Best Tent Camping near French, MN
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.