Best Campgrounds near Austin, MN

Campgrounds surrounding Austin, Minnesota offer a mix of private and public camping facilities within a 30-mile radius. The area features established campgrounds like Oakwoods Trails Campground and Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, providing accommodations for tent campers, RV travelers, and those seeking cabin rentals. Most campgrounds in this agricultural region are situated among farmland and wooded areas, offering a rural Midwest camping experience with electrical hookups, water access, and basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings.

Seasonal considerations impact camping availability throughout the region, with most campgrounds operating from April through October. "This is a nice little campground with lots of shade and spacious tent pads," noted one visitor about Oakwoods Trails Campground. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during the day, while spring and fall bring cooler conditions that may require additional preparation. The majority of established campgrounds accept advance reservations, and many require them during peak summer weekends. RV campers will find several campgrounds offering full hookups, though amperage options vary by location. Cash-only payment policies exist at some smaller establishments, so travelers should arrive prepared.

Campers consistently mention the peaceful atmosphere at sites like Oakwoods Trails, where mature trees provide ample shade and natural screening between campsites. According to one visitor, "Clean and well maintained campground about a quarter mile past owner's farm buildings." Facilities range from basic to more developed, with many offering shower houses and flush toilets. Family-oriented campgrounds like Jellystone Park provide additional amenities such as swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized activities, though some reviews indicate maintenance issues at certain properties. For those seeking a more natural experience, nearby Myre-Big Island State Park offers camping with access to hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities. Proximity to Interstate 90 makes the Austin area convenient for overnight stays during cross-country travel, though highway noise can be noticeable at some locations.

Best Camping Sites Near Austin, Minnesota (90)

    1. Myre State Park Campgrounds

    20 Reviews
    Hayward, MN
    16 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."

    2. White Fox — Myre-Big Island State Park

    22 Reviews
    Albert Lea, MN
    17 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."

    3. Oakwoods Trails Campground

    6 Reviews
    Austin, MN
    6 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."

    4. Albert Lea-Austin KOA

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

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

    "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!"

    6. KOA Kampgrounds of America

    4 Reviews
    Hayward, MN
    11 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."

    8. Crystal Springs RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    Hayward, MN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 398-3297

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

    "Spent one night passing through Ellendale Minnesota. Our reservation paperwork was waiting for us at the gatehouse with directions to our back-in site 11."

    9. Green Acres RV Park-Dexter

    1 Review
    Austin, MN
    14 miles
    +1 (507) 440-6384

    10. Otranto Co Park

    1 Review
    Osage, IA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 732-5204

    "Right off county road and next to the river. The bathrooms and shower facilities are very basic, but the showers are nice and warm. There is a great playground area and a horseshoe pit play area."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 90 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Austin, MN

339 Reviews of 90 Austin Campgrounds


  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Crystal Springs RV Resort

    Has a resort feel to it

    Spent one night passing through Ellendale Minnesota. Our reservation paperwork was waiting for us at the gatehouse with directions to our back-in site 11. A close walk to the laundry, showers and restroom pavilion was terrific. I can’t remember but I believe this was the best campground for low road noise of our entire trip!

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Zumbrota Covered Bridge Park

    Scenic

    Pros: great paved walking and bike trail; leads to state bike trail; MN only covered bridge; huge park playground; disc golf course; along branch of the river; easy walk into town; friendly camp host; very quiet Cons: few site pads, you just drive onto grass where you see electric/water posts and fire ring; restroom with 1 toilet and 1 shower were dirty (husband said it looks like it hadn’t been cleaned in a month) I concur on woman’s as well but there was toilet paper (happy) but no hand soap or paper towels; garbage in women’s shower

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Lake Hendricks Co Park

    Paved sites, simple Accomodations

    A good place for a place to stop next to a lake. Good hookups and picnic tables

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Sakatah Lake State Park Campground

    It was perfect. There wasn’t a lot of people there. The lots are pretty nice and secluded.

    I love the location and how quiet it is and secluded each spot is

  • Leni K.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Myre State Park Campgrounds

    Big Fun, Even With Closures

    Big Island was nicely wooded, keeping a very cool temperature but with little cover from other campsites. Tent pad and fire pit were well maintained. Restrooms were well cleaned, if not exactly maintained (soap and Toilet paper ran light over the weekend, and spiders hung out after a cleaning). ADA accessible. Even with a few trails closed, plenty of trails to explore around the Big Island campground. Rented a tandem kayak from the ranger station, looked like one of the two kayaks, plenty of canoes for rent. Spotted pelicans, turtles, and birds along the shore. Campground host never came by, but the ranger was spotted twice once to keep hammock straps off a smaller tree. Mosquitos were out in full force during the cooler weather.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Richard J Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest Isinours Management Unit

    Lovely space

    There are a few spaces with views you can hike in to but I opted for a spot next to my car. And ideal spot for a one nighter. I stopped here after a 12 hour drive got set up and even walked the trails for a few miles before bed.

  • Cynthia K.
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Rochester-Marion KOA

    In transition

    The direct road to the KOA was all jacked up due to a large construction project that closed the whole road. We got back on the Interstate & got off on exit 224. Took Co Rd 7 to HWY 52. This is a lot easier than the directions the KOA gave.

     This is a small KOA Journey we stayed in 1 night on our way up North. It's an established campground, but well kept. We stayed on the office side of the road. The other side has newer sites & the pool. Our site was a buddy site, which I dislike. It was close to the bathrooms/showers though, which helps out my mobility challenged husband. I can put up with it for 1 night. 

    The bathrooms were clean. The laundry had 2 dryers out of service.

  • JJ W.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Bluff Valley Campground

    Great site!

    Pretty good site. Cool playground, pool is a little small and no wifi. Phone reception is choppy and worse on the weekends. Many different-sized sites. Right on the river. Great tubing. Weekend activities are very fun and the concerts are always fun, the band rocks.


Guide to Austin

Camping near Austin, MN, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are many trails available for hiking. At Whitewater State Park, one visitor mentioned, "We hiked to Chimney Rock and Inspiration Point and found the trails more challenging than we expected." This park is known for its scenic views and diverse trails.
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Sakatah Lake State Park is a great spot. One camper shared, "Firewood is available at the office and a fire ring is at each site as well as picnic table," making it easy to enjoy a day by the water.
  • Wildlife Watching: Many campgrounds, like Myre-Big Island State Park, offer opportunities to see local wildlife. A visitor noted, "We saw a few deer and other animals," highlighting the park's natural beauty.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, one reviewer said, "The main shower/restroom area looks brand new and is very nice."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campers enjoy the roomy sites. A visitor at Rice Lake State Park mentioned, "It was a good site with some privacy due to thick woods on two sides of our site."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Kamp Dels are great for families. One reviewer stated, "This is such a great campground for families! So many activities including a water recreation area, petting zoo, and playgrounds."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in the warmer months. A camper at Rice Lake State Park warned, "This is also a wildlife preserve so they do not do anything for pest control."
  • Cell Service: Expect limited cell service in some areas. A visitor at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park noted, "T-Mobile has no service while AT&T has average to poor service."
  • Reservations: It’s a good idea to make reservations in advance, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Eagle Cliff Campground mentioned, "Check in and out was simple. We made our reservations online."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. One family at Kamp Dels said, "The kids absolutely LOVED all there is to do at the pool area."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A visitor at Myre-Big Island State Park mentioned, "The trails were in great shape and beautiful with past-peak grasses."
  • Pack Games: Bring outdoor games to keep the kids entertained. A camper at Whitewater State Park noted, "The site was large and easy to back into and offered some tree cover for shade."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campsite. A reviewer at Sakatah Lake State Park mentioned, "Our site was nice and secluded and right next to the trail heads."
  • Use Dump Stations: Familiarize yourself with the location of dump stations. A visitor at Myre-Big Island State Park said, "Easy dump station."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving. A camper at Eagle Cliff Campground noted, "Facilities were clean and well-maintained."

Camping near Austin, MN, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some lasting memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Austin, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Austin, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 90 campgrounds and RV parks near Austin, MN and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Austin, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Austin, MN is Myre State Park Campgrounds with a 4.8-star rating from 20 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Austin, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Austin, MN.