Campgrounds near Garfield, Minnesota provide direct access to the region's prairie-woodland transition zone with several facilities offering year-round accommodation options. The area sits within Minnesota's west-central lakes region at elevations averaging 1,300-1,400 feet above sea level, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 75-85°F during peak camping season. Winter campers can expect daytime highs of 15-25°F with occasional snow accumulation from November through March.
What to do
Paddle sports on local lakes: Several campgrounds offer equipment rentals and easy water access. At Tipsinah Mounds City Park, one visitor noted it's a "Great place to go kayaking!" while another mentioned, "The lake is clear" with good conditions for water activities.
Winter recreation options: Unlike many seasonal facilities, some parks maintain winter operations. A Lake Carlos State Park visitor shared, "I stayed here with a few friends in the winter when the park was doing their lantern-lit snowshoe trail," adding that "We had room for a truck bed camper and a pop-up clam ice fishing tent." Andes RV Park offers additional winter activities as one camper mentioned: "in winter, cross-country skiing and tubing—there's something for everyone!"
Hiking nearby trail systems: Trails range from easy lakeside paths to more challenging woodland routes. A visitor at Lake Carlos State Park recalled, "We did more skiing on Sunday and checked out the 2 campgrounds as they were on the ski route." The trails are "very wooded and pretty" according to the same review.
What campers like
Modern bathroom facilities: Campground bathroom quality varies significantly across the region. At Andes RV Park, reviewers praised the "brand-new, spacious bathrooms and showers that were really nice and clean!" A visitor to The Homestead at Ottertail noted the park offers "bathrooms, showers, pool with spacious deck," among other amenities.
Lakeside camping access: Many sites offer direct water views or access. At Lucky Acres Campgrounds, a camper appreciated "spots right on the beach and a clean shower house!" Similarly, Tipsinah Mounds campers frequently mention the "lake views are spectacular" with "tent sites right by lake."
Family-oriented amenities: Most facilities cater to families with various activities. An Oak Park Kampground visitor shared, "Our kids (3, 5, 7) enjoy the pool, the activities the staff plans, playground, paddle boats, and more." Another noted the campground has "a store on site full of odd things you may have forgotten."
What you should know
Seasonal variations: While some parks operate year-round, services change significantly between seasons. A Lake Carlos State Park winter camper observed, "I believe the bathrooms and showers were closed for the season but cannot recall. Firewood is available at the office."
Privacy levels between sites: Many campgrounds feature open layouts with limited site separation. One visitor to Tipsinah Mounds remarked, "This campground is not our preferred type of camping – no privacy between sites but on a weekday toward the end of August, it was very quiet."
Reservation requirements: Many parks require minimum stays during peak season. Tipsinah Mounds has a mix of site types with "two primitive areas, one by the beach and the other is tucked back in the trees(super secluded)." At some campgrounds like The Homestead at Ottertail, returning visitors recommend making this "an annual visit" early in the camping season.
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Many campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. A Canary Beach Resort visitor mentioned, "Fun campground to be part of. Lots of things to do for the whole family," while another noted the resort has "so many activities."
Swimming options: Lakes and pools provide swimming opportunities for children. Tipsinah Mounds has "a nice Sandy beach" according to one review, while Oak Park Kampground visitors note, "Kids loved pool. The staff are awesome. The playground is cool and they have paddle boats."
Organized activities: Several campgrounds schedule family-friendly events. At Tipsinah Mounds, one visitor shared, "In the afternoon they have a hay ride (without the hay) around the grounds, kids loved it." Another mentioned the park "has something for everyone."
Tips from RVers
Utility hookups: Most campgrounds offer various levels of service connections. The Homestead at Ottertail RV Park provides comprehensive hookups with "ALL SITES HAVE: 20/30/50 amp electrical hook-ups, water and sewer, fire Pits."
Site dimensions: RV site sizes vary significantly between parks. Lake Carlos State Park offers "spacious" sites that are "big rig friendly" according to reviews, with one visitor mentioning, "We are camping/glamping in 30' fifth wheel. The sites here are spacious and cozy at the same time."
Seasonal RV check preparation: Local campgrounds serve as ideal first-trip locations. The Homestead at Ottertail is described as "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!"
