RV camping near Dent, Minnesota provides access to numerous lakeside destinations within a 30-mile radius. This small Otter Tail County community sits amid over 1,000 lakes in the region, creating abundant waterfront camping options. Winter temperatures often drop below zero, making May through September the primary camping season.
What to do
Fishing access: Walker Lake Preserve offers excellent fishing opportunities with a dedicated fish cleaning shack on premises. "Nice beach. Good Fishing. Friendly People. Lots to do. We always look forward to our time there," notes Jim M. about the preserve's recreational options.
Water recreation: Long Lake Campsite-RV Resort features an extensive sandy beach area perfect for swimming and boating. "I'm giving this a 4 because it has a long strip of a beach but spaces are close. Lots of boats on the beach!" writes Shari M. about the popular waterfront.
Trail exploration: Big Pines RV Park in Park Rapids provides convenient access to regional trails. "The Heartland Trail is a few blocks away, downtown is also close by, but yet, it didn't feel like we were in town," explains camper Kelcey K., highlighting the park's balance of nature and convenience.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Birchmere Resort & Campground receives praise for its immaculate restrooms. "Bathrooms are very clean and showers are spacious. Only downside to this beautiful campground is the small sites," reports Patti E., noting the trade-off between facility quality and site size.
Strong wifi connectivity: Some campgrounds offer unexpected technological amenities. "We stayed here for an entire week and felt very welcomed. We also worked full time from a spot by the main office and their onsite WiFi was pretty fast ~50/10 mbps," shares Lee G. about Long Lake Campsite-RV Resort.
Family-friendly atmosphere: The Homestead at Ottertail RV Park and Resort creates a welcoming environment that draws repeat visitors. "We absolutely love this campground! We've camped there every year since 2019! Great owners, great amenities, close to many lakes," enthuses Sheila K. about their consistent experiences.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most RV parks in the region operate only from May through October. Forest Hills Golf and RV Resort in Detroit Lakes maintains a May 1 to October 1 operational schedule, similar to many other facilities in the area that close before winter.
Site density variations: Some campgrounds prioritize quantity over spaciousness. "This is a lovely little RV park, but all the sites are close together and it doesn't appear that it's for tent campers at all," explains Amy G. about Big Pines RV Park, noting its $40 nightly rate for RV spaces.
Reservation timing: Golden Eagle Campground can be difficult to book without advance planning. "This is a private campground and we were lucky to get in. Has electric and water...shower house and bathrooms...beach to swim and good fishing and boating," shares Kay T. about securing a spot at this popular destination.
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Campgrounds offering diverse recreational facilities keep children engaged. The Homestead at Ottertail provides "Bathrooms, Showers, Pool with spacious deck, Fish Cleaning Shack, Room to Roam, Playground, Laundry facilities, Firewood and ice available, Basketball Court, Volleyball," according to reviewer Tori K.
Space considerations: When camping with children, site dimensions become particularly important. At Birchmere Resort & Campground, one camper noted, "We had a 10 foot camper and a tent. Next campers slide out was over the tent. Wouldn't stop me from staying there again though!"
Budget planning: Some campgrounds charge premium rates for their locations. Golden Eagle Campground visitor Dave H. observed the facility has "Large drive-through sites for RVs nice sitting close to the lake. A little spend[y] at 50 bucks a night," suggesting families should budget accordingly.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: For self-contained camping, The Homestead at Ottertail RV Park provides comprehensive services. "ALL SITES HAVE: 20/30/50 amp electrical hook-ups, water and sewer, fire Pits," reports Tori K., detailing the consistent amenities throughout the property.
Mid-week advantages: Timing affects crowding levels significantly at popular destinations. Douglas B. notes about Long Lake Campsite-RV Resort: "My visit was mid-week, mid-summer and merely passing through. The staff was wonderful and the area clean and picked-up. That said, the campground probably has 20% more trailers in place than need be. Over-crowded."
Big rig considerations: Walker Lake Preserve maintains 57 RV sites with both 30 and 50-amp electrical options alongside sewer and water connections, accommodating larger vehicles throughout their property.
