Camping opportunities near Evansville, Minnesota center around the region's numerous lakes, with water-based recreation as the primary draw. Located in west-central Minnesota at approximately 1,250 feet elevation, the area experiences warm summers with temperatures frequently reaching 80°F and high humidity from June through August. Mosquitoes and other biting insects are abundant during peak summer camping season, requiring ample insect repellent.
What to do
Kayaking on calm waters: Lake Carlos State Park Campground offers excellent paddling opportunities on its 2,605-acre lake. "They don't allow motor boats on one of the lakes so there is always calm water to canoe, kayak, swim, or paddleboard in," notes a visitor at Glendalough State Park Campground.
Winter camping options: For those seeking off-season adventures, winter camping provides a different experience. "I stayed here with a few friends in the winter when the park was doing their lantern-lit snowshoe trail. They have 1 site (electric) available in the winter," explains a reviewer at Lake Carlos State Park Campground.
Cross-country skiing trails: Seasonal trails offer year-round recreation. "There are ponds and bogs that they create snowshoe trails on, so there are even more trails to explore in the winter," shares one camper about Lake Carlos, while another notes that Andes RV Park offers "outstanding trails that they use in the winter time for cross-country skiing with tons of outdoor activities."
What campers like
Spacious lakefront sites: Many campgrounds offer direct lake access. "Our site was located directly behind the store/office but had a view of the lake. Parking was on grass. The site was level and had an electric hookup," reports a camper at Tipsinah Mounds City Park.
Swimming beaches: Clean swimming areas provide relief from summer heat. "The water is quite clean. Also there's even hot water in the bathroom," mentions a visitor about Lake Carlos, while another camper notes, "The lake is clear. There is a nice beach and the lake is clear."
Family-oriented activities: Beyond water recreation, campgrounds offer additional entertainment. "The staff is great and very welcoming. Our kids (3, 5, 7) enjoy the pool, the activities the staff plans, playground, paddle boats, and more," shares a reviewer at Oak Park Kampground.
What you should know
Bug protection essential: Summer months bring insects. "Side note: if coming in summer make sure to bring plenty of bug spray!!!" warns a camper at Andes RV Park.
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds have minimum stay policies. "Chippewa County Park offers 15 overnight camping spots with a 2 night minimum for $30 each night," explains a visitor.
Seasonal differences: Weather conditions vary dramatically by season. "I camped here during an MEA weekend in October and even though we woke up to snow covering our tent, it was a great experience!" shares one camper about Lake Carlos State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Hayrides for kids: Some campgrounds offer special activities. "In the afternoon they have a hay ride (without the hay) around the grounds, kids loved it," notes a visitor about Tipsinah Mounds.
Playground access: Multiple dog friendly campgrounds near Evansville provide play areas. "There is a big playground, basketball court, and ball field. The store has necessities and they will even make you a pizza and deliver to your site," mentions a reviewer about Tipsinah Mounds.
Family cabin options: For those seeking alternative accommodations, "We intended to stay at the tent site but when we arrived we saw a lovely cabin overlooking the lake and decided to give ourselves a treat. It was very clean and comfortable," shares a visitor at Swan Lake Resort & Campground.
Tips from RVers
Winter RV accommodation: Electric sites remain available during colder months. "We had room for a truck bed camper and a pop-up clam ice fishing tent. A couple and their 2 dogs stayed in the truck camper and me and another friend stayed in the clam with an electric space heater," explains a Lake Carlos visitor.
Full hookup availability: Several pet-friendly campgrounds around Evansville offer complete utility connections. "Each site has a picnic table and some sites have a fire ring. There are tent-only sites that have no hookups and there are semi-private sites for RVs with electric hookup only or sites that are closer together for RVs that have full hookups," notes a reviewer about Ashby Resort Campground.
Pull-through site dimensions: Larger rigs can be accommodated. "Wide and long pull through sites that are big rig friendly with a picnic table and fire ring at each site," reports a visitor about Oak Park Kampground.
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