Best Campgrounds near Dent, MN

Campgrounds near Dent, Minnesota provide diverse options for outdoor recreation across several state parks and private facilities within a 30-mile radius. Maplewood State Park Campground offers tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and glamping accommodations on over 9,000 acres of protected land. Glendalough State Park Campground provides similar variety with the addition of yurt options. Both parks feature multiple lakes for fishing and water recreation, while privately-operated locations like Golden Eagle Campground and Walker Lake Preserve cater to visitors seeking more amenities.

Developed campgrounds in the region typically operate from May through September, though some facilities remain open year-round with limited winter services. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holidays when waterfront sites fill quickly. The area experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer highs averaging in the 80s and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds offer electric hookups for RVs, though amp capacity varies by location. Water access is a significant feature across nearly all sites, with multiple lakes supporting fishing, swimming, and boating activities. "We stayed 7 nights really wish we had booked a few weeks. Our site was big and private on Grass lake facing west so we saw great sunsets sitting in our site," noted one Maplewood visitor.

Several visitors highlight the lake access as a primary attraction in the region's mixed-use campgrounds. Fishing opportunities abound with species varying by lake - Beers Lake contains crappies, pan fish and bass, while other bodies of water support walleye, northern pike, and trout. Most developed campgrounds provide amenities like showers, toilets, and drinking water, though facilities at primitive sites are more limited. Family-friendly atmospheres characterize many of the campgrounds, with multiple reviews mentioning wildlife viewing opportunities. According to one camper at Maplewood, "The hiking club trail is awesome! Beautiful way to spend the day." Privacy levels vary considerably between campgrounds and specific sites, with some offering secluded spots while others feature more communal layouts designed for social camping experiences.

Best Camping Sites Near Dent, Minnesota (111)

    1. Maplewood State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Erhard, MN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 863-8383

    "Several rangers directed us here so we stopped in before we left Minnesota. The ranger was very helpful and set us up with a quiet campsite."

    "We had electric hook up, fill with water near the dump station. Our site was big and private on Grass lake facing west so we saw great sunsets sitting in our site."

    2. Glendalough State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Battle Lake, MN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 864-0110

    "walk in campground on a non-motorized lake, great for canoe or paddle board, paved bike trail around the park, rentals for bikes and watercraft available, sand beaches"

    "The campgrounds are on Annie Battle Lake, a peaceful little lake."

    3. Golden Eagle Campground

    4 Reviews
    Dent, MN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 346-4386

    "On the Gunflint Trail  off the beaten path! Get away from it all...really. No cell to bother you here! On Flour Lake with great service from the staff."

    "Large drive-through sites for RVs nice sitting close to the lakeA little spend he at 50 bucks a night"

    4. Walker Lake Preserve

    1 Review
    Dent, MN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 332-0797

    $40 - $60 / night

    5. Country Campground

    5 Reviews
    Detroit Lakes, MN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 847-9621

    $50 / night

    "Away from the hustle but close to it all! Cute town around the lake! Will be back for sure! Thank you!"

    "Quiet Detroit Lakes is nearby and worth a visit."

    6. Beers Hike-In Site

    1 Review
    Erhard, MN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 863-8383

    $22 / night

    "The walk is an easy walk. There is a nice fire pit and good area for fishing right at the site. Also there is a picnic table and a vault toilet. Surprisingly there was toilet paper there!"

    7. Birchmere Resort & Campground

    1 Review
    Rochert, MN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 334-5741

    "Beautiful lake. Most campsites are seasonal so make your reservations early. Bathrooms are very clean and showers are spacious. Only downside to this beautiful campground is the small sites."

    8. Sherin Memorial Park

    3 Reviews
    Erhard, MN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 863-7076

    9. Smith Park Campground

    1 Review
    Wadena, MN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 385-2213

    $10 - $15 / night

    "A few short blocks off Highway 10 and within walking distance to a bakery, pub and pizza restaurant and a grocery store. Bathrooms, sewer dump, and charcoal grills available."

    10. Long Lake Campsite-RV Resort

    4 Reviews
    Detroit Lakes, MN
    21 miles
    +1 (218) 847-8920
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Recent Reviews near Dent, MN

251 Reviews of 111 Dent Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Country Campground

    Got it Right

    Karen and Todd, who own and run this lovely campground Come from the background of service. Their attention to all the details are everywhere. The upkeep and the maintenance of all the sites is impeccable. They also supply aged hardwoods for the benefit of controlling the fires, but the wood is perfect for cooking if you so choose, I love cooking on an open fire so I appreciated it on a personal level.

    Karin’s grandfather took this property from a farmland, planted all the trees. which give ample shade for many of the sites. There are two playgrounds in a field. Chipper golf, ladder golf, horseshoes, basket ball & volleyball courts. Laundry room and a rec room that has pool table, foosball, ping pong and shuffleboard. There are showers available as well.

    My favorite surprise in addition to everything else she does she bakes homemade sourdough bread on certain nights. Which you can order the toppings and select ingredients. Sweet or Savory I went with Parnassian/garlic. Fresh right from the oven with Irish butter perfection for this foodie!

    All 30 the sites have water, power and sewage, picnic table and fire rings.

    Detroit Lake area is also one of the sightings of Thomas Danbo troll sculptures which require a mile walk.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Brushvale Bridge Primitive Canoe Campsite

    Just a moderately flat spot

    This campground is really for the folks on the Red River. There is virtually nothing here. Accept some flat ground. Also, the mark is on the wrong side. This is on the West and North side of the road, not the South. And east. No spots, no services. Just a place to park and in between two fairly busy roads.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Aber Park Campground

    Pretty park near State Historic Site

    I think you can stay for free and it seems to be connected to Harvest Hosts. I tried calling the number and it referred me to a different number so just figured someone would come at some point. The park is nice. Pit toilets, water and a playground. There is a state Historic site across the road and the North Country Trail comes right through which is what brought us to town.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Buffalo River State Park Campground

    One nighter

    Easy access, must have state recreation pass for vehicle. Mosquitoes galore. Electric hookups at site.

  • Jennifer K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Buffalo River State Park Campground

    Pretty but mosquito city

    Spent all of an hour outside. It's impossible to enjoy this pretty place . The mosquitos are absolutely ridiculous. Constantly swarm you. We had 2 thermacells out and we were covered in ranger ready repellant. My 2 go tos when it comes to mosquitos. While they worked somewhat, some of these mutants didn't seem bothered in the least. There were some hovering barely 6 inches above the thermacell fog. My husband is dumping the tanks as I write this and they are literally swarming the truck. Were out of here thankfully. Such a shame we couldn't enjoy this pretty park.

  • Maddy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Buffalo River State Park Campground

    Clean Green

    I chose Buffalo River based on the previous reviews and it did not disappoint. This being a quick overnight, I couldn’t hope for anything better!

    While I got in late, the registration was all online (open til 10pm) and the reception was strong. There were plenty of spots to choose from with a good amount of space. However, the website on this app is not correct and I ended up waiting until I got here.

    Luckily, it all worked out! I was grateful to end up here. Especially for a hot shower in a generally clean/well-maintained facility. It was an added bonus waking up under a green canopy and sunshine.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Buffalo River State Park Campground

    Spacious spot, with water and toilets nearby

    The campsite was spacious and nicely kept. There was a water filling station and toilets and showers near by. It was great. To s of mosquitos though make sure you have spray

  • Levi S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Maplewood State Park Campground

    Knoll loop

    Stayed at knoll loop. I enjoyed the privacy of these sites. Road in is a little rough. The showers are at the main campground with plenty of parking. I wouldn't walk that far for the showers. Great place to stay.

  • Cassie W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Lucky Acres Campgrounds

    Great spot!

    Friendly caretakers, spots right on the beach and a clean shower house!


Guide to Dent

Camping near Dent, Minnesota, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for you.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the miles of trails at Maplewood State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "It is a very large park with miles of hiking trails and some pretty great mountain biking routes."
  • Water Activities: Enjoy kayaking or canoeing at Glendalough State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "The lakes are ranked among the most pristine in the state and are designated 'Heritage Lakes' because of the water quality."
  • Fishing: Cast a line at Swan Lake Resort & Campground. One camper shared, "This campground is right by a lake with almost every activity you could think of!"

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy spots at Maplewood State Park Campground. A review stated, "For established camping, this park is lovely and spots are spacious."
  • Clean Facilities: Many visitors enjoy the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers at Buffalo River State Park Campground. One camper remarked, "Cleanest bathrooms/showers ever."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Families love the activities available at Tipsinah Mounds City Park. A reviewer said, "Great spot for a family with children!"

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially at Maplewood State Park Campground. One camper warned, "Energy was better spent on keeping a fire tended with the onslaught of unavoidable mosquitoes."
  • Limited Privacy: Some campgrounds, like Delagoon Park Campground, have sites that are close together. A visitor noted, "The campsites are gravel back-in with no separation between sites so privacy is limited."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds, including Glendalough State Park Campground, require reservations. A camper mentioned, "Campsites are reserved through an online system."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas, like Tipsinah Mounds City Park. A review highlighted, "There is a nice playground, showers/restrooms, canp store, game room, volleyball, basketball, and horseshoes."
  • Quiet Hours: Many campgrounds have quiet hours, so plan family activities accordingly. One camper at Delagoon Park Campground noted, "The noise level within the campground can be pretty high on weekends."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids while exploring the trails. A visitor at Maplewood State Park Campground mentioned, "The park is bumpin’ with people."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site dimensions. A reviewer at Golden Eagle Campground said, "Large drive-through sites for RVs nice sitting close to the lake."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups, like Swan Lake Resort & Campground. One camper noted, "The essentials are all there. It's the 'extras' that make it worth it."
  • Dump Stations: Check for dump stations nearby. A visitor at Buffalo River State Park Campground mentioned, "There is a dump station and potable water fill at the campground exit."

Camping near Dent, Minnesota, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With plenty of activities and beautiful campgrounds, you're sure to have a memorable experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find camping in Dent, Minnesota?

For camping near Dent, Minnesota, consider Maplewood State Park Campground, located about 25 minutes away. The park offers scenic campsites with electric and non-electric options, nestled among diverse ecosystems. Another excellent option is Glendalough State Park Campground near Battle Lake, featuring boat-in, drive-in, and hike-in sites with basic amenities like water and toilets. Several resorts in the Otter Tail County area also offer camping facilities, including options for both tent camping and RVs with varying hookup capabilities.

How far is Dent, Minnesota from Fargo, North Dakota for a camping trip?

Dent, Minnesota is approximately 65-70 miles east of Fargo, North Dakota, making it about a 1.5 hour drive—perfect for a weekend camping getaway. If you're looking for a camping option along this route, Buffalo River State Park Campground is an excellent choice just outside of Fargo. The park offers prairie views, swimming opportunities, and makes a convenient stopover or destination when traveling between the two locations. Alternatively, Delagoon Park Campground near Fergus Falls provides camping about halfway between Fargo and Dent with water and electrical hookups.

Which is the most popular campground near Dent, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dent, MN is Maplewood State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 26 reviews.