Best Campgrounds near Albert Lea, MN

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.