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Best Tent Camping near Detroit Lakes, MN

285 Reviews

The Detroit Lakes area in Minnesota features several remote tent camping options with varying levels of amenities and accessibility. Established tent sites include 400th Ave Camp on the North Country Trail, which provides a simple wilderness experience, and Beers Hike-In Site, a walk-in campsite with fishing access. Glendalough State Park Campground offers cart-in tent sites around Annie Battle Lake where no motorized boats are allowed, creating a quieter camping experience.

Most tent campsites near Detroit Lakes have basic fire rings with cooking grates, but amenities vary significantly between locations. The North Country Trail sites such as Flooded Woods Campsite and Old Headquarters Campsite provide primitive camping with fire rings, tent pads, and simple latrines but no drinking water. Campers must filter water from nearby lakes or carry in their own supply. These sites typically feature basic tent pads that may be uneven in spots, requiring careful tent placement. Most backcountry tent areas permit pets but require proper waste disposal and leashing.

The secluded nature of these tent sites offers peaceful camping experiences away from crowded campgrounds. Tent pads are often set among pine or hardwood forests providing natural shade and hammock options at sites like Old Headquarters Campsite. Many backcountry tent locations near Detroit Lakes provide lakeside camping with fishing opportunities directly from camp. According to one visitor at Beers Hike-In Site, "The walk is an easy walk. There is a nice fire pit and good area for fishing right at the site." Another camper noted that 400th Ave Camp is "close enough that you can leave non essentials in the car and run back for them if you need to," making it accessible for families new to backcountry tent camping while still providing a wilderness experience.

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Best Tent Sites Near Detroit Lakes, Minnesota (24)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Detroit Lakes, MN

12 Photos of 24 Detroit Lakes Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Detroit Lakes, MN

285 Reviews of 24 Detroit Lakes Campgrounds

  • Glenda D.
    Mar. 27, 2021

    Delagoon Park Campground

    Small campground with fishing pier

    Delagoon Campground is located within Delagoon Park which is on the outskirts of Fergus Falls, the County seat of Ottertail County. The campground has 22 campsites with 14 being camper/tent sites with water & 20/30 electricity. The campsites are gravel back-in with no separation between sites so privacy is limited. The tent-only sites are against a line of trees but are still open to other campers. There are fire rings but no picnic tables so bring your camping chairs. The fishing pier is large and handicap accessible. There are non-plumbed but modern and clean restrooms within the park. The campground gets used a lot by local residents looking for a quick weekend getaway but there are usually several open spots available that are low in cost ($10 for tent-only & $20 for hookup sites). Registration is first come first serve via a self serve kiosk at the campground entrance. The noise level within the campground can be pretty high on weekends. There are no posted quiet times or on-site staff who manage the campground (it is managed by the Fergus Falls Park & Rec Dept) although the local police drive through frequently when the campground is inhabited.

  • Amy G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2020

    Mantrap Lake Campground and Day-Use Area

    Right price, easy access, off the road

    This is a State Forest Campground, and for the price of only $14 a night, you can't go wrong. Although you may get some noise from RVs with generators, we visited in late september, and there were enough sites to choose from that we could be away from that noise. Almost every site had a fair amount of space, and some privacy from neighboring sites with brush and foliage. There seemed to be pathways back to little vault toilet houses, and when we visited, they were very clean! They must have been recently cleaned, and there was no smell at all. Perhaps the cooler weather had something to do with that as well.

    We had a fire ring that was tall, and deep. With a grate so you could grill. A picnic table, and again, plenty of space for our teardrop trailer. The property had a few small, short trails through the woods, and also boat access.

    It's far enough off the main road that you won't hear road noise. You will, however, see and hear deer, and possibly black bear.

    There's no electricity, because it's a State Forest campground, but if the price of $14, it's exactly what we wanted for this time of year.

    One more bonus is that motorized two-wheel vehicles and off-road vehicles are not allowed past the entrance. That doesn't mean they can't be carried on the back of a truck, but you will not find them riding around this campground. Made things a little bit quieter!

  • B
    May. 2, 2021

    DeSoto Lake Backpacking Sites — Itasca State Park

    Backpack camping site 10

    Stayed at backpack site 10. It’s about 250 ft from main trail and about a 40 min hike in/30 min hike out from parking lot. The main trail is wide and well maintained with ambling hills, but overall pretty flat. It is about 1/3 mile away from nearest campsite.

    The site is lakeside. You can easily access the water and there are some great views (at least in early spring before the leaves come in). There is a pit toilet on the other side of the trail and is clearly signed and clearly visible from the trail (best hope no one hiking by walks in on ya).

    There is only level ground enough for one tent—maybe two two-person tents if you cram them next to each other.

    You can forage for firewood on the forest floor, do bring a saw. I was lucky and there were plenty of downed branches nearby. But I suspect later in the season it’ll be harder.

    Also, getting water to filter from the lake was difficult without getting wet—the reeds inhibit easy access.

    I read in another review that you are always aware of people around. While I think that is more true of the non-dispersed sites, I could clearly see hikers from this site. More annoying—at about 8 am there was a very loud mechanical noise that radiated over the landscape for about an hour before stopping. No idea what it was.

    Unfortunately the people who had this site before me didn’t clean up after themselves—beer cans everywhere (that I ended up packing out) and a dirty diaper thrown in the woods near the tent pad. I did let the park know.

  • C
    Aug. 20, 2021

    Bear Paw Campground — Itasca State Park

    Peaceful and Beautiful

    I stayed at BP#5, just on McKay Lake. It was beautiful and peaceful. The site is small. I had trouble finding space for my 4-man tent. There was no space for table and couldn't find a greatly spaced set of trees for a hammock. I was able to pitch very close to the fire pit (almost on top of it), because there was a fire ban in place and I wasn't going to be using it. Even though the space was so limited, it was far enough away from other sites, from the main trails, and from all roads that all you hear is the wind in the trees, the critters in the bush, and your own breathing. Picture perfect sunset. Lake is very cool and swimming is great! Stay away from the mush around the shore as there are leeches.

  • Carrie S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2018

    Hungry Man Forest Campground

    A quiet place to stay

    Get a permit to stay in the campground, or practice leave no trace dispersed camping in the forest, following state guidelines. Two inlets is a beautiful place with dark skies, a great choice for sky watching / meteor shower nights. The primary forest road is fairly well maintained and passable with standard vehicles.

  • T
    Aug. 19, 2021

    Bear Paw Campground — Itasca State Park

    Perfect August Evening

    Stayed at site #2, which is one of the more private sites. Spacious, picnic table and fire ring, several set of trees suitable for hammocks. Vault toilet a few steps away, flush toilets and showers a short walk away. Did a small amount of hiking, but there are extensive trails. Breathtaking views of several lakes and old growth pines throughout the park.

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 12, 2019

    Deer Park Lake Backcountry Campsite — Itasca State Park

    Ranger Review: Mountain House Hash at Itasca's Deer Park Lake

    CAMPGROUND REVIEW

    Itasca State Park is a primo destination in northern Minnesota for folks interested in exploring the headwaters of the Mississippi River. There are several campgrounds, group camps, cabins and lodge accomodations in the park that suit most visitors. But for folks who want a wilderness experience while at the headwaters, there are miles of wilderness trails in the backcountry area on the southern end of the park—and there are campsites and Adirondack shelters scattered throughout the myriad glacial lakes of this backcountry, enough so that you could backpack by foot or on snowshoes or cross country skis for a week through the territory, staying at a different lakes every night. April in Minnesota means we are still winter camping—but despite the snow, the sun is bright and warm, and it is great to get out into it. The park is at its peak of solitude in the winter, but if you can find a way to get to a campsite, they are open and reservable. This review is for Remote Campsite 11, located on an isthmus between Coffee Break Lake and Deer Park Lake. It is a several mile hike in from the nearest parking areas, either via Mary Kake and the Ozawindib Trail, or via the Deer Park Trail from Douglas Lodge. The trail is rolling and maintained for cross country skiers, snowshoers and snowhikers in the winter. This campsite is located just past the Ozawindib Adirondack Shelter, which is a good backup if its too windy or cold at the campsite. The campsite itself is down a hill by the lakeshore, between two lakes actually, on a rise that overlooks both. There is an additional campsite nearby on the south end of Deer Park Lake, campsite 10. There is a tent pad sheltered under the tall pines (and currently under the snow!) as well as a fire ring and an outhouse. There is no water provided, but a large bucket is available, so you can get lake water and filter it, or melt snow or bring your own. This is a great location for folks who like winter camping as the trek in is only a few miles, I was able to do it easily carrying a backpack of gear on my back, and a front pack with my dog when she got tired if trudging through the snow. And of course it is an easy hike in during the milder snow-free seasons. The site is scenic, pristine, and largely sheltered from the wind. The vista north over Coffee Break Lake would be awesome for viewing northern lights, this is a dark sky part of the park. It can get a little muddy in the transition season, including around the campfire area, so we hung out at the Adirondack shelter nearby and did our cooking there.

    To see a map and reserve a back country campsite at Itasca, check this link:

    https://reservemn.usedirect.com/MinnesotaWeb/Facilities/AdvanceSearch.aspx

    For more info on Remote Camping in Minnesota State Parks, see this link: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/remote_camping.html

    For general info on Itasca State Park, go to the homepage: www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00181#homepage

    PRODUCT REVIEW

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I ocasionally get camping products to test out. Today I am testing Mountain House Southwest Breakfast Hash https://www.mountainhouse.com/m/product/spicy-southwest-breakfast-hash.html

    Mountain House makes lightwieght, freeze-dried trail meals that are "cooked" in their own pouches using only boiling water. The sealed pouches are durable and lightwieght to carry, and the no-fuss no-muss prep of adding boiling water and letting it stand for 4 minutes in the re-sealable pouch is really easy. Since I was carrying my gear on my back, and carrying my tired little dog in a front pack carrier, I certainly didnt want to have extra weight! But these meal pouches are so light you hardly know you are carrying them. This pouch of SW breakfast hash had more than enough for two people plus some leftover for the dog, we served it up on tortillas that we had also packed, but you could eat it straight up. The hash featured beans, corn, potatoes, veggies and shredded beef for a well rounded complete meal as is, but you could extend the servings by scrambling it with eggs to dish up for a larger group. The taste and texture were surprisingly good, tasty without being too spicy, and I would defintiely buy this again. See our video review at https://youtu.be/nB9lBmjUsqU

  • Glenda D.
    Mar. 26, 2021

    Delagoon Park Campground

    Great campground on the outskirts of town

    Delagoon is the City Park & Camping area on the outskirt of Fergus Falls, the County seat of Ottertail County. The campground is comprised of about 20 campsites with several designated for tent or RV and includes 20/30 amp & water hookups. The other sites on the west side when you enter are tent-only sites with no electricity but there is running water supply outside the bathrooms located within the campground. The sites are spacious but there are no trees separating campsites so privacy is minimal, although the views are beautiful. The bathrooms within the campground and near the playground are modern but not plumbed. Hand sanitizer is refilled often but you may want to bring your own tp in case it has been used or taken. Pebble Lake, the lake adjacent to the campground is accessible by a road to a walking area for shoreline fishing or a road within the camping area leads to a fishing pier, usually installed by May 1. Softball and soccer teams play most days of the week in the summer. There are four softball fields and one soccer field.

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2020

    DeSoto Lake Backpacking Sites — Itasca State Park

    Wilderness-type experience

    The Remote campsites at DeSoto Lake provide a Boundary Waters type experience without being far from the towns of Bemidji snd Park Rapids. These campsites have the double distinction of being both on the National North Country Scenic Trail, as well as being in the backcountry region of Itasca State Park. Local NCT members help maintain the trail and campsites, but as the campsites are with the State Park Boundaries, the sites must be reserved through the MN State Park reservations website, with request for Itasca Backpacking sites # 3 or 4. These sites are accessible to NCT through hikers, but access within the park is either through backpacking in in the Nicollet Trail or DeSoto Lake Trail (each a several hour hike in from the Parks Wilderness Drive), or from the Gartner Farm trailhead of the NCT to the west, or the Itasca South entrance parking lot. For those who prefer paddling, the Desoto Portage is about a 15 minute portage from the 113 parking lot to the south shore of DeSoto Lake, then a paddle acroos the lake to the campsite landings.

    Both campsites are on a bluff on the northeast side of the lake, with a landing and set of stairs up to the sites. The west site has log benches, fire ring, and room for several tents, and the east site also has a picnic table. Both have access to a pit toilet of the modern type with three walls and a roof, but no door as it is off in the woods facing away from the camping sites and overlooking another nearby lake. From these camp sites you can portage into several nearby lakes that are even more remote and pristine, or you can hike miles in any direction either on the NCT, or in several state park trails that intersect nearby. DeSoto lake itself is full of many islands and small bays where there is abundant wildlife including wild swans nesting. A calm, serene, and beautiful retreat if you dont mind backpacking in at least three miles or portaging a canoe or kayak about a mile. You need to bring your own water, or a water filter as there is no potable water.

    Info about remote MN state park camping and link to reservations: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/remote_camping.html

    Info on Itasca State Park: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00181#homepage

    Info on the North Country Scenic Trail, part if the National Park Service’s national trail system: https://www.nps.gov/noco/index.htm

    Info on the Laurentian Lakes chapter of the NCT, which maintains the trail to the DeSoto campsites https://northcountrytrail.org/trail/minnesota/llc/

Guide to Detroit Lakes

Tent camping options around Detroit Lakes, Minnesota range from primitive wilderness sites to walk-in areas with basic amenities. The region sits at approximately 1,325 feet above sea level in west-central Minnesota, characterized by numerous lakes scattered throughout the area's glacial till plain. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, with occasional thunderstorms creating muddy conditions on unpaved access trails.

What to do

Fishing from shore: At Beers Hike-In Site, campers can cast directly from their campsite. "There is a nice fire pit and good area for fishing right at the site," notes reviewer Shawn A., who also mentions the site includes a picnic table and vault toilet.

Paddle pristine waters: Glendalough State Park Campground offers non-motorized lake activities. "No motors allowed on the lakes, so canoeing, kayaking and fishing are great," explains Dan C. The park also features "very clear and calm lakes, sandy, and the little creeks/rivers betwixt them are just begging to be canoed or kayaked," according to HollyRose M.

Hiking forest trails: The North Country Trail runs through several camping areas near Detroit Lakes. At Flooded Woods Campsite, "There is a lovely view of the 'water', but this time of year, when we were there, it was more swampy. Still a very pretty view though," says Amy G.

What campers like

Privacy levels: Flooded Woods Campsite sits slightly off the main trail, providing seclusion. "Flooded woods campsite is a bit off the trail (the North Country Trail in MN), which is nice, but very well marked by a wooden sign with it's name carved in it. A 30 yard walk perhaps. Some sites are right on the trail. This one is not, and it keeps it a bit more private," notes Amy G.

Hammock options: Old Headquarters Campsite offers excellent hammock camping. "We were super glad to find this site after about 12 miles on the trail. And even happier to see lots of tent trees! We had hammocks, and there were wonderful, huge pines without lower branches that made it super easy to hang from," writes Amy G.

Water proximity: Many Detroit Lakes tent sites feature lake views or direct water access. At Swan Lake Resort & Campground, "We only stayed here overnight but the sites were open and spacious. Hosts were very friendly and helpful. Full hookups. Beautiful cabins. Beautiful lake views," says Tracy O.

What you should know

Water sources: Most backcountry tent sites near Detroit Lakes lack drinking water. At Old Headquarters Campsite, "It was just a short hike to the lake for water," notes Amy G., indicating campers need to filter lake water or bring their own supply.

Latrine conditions: Primitive toilets are available at most sites but vary in quality. At Flooded Woods Campsite, "There was a latrine too, but nothing to write home about," according to Amy G.

Seasonal changes: Swan Lake Resort & Campground offers year-round activities, but some water features are weather-dependent. "A little cold for us to try out the water amenities but we'll be back next year!" reports Gabe C.

Tips for camping with families

Easy access options: Short hiking distances make some sites perfect for families new to tent camping. "It's not often you find a camp along the trail that's large, but this one is just that! About 50 yards off of the North Country Trail, it's well worth the hike to get into. It could easily accommodate a small group of people that had a few tents and hammocks," writes Amy G. about Old Headquarters Campsite.

Kid-friendly parks: 400th Ave Camp provides an ideal introduction to wilderness camping for children. "Great place to camp with kiddos to get them used to the woods!" says Amy G., adding that it's "close enough that you can leave non essentials in the car and run back for them if you need to."

Educational opportunities: Glendalough State Park includes historical features alongside natural attractions. Pete T. notes, "We saw many deer, caught many pan fish and observed an eagle in it's nest... We can't wait to go back. It's more of a 'domestic park' than wilderness, but it is great for an easy, relaxing camping trip."

Tips from RVers

Site spacing: Though primarily a tent camping destination, some Detroit Lakes campgrounds accommodate RVs with spacious sites. At Swan Lake Resort & Campground, "Spaces are wooded and farther apart than most campgrounds," according to Amy J., making it suitable for those seeking privacy.

Seasonal occupancy: RV sites can fill quickly during peak summer months, especially at lake-adjacent campgrounds. "This campground is right by a lake with almost every activity you could think of!" notes Amy J., indicating its popularity.

Amenity access: Many RV-friendly campgrounds near Detroit Lakes provide upgraded facilities. Tracy O. reports that Swan Lake offers "Full hookups" alongside tent and cabin options, with "decent" bathrooms for all campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Detroit Lakes, MN is 400th Ave Camp with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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