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Tent campsites near Barry, Minnesota include Elk Lake Campground, which features walk-in tent areas along the lakeshore. The campground provides grassy sites with access to the water and basic amenities. Barrett Lake Resort & Campground also offers tent camping options in the region, though with fewer documented amenities. Both locations are situated within the lakes region of west-central Minnesota, providing access to water-based recreation.
Elk Lake Campground provides drinking water, picnic tables, and allows campfires with firewood available on-site. The tent camping areas require a short walk to reach the lakeshore sites, making them more secluded than the main campground. Toilet facilities and showers are available to tent campers, though these are shared with the main campground area. The campground permits pets, which may appeal to campers traveling with animals. Barrett Lake Resort appears to offer more primitive tent camping with minimal documented amenities.
The shoreline tent sites at Elk Lake Campground offer direct lake access for swimming and fishing. One camper noted that "there is tent camping a short walk to the lakeshore that seemed nice." The walk-in nature of these sites provides additional privacy compared to the main campground area, which primarily hosts seasonal RVs. Tent campers should be aware that the main campground contains mostly seasonal occupants, but the dedicated tent area offers a more traditional camping experience. These lakeside tent locations provide a balance of natural setting with access to basic amenities, making them suitable for weekend tent camping trips or longer stays exploring the Barry area and surrounding lakes.
ScoutWhat a wonderful campground! Bathrooms and showers are very nice, and kept clean. The campsites are nice and level. Well laid out, and numbered clearly. Reserving through the website is easy. What a spectacular view of the valley! I took a peek into one of the cabins - very nice. This place is a great value for the money.
ScoutThe community facilities are well kept and clean. Overall this site is beautiful and great for kids, we tried booking a spot by the lookout but unfortunately they only had electric hookups!
Either way the site we switched to was spacious and had two picnic tables. We will definitely be back!
RangerNice spot an hour south of Fargo. Well graded gravel road. $10.00 a day, 14 day limit. Has about 14 sites divided in two loops, some are back in sites and a few pull through sites. Some sites have a lot of shade, while others are in the sun. All sites have a fire ring and picnic table. Pit toilets and two water pumps; one is a hand pump and the other is a crank pump with a threaded spigot. Do yourself a favor and use the hand crank water pump. If you have dogs, be aware of loose range cattle and lots of sand burs/goat head stickers.
GuideAlmost no shady sites. Large open field overlooking the river below which is visible if in camper or standing. Sites have fire ring & picnic table. Main road is blacktop sites level gravel. Good separation but open.
ScoutThis was good spot for the night, we could see animals from our spot. It was quiet, only one other RV here. They do have cute camper cabins . They have water, bathrooms and shower. Quick walk up the road was a golf course with restaurant. We would stay again
LegendLocated in the picturesque Coteau Des Prairies, Roy Lake State Park consists of two small units nestled on the northeast and northwest shores of Roy Lake.
95% of the state park is campground. There are a few tent sites, many RV sites, cabins, and a lodge suite (not sure on quantity) above the campground store/commons area. The store has some Roy Lake State Park branded items and some random foods, drinks, and camping tools. I wouldn’t put stock in them having exactly what you need/want — it’s very small. The commons area has giant picture windows overlooking the lake, a TV, comfy furniture, board games, a rotating pizza cooker, and a few other random things. There is also an outside seating area that overlooks the lake.
I stayed in the east unit, which is smaller and slightly calmer than the west unit. Each side has boat ramps, beaches (smaller on the east side), cabins, and playground.
Monday through Thursday morning in June, it was very quiet, with very few other campers. It was amazing. On Thursday, people started rushing in like a flash flood. It filled up almost completely and things got a bit noisier, but it was still quiet during quiet hours. I left on Friday, so I can’t attest to weekend behavior.
The bathhouse was nice and pretty clean. Heated with free, untimed showers. Very nice, but a long walk from our site.
We stayed in tent site T6, which shares a space with T7. T7 has a nice lake access spot that we used (before campers came on Thursday) to put in our kayak, swim, and fish. T7 is a lot smaller than T6, but T6 doesn’t have its own beach access. For these sites you must park in the parking area, and walk to the site. For some extra steps, you are afforded some privacy and a more natury feel. The cattail-filled field in front of our site lit up with lightning bugs at dusk.
The campground has tons of mature native trees. There is a lot of lawn, but they don’t spray it with chemicals, which I appreciate. Be warned that this means this park (and others nearby, like Sica Hollow) will have thistles, so bring closed shoes for hikes. We saw turtles, snakes, squirrels, ground squirrels, deer, rabbits, pelicans, ducks, geese, seagulls, tons of other birds, fish, and more — just in this park.
Roy Lake was clear in June, though I didn’t get to paddle as much as I had planned due to wind. It’s a pretty decent size (3 sq miles) and just one of hundreds of lakes in the glacial lakes area. The whole coteau area was so beautiful. Definitely worth reading up on the geology of the area before coming.
There is a bit more hiking in the area than is listed on AllTrails. I’ll include a picture of the trail map for Roy Lake State Park, which you can find at the campground store (outside on the wall) and also in the SD GFP app. There is also some hiking at Sica Hollow SP, Pickerel Lake Rec Area, and Waubay National Wildlife Refuge (these trails are also not on AllTrails, a few miles and a pretty tall and scary observation tower).
Closest decent sized grocery store and other needs are in Sisseton, a half hour drive through very picturesque countryside.
Though surrounded by water, the mosquitoes were never bad. Look at weather for Lake City, not Sisseton, as the elevation and wind over the lake (on the east side) mean cooler weather. We experienced severe enough storm during our stay that we sheltered in our car. We felt safe that the bathhouse would be a sufficient tornado shelter in that event. After the storm there were straight line winds attempting to flatten our tent, but there were no limbs down in the park, which means they watch for, and clear, deadfall risks.
The cell service was as good as it can get. We were actually able to stream videos on it. Don’t count on getting firewood from the host at the east unit. Get it from a nearby town or possibly the store in the west unit (though I don’t know its hours).
We stayed at this park while my son was attending a day camp in Sisseton. I will pick this campground again if he chooses to attend the camp in the future.
GuideGood primitive sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Water tap available. Pit restrooms, one of which is is poorly maintained and to be avoided. Parked on wide expanse of grassy area. Trails to nearby river. Some gravel roads to get to site, but well-maintained. Suggested fee of $20/night. Ideal for one-night stay while en route.
LegendMap coordinates are NOT correct! The sites are at the golf course. There are a few basic sites located at the golf course in town.
LegendThis campground is slightly remote (gravel roads/minimum maintenance type roads) I was in a car, but roads were dry, I could see an issue with needing a 4x4 if rainy. Big RVs/Fancy RV’s beware. Nice spacious sites and there are many multi purpose trails (wheelers too!) nearby.
Tent campsites near Barry, Minnesota are situated in west-central Minnesota's glacial lake region. The area features numerous small to medium-sized lakes formed during the last ice age, creating a landscape of rolling hills and water bodies. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms possible during July and August. Fall camping offers cooler temperatures and colorful foliage displays from mid-September through October.
Fishing access options: The campgrounds near Barry provide direct lake access for anglers seeking various fish species. Elk Lake Campground offers shoreline fishing spots for tent campers staying in the lakeside sites. According to one visitor, "This campground has level grassy sites" which can serve as good bases for fishing trips.
Water recreation: Lakes in the Barry area support swimming, kayaking and canoeing during summer months when water temperatures reach comfortable levels. Tent campers at Elk Lake can take advantage of the lakeshore sites that provide easy water access. A camper noted they "Stayed 3 nights. Was a nice spot" with convenient lake proximity.
Nature photography: The lakes region around Barry offers excellent opportunities for wildlife and landscape photography, particularly during early morning and evening hours when lighting is optimal and wildlife is most active. Barrett Lake Resort & Campground puts tent campers in proximity to wetland areas frequented by migratory birds and native wildlife.
Lakefront tent sites: The walk-in tent sites at Elk Lake Campground receive positive mentions for their location. One camper commented that "Water is available" throughout the campground, allowing tent campers to refill containers without returning to their vehicles.
Privacy levels: The tent camping areas that require a short walk at Elk Lake provide a more secluded experience compared to the main campground sections. A visitor observed that most of the campground has "seasonal RVs but there are a few overnight sites" making the separated tent area more appealing for those seeking quiet.
Level camping surfaces: Tent campers appreciate the "level grassy sites" at Elk Lake Campground, which make tent setup easier and more comfortable for sleeping. The grassy terrain provides natural padding and fewer issues with rocks or roots compared to some forested campgrounds.
Seasonal occupancy patterns: Elk Lake Campground primarily hosts seasonal campers in most full hookup sites. As one camper observed, "Most or perhaps all full hookup sites have seasonal RVs" which means the campground has a residential feel rather than a transient camping atmosphere.
Facility limitations: While basic amenities are available, some campgrounds have restricted facilities. At Elk Lake, a visitor noted they "did not see a dedicated dump station," suggesting limited options for waste disposal. Barrett Lake Resort & Campground appears to offer more primitive camping experiences with fewer documented amenities.
Electric availability: For tent campers who prefer some conveniences, a camper mentioned that Elk Lake has "a few overnight sites that generally have electric only (30A)" which could allow for charging devices or running small appliances if needed.
Walking distances: Families with young children should prepare for the walk-in tent sites at Elk Lake Campground. One camper noted "There is tent camping a short walk to the lakeshore" which means families need to carry all gear from parking areas to campsites.
Swimming safety: The lakeshore tent sites provide water access, but parents should be aware there are no lifeguards present at these natural swimming areas. Water clarity can vary throughout the season, and lake bottoms may be muddy or rocky in places.
Weather preparedness: The Barry area experiences typical Midwestern summer weather patterns including potential for strong thunderstorms. Tent campers should bring extra stakes and rain gear, particularly when camping with children during summer months.
Hookup limitations: RVers staying at Elk Lake Campground should note that overnight sites typically offer only electric hookups. A visitor mentioned "Water is available" throughout the campground, but direct connections may be limited to seasonal sites.
Site availability challenges: Due to the high number of seasonal occupants, overnight RV sites can be limited during peak summer months. One RVer observed that "This campground has level grassy sites" but most full-hookup options are occupied by seasonal campers.
Power specifications: Electric-only sites at Elk Lake Campground provide 30-amp service according to visitor reports. RVers requiring 50-amp service for larger units may need to look at alternative campgrounds or bring adapters and manage power consumption carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Barry, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Barry, MN is Elk Lake Campground with a 3-star rating from 1 review.
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