Camping spots near Fergus Falls, Minnesota offer diverse accommodations across the rolling prairie landscape dotted with more than 1,000 lakes in Otter Tail County. Summer temperatures average 70-85°F during peak camping season, with cool evenings typically dropping into the 50s. Most campgrounds operate from May through October, though weather can remain comfortable for camping well into September when crowds thin considerably.
What to do
Fishing access options: At Swan Lake Resort & Campground, visitors appreciate the lakefront opportunities. "From the sandy beach and wooded trails to the games and activities, there was energy and thought behind every corner," noted one camper. The resort provides direct lake access with sandy shoreline.
Hiking trail exploration: Several campgrounds feature maintained trail systems. At Maplewood State Park Campground, "Easily a contender for best hiking trails in the MN state parks state system. This western park offers miles of hiking with the North Country Trail weaving throughout," according to a reviewer who visited in early fall.
Non-motorized boating: Glendalough State Park Campground maintains a no-motors policy on its lakes. "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," explains one visitor. The park offers canoe-in camping sites and equipment rentals.
What campers like
Secluded site options: The Knoll Loop at Maplewood State Park provides more privacy than standard campgrounds. "Stayed at knoll loop. I enjoyed the privacy of these sites. Road in is a little rough. The showers are at the main campground with plenty of parking," reports one camper, noting the trade-off between seclusion and amenity access.
Lakefront camping: Tipsinah Mounds City Park offers sites with direct water views. "Most lots are lake front. Camper spots are easy to get into and spacious. Two primitive areas, one by the beach and the other is tucked back in the trees (super secluded)," states one visitor who appreciated the layout options.
Cart-in tent camping: Glendalough State Park features a cart-in tent camping system. "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," explains a camper who valued the vehicle-free environment.
What you should know
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have issues with well water. At Delagoon Park Campground, one camper reported, "Water was a disturbing reddish brown color that instantly stained my sinks, toilets, etc." Consider bringing drinking water if staying at city park campgrounds.
Site separation varies: Campground privacy differs significantly across the region. According to one reviewer at Buffalo River State Park Campground, "Well spaced sites, with some screening between sites," while at others the sites are more open with minimal separation.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. Swan Lake Resort receives high marks for hospitality: "Wonderful office staff, very kind and helpful. 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."
Tips for camping with families
Accessibility considerations: Some campgrounds offer more family-friendly layouts than others. Glendalough State Park is designed with families in mind: "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."
Recreation amenities: Beers Hike-In Site provides a family-friendly backpacking experience. "Great backpacking site to take your family. Take the Maplewood church road into the site. There is enough room to park 1 (maybe 2) vehicles. The walk is an easy walk," notes a visitor who appreciated the basic amenities at this entry-level backpacking destination.
Swimming beaches: Several campgrounds offer sandy swimming areas. Tipsinah Mounds features "a nice Sandy beach. Tent sites right by lake. Great for fishing and all types of water sports," according to campers who enjoyed the family-friendly atmosphere.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: RV campers should research electrical capacity before arrival. At Buffalo River State Park, sites offer "electrical service and the other without. We stayed in the larger loop with electrical service: half the loop backing up against the prairie (lower numbers) and the other half backing up against the woods (higher numbers)."
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds provide on-site dump stations. One camper at Delagoon Park noted they had to "go to a gas station a few miles down the road and pay $5" to dump tanks, suggesting RVers should plan accordingly.
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have terrain issues for larger rigs. A camper at Delagoon Park observed, "Sites very short and only a couple are remotely level," indicating RVers should bring leveling blocks, especially at city-operated facilities.
