Glamping in Barry, Minnesota provides access to multiple lakes and historic areas across western Minnesota's prairie landscape. Summer temperatures average 70-85°F while winter drops to 0-20°F, with the region characterized by rolling glacial terrain. Campsites range from lakefront positions on Pomme de Terre Lake to prairie settings with minimal tree cover, requiring preparation for sun exposure and seasonal insects.
What to do
Water activities on crystal-clear lakes: Glacial Lakes State Park Campground offers paddleboard rentals on a pristine lake. "Our favorite part of this trip was renting stand up paddle boards. The lake water was crystal clear and glass like calm," notes one visitor. The park maintains swimming areas, though water levels can affect accessibility.
Winter recreation: Andes RV Park transforms during colder months into a winter sports destination. Activities include "cross-country skiing and tubing," with well-maintained trails throughout the property. The park remains open year-round with seasonal amenities.
Historical exploration: Visit preserved buildings at Fort Sisseton State Park where campers can walk through original structures. "It was fun to explore the historical buildings," reports a camper. "A couple of wild turkeys came by in the evening," adding wildlife viewing opportunities to the historical experience.
What campers like
Modern comfort amenities: Tipsinah Mounds City Park earns high marks for its clean facilities. "Restroom and shower facilities onsite, some lakefront campsites and some that are not. Public boat launch, sandy swimming beach, picnic shelters. WIFI is provided," states one camper who appreciated the range of conveniences.
Prairie views and breezes: Lac qui Parle County Park provides elevated camping with panoramic lake visibility. "The lack of mature trees on the upper campground bluffs is a plus. A gentle breeze keeps the bugs down and allows for nice views," explains a visitor who stayed in a 26' travel trailer and received 2 bars of T-Mobile 5G service.
Recreation options: Glamping sites near Barry include numerous activity choices for visitors. "There is a basketball court, playground, a nice Sandy beach. Tent sites right by lake. Great for fishing and all types of water sports," explains a camper about Tipsinah Mounds, which also offers access to the Minnesota Central Lakes Bike Trail.
What you should know
Insect preparation: Bugs can be problematic depending on location and season. "The bugs on the hiking trails were unrelenting even with lots of deet bug spray- I was planning to hike 5 miles but had to stop after 2," reports a Glacial Lakes visitor, while another suggests, "Site was a bit buggy, but very manageable with bug spray and a Thermacell."
Prairie camping challenges: Hankinson City Park offers basic amenities with limited natural features. "In town camping by the park," notes one camper, with another mentioning "4 grass spots with 30 amp electric picnic table and trash cans." Prepare for minimal shade and privacy in many prairie-based glamping sites.
Water levels affect amenities: Lake conditions can impact facility access. "The lake was really high when we visited, which led to a useless campground fishing pier and a boat dock that you had to swim to to use. There was no beach, but there may have been if the water level was normal," explains a Glacial Lakes camper.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Multiple recreation options exist for children. "There is a big playground, basketball court, and ball field. The store has necessities and they will even make you a pizza and deliver to your site. In the afternoon they have a hay ride (without the hay) around the grounds, kids loved it," shares a Tipsinah Mounds visitor.
Beach considerations: Swimming areas vary in quality between locations. "The swimming area isn't awesome, but I have seen much worse," notes a Glacial Lakes camper. Another mentions "a nice Sandy beach" at Tipsinah Mounds that provides safer water access for younger children.
Cabin options with kids: For glamping near Barry with children, consider camper cabins. "Had a great stay, everything was as expected with a camper cabin. Beautiful park with great trails and a beautiful lake! Our cabin was a long ways from the shower facility which I knew going into the weekend," explains a family at Glacial Lakes State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Choose sites based on amenities needed. "Our site was located directly behind the store/office but had a view of the lake. Parking was on grass. The site was level and had an electric hookup," reports a visitor at Tipsinah Mounds who originally requested a non-electric site but discovered "the primitive sites are far from the restrooms."
Hookup access: Water and dump station locations can present challenges. "The water fill and dump stations are on the opposite side of most campers which was the only downside. There was not water supply at the dump station to rinse out the tank," notes a Glacial Lakes visitor.
Off-season advantages: Late season camping offers benefits for RVers staying in luxury accommodations near Barry. "On a weekday toward the end of August, it was very quiet (but still HOT)," reports a Tipsinah Mounds camper, who appreciated being "assigned a lakeview site as not all of them are."
