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Jay D.
Scout
ScoutCamp S'more Campground
Camp Smore
Not free but a very nice owner and campgrounds
Best Campgrounds near Glenwood, MN
Campgrounds near Glenwood, Minnesota provide a mix of developed and primitive options across a landscape of lakes, prairie, and woodland areas. Barsness City Park (Chalet Campground) in Glenwood offers electric hookups, showers, and sewer connections for RV campers. Within 15 miles, Glacial Lakes State Park Campground in Starbuck features tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and hiking access to a unique prairie ecosystem. The regional camping landscape includes various accommodation types from basic tent sites to full-service RV parks and rental cabins, with several campgrounds providing water access for swimming and boating activities.
Many campgrounds in the Glenwood area operate seasonally from May through October due to Minnesota's winter conditions. Most developed sites require reservations, especially for summer weekends and holidays when lakefront spots fill quickly. Lake Carlos State Park, located about 25 miles north of Glenwood, offers year-round camping but with reduced services during colder months. Access roads to most campgrounds are well-maintained, though some primitive areas may have limited cell coverage. Water levels and bug activity can vary significantly throughout the season. As one camper noted about Glacial Lakes State Park, "This state park uniquely showcases an ecologic transition zone between hardwood forest, savannah, and prairie... the lakeside campground is green and leafy with mature trees but the campsites are very close together."
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw throughout the region, with several campgrounds positioned along lakes. Sinclair Lewis City Campground in nearby Sauk Centre features lakefront sites with picnic tables and fire rings, while Canary Beach Resort offers cabin rentals with lake views. The state park campgrounds provide varying levels of privacy—some visitors prefer the Oak Ridge Campground at Sibley State Park for more spacious sites compared to lakeside options. A reviewer commented that "Away from the lake is another campground in the oak savanna section of the park, and this campground seems quieter with more spacious sites, although they are more open." Many campers appreciate the family-friendly amenities like boat launches, swimming beaches, and fishing opportunities available at county parks such as Games Lake County Park, which has been praised for its clean facilities and peaceful atmosphere.
Best Camping Sites Near Glenwood, Minnesota (87)
1. Glacial Lakes State Park Campground
13 ReviewsStarbuck, MN10 milesWebsite+1 (320) 239-2860$22 - $150 / night
"Despite it being a slightly shorter drive than the trip to Duluth from my house, it felt like eternity in comparison. It also felt very very unlike the Minnesota that I’m familiar with. "
"The trails in the park have nice rolling hills and offer a unique type of beauty. The campground is small, but offers some electric sites as well as some primitive sites."
2. Lake Carlos State Park Campground
28 ReviewsCarlos, MN25 milesWebsite+1 (320) 852-7200$25 - $100 / night
"Lots of screaming kids the weekend we were here, but we found the quiet trails. Lower campground offers no privacy, but a newer shower house and views and access to the lake."
"The lower campground has electric sites and is situated along Lake Carlos but there is little privacy between sites (126 and 127)."
3. Canary Beach Resort
2 ReviewsGlenwood, MN6 milesWebsite+1 (320) 554-2471$78 - $1090 / night
"Only 4 stars we we stayed in their overflow which was asked for but it’s down the road outside of the park. It is within walking distance."
4. Sinclair Lewis City Campground
14 ReviewsMelrose, MN20 milesWebsite+1 (320) 352-2203"My extended family has gatherings here a couple times a year as it is close to everybody and a great location! "
"There is a boat launch right next to the campground. A fish cleaning house is provided at the campground. Bathrooms are also located within the campground."
5. Chalet
1 ReviewGlenwood, MN1 mileWebsite+1 (320) 634-54336. Hobo Park
2 ReviewsStarbuck, MN9 milesWebsite+1 (320) 239-2336"Nice little park on a lake and easy hiking to some nice overlooks. Close to the city of Starbuck and Lake Minnewaska."
7. Alexandria Shooting Park and RV Campground
2 ReviewsAlexandria, MN13 milesWebsite+1 (320) 763-53158. Oak Park Kampground
5 ReviewsGarfield, MN19 milesWebsite+1 (320) 834-2345$32 - $48 / night
"We found this campground on a Google search looking for something near my Grandma’s house and have now visited twice! The staff is great and very welcoming."
"Additionally, there are horseshoe pits, paddle boats, and hiking/biking trails."
9. Oak Ridge Campground — Sibley State Park
20 ReviewsNew London, MN28 milesWebsite$25 - $35 / night
"Away from the lake is another campground in the oak savanna section of the park, and this campground seems quieter with more spacious sites, although they are more open."
"Sibley State Park isn't the most amazing park in Minnesota, however it's still a very nice little campground!"
10. Lakes Area Motel and RV Park
1 ReviewAlexandria, MN15 miles+1 (320) 763-5121"Crop dusters zoom off from nearby airport. Over air TV has 60+ channels including cable channels."
Recent Camping Photos near Glenwood, MN
29 Photos of 87 Glenwood Campgrounds
leanne G.
Canary Beach Resort
Tracy O.
Glacial Lakes State Park Campground
The Dyrt
Big Foot Resort
The Dyrt
Swift Falls County Park
Makayla B.
Lake Carlos State Park Campground
Tori K.
Ambush City Park
Jeremiah W.
Oak Ridge Campground — Sibley State Park
Nicole P.
God’s Country Camping
Joel L.
Birch Lakes State Forest Campground
Amy K.
Lake Koronis Regional Park
Janet R.
Creekwood Acres
Han E.
Lac qui Parle Upper Campground — Lac qui Parle State Park
Recent Reviews near Glenwood, MN
227 Reviews of 87 Glenwood Campgrounds
Cassie W.
TravelerLucky Acres Campgrounds
Great spot!
Friendly caretakers, spots right on the beach and a clean shower house!
Mike O.TravelerGlacial Lakes State Park Campground
Beautiful, buggy
Beautiful park with rolling prairies. Oak Ridge campground is prettier, quieter, and more private than the Lower campground. Site 28 and 30 don’t have tree cover, but have beautiful views of the rolling hills. Site was a bit buggy, but very manageable with bug spray and a Thermacell. The bugs on the hiking trails were unrelenting even with lots of deet bug spray- I was planning to hike 5 miles but had to stop after 2. Would be nice to have showers in the Oak Ridge campground as it’s a long walk to the Lower campground.
- CCanada0718! F.Traveler
Andes RV Park
Great camping spot!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We had an incredible stay at Andes RV Park! The facilities are top-notch, with brand-new, spacious bathrooms and showers that were really nice and clean! 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! The laundry room, the firewood and the ice delivery service were a convenient touch, and easy as a quick phone call or text. The owners were exceptionally friendly and accommodating, making us feel right at home. Highly recommend this gem for a fun and relaxing RV camping experience!
Side note: if coming in summer make sure to bring plenty of bug spray!!!
- MMicheleScout
Lake Carlos State Park Campground
Absolutely Beautiful!
We are camping/glamping in. 30’ fifth wheel. The sites here are spacious and cozy at the same time. Feels like we are deep in the forest but civilization is close enough for WiFi! Get some firewood from the Ranger, the fire pits are great!!
The Rolling Panda ..TravelerOak Ridge Campground — Sibley State Park
First time at Sibley
Went for a last minute solo moto camping trip. Campground is beautiful. Clean, and great trails. Mosquitos were minimal, but the wood ticks were out in force.
Site was on a bit of a slope, and, in a pretty open area compared to the sites before it. The site I was on only 2 trees, which would be great for a hammock. Lots of traffic, driving, people biking, and walking by. It was pretty constant until around 9pm.
If you're looking for a bit of privacy, I'd recommend any of the sites before 96. If you're looking for ease of access to multiple camping spots (for a family get together with extended family) sites after 94 would be great for that.
Overall I enjoyed the campground. I will stay again, just not at the spot I was at.
Samuel V.TravelerGlacial Lakes State Park Campground
Camper Cabin stay with kids.
Had a great stay, everything was as expected with a camper cabin. Beautiful park with great trails and a beautiful lake! Our cabin was a long ways from the shower facility which I knew going into the weekend. Parking near showers was close to non existent.
Jos B.ScoutGames Lake County Park
EXPERIENCE OUT THERE
Just got back from a weekend at Games Lake County Park and honestly, it exceeded expectations! Before heading out, I actually asked ChatGPT for camping suggestions in Minnesota, and this spot came up—and wow, it did not disappoint. Super clean facilities, friendly staff, and plenty of space for both tents and RVs. The kids loved the beach area and playground, and we spent most of our time fishing and boating on the lake—it’s such a peaceful spot. Definitely a great find for families or anyone looking to relax in nature. Big thanks to ChatGPT for pointing me in the right direction!
Gary M.ScoutSinclair Lewis City Campground
Good place for the night.
Check-in was easy over the phone. It is a nice park in a quaint little town.
Guide to Glenwood
Glenwood, Minnesota camping sites offer diverse experiences across the prairie-forest transition zone. Campgrounds in this area sit at elevations of approximately 1,100-1,300 feet above sea level, positioning them near several small lakes formed by glacial activity. Many campgrounds don't close until mid-October when overnight temperatures typically dip below freezing, extending the camping season later than visitors might expect.
What to do
Paddle sports on crystal-clear waters: At Glacial Lakes State Park Campground, campers can rent stand-up paddleboards to explore the pristine lake. "The lake water was crystal clear and glass like calm. The weekend we camped it was scorching hot," notes reviewer Tessa Z.
Hiking amid diverse ecosystems: The transitional terrain around Glenwood creates unique hiking opportunities through prairie and forest settings. "One of my favorites. This place is woods meets prairie, awesome trail with a great view," shares Mark M. about Glacial Lakes State Park trails.
Fishing from dedicated piers: Multiple campgrounds provide fishing access without needing a boat. "We stayed in camper cabins that were really amazing. Fishing Pier and a small lake to canoe and kayak on," reports Tikki B., highlighting the accessible fishing at Glacial Lakes.
Swimming at town beaches: When campground beaches get crowded, nearby town facilities offer alternatives. According to Lisa H., "We did go into Starbuck which is 5 miles away. Very impressive beach, groceries and a DQ all an easy drive away."
What campers like
Quiet off-lake camping sections: Many campers prefer the less crowded areas away from lakeshores. "Oak Ridge campground is prettier, quieter, and more private than the Lower campground. Site 28 and 30 don't have tree cover, but have beautiful views of the rolling hills," says Mike O. about Glacial Lakes State Park.
Camper cabins for extended seasons: Cabins provide comfortable alternatives to tents, especially during shoulder seasons. Samuel V. reports, "Had a great stay, everything was as expected with a camper cabin. Beautiful park with great trails and a beautiful lake! Our cabin was a long ways from the shower facility which I knew going into the weekend."
Winter camping opportunities: Unlike most campgrounds, Lake Carlos State Park Campground maintains limited winter camping options. "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," explains Tori K.
Lakefront camping with boat access: Many sites allow direct water access. "The campground is open for the season from May 1st to October 1st each year, weather permitting. Lakefront sites are available, the town is small so pretty quiet," notes Tori K. about Sinclair Lewis City Campground.
What you should know
Bug activity varies by season and location: Insect populations can be intense, particularly in prairie areas. "Site was a bit buggy, but very manageable with bug spray and a Thermacell. The bugs on the hiking trails were unrelenting even with lots of deet bug spray," warns Mike O.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Glenwood, MN?
Which is the most popular campground near Glenwood, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Glenwood, MN is Glacial Lakes State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 13 reviews.
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