of Lac Qui Parle State Park in May 2022.  This is a prairie setting, essentially a very large grassy field without trees or shrubs to provide privacy from neighbors or protection from winds.  The campsites are well-spaced, so that provides some cushioning distance.  There are many young trees planted, but it will be years before they mature.  While the campground lacks privacy, its wide open skies provide wonderful stargazing on clear nights.  The openness was also great for watching groups of large birds (geese, turkey vultures, pelicans) wheeling overhead.

There was one trail we could hike from the Upper Campground, and we enjoyed its grassy, rolling hills, trees, and lake views.  The main parts of the park (lower campground, picnic area, beach, trails) were inaccessible due to recent storms that caused flooding and tree damage.  We plan to revisit the park when it is restored and active again.

Prairie Camping

The park and campground are nice, but the mosquitos weren't! Stayed right after a mosquitos hatch sadly. Lake views from the campground and lots of hiking nearby!

Mosquitos were awful

Really new campground, with a terrific view of the river.

Very accessible walking paths

Be sure to get an outer edge by river location

Week long 1st visit to the western plains of Minnesota

Lots of space between sites. There are not many trees so not much shade. Sites are gravel and relatively level, not much leveling required. Variety of sites, from group camping, primitive (no hookups), electric only, full hookups (water, electric, sewer) as well as cabins and tent only areas. 
  Limited hiking trails connected to campground. Surrounded on two sides by farm fields and Lac Qui Parle Lake on another. There are two loops in the campground. One loop has view of the lake.  Boat/canoe launch is in lower campground about 10 minutes from Upper Campground. 
    Recycling and garbage dumpsters on site. Dump station near entrance. 
   Verizon cell signal is poor. 
 Pit toilets available.  Bathhouse is centrally located, includes private showers. No laundry on site. 
  Nearby attractions in Montevideo include Talking Waters Brewery/taproom, Jake’s pizza and Java River cafe (with outdoor seating, dog friendly).
 

Photos of Lac qui Parle Upper Campground — Lac qui Parle State Park

Real photos from real campers