RV campgrounds near French, Minnesota sit within a region characterized by glacial lakes and rolling prairie landscapes. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F, while winter months can drop well below freezing. Most campgrounds in this area offer seasonal operation, with the highest occupancy occurring between June and August when lake activities are in full swing.
What to do
Hiking trails: Buffalo River State Park Campground features several looping trails where visitors can put together hikes ranging from 15 minutes to two hours. "Several looping hiking trails start in and around the campground, so you can put together a hike from 15 minutes to two hours. Ours was about an hour, half in the prairie and half along the river," notes one visitor.
Swimming options: The swimming area at Buffalo River State Park Campground provides a natural alternative to chlorinated pools. "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," shares a camper.
Outdoor games: Andes RV Park provides multiple recreational options for campers. "The park offers a fantastic range of activities, including golf cart rentals, volleyball, horseshoes, disc golf, pickle ball, etc...and in winter, cross-country skiing and tubing—there's something for everyone!" according to a recent visitor.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the region maintain high standards of cleanliness. At Buffalo River State Park Campground, visitors appreciate "Spectacularly well-maintained campground along the Buffalo River in western Minnesota, half an hour east of Fargo, ND... Very clean bathhouse (appears new) with flush toilets, hot showers and a dish-washing station."
Beach access: Long Lake Campsite-RV Resort features an extensive shoreline. "I'm giving this a 4 because it has a long strip of a beach but spaces are close. Lots of boats on the beach!... Fairly clean," mentions one reviewer who visited the area.
Helpful staff: Swan Lake Resort & Campground receives consistent praise for staff interactions. "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."
What you should know
Occupancy patterns: Many campgrounds in the region experience weekend surges. At Long Lake Campsite-RV Resort, a visitor observed: "My visit was mid-week, mid-summer and merely passing through... While it didn't matter to me as I was passing through, and most other RVs were unoccupied (apparently the campground is largely used by Fargo residents as a weekend getaway), I imagined that it would be mightily crowded on weekends."
Bug preparation: Insect activity can be significant during summer months. A camper at Andes RV Park warns: "Side note: if coming in summer make sure to bring plenty of bug spray!!!"
Reservation timing: For prime spots at popular locations like The Homestead at Ottertail RV Park and Resort, advance planning helps secure preferred dates. "This is an annual visit for us and some friends as it is close to home and a good first stop for the camping season to make sure everything is functioning properly! The family that owns it is so nice!"
Tips for camping with families
Dedicated play areas: Several campgrounds feature playground equipment and recreational spaces. The Homestead at Ottertail RV Park and Resort provides "PARK AMENITIES: bathrooms, showers, pool with spacious deck, Fish Cleaning Shack, Room to Roam, Playground, Laundry facilities, Firewood and ice available, Basketball Court, Volleyball."
Kid-friendly water access: Many properties feature gradual beach entries. A visitor to Long Lake Campsite-RV Resort noted, "Large sandy beach and beautiful swimming area, store for convenience if forgetful, helpful and friendly staff, huge parking and play area for kids."
Activity options: Walker Lake Preserve provides multiple recreational opportunities. "Nice beach. Good Fishing. Friendly People. Lots to do. We always look forward to our time there," shares one regular visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: Buffalo River State Park Campground offers good separation between campsites. "The campsite was spacious and nicely kept. There was a water filling station and toilets and showers near by. It was great."
Internet connectivity: Remote work capabilities vary by location. Long Lake Campsite-RV Resort receives positive reviews for connectivity: "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."
Road conditions: Accessing RV campgrounds in French, Minnesota and surrounding areas typically involves well-maintained routes. A Buffalo River State Park Campground visitor noted: "You don't have a pothole in site- heck not even a weed on the road. Sites are large and come with picnic tables and a fire pit you can also grill on."
