RV sites near Garfield, Minnesota provide access to the lakes region of central Minnesota where elevations range from 1,300-1,400 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with warm summers reaching into the 80s and cold winters often dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds in this region operate from May through October with limited year-round options available for winter camping.
What to do
Water recreation access: The Homestead at Ottertail RV Park and Resort offers proximity to Otter Tail Lake for fishing and boating. "We absolutely love this campground! We've camped there every year since 2019! Great owners, great amenities, close to many lakes…not much else you could ask for!" notes Sheila K.
Shooting sports: Alexandria Shooting Park and RV Campground combines camping with access to shooting facilities. "We stayed for a few nights during the State High School Trap Shoot. Crowds were expected and it was a busy area. Surprisingly quiet in the evening given how many people were there," reports Clarence C.
Trail activities: Andes RV Park maintains extensive trail systems used for various seasonal activities. "It has outstanding trails that they use in the winter time for cross-country skiing with tons of outdoor activities," explains Ryan L. The park also offers golf cart rentals for exploring these trails during summer months.
What campers like
Clean, modern facilities: Campers consistently praise the bathroom and shower facilities at several parks. "Brand-new, spacious bathrooms and showers that were really nice and clean!" reports a visitor at Andes RV Park. The park also features laundry facilities and well-maintained common areas.
Spacious sites: Hardy's Lake in the Woods RV Resort receives high marks for its site layout. "The sites are very large and it is nicely wooded. They have a few areas where the sites are more in the open but not many," explains Josh H. The resort combines wooded privacy with open areas.
Recreational amenities: Multiple campgrounds offer on-site recreation options. At The Homestead at Ottertail RV Park, Tori K. notes, "PARK AMENITIES: bathrooms, showers, pool with spacious deck, fish cleaning shack, room to roam, playground, laundry facilities, firewood and ice available, basketball court, volleyball."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most RV parks in the Garfield area have limited operating seasons. Prairie Cove Campground (formerly Sundowner) operates from May 1 to October 1, while Alexandria Shooting Park runs from May 1 to October 30. Plan accordingly for shoulder season visits when services may be limited.
Insect preparation: Bugs can be significant during summer months. "If coming in summer make sure to bring plenty of bug spray!!!" warns a camper at Andes RV Park. Mosquitoes are particularly active from June through August, especially near lake areas.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds have unique noise factors. At Alexandria Shooting Park, Roger B. advises: "It is an active gun range so if shooting bothers you, may not be your place." Similarly, Lakes Area Motel and RV Park campers note: "Crop dusters zoom off from nearby airport."
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: The Homestead at Ottertail RV Park and Resort provides multiple family-friendly amenities. "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!" reports a visitor.
Delivery conveniences: Some campgrounds offer services that make family camping easier. At Andes RV Park, "The firewood and the ice delivery service were a convenient touch, and easy as a quick phone call or text," notes a camper. These services eliminate the need to leave your site or campground.
Pool availability: Swimming pools provide recreation when lake temperatures are cool. Hardy's Lake in the Woods RV Park features "a very large" pool, though seasonal opening times vary. Similarly, The Homestead at Ottertail offers a "pool with spacious deck" that gives families water recreation options during warmer months.
Tips from RVers
Hookup specifics: RV sites near Garfield vary in their hookup configurations. At The Homestead at Ottertail, Tori K. reports "AMENITIES ALL SITES HAVE: 20/30/50 Amp Electrical Hook-ups, Water and sewer, Fire Pits." This comprehensive hookup arrangement allows for extended stays without needing to move for tank services.
Level sites: Lakes Area Motel and RV Park offers convenient setup for overnight stops. "Made last minute reservation through website. Pick your own site. No sign of bathhouse. Good hookups though," notes Curtiss S., adding that over-air TV provides "60+ channels including cable channels."
Winter availability: For year-round RV camping near Garfield, options are limited. Lakes Area Motel and RV Park operates throughout the winter months, providing full hookup sites for cold-weather camping. Ensure your RV has adequate insulation and heating systems for winter stays as temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
