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Best Tent Camping near Bigelow, MN

Tent camping options around Bigelow, Minnesota offer several established campgrounds within driving distance across southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. Cenla Campgrounds in Spirit Lake, Iowa provides tent sites with amenities including drinking water and picnic tables approximately 30 miles southeast of Bigelow. For more remote experiences, Valhalla Island Campgrounds near Slayton, Minnesota offers tent camping with water access about 40 miles northwest of Bigelow.

Most tent sites in the region feature basic amenities with varying levels of services. Cenla Campgrounds provides water hookups, toilets, and allows fires with designated fire rings, while places like Mini-Wakan State Park offer more primitive conditions. Dog Creek Co Park and Oneota Little Sioux Access both provide toilets but limited additional amenities. Several campgrounds permit pets, though restrictions may apply, particularly during peak summer months. The camping season typically runs from May through October, with Valhalla Island specifically open May 1 to October 15.

The tent camping experience varies considerably between locations. Areas with boat-in access, such as Valhalla Island Campgrounds, provide increased seclusion and fewer neighboring campsites. Sites closest to water bodies offer both recreational opportunities and natural cooling during summer months. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, campers appreciate the relative quiet of smaller, less-developed campgrounds compared to larger RV-focused facilities. Tent campers should note that while drinking water is available at some campgrounds like Cenla and Valhalla Island, others require bringing your own supplies. The primitive tent camping experience in this region typically includes basic sites with minimal development, allowing for more authentic outdoor experiences within reasonable driving distance of Bigelow.

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Best Tent Sites Near Bigelow, Minnesota (5)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Bigelow, MN

268 Reviews of 5 Bigelow Campgrounds

  • Charlie B.
    May. 20, 2023

    Palisades State Park Campground

    Great spot close to Sioux Falls

    We enjoyed our stay in site 10. It was a large site, though on a busy weekend the proximity of 7, 8 and 9 would be bothersome. They have RV/Camper sites, tent only and adorable camper cabins. We were very happy to stay somewhere without a fire ban. The park is also close to Split Rock Park and Devils Gulch. There is plenty of hiking and it is only about 30 min from Sioux Falls. Overall, after looking around, I think 20 would have been the best tent site.

  • Morgan Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 6, 2020

    Oak Woods Campground — Lake Shetek State Park

    This is camping?

    I was up in the Oak Woods Campground. This was pretty much an open field with people crammed together. One of my neighbors sat and watched a certain cable news channel on a giant outdoor TV hooked up to their bus from 8am until 10p. I can tell you that a TV host named Tucker was very angry that night. Another "camper" had set up a giant playground, penned in areas for their multiple dogs, and had a bouncy castle set up for their daughter...that was running off of a very loud generator all day. The whole thing was lit up with string lights like it was an airport runway and gave the entire campground a carnival feel. WTF?  Unfortunately for your enjoyment, I deleted the video I took of the scene. Lucky for you, I still have a photograph of it. 

    I had reserved 2 nights. I left at 6am after one pathetic night and went and stayed at a Harvest Host instead. 

    Leave no trace (and set up no carnivals).

  • Amy S.
    Apr. 26, 2020

    Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    Beautiful area with many recreational activities.

    This park is tucked in the middle of a Brandon neighborhood. I've always been a tenter in the past. I am new to RV camping. I was pleasantly surprised how much space there was between each campsite. We stayed in 37E. It was level as most of the sites appeared to be. It's spring now so the trees are just starting to bud but this site will have some shade and privacy when everything blooms. The picnic table and fire ring were clean and in good repair. I enjoyed my stay here. My only criticism is the overly full vault toilets. I'll spare you the details but it was un pleasant. I would visit again!

  • Susan L.
    Sep. 5, 2020

    Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    Convenient camping near Sioux Falls

    This Recreation Area is large and  located off the Sioux River, which was slow flowing when I visited. It’s not the most picturesque river I’ve seen, so if you’re looking for that look further. However, because it was slow moving it made for a nice round trip paddle. 

    Easy access from 90W, not much road noise and close to the town of Brandon for supplies. 

    There’s a fantastic disc golf course complete with a creaky suspension foot bridge that spans the fiver. 

    Great hiking and biking trails too. I hiked the Valley of the Giants trail, which earns its name because of the many old, “giant” oaks in this river bottom area. It’s an easy hike with one slight incline/decline, but the loop was curtailed by a giant felled oak tree.  The path was completely covered and no matter which way I tried I couldn’t see the trail it had become so overgrown. Sadly it seems that this has been the fate of several the the Giants, perhaps due to the river flooding.

    The campground has gravel pads. My site backed up to the river but there was a bushy berm and the bike/walking bath between the site and the river. No problem to access the river though because there are little paths worn through the bushes. Lots of trees for shade and good space between sites. There’s electric but no water at site. Fill up by the restrooms or before you come. Picnic table and fire ring with grill connected. Fire ring is on a cement pad. I’d never seen that before. 

    There are also  cabins for rent and when I was there the restrooms looked clean and functional.  Picnic shelter and gazebo are on site as well as the Bergeson’s Homestead. It’s always nice to see history being preserved like this! When I’m passing through this area again, I’ll revisit this recreation area.

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2025

    Island Park

    Small waterfront campground

    Nice little park to stop at for a night on a trip. Only stayed here for a night on my way out west in 2024. Arrived a bit before dark and decided to sleep in my car rather than my tent just due to the timing and being tucked away by the river by myself. Never did figure out where a bathroom was unfortunately. There was a gas station right down the road for any conveniences you may need. There is a kayak launch right by the campsites that I would've put my inflatable into if I'd had more daylight/time here.

    Not sure how larger campers would set up given the layout and how small the pads look, but there was plenty of room in front and behind the pads.

  • Nathan L.
    Jul. 18, 2024

    Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    Nice little nook with lots of cover!

    This campsite was great! We had a tent site, number 24, and it was tucked into the woods but still close to the parking lot!

    The neighboring sites are far enough away where you still have privacy but if you had two next to each other with a large group it could still function as one. Beautiful hiking trails, play grounds, disc golf, volleyball net, and so much more. Also, the lady at the front was cute as a button!

    Highly recommend!

  • Katrin M.
    Jul. 7, 2019

    Palisades State Park Campground

    A very nice getaway!

    We camped here over the weekend with our dogs. The campground is within 10 miles off of I90.

    The park is not very big so there are not many campsites. Some have electric hook up, others are just for tent camping. All of them provide a picnic table and a fire pit. They also have little log cabins. We stayed at campsite 6 which was a very good spot. Some of the other sites seemed very close together without much privacy or shade.

    The park staff (rangers, camp host and volunteers) was extremely friendly. They always made sure that we had everything we needed. The rangers also offer different programs on the weekend like learning about geocaching or how to make campfire desserts.

    There is one bathhouse for the entire campground. It seemed a little old but got cleaned daily. There are also several vault toilets around the area. From the campground you have access to the water. There are also several short hiking trails from where you can see the rock formations.

    It was just a very short ride to the Devils Gulch (Jesse James historical site) or Split Rock Park. There is also a Dollar General close by. We would definitely recommend the campground.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    Another overnight stop.

    Just another overnight stop on my drive to Iowa. I spent the night in a non-electric tent site so I can't really comment on the other parts of the campground. It does have nice bathrooms with running water and showers. The non-e tent sites are in a forested section, all shaded. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings. Sites are located a very short walk from the designated parking. I had a great night's sleep as it was relatively quiet. I didn't partake but they do have a Frisbee golf course. Took a short walk on their trail system to the suspension walking bridge. My complaint would be the fees. I thought i was paying one fee for the non-e tent site but then there was an additional fee for non-res and another fee for park day use fee or permit. This fee was confusing whether I was supposed to pay this or not. So what looked like a small fee to spend the night turned into much more.

  • Megan R.
    Jul. 30, 2024

    Plum Creek Park Campground

    Hidden Gem

    This is the definition of a hidden gem. The park is well maintained with friendly staff. There are nice trails around the lake and more in the lower unit. There is disc golf and kayak rentals and a small store where you can buy ice, firewood, souvenirs, and an ice cream treat. 

    For extra peace and quiet, get the tent only (non electric) sites across the lake! There are a variety of sites if you want to “rough it” or not. Bathrooms are clean. 

    You can tell the workers here care about the park and your experience. I found 0 trash on the trails, and I usually come out with a handful.

    It fills up on weekends with “seasonals” but all the sites have trees and nice shade that gives you a sense of privacy. Theres a tent site close to the playground and bathrooms perfect if you have kids.

Guide to Bigelow

Tent camping near Bigelow, Minnesota offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the great outdoors. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to pitch your tent and unwind.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Cenla Campgrounds provides electric hookups and sanitary dump facilities, making it a convenient choice for tent campers.
  • At Valhalla Island Campgrounds, you can enjoy the availability of electric hookups, ensuring a comfortable stay.
  • Dog Creek Co Park features thirty amp hookups and accessible toilets, catering to essential camping needs.

Local attractions to explore

Some prices for tent camping range from $20 to $40

  • Tent camping at Cenla Campgrounds is budget-friendly, with rates typically around $20 per night.
  • Expect to pay approximately $30 for a night at Valhalla Island Campgrounds during the camping season from May 1 to October 15.
  • Dog Creek Co Park offers affordable rates, making it an attractive option for those looking to camp on a budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bigelow, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bigelow, MN is Cenla Campgrounds with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Bigelow, MN?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 tent camping locations near Bigelow, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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