Best Campgrounds near French, MN

Campgrounds near French, Minnesota range from state parks to city-managed facilities, with most offering both RV and tent camping options. Maplewood State Park Campground, located about 20 miles from French, provides lakefront camping with electric hookups, showers, and drinking water. The region includes several developed camping areas with varying levels of amenities, including Delagoon Park Campground in Fergus Falls and Tipsinah Mounds City Park with lakefront sites. Cabin accommodations can be found at Swan Lake Resort & Campground, Glendalough State Park, and Chahinkapa Park across the North Dakota border.

Road conditions throughout the region remain accessible for most vehicles, with many campgrounds situated on or near lakes that define this part of Minnesota. Most campgrounds are open year-round, though services may be limited during winter months. Reservations are recommended during summer weekends, particularly for sites with electrical hookups or water views. A camper noted, "This is a picturesque park and campground located in the heart of Fargo with plenty of trails and paths to go around!" Minnesota State Parks require daily entrance fees in addition to camping fees, while city parks like Delagoon often offer more affordable rates with self-service registration.

Several campgrounds in the area feature lakefront access, making water activities a primary draw for visitors. Maplewood State Park receives high marks for its lake views and natural setting, with one visitor writing, "Our site was big and private on Grass lake facing west so we saw great sunsets sitting in our site." Sites with greater privacy can be found in the more wooded campgrounds like Glendalough State Park, which offers yurts and cabins alongside traditional camping. Fishing piers, boat rentals, and swimming beaches are common amenities at the lake-oriented camping areas. While highway noise affects some campgrounds closer to Interstate 94, those seeking quieter experiences will find better options at more remote locations within state parks. Mixed-use campgrounds with both recreational facilities and camping areas are common in this region of Minnesota.

Best Camping Sites Near French, Minnesota (71)

    1. Maplewood State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Erhard, MN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 863-8383

    "Several rangers directed us here so we stopped in before we left Minnesota. The ranger was very helpful and set us up with a quiet campsite."

    "We had electric hook up, fill with water near the dump station. Our site was big and private on Grass lake facing west so we saw great sunsets sitting in our site."

    2. Swan Lake Resort & Campground

    7 Reviews
    Fergus Falls, MN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 736-4626

    $35 - $300 / night

    "From the sandy beach and wooded trails to the games and activities, there was energy and thought behind every corner."

    "Beautiful lake views. Bathrooms were decent."

    3. Delagoon Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Fergus Falls, MN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 739-3205

    $10 - $20 / night

    "Delagoon is the City Park & Camping area on the outskirt of Fergus Falls, the County seat of Ottertail County."

    "Delagoon Campground is located within Delagoon Park which is on the outskirts of Fergus Falls, the County seat of Ottertail County."

    4. Glendalough State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Battle Lake, MN
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 864-0110

    "walk in campground on a non-motorized lake, great for canoe or paddle board, paved bike trail around the park, rentals for bikes and watercraft available, sand beaches"

    "The campgrounds are on Annie Battle Lake, a peaceful little lake."

    5. Welles Memorial Park

    2 Reviews
    Wahpeton, ND
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 643-3455

    "There is a bathroom and an outside shower but way better if you have a full camper. Nice access to town and bike trails and across the street and some trails down by the river."

    6. Tipsinah Mounds City Park

    7 Reviews
    Evansville, MN
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 685-5114

    "Beautiful location. 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). people at"

    "Not lakeside but nicely secluded. There is a nice beach and the lake is clear. There is a big playground, basketball court, and ball field."

    8. Buffalo River State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    Glyndon, MN
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 498-2124

    $24 - $34 / night

    "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."

    "- This Minnesota state park is just outside of Fargo,ND, so it makes for a great get away in nature just outside of the hustle and bustle of the city."

    9. Beers Hike-In Site

    1 Review
    Erhard, MN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 863-8383

    $22 / night

    "The walk is an easy walk. There is a nice fire pit and good area for fishing right at the site. Also there is a picnic table and a vault toilet. Surprisingly there was toilet paper there!"

    10. Kidder Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Wahpeton, ND
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 642-2811
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Recent Reviews near French, MN

208 Reviews of 71 French Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Country Campground

    Got it Right

    Karen and Todd, who own and run this lovely campground Come from the background of service. Their attention to all the details are everywhere. The upkeep and the maintenance of all the sites is impeccable. They also supply aged hardwoods for the benefit of controlling the fires, but the wood is perfect for cooking if you so choose, I love cooking on an open fire so I appreciated it on a personal level.

    Karin’s grandfather took this property from a farmland, planted all the trees. which give ample shade for many of the sites. 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. There are showers available as well.

    My favorite surprise in addition to everything else she does she bakes homemade sourdough bread on certain nights. Which you can order the toppings and select ingredients. Sweet or Savory I went with Parnassian/garlic. Fresh right from the oven with Irish butter perfection for this foodie!

    All 30 the sites have water, power and sewage, picnic table and fire rings.

    Detroit Lake area is also one of the sightings of Thomas Danbo troll sculptures which require a mile walk.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Wyndemere Rock Garden County Park

    I don't think this is open

    When you suggest an edit, it doesn't leave any place to explain so figured I would do A. Review to provide some information. There are technically 2 campgrounds in windmere. The GPS Coordinates for the rock garden are the other campground, but neither seem to actually be at least R. V camping. I'll put up some pictures to help explain, but I wouldn't stay in either place. Where the GPS Coordinates are is across from the school which is open. And it's basically the football field and I didn't see any formalized camping there in The Rock garden. There's no way to camp in that. There's another park, a blockdown where I suppose you could camp. But there's no entrance or anything for an R. V. So I don't think either. Are actually open.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Barney Campground

    Quiet spot for a night

    This really is a spot for an evening unless you know someone in town. I was given the first night free and only staying one night, ok. Parked behind the manager who is very nice. Wouldn't have found it except from the sign on the road.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Brushvale Bridge Primitive Canoe Campsite

    Just a moderately flat spot

    This campground is really for the folks on the Red River. There is virtually nothing here. Accept some flat ground. Also, the mark is on the wrong side. This is on the West and North side of the road, not the South. And east. No spots, no services. Just a place to park and in between two fairly busy roads.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Aber Park Campground

    Pretty park near State Historic Site

    I think you can stay for free and it seems to be connected to Harvest Hosts. I tried calling the number and it referred me to a different number so just figured someone would come at some point. The park is nice. Pit toilets, water and a playground. There is a state Historic site across the road and the North Country Trail comes right through which is what brought us to town.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    NCT Colfax Campground

    Simple campsite on the NCT

    This is a very simple campsite with the picnic table. A bitch, a fire ring and a toilet. It is mostly for people hiking. The north country trail but guessing anybody that wanted to walk in and use it could.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Buffalo River State Park Campground

    One nighter

    Easy access, must have state recreation pass for vehicle. Mosquitoes galore. Electric hookups at site.

  • Jennifer K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Buffalo River State Park Campground

    Pretty but mosquito city

    Spent all of an hour outside. It's impossible to enjoy this pretty place . The mosquitos are absolutely ridiculous. Constantly swarm you. We had 2 thermacells out and we were covered in ranger ready repellant. My 2 go tos when it comes to mosquitos. While they worked somewhat, some of these mutants didn't seem bothered in the least. There were some hovering barely 6 inches above the thermacell fog. My husband is dumping the tanks as I write this and they are literally swarming the truck. Were out of here thankfully. Such a shame we couldn't enjoy this pretty park.

  • Maddy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Buffalo River State Park Campground

    Clean Green

    I chose Buffalo River based on the previous reviews and it did not disappoint. This being a quick overnight, I couldn’t hope for anything better!

    While I got in late, the registration was all online (open til 10pm) and the reception was strong. There were plenty of spots to choose from with a good amount of space. However, the website on this app is not correct and I ended up waiting until I got here.

    Luckily, it all worked out! I was grateful to end up here. Especially for a hot shower in a generally clean/well-maintained facility. It was an added bonus waking up under a green canopy and sunshine.


Guide to French

Camping near French, Minnesota, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the miles of trails at Maplewood State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "It is a very large park with miles of hiking trails and some pretty great mountain biking routes."
  • Water Activities: Enjoy kayaking or canoeing at Glendalough State Park Campground. A camper shared, "The lakes are ranked among the most pristine in the state and are designated 'Heritage Lakes' because of the water quality."
  • Fishing: Spend a relaxing day fishing at Tipsinah Mounds City Park. One reviewer noted, "There is a dock that you can fish off of and the shore near there is a great place to put your kayaks into the water."

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy spots at Maplewood State Park Campground. A visitor remarked, "For established camping, this park is lovely and spots are spacious."
  • Clean Facilities: Many enjoy the well-maintained restrooms and showers at Buffalo River State Park Campground. One camper said, "The shower/restroom facility was in good shape and clean."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Swan Lake Resort & Campground are great for families. A reviewer mentioned, "Loved our stay! Super easy setup for our camper and tons of activities to do as a family!"

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially at Maplewood State Park Campground. One camper warned, "Energy was better spent on keeping a fire tended with onslaught of unavoidable mosquitoes."
  • Limited Privacy: Some sites may not offer much privacy. A visitor at Delagoon Park Campground noted, "The campsites are gravel back-in with no separation between sites so privacy is limited."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds, like Glendalough State Park Campground, require reservations. A camper advised, "You have to hike in with your tent and gear on trails into the campground."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas, like Tipsinah Mounds City Park. One family shared, "Great spot for a family with children!"
  • Short Walks: Choose campgrounds with easy access to facilities. A visitor at Glendalough State Park Campground mentioned, "The trip from the (assigned) parking spot to your site is very short and very flat."
  • Plan for Quiet Evenings: Many campgrounds have quiet hours. A camper at Buffalo River State Park Campground noted, "It was quiet and peaceful."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Some sites may be uneven. A reviewer at Lindenwood Campground mentioned, "Most sites are uneven, it’s ok for a one-nighter."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups, like Swan Lake Resort & Campground. One camper said, "You can tell they work very hard to make the interior inviting."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Some campgrounds, such as Delagoon Park Campground, do not have on-site dump stations. A visitor noted, "You have to go to a gas station a few miles down the road and pay $5."

Camping near French, Minnesota, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near French, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, French, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 71 campgrounds and RV parks near French, MN and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near French, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near French, MN is Maplewood State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 26 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near French, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near French, MN.