Camping spots near Chokio, Minnesota include lakefront sites, prairie campgrounds, and riverside facilities across a wide range of elevations from 1,060 to 1,300 feet. The region's glacial history has created numerous lakes interspersed with rolling prairie terrain, offering camping experiences that range from heavily wooded sites to open grassland settings. Summer nights typically remain above 55°F even when daytime temperatures cool, making extended camping seasons possible in certain parks.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: Pomme De Terre Campground offers easy water access with a canoe drop-in point that connects to the river system. According to Jaime N., this free camping spot "overlooks the Pomme De Terre River" and provides a convenient wayside rest for water travelers.
Wildlife viewing: Big Stone Lake State Park Campground provides excellent opportunities to observe diverse bird species and other wildlife. Jeff G. notes, "Beautiful sunsets, lots of wildlife and nice trails. Fishing is free from the park boundaries with lots of shoreline."
Swimming and water recreation: The clear waters at Tipsinah Mounds City Park offer excellent swimming conditions. One camper shares that "There is a nice beach and the lake is clear," and the park includes "a big playground, basketball court, and ball field."
Hiking across varied terrain: At Glacial Lakes State Park Campground, visitors can experience the transition between woodland and prairie environments. Mark M. calls it "one of my favorites" and notes that "this place is woods meets prairie, awesome trail with a great view."
What campers like
Lake access and views: At Hartford Beach State Park Campground, campers appreciate the proximity to water. Neil T. reports, "Across from our site was a little trail down to the lake. In the evening we saw tons of fish and an otter... Spectacular sunsets and sunrises. Cell phone pictures do not do it justice."
Spacious sites in some campgrounds: Big Stone County Toqua Park has impressed visitors with its well-maintained facilities. Daniel R. was "blown away" and found "very clean camp sites" that were "situated right between a lake and a golf course."
Varied camping options: The region offers everything from primitive tent sites to full-service RV locations. At Glacial Lakes State Park Campground, camper Amanda M. observed that "The Lower Campground is the only one with electric sites, but the Oak Ridge had nice shade and space."
Clear lake waters: Multiple campgrounds feature swimming areas with good water clarity. The Homestead at Ottertail RV Park provides a full range of amenities including "bathrooms, showers, pool with spacious deck," according to Tori K., who notes this is "an annual visit for us."
What you should know
Seasonal weather challenges: Weather conditions can change rapidly, with flooding sometimes affecting campgrounds. At Pomme De Terre Campground, Cathy S. reports their trip was disrupted when "we stayed on the Pittsburgh side and found the campground amazing! Until it flooded. We were evacuated and moved to higher ground."
Insect populations: Ticks and flies are common, particularly in prairie settings and near lakes. At Glacial Lakes State Park, Mike O. noted the "site was a bit buggy, but very manageable with bug spray and a Thermacell. The bugs on the hiking trails were unrelenting even with lots of deet bug spray."
Site privacy varies significantly: Many campgrounds have limited separation between sites. For Riverside Park Campground, Teresa T. observed it "isn't necessarily a place one would choose to be a destination, but as a night through or if you wanna see downtown, it would work well for that."
Water levels fluctuate: Lake and river conditions change throughout the season. Lisa H. found at Glacial Lakes that "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."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with dedicated facilities: Several camping areas near Chokio offer child-friendly amenities. At Tipsinah Mounds, a visitor mentioned that "In the afternoon they have a hay ride (without the hay) around the grounds, kids loved it."
Consider camper cabins for family comfort: The Homestead at Ottertail RV Park and Resort provides an alternative to tent camping. Sheila K. shares, "We absolutely love this campground! We've camped there every year since 2019! Great owners, great amenities, close to many lakes…not much else you could ask for!"
Find beaches with clear, shallow water: Several lakes in the region provide safe swimming areas for children. At Tipsinah Mounds City Park, visitors appreciate that "There is a nice Sandy beach. Tent sites right by lake. Great for fishing and all types of water sports."
Plan for limited shower facilities: Not all campgrounds offer equal amenities. At Glacial Lakes State Park, a visitor noted "it's a long walk to the Lower campground" to access showers from the Oak Ridge campground.
Tips from RVers
Pay attention to site levelness: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain for larger vehicles. Clarke N. found at Hartford Beach State Park that "The sites near the lake are very wooded, a bit smaller and pretty uneven. The sites themselves are even but your canopy might be overhanging a slope."
Electrical capacity varies: Not all campgrounds offer the same hookup capabilities. The Camping 109 RV Park provides "forty full hook-up sites" and is "quiet" according to RoseAlfredo K., making it suitable for longer stays.
Expect tight spacing at popular spots: Waterfront campgrounds often sacrifice privacy for views. At Tipsinah Mounds City Park, Lee D. notes, "This campground is not our preferred type of camping – no privacy between sites but on a weekday toward the end of August, it was very quiet."
