Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Albert Lea, MN has a lot to offer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Albert Lea, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Albert Lea and user-submitted reviews.
"$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."
"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."
"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?"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"There is a boat launch and paths down each side of the launch you could fish. On the way in, you'll see a deck to the left, providing a scenic overlook."
ScoutGreat place to stay.
RangerThere were 3-4 sites with three fire rings, two 20 amp hookups, and one picnic table. Cost was $15.
TravelerFirst time camping of the season here! Brian in the office was SO nice and generous. It was pretty quiet there, he upgraded us to a nicer spot and threw in an extra bundle of wood. The facilities were clean, graveled pull through spots were so nice. Other campers there were very nice. 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!
TravelerSo keep in mind this is not a year-round spot even on the offseasons you're not allowed to stay there. They don't open up until May
RangerAs with most State Parks, the campground sites are really close together and you have very little privacy. The hikes were beautiful and the variety of old growth trees was spectacular.
ScoutI was exhausted when I arrived but couldn’t find a way to drive to the campground due to gates saying hiking, horseback, and walking only.
ScoutFriendly owners. Level cement pads with hookups. Short walk to the lake and playgrounds. Bar and grill 1/4 mile away.
TravelerSites are approximately 2 miles from parking and the hike it relatively easy with minimal elevation change. 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.
There are 4 backpacking sites and they are well-spaced so you each have privacy. #3 and #4 are close enough that you could be in a group together but #1 and #2 are pretty isolated. Each site has a fire pit, picnic table, wood cabinet/fish cleaning table, at least 1 flat spot for a tent, and a nearby porta potty.
Views of the lake are amazing with a variety of birds making appearances. Harvesting season may bring some farm sounds but otherwise, aside from the occasional train, you'll mainly hear the sounds of nature around you.
If you can make the walk carrying everything, including water, on your back, definitely check out one of these sites.
LegendWe tend to stay at campgrounds during the off or shoulder season for a quieter experience so it was with some apprehension that we reserved this campground for a summer weekend so that we could meet friends for Paddlefest. We were happy to discover that despite being a full campground, it was quiet at almost all hours of the day and night. It was, however, an entirely different story on the lake itself, where boats gathered all day to party!
There is little separation between the sites but there are trees located throughout, some of which provide shade to the site. The camper pads were a mix of dirt and gravel and mostly level. We were lucky to snag Site 34 (reserved about three months in advance) – it was on the end, making it a much larger site than the interior sites (all end sites in our section were larger) and we had plenty of shade trees, a welcome relief on a very hot weekend.
The paved roads leading to the sites are very narrow and would appear to be one-way but are not designated as such, resulting in some confusion. The site numbers are only listed on one side, even though most of the sites appeared to be pull-through.
The restrooms and showers were clean and had soap and (dated) air dryers.
Overall, we had a very pleasant two-night stay even though we were prepared for a different experience.
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.
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
According to TheDyrt.com, Albert Lea, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 79 campgrounds and RV parks near Albert Lea, MN and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Albert Lea, MN is White Fox — Myre-Big Island State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 21 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Albert Lea, MN.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Albert Lea, MN that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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