Campsites near Erhard, Minnesota provide access to the prairie pothole region of western Minnesota, characterized by rolling hills and glacial lakes at elevations between 1,200-1,400 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with higher humidity, while winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop to -20°F. The area sits at the transition zone between prairie grasslands and deciduous forest, creating diverse camping environments within a 30-mile radius.
What to do
Swimming in designated areas: Buffalo River State Park Campground offers a swimming area that's less chlorinated than public pools. One visitor noted, "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."
Horseback riding on dedicated trails: Maplewood State Park Campground features extensive trails for horseback riding across diverse terrain. A camper shared, "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!"
Fishing from accessible piers: Delagoon Park Campground provides fishing access to Pebble Lake with a fishing pier usually installed by May 1st. "The fishing pier is large and handicap accessible," notes a reviewer who also mentioned the campground is close to Fergus Falls.
Paddling on motor-free waters: Glendalough State Park Campground prohibits motors on their lakes, creating ideal conditions for paddle sports. A visitor explained, "Small park but still a great place to get outdoors for the day. No motors allowed on the lakes, so canoeing, kayaking and fishing are great."
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Many campers appreciate the more private, non-electric sites at Maplewood State Park. One reviewer stated, "The sites without any hookups are more private and secluded, great for tent camping. There are lots of walking trails as some fishing spots as well."
Well-maintained facilities: Buffalo River State Park Campground receives high marks for cleanliness and upkeep. A recent visitor observed, "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. Not a scrap of trash the restrooms clean and well stocked."
Cart-in camping experience: Glendalough State Park offers cart-in sites that enhance the natural camping feel. A camper explained, "The tent sites are all cart in, making the scenery the main focus. You don't have to stare at vehicles while you are enjoying a fire, which I love."
Waterfront access: Campgrounds with lake or river views receive consistently positive feedback. At Swan Lake Resort & Campground, a visitor reported, "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."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the Erhard area require advance booking, especially during summer weekends. For Wagner Park, "For spots with electric, sewer and water you need to reserve online ahead of time. All primitive sites are honor system pay at box by entrance of campground."
Seasonal operating schedules: Many campgrounds operate from May through September, with limited winter accessibility. Sherin Memorial Park in Pelican Rapids specifically notes a season of "May 15 to September 15."
Variable water quality: Water supply can be inconsistent between campgrounds. One camper at Delagoon Park Campground reported, "Park is in the city but looks like the water coming from the spigots are pumped straight from the ground with no filtering at all. Water was a disturbing reddish brown color that instantly stained my sinks, toilets, etc."
Tick awareness: Some areas have higher tick populations, particularly in tall grass areas. A camper at Maplewood State Park warned, "We tried out hiking along one of the trails. The grass was long and we quickly found ticks crawling up our leg. More trimming of the trails would make hiking more pleasant."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with recreation options: Swan Lake Resort & Campground offers numerous family activities. A reviewer detailed, "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."
Consider cart-in sites for a first camping experience: Glendalough State Park provides an approachable camping experience for beginners. A visitor explained, "What a wonderful park for families and first time campers. All sites (except one handicapped site) are tent only and cart-in sites. That being said, the trip from the (assigned) parking spot to your site is very short and very flat."
Check noise levels for quieter family camping: Some campgrounds are consistently quieter than others. At Glendalough State Park, a camper observed, "The loop of campsites are in a grove of hardwood trees that offered great shade and a contrast to the surrounding prairies. The campsites were filled with families and things were very quiet by 9 pm each night."
Try a yurt for a family-friendly introduction: Glendalough State Park offers yurts as an alternative to traditional tents. One camper shared, "My friend & I stayed in their Osprey yurt, and it was perfect for our first camping trip together. I recommend yurts if you're not 100% comfortable with/ enjoy staying in a tent."
Tips from RVers
Check electrical hookup compatibility: Different campgrounds offer varying electrical options. At Buffalo River State Park, hookups include "electric-hookups, fifty-amp-hookups" but specifically note "NO thirty-amp-hookups," which is important for planning power needs.
Select sites with adequate spacing: Country Campground near Detroit Lakes provides well-spaced sites. A visitor noted, "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."
Verify site length and leveling: Some campgrounds have limited level sites for larger RVs. A camper at Delagoon Park observed, "Sites very short and only a couple are remotely level. No on-site dump station, have to go to a gas station a few miles down the road and pay $5."
Consider the distance to amenities: Campground layouts vary significantly in terms of facility access. At Maplewood State Park, a camper noted, "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."
