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Best Campgrounds near Albert Lea, MN

293 Reviews

Several good camping options surround Albert Lea, with Minneopa State Park standing out for its trails and wildlife viewing. Maple Springs Campground gives campers a quiet place to fish and hike without crowds. The Albert Lea area works well for both tent and RV camping, with most sites having electric hookups, tables, and fire rings. Most people find spring and fall camping best here because of milder temperatures. Summer brings more campers to the area, making reservations important. Few people camp during Minnesota winters, though some places do stay open. If you're heading to Albert Lea to camp, book early if you're coming during busy times. Myre-Big Island State Park sits nearby with more hiking and good bird watching spots. The lakes around Albert Lea make for good fishing and boating between camping sessions. Both new and experienced campers will find sites that match their needs in this part of Minnesota. Remember to check the rules before you go and pack what you'll need for the weather conditions.

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Best Camping Sites Near Albert Lea, Minnesota (80)

    1. White Fox — Myre-Big Island State Park

    21 Reviews
    Albert Lea, MN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 379-3403

    "$34/night plus Minnesota State Park pass @ $8/day.😩

    Not super spacious but very comfortable distance between spaces. Well maintained dirt road in campground. Grassy and mowed."

    "We tent camped at Myre-Big Island State Park in Minnesota from September 30 to October 3, 2022."

    2. Myre State Park Campgrounds

    19 Reviews
    Hayward, MN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 379-3403

    "I've always considered myself blessed to have this state park so close to home. This is a beautiful, well kept state park."

    "You have a choice between a grassy walk or walking mainly on tar and gravel as part of the Blazing Star Trail. They are also accessible by boat."

    3. Albert Lea-Austin KOA

    6 Reviews
    Hayward, MN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 373-5170

    "It’s pretty close to the interstate, so just be aware you’ll hear that noise, it might be better once the trees have leaves on them. Would stay again!"

    "Drive over to Austin and visit the Spam Museum...who knew?"

    4. KOA Kampgrounds of America

    4 Reviews
    Hayward, MN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 373-5170

    "Check in was quick, spots were easy to pull into, the bathrooms were really clean, and it was surprisingly quiet despite the proximity to the highway. "

    "We stopped for the night driving between Black Hills and Chicago and the service was awesome. The hosts called to tell us about construction and give us alternative directions."

    5. Oakwoods Trails Campground

    6 Reviews
    Austin, MN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 437-6165

    "My site was right next to the bathroom building which did have a light on all night, but I had an eye mask so that didn’t bother me. $25/night for a tent site"

    "Note: it is cash or check only so make sure you have money to pay (we stopped at a nearby gas station to use an ATM). They do sell firewood and ice if you need it."

    6. Crystal Springs RV Resort

    4 Reviews
    Hayward, MN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 398-3297

    "Our check-in package was ready when we arrived at the little self-registration building at the entrance."

    "But everyone was good with our kiddos playing outside. Very well maintained just a great park overall! Would stay again if in the area."

    7. Ochee Yahola

    2 Reviews
    Hayward, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 324-1524

    8. Worth County Fairgrounds

    1 Review
    Hayward, IA
    16 miles
    Website

    $25 / night

    "The locals come through on walks because the fairgrounds are so pleasant. There is a nice walking path with gardens and artwork, and a playground as well. "

    9. Hope Oak Knoll Camp Ground

    4 Reviews
    Owatonna, MN
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 451-2998

    "Close to interstate but very peaceful. Owner saw us to our site and lined us up for hookups, saw a lot of families and couples enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings. Good Sam discount."

    "Fair price of $26 right next to the restroom and showers which are very clean!! One other camper will be joining us back here."

    10. Hickory Hills Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Albert Lea, MN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 852-4555
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Recent Camping Photos near Albert Lea, MN

62 Photos of 80 Albert Lea Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Albert Lea, MN

293 Reviews of 80 Albert Lea Campgrounds

Guide to Albert Lea

Camping near Albert Lea, Minnesota, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Many trails to hike but due to prior heavy rain the only trail open was down to Hidden Falls - they were roaring."
  • Wildlife Viewing: At Red Fox Campground — Minneopa State Park, you can see bison and enjoy the beautiful scenery. A camper shared, "This park has one of my favorite sites... My dog loves the bison drive!"
  • Fishing and Boating: Sakatah Lake State Park Campground is perfect for fishing and boating. One reviewer noted, "Great place to camp and get away from the cities without a long drive."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Myre-Big Island State Park said, "The bathrooms and showers are ultra modern and clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites. One camper at Maple Springs Campground mentioned, "Well maintained and level sites. Had a river to walk along and playground and animals for kids to enjoy."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpful staff. A reviewer at Rice Lake State Park said, "The camp host told us mosquitoes were light this year; they seemed plentiful to me!"

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in the summer. One camper at Rice Lake State Park warned, "This is also a wildlife preserve so they do not do anything for pest control."
  • Limited Privacy: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A visitor at Red Fox Campground noted, "Most of the sites are roomy enough but not a lot of privacy."
  • Cell Service: Expect limited cell service in many areas. A camper at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground mentioned, "No cell/very patchy cell signal."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. At Maple Springs Campground, one reviewer said, "They have duck races. Dog park, small general store, backs up to a national park."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or check if the campground has a store. A camper at Kamp Dels mentioned, "The bathrooms were ok and pretty clean."
  • Pack Bug Spray: Don’t forget bug spray to keep the mosquitoes at bay. A visitor at Rice Lake State Park advised, "Firewood for sale on-site like all MN state parks."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Myre-Big Island State Park noted, "The sites seemed pretty large to us."
  • Use Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups for convenience. A reviewer at Kamp Dels said, "The sites are close to each other, but far enough apart to be able to get slide outs and awnings out."
  • Dump Station Access: Ensure the campground has easy access to dump stations. A visitor at Sakatah Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The dump station was easy access!"

Camping near Albert Lea, Minnesota, has something for everyone. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just relaxing, you'll find a spot that suits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost to camp at Albert Lea campgrounds?

Camping costs around Albert Lea vary by location and amenities. At Myre-Big Island State Park, expect to pay around $34 per night for electric sites, plus an $8 daily Minnesota State Park pass if you don't have an annual pass. For budget options, Otranto Co Park across the Iowa border offers more affordable rates with basic amenities including warm showers. For free camping, some wilderness areas within driving distance provide no-cost options. Most state parks in the region charge between $25-35 per night, with additional fees for vehicle permits. County parks typically offer lower rates, and many campgrounds offer discounts for extended stays or off-season camping.

What campgrounds are available in Albert Lea, MN?

Albert Lea offers several camping options including White Fox — Myre-Big Island State Park, a popular destination with lakeside sites and hiking trails. For a more rustic experience, Hickory Hills Campground provides camping near Albert Lea with big-rig-friendly sites. Nearby options include Daly Park & Campground and Otranto Co Park just across the Iowa border. The area offers a mix of state park camping with amenities like electric hookups, shower facilities, and recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating. Most campgrounds in the region provide options for both tent and RV camping with varying levels of services and facilities.

Is there a KOA campground in Albert Lea?

While there isn't a KOA directly in Albert Lea, the Albert Lea-Austin KOA is located near Hayward, just a short drive from Albert Lea. This KOA offers the standard amenities typical of KOA campgrounds, including drive-in access, reservable sites, water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly facilities. For those seeking alternatives to KOA, Sakatah Lake State Park Campground is within an hour's drive, offering beautiful wooded sites and recreational activities. The KOA provides a convenient option for travelers along I-90 and I-35 who prefer the consistent amenities and services that KOA campgrounds typically provide.

Are there RV parks near Albert Lea with full hookups?

While full hookup options are limited directly in Albert Lea, Albert Lea-Austin KOA near Hayward offers full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer connections for RVs. Oakwoods Trails Campground near Austin is another option with RV accommodations. Most state parks in the area like Myre-Big Island State Park offer electric-only sites with access to water fill stations and dump stations rather than full hookups. For RVers needing full amenities, private campgrounds within a 30-minute drive of Albert Lea typically provide the most comprehensive hookup options. Many are big-rig friendly with pull-through sites, though availability may be limited during peak summer months.

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