Glamping near Dakota, Minnesota offers sheltered canvas structures, modern cabins, and luxury yurt options throughout the driftless region. These elevated accommodations typically feature real beds, electricity, and private outdoor spaces that allow campers to experience nature without sacrificing modern comforts. Several properties maintain facilities that remain open beyond standard camping seasons, with Pine View Campground at Fort McCoy offering year-round heated cabins when most seasonal operations close from late October through mid-April.
What to do
Tubing on the Root River: At The Old Barn Resort in Preston, tubers can float directly from one side of the campground to the other. "Tubing the river is the highlight here. You drop in one side of the campsite and an hour later pull out on the other side. So much fun," reports Lee G.
Trout fishing in stocked ponds: Esofea/Rentz Memorial Park offers quality trout fishing in five different ponds or the Bad Axe River. "There is good trout fishing at this campground. Recommended spots are one of the 5 ponds or the Bad Axe River," notes a ranger reviewer.
Hiking the bluff trails: Wildcat Mountain State Park features scenic trails with excellent vistas across the driftless region. "The trails around have gorgeous views of the driftless area and Kickapoo river. Ice Cave trail was a neat, quick walk," shares Steph, who appreciates the unique geological features of the area.
What campers like
Clean, modern shower facilities: Minneiska Campground at Whitewater State Park receives praise for its well-maintained bathroom facilities. "Campground had nice clean facilities (w/ showers!) and forested campsite added some extra privacy," notes Jenna M., highlighting the quality often missing at more rustic sites.
Private riverside campsites: Eagle Cliff Campground offers premium sites along the water. "This is a very nice campground with a variety of sites. They have several on the rivers edge which are by far the best!" writes Jennifer M. who recommends securing waterfront sites for the best experience.
Reduced mosquito populations: Unlike many Minnesota camping areas, Whitewater State Park has notably fewer mosquitoes. "Best part: very few mosquitoes!! (The cold, constantly moving water helps keep them away.) One of my favorite parks in the state of Minnesota," explains Leda T., pointing out this uncommon and welcome feature.
What you should know
Noise considerations: At Great River Bluffs State Park, campers should prepare for unexpected noise disruptions. "Highway noise from the highway running along the river and from I-90 is ridiculously loud at night. Added to this were the half dozen trains that ran through the night (horns going off too) AND the light aircraft flying into Lacrosse airport," warns Bryan P.
Limited facilities during off-season: Winter campers will find reduced amenities. "This time of year, water is not on in the campground, but there is a spigot right across the road at the visitor center that is on (easy 2 min walk)," notes Amy G. about off-season camping at Whitewater State Park.
Self-registration processes: Many parks operate with minimal staffing. "I arrived late in the day and the office was closed but they have all the instructions and QR codes for an online reservation and check in," explains Ken B. about the increasingly common self-service systems in place.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly water activities: Neshonoc Lakeside offers multiple swimming options for different age groups. "With 2 swimming pools, daily activities, movies, and a full ice cream shop you won't be bored here. The top pool is very large and new with a splash pad area. The lower pool is older and smaller, and where grown ups tend to go for a dip," explains Kim L.
Evening entertainment options: Scheduled activities keep children engaged. "In the evening there was a Glow Parade where the full timers decked out their golf carts and drove around- candy for kids and lots of dancing. Bingo, tie dye, outdoor movies, and other relay races kept the kids happy and adults amused," reports a visitor to Neshonoc Lakeside.
Nature education opportunities: Whitewater State Park offers seasonal programs. "We hiked, took trout fishing lesson, sat at the beach and had relaxing evenings by the fire," shares Melissa H., highlighting the educational components available at many state parks.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for privacy: At Pine View Campground - Fort McCoy, RV sites offer good separation. "The full hookup sites were perfect. Tons of things to do on and near the campground," notes Casey L., emphasizing the importance of adequate spacing between sites.
Seasonal operation schedules: Most RV-friendly sites with full hookups operate from mid-April through mid-October. "Our site was very large, which was nice as it gave us more than enough room to set up our tent, leaving space between us and the neighboring sites," reports Joe W. about The Old Barn Resort.
Leveling requirements: Many campsites in the driftless region require minimal adjustment. "Wry easy to back in and get set up, almost level and took very little adjustment to get our spot in order," shares a camper at Neshonoc Lakeside, noting the well-prepared sites that simplify setup.
