Camping near Detroit Lakes, Minnesota presents visitors with a landscape of rolling prairies and diverse ecosystems within close proximity to multiple water bodies. The Detroit Lakes area sits at an elevation of approximately 1,325 feet and experiences a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Seasonal temperature fluctuations affect camping availability, with frost typically arriving by mid-October and many campgrounds closing soon after.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Buffalo River State Park offers several looping trails ranging from 15-minute walks to two-hour hikes. "Spectacularly well-maintained campground along the Buffalo River in western Minnesota, half an hour east of Fargo, ND... Several looping hiking trails start in and around the campground, so you can put together a hike from 15 minutes to two hours," notes Patrick M. from Buffalo River State Park Campground.
Fall color viewing: Maplewood State Park transforms during autumn months with vibrant foliage displays. "Lots of maple tree's red, orange colors in fall," reports Denise D. from Maplewood State Park Campground. The park's diverse deciduous forest creates a colorful backdrop for camping from mid-September through October.
Horse riding opportunities: Several trails accommodate equestrian visitors during warmer months. "This is absolutely my favorite campground in the area. The park is stunning on horseback in the fall time. Whether hiking or riding this park hasn't been a disappointment yet!" shares Melissa G. about her experiences at Maplewood State Park.
Water recreation: Many campgrounds provide direct lake access for swimming and boating. "Large sandy beach and beautiful swimming area, store for convenience if forgetful, helpful and friendly staff, huge parking and play area for kids," notes Travis L. about Long Lake Campsite-RV Resort, highlighting the recreational facilities available.
What campers like
Private campsites: Some locations offer more secluded sites for those seeking quiet. "I enjoyed the privacy of these sites. Road in is a little rough. The showers are at the main campground with plenty of parking," mentions Levi S. about the Knoll loop at Maplewood State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Consistently mentioned across reviews is the exceptional maintenance of restrooms and shower buildings. "Very nice easily accessible campground. Full hook up sites, and the bathrooms are sparking clean. The hosts are very friendly and helpful," shares Karen & John L. about Country Campground.
Rustic camping options: For those seeking more primitive experiences, several sites offer back-to-basics camping. "A glorious little site nested in the trees. So close to the parking area it's a breeze to get to, yet far enough away you'd never guess you were near your car," describes Amy G. about 400th Ave Camp, a free primitive campsite along the North Country Trail.
Diverse ecosystems: The region offers both prairie and forested landscapes. "If you want the best kept state park I have seen this is the place. Beautiful, quiet, well maintained, and wildlife give this park a perfect 10 for me," reports StaceeQ Q. about Buffalo River State Park, which features prairie landscapes rather than typical northwoods environment.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most Detroit Lakes campgrounds close by early autumn. "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," shares a camper at Maplewood State Park, one of the few year-round campgrounds in the area.
Site spacing variations: Campground density varies significantly between locations. "The campsites are reasonable and private. But if you're not in the main loop you'll be walking for half a mile round trip," notes Oliver I. about Maplewood State Park Campground.
Insect preparation: Mosquitos can be abundant, particularly in wooded areas. "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," advises Sophia P. about Buffalo River State Park.
Internet connectivity: Some campgrounds offer surprisingly good WiFi. "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," reports Lee G. about Long Lake Campsite-RV Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Game room amenities: Certain campgrounds provide indoor recreation options for rainy days. "Very Clean, very friendly. Sites are level and have shade. Laundry available. Game room with pool, shuffle board, ping pong and more," describes James about Country Campground.
Swimming areas: Multiple campgrounds feature dedicated swimming zones with amenities. "The swimming area is wonderful! Less chlorine than you'd ever get exposed to in a public pool and picnic table access with lots of area to picnic," explains Brianna V. about Buffalo River State Park.
Spacious sites: Families need room to spread out equipment and play. "Green grass on our site while the table sits on a concrete slab. Gravel for 5th wheel and truck to sit on. Beautiful mature trees providing shade. Well trimmed so no worries of tearing the awning," notes Marilyn about Country Campground.
Cabin options: Alternative accommodations provide comfort for families with young children. "We want to welcome Don & Cheryl, your hosts, to our platform! This cabin is SO cute and it's clear they take great pride in their property. Remote worker? No problem! There is high speed internet on premise," reports Ashley F. about Strawberry Lake Cabin.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many Detroit Lakes area campgrounds provide level, prepared RV sites. "Sites are level and have shade. Laundry available," notes a reviewer about Country Campground, which offers full hookup sites with concrete pads.
Hookup availability: Electric, water, and sewer connections vary by campground. "Very nice camp site," mentions Denise D. about Maplewood State Park, which offers electric sites but not full hookups in all areas.
Space constraints: Some campgrounds have tight spacing between RVs. "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," notes Patti E. about Birchmere Resort & Campground.
Weekend crowding: Seasonal usage patterns affect campground atmosphere. "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," explains Douglas B. about Long Lake Campsite-RV Resort.
