92 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Central Minnesota's Dassel area features a mix of county, state, and municipal campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. Lake Maria State Park Campground, located about 20 miles northeast of Dassel, offers walk-in tent sites and cabins in a hardwood forest setting. Closer to town, Collinwood County Park provides developed sites with electric hookups and water access from late April through September. The region transitions between prairie and woodland ecosystems, creating diverse camping environments from the lakeside sites at Cokato Lake RV Resort to the more rustic options at Piepenburg Park near Hutchinson.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from April through October, with limited year-round options. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends when lakefront sites fill quickly. Summer brings warm days with high humidity and occasional thunderstorms, while mosquitoes and ticks are prevalent from May through August. As one camper noted at Lake Maria State Park, "The fun thing about this state park is that all the sites are hike-in with no drive-up camping, so everyone is spread out along a few trails making it quieter than typical campgrounds." Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage near towns and limited connectivity in more remote areas.
Waterfront camping dominates the region's offerings, with fishing and boating access available at most established campgrounds. Many sites feature electric hookups suitable for RVs, though privacy between sites varies considerably. A visitor to Baker Park Reserve observed, "The sites are pretty close together with no trees in between, but the grounds are very well kept and groomed." Family-friendly amenities like beaches, playgrounds, and bike trails are common at county parks, while state-managed areas tend to offer more hiking opportunities and natural features. Summer weekends bring higher occupancy rates, especially at popular spots like Schroeder County Park and Lake Ripley County Park Campground, which maintain ratings above 4 stars for their clean facilities and lake access.
"This park is only about 50 minutes away from me, and for hiking/camping I only think it is worth a trip in the fall."
"I chose Lake Maria for a solo camping excursion because it was close to the Cities, but still offered the level of seclusion I wanted."
from $22 - $80 / night
Check Availability"This is right on a lake in a very wooded area. Pretty camping basic area."
"This was a small campground with nice trails. The campsites were open but still felt private. The bathrooms and showers were nice and clean."
from $19 - $36 / night
Check Availability"We had a lakeview site right off the paved walking/biking trail with room for a large tent and the pop-up camper. Fire ring and picnic table provided."
"But the experience was positive. Lots of geese!"
"They have you park your vehicle behind a row of bushes to help keep the view clear for everybody. Anderson flower gardens are a short walk away. Sites come with a picnic table and fire pit."
"Easy parking with lake and playground. Close to town incase you forgot something. Sites have large open areas in front of camps for kids to play. Great hosts as well"
from $20 - $25 / night
Check Availability"Campground was easy to get to and is located across the highway from the lake with a pavilion and playground"
"Close to the lake(mom and I went for some bike rides around the lake) and public boat access. Each site had a picnic table and a fire ring provided. All sites have power, water, and sewer hook ups."
from $70 / night
Check Availability"Lots of walking trails , well groomed. Camping spots were large and specious."
"There is also a fishing pier and boat launch available, great lake for water ski and other water sports. Fishing is mostly pan but you can catch large bass and northern on this lake."
"Baker Park near Minneapolis Minnesota was a our camp choice for inexpensive camping on the last leg of our Minnesota vacation in 2017."
"The beaches are some of the best in Minnesota. The bike trails are nearby and plentiful."
from $21 - $29 / night
Check Availability"Not much privacy but great views of the little lake. Appears that all sites have 30 amp, water, and possibly sewer."
from $30 / night
Check Availability
ScoutMe and my nephew came to camp at Bertram Park in Monticello and the boss came up to him and was being an ass telling him that he can’t ride his dirtbike that has the battery in it and he said it in a mean way and he said if he catches him again, he will kick us out of the park. I don’t recommend coming here. The bus could’ve been a lot nicer about it.
GuideVery nice and well kept. Great value for the money.
ScoutGreat place if you have tents but no rv or pull behind parking
GuideVery small, very few sites. There’s a water park but you have to pay extra as it’s not part of the campground. It’s ok. I won’t stay there again.
GuideNo hookups. No privacy at sites. Nice and clean, beautiful beach area. Nice pier for fishing. You can rent kayaks, canoes, paddle boards. Many miles of bike paths on site. Great family campground. FYI, 10 sites are dedicated for generator usage, however you cannot use them overnight.
ScoutLarge sites. NO sewer hookups but there is a dump station.
TravelerOur campsite is right on the river. Super quiet. There are only five campsites at this location. There is no electric water so make sure you bring water with you.
TravelerNew bathroom and shower facility. Small and quiet lake with a fishing pier and a boat dock. Many mature oak trees provide plenty of shade.
RangerGps puts the site smack in the middle of a soybean? field. The Dyrt needs to get with it on it's Minnesota sites. Phft.
The Dassel area transitions from Minnesota's central hardwood forests to prairie lands at approximately 1,060 feet elevation. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with occasional thunderstorms, while winter camping faces temperatures that can drop below zero. Seasonal variation impacts campsite availability with most locations open April through October.
Lakefront activities: At Lake Maria State Park Campground, campers access multiple lakes for swimming and paddling. "Site 1 is my favorite despite the road noise due to the location of the tent pad and being on almost a peninsula offering lots of lake views," notes Tori K. The park's unique layout creates opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Urban exploration: Camping near Masonic West River Park provides easy town access. "It was a short walk/bike to town to visit shops and stores," explains Darya K. The riverside location enables fishing, paddleboating, and exploring Hutchinson's downtown.
Trail hiking: Lake Maria's trail system offers varying difficulty levels for day hikes. "The hike itself is rather hilly, and the site is about a quarter mile off of the main path," shares Brian C., describing the terrain. Seasonal wildflowers peak in May-June and again in late August.
Site privacy: Backpack-in sites at Lake Maria create natural buffers between campers. "This site was nearly surrounded by a lake which lended to a lot of bugs, but was absolutely gorgeous! We could see one other camper in a different site, but it still felt like you were in the wilderness," explains Lydia N.
Clean facilities: Baker Campground maintains superior bathroom buildings. "The bathroom/showers are great. With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be," reports Bryan S. The campground offers regular facility cleaning.
Shoreline access: Schroeder County Park features extensive beach areas. "The beach front is long and beautiful, lots of room to roam," writes Kelli D. Many lakeside campsites near Dassel provide direct water views within 30-50 feet of tent pads.
Bug pressure: Insects can be intense, particularly at wooded campsites near Dassel, Minnesota. "The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon. First step onto the grassy trail exploded in a cloud of mosquitos," details Steph H. from Lake Maria State Park. Conditions worsen after rainfall.
Water system limitations: Some rural campsites have basic water facilities. "The pump for the water was very slow," notes Brian C. regarding Lake Maria. Similar issues exist at other rustic locations throughout Wright and Meeker counties.
Variable cell coverage: Collinwood County Park and surrounding areas have spotty service. "This is right on a lake in a very wooded area. Pretty camping basic area," explains Darya K. Coverage weakens in forested sections and strengthens near highways.
Beach options: Multiple lakefront campgrounds feature swimming areas. "The campgrounds are grouped, well maintained, and always have firewood stocked for their guests," explains Alison O. about Baker Park. Swimming beaches typically open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Playground access: Lake Ripley County Park Campground provides play equipment near campsites. "Easy parking with lake and playground. Close to town incase you forgot something. Sites have large open areas in front of camps for kids to play," mentions Mick S.
Cabin alternatives: For families new to camping near Dassel, cabins offer comfortable introductions. "Appreciated the camper cabin and the clean sites. Most if not all sites are in the woods from what I could tell so there is a lot of leaves," shares Brian K. about Lake Maria's cabin options.
Full hookup locations: Cokato Lake RV Resort provides complete utility connections. "RV resort and some lot rentals, Heated pool, lake with beach, boat launch area just block away, tennis/pickle ball, mini golf, resort store with ice cream, goat park, paved roads and much more," describes Alan V. Daily rates range from $70-80.
Site accessibility: Some campgrounds accommodate larger rigs better than others. "The sites are large and grassy! We had a lakeview site right off the paved walking/biking trail with room for a large tent and the pop-up camper," reports Tori K. about Masonic West River Park. RV sites typically measure 40-60 feet in length.
Reservation timing: Regional campgrounds fill quickly, especially lakefront sites. "It's a great place to spend a weekend close to home, but feel like you are getting away!" notes Jennifer H. about Baker Campground. Most locations allow bookings 3-6 months in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Dassel, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Dassel, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 92 campgrounds and RV parks near Dassel, MN and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Dassel, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dassel, MN is Lake Maria State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 34 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Dassel, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Dassel, MN.
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