Western Minnesota's lake country offers yurt camping opportunities between 1,100-1,300 feet elevation with mild summers and cold winters. The region contains over 10,000 lakes and borders North Dakota, creating diverse camping environments from prairie landscapes to forested lake shores. Seasonal conditions range from summer highs around 80°F to winter temperatures well below freezing, affecting camping preparations and activities.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Buffalo River State Park Campground has excellent prairie wildlife viewing along several looping trails. According to one visitor, "We often take our dog here on the weekends for longer, out of city limits walks. The trails are the perfect amount for that purpose and he enjoys the wildlife that hides in the natural prairie fauna." Another camper mentioned, "The trails hug the river so there's easy enough access if you wanted to play in the water."
Swimming and water recreation: Tipsinah Mounds City Park offers excellent swimming with a large sandy beach and clear water. One camper reported, "It has something for everyone. A basketball court, playground, a nice Sandy beach. Tent sites right by lake. Great for fishing and all types of water sports." Buffalo River State Park also provides a swimming area, with a visitor noting, "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."
Winter activities: Lake Carlos State Park Campground maintains winter camping and recreation options. A visitor who stayed during winter shared, "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." Another camper detailed their experience: "We headed to Lake Carlos for their candlelight ski... 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."
What campers like
Yurt accommodations: Glendalough State Park Campground offers popular yurt camping near French, Minnesota. A camper 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." Another visitor described their experience: "We decided to try camping in one of Glendalough's yurts. There is carts available to haul your gear. The views along the bike path are stunning."
Non-motorized lakes: Glendalough State Park has motor-free lakes that campers appreciate for peaceful water activities. One visitor noted, "Only Tents Allowed--this is the most serene place! They don't allow motor boats on one of the lakes so there is always calm water to canoe, kayak, swim, or paddleboard in." Another camper added, "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."
Diverse camping options: Andes RV Park offers numerous amenities and recreational activities. A recent visitor described their experience: "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!" Another camper mentioned, "It has outstanding trails that they use in the winter time for cross-country skiing with tons of outdoor activities."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Bug protection is essential during summer months at several campgrounds. At Andes RV Park, a camper advised, "Side note: if coming in summer make sure to bring plenty of bug spray!!!" Buffalo River State Park visitors reported similar concerns: "Spacious spot, with water and toilets nearby. There was a water filling station and toilets and showers near by. It was great. To s of mosquitos though make sure you have spray."
Site privacy varies: Campground layouts offer different levels of privacy between sites. At Maplewood State Park Campground, a camper observed, "The sites in the main loop have little privacy." Another visitor provided more detail: "The campsites are reasonable and private. But if you're not in the main loop you'll be walking for half a mile round trip." At Buffalo River, a camper noted: "Well spaced sites, with some screening between sites."
Accessibility concerns: Some campgrounds require carts or walking to access sites. At Glendalough State Park, a visitor explained, "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." Another camper added: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Beach amenities: Families appreciate the swimming options at Tipsinah Mounds City Park. A camper shared: "Public boat launch, sandy swimming beach, picnic shelters. WIFI is provided. There is a dump station, playground, nature trail, volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, and a fish cleaning station. Great place to go kayaking!" Another visitor mentioned: "We stayed in V5. 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."
First-time camping: Glendalough State Park is ideal for families new to camping. One visitor reported: "What a wonderful park for families and first time campers. All sites are tent only and cart-in sites. The loop of campsites are in a grove of hardwood trees that offered great shade and and a contrast to the surrounding prairies. The campsites were filled with families and things were very quiet by 9 pm each night."
Wildlife viewing with kids: The diverse ecosystems support wildlife viewing opportunities perfect for children. A visitor to Glendalough noted: "With the opportunity to spend time on a non-motorized boating lake, two streams, plenty of fishing, lots of trails and family picnic spots along a swim beach, it's perfect for every level of camper. We saw many deer, caught many pan fish and observed an eagle in it's nest."
Tips from RVers
RV-specific amenities: RV campers at Maplewood State Park should note the electrical options and site layout. A camper shared: "The sites with electrical hook up are less private, but it's a family camping site so it's very friendly. The sites without any hookups are more private and secluded, great for tent camping." Another visitor mentioned: "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."
Site spacing: Tipsinah Mounds offers lakefront RV camping with varied site privacy. A camper reported: "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)." Another RV camper noted: "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."
Winter RV options: Lake Carlos State Park maintains limited winter camping for RVs and truck campers. A winter visitor explained: "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!"
