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Best Tent Camping near French, MN

198 Reviews

The lakes and forests surrounding French, Minnesota offer several tent camping options, with Glendalough State Park Campground standing out as a premier tent-only destination. Located in the Ottertail Lakes region where northwoods transition to prairie, Glendalough features cart-in tent sites set in groves of hardwood trees that provide ample shade. Beers Hike-In Site offers a more secluded backcountry tent camping experience with access via Maplewood Church Road. Swan Lake Resort & Campground provides tent sites with lake access, while Brushvale Bridge Primitive Canoe Campsite caters exclusively to paddlers seeking remote tent camping. These locations range from family-friendly established campgrounds to more isolated primitive tent sites.

Most tent campsites in the French area feature fire rings and picnic tables, with varying levels of additional amenities. Glendalough State Park's tent-only sites require campers to use carts to transport gear from parking areas to campsites, creating a vehicle-free camping environment. The walk to Beers Hike-In Site is described as easy, with parking for one or two vehicles. Sites typically have level, grassy areas for tent setup. Vault toilets are available at most locations, though primitive sites like Brushvale Bridge lack facilities. Water access varies by location, with some sites offering drinking water while others require campers to bring their own supplies. Reservations are recommended for most established tent campgrounds.

The tent camping experience near French emphasizes water-based recreation and natural surroundings. According to reviews, Glendalough State Park offers "a very quiet, very secluded and very peaceful retreat with quiet outdoorsy like-minded neighbors." The park prohibits motorized boats on Annie Battle Lake, creating what one camper called "the most serene place" for paddling activities. At Beers Hike-In Site, a visitor noted "there is a nice fire pit and good area for fishing right at the site," making it suitable for families seeking an introduction to backcountry tent camping. Walk-in tent sites throughout the region provide a more immersive outdoor experience than drive-up camping, with campers reporting that sites are generally well-spaced for privacy while maintaining access to water recreation, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

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Best Tent Sites Near French, Minnesota (16)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near French, MN

9 Photos of 16 French Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near French, MN

198 Reviews of 16 French 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.

  • L
    Nov. 2, 2022

    Lake Carlos State Park Campground

    Beautiful and quiet

    End of October, Stopped for just one night, probably about a 20ish minute drive from 94. Was able to purchase firewood after closing, and the campsite were easy to find after (7$)entry to the park. Campsites are reserved through an online system. We found the top campsite completely empty and plenty of sites had good tree coverage for privacy/ way no protection. Nice level sites with soft ground. Each site had a fire ring and picnic table. The only bathroom in walking distance to the upper campsites was a vault toilet located amongst the cabins. Seems like a great place to stay any season.

  • Glenda D.
    Apr. 22, 2021

    Ashby Resort Campground

    Some semi-private sites - full hookups in other sites

    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.

    Call 218-747-2959 to book a site.  The campground has a lot of trees and most campsites are on grass.

    There is also a motel and cabins on-site that you can book.  The motel rooms, cabins and new cabins (these are like smaller mobile homes) are all lakeside giving you nice views.  

    The campground has paddle boards, paddle boats, kayaks and canoes that are available to guests at no extra charge, too.  You can rent a fishing boat or pontoon either by the day or the week.  There is a fish cleaning house on-site as well.  

    This campground is in the heart of Minnesota's lake's country.

  • Joanna B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 1, 2020

    Lake Carlos State Park Campground

    Beautiful camper cabin

    Leap Day 2/29/20-3/1/20 Frog Pond

    We headed to Lake Carlos for their candlelight ski, this was our first visit to this state park. Tent camping wasn’t available and we were able to reserve a camper cabin - Frog Pond. It was a nice change and a warmer option, the cabin is gorgeous! Frog Pond sleeps 6 with heat and electricity. There are 4 cabins that share 2 vault toilets.

    It was a beautiful 38 degree Leap Day and we took advantage of it. They offer a large number of ski trails so we xcountry skied before dark. The trails were icy, but still enjoyable. At dark we headed to the candlelight event. It was very busy and a huge turnout. We hiked 1.2 miles and then snowshoed 2.4 miles. There are ponds and bogs that they create snowshoe trails on, so there are even more trails to explore in the winter. It was a beautiful night and we enjoyed the wooded trails and starry skies. We had a fire and enjoyed a normal outdoor cookout before bed.

    We did more skiing on Sunday and checked out the 2 campgrounds as they were on the ski route. One campground is on Lake Carlos and very open. Sites have beautiful lake views. You can apparently drive your boat right into a sandy shore and dock it. They also have a swimming beach. The other campground is a bit more wooded and more suited for tents. This campground is near the camper cabins. The trails are very wooded and pretty. We enjoyed skiing the hiking club trail and ended up hitting almost every trail in our stay. I assume this park would be equally beautiful in the summer. What a beautiful state park!

  • 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.

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 9, 2025

    Lake Carlos State Park Campground

    Lakefront (winter edition)

    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. 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 going in addition to our 0 degree bags. It stayed pretty cozy! Fire ring and picnic table at the site. I believe the bathrooms and showers were closed for the season but cannot recall. Firewood is available at the office.

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 20, 2025

    Lake Carlos State Park Campground

    Lakefront

    Nice large campground. There is a lower portion and upper portion with the lower campground being lakefront. There are primitive and electric sites available. Firewood at the office and there are restrooms, showers, and vault toilets as well.

    Close to downtown Alexandria where there are a variety of things to do: breweries and restaurants, shopping, other parks and trails.

  • Katie L.
    Jul. 15, 2024

    Hankinson Hills Campground

    Beautiful stay in the grasslands

    Well maintained campground, has water and multiple vault toilets. There’s a loop for horse camping and a loop for non horse camping. Each site has a fire ring and a nice table, most spaces have trees to provide shade. Verizon works okay, not great but I had a bar or two. Can hear trains running by every so often. Only downside was the abundance of biting flies and mosquitoes.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2023

    Buffalo River State Park Campground

    Everything you need

    Good state park campground with everything you need. You can make your reservations online once you get there, and it’s nice because there’s no online transaction fee. But watch out that you pay the $7 daily state park entry fee as well as the camping fee, because otherwise you'll get a friendly visit from a ranger! 

     There are two loops, one slightly larger one with 50 and 30 amp power (no water or sewer) for $34, and one smaller one with no power for $24. We stayed in a power site because we couldn’t handle the heat anymore, otherwise the smaller one looked a little nicer and quieter and we would have stayed there. 

    Showers were nice and clean and free. Bathrooms were nice. 

    Very nice walking trails all around the campground and throughout the park as a whole. Trash dumpsters here as well as an assortment of segregated recycle bins. Good cell reception with Verizon and ATT. Firewood available at office for $8 and ice for $3. 

    Group camp is off from the main campground a ways, but connected via a little walking trail. There is a dump station and potable water fill at the campground exit. 

    No drinking allowed at any Minnesota State Park campground!

Guide to French

Tent camping around French, Minnesota centers primarily on lake-based recreation in the transitional zone between prairie and northern forests. The region features a mix of state park facilities and private campgrounds with varying levels of amenities. Water access drives most camping activity in the area, with both motorized and non-motorized lakes available for different outdoor pursuits.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: At Swan Lake Resort & Campground, the lakeside location provides direct water access. One camper noted there are "tons of activities to do as a family" including fishing from multiple access points.

Paddling experiences: Multiple watercraft options exist at Glendalough State Park Campground. A reviewer mentioned, "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." The park offers canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals for visitors who don't bring their own equipment.

Biking trails: Paved routes through Glendalough State Park provide bicycle-friendly exploration. According to a visitor, "the views along the bike path are stunning" and the paths are well-maintained for multiple skill levels. The park also grooms these trails for cross-country skiing in winter months.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the spacing at Swan Lake, where "spaces are wooded and farther apart than most campgrounds," allowing for a more secluded experience despite being at an established campground.

Vehicle-free camping atmosphere: The cart-in sites at Elk Lake Campground create a more natural setting. "There is tent camping a short walk to the lakeshore that seemed nice," noted one visitor, highlighting the benefit of separating vehicles from the camping area.

Rustic accommodations: Beyond standard tent sites, alternative options include yurts at Glendalough. One visitor 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."

What you should know

Availability limitations: Many campgrounds in the French area have limited sites. Glendalough's popularity means weekend reservations should be made well in advance, especially during summer months.

Site access considerations: For Beers Hike-In Site, specific directions matter. "Take the Maplewood church road into the site. There is enough room to park 1 (maybe 2) vehicles. The walk is an easy walk," explained one camper, noting the limited parking and straightforward trail access.

Facility variations: Brushvale Bridge Primitive Canoe Campsite offers minimal amenities. A camper warned, "This campground is really for the folks on the Red River. There is virtually nothing here. Accept some flat ground... No spots, no services." This contrasts sharply with more developed campgrounds in the area.

Tips for camping with families

Easy backcountry introduction: Beers Hike-In Site provides an accessible first backcountry experience. "Great backpacking site to take your family... The walk is an easy walk. There is a nice fire pit and good area for fishing right at the site," reported one family camper.

Structured activities: Swan Lake offers programmed recreation options. A visitor mentioned, "From the sandy beach and wooded trails to the games and activities, there was energy and thought behind every corner," making it suitable for families seeking organized entertainment.

Water safety considerations: Relaxation Station and other waterfront campgrounds require close supervision of children. Swimming areas typically lack lifeguards, and water conditions can change rapidly in Minnesota lakes.

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Most tent-focused campgrounds offer limited services for RVs. At Elk Lake Campground, "Most or perhaps all full hookup sites have seasonal RVs but there are a few overnight sites that generally have electric only (30A). Water is available did not see a dedicated dump station."

Site leveling: Many campgrounds feature naturally uneven terrain. Elk Lake offers "level grassy sites" which eliminate the need for extensive leveling blocks or equipment, making setup easier for RVers.

Seasonal occupation: Several campgrounds near French maintain long-term seasonal residents. First-time visitors should call ahead to confirm availability of overnight spots, as many prime waterfront locations may be occupied by seasonal campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near French, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near French, MN is Swan Lake Resort & Campground with a 5-star rating from 7 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near French, MN?

TheDyrt.com has all 16 tent camping locations near French, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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