Blue Mounds State Park Campground offers traditional tent and RV sites in addition to specialized glamping options in western Minnesota. The campground includes electric hookups, showers, modern bathrooms, and specific areas for different camping styles. The park entrance fee ($7 daily or $35 annual) is separate from camping fees, which range from $20-$35 depending on amenities. Year-round camping is available though winter months feature limited facilities. During summer months, bug spray is essential as the prairie landscape can harbor mosquitoes and ticks, especially after rainfall.
What to do
Hiking quartzite formations: Blue Mounds State Park features distinctive quartzite rock outcroppings with well-maintained trails. "There are plenty of hiking trails and some cliff climbing," notes Bruce P., who appreciated the trail system throughout the park's natural prairie landscape.
Fishing nearby waterways: At Lake Shetek State Park, visitors can fish in the main lake or explore smaller connected waterways. "We kayaked (a short portage) to 2 smaller lakes that had no one on them," reports Joanna B., who enjoyed finding more secluded fishing spots away from the motorboat traffic on the main lake.
Rock climbing opportunities: Palisades State Park offers exciting climbing routes on quartzite formations. "Stunning quartzite formations make for some great climbing," writes Jessica B., who enjoys the park for both its camping and hiking opportunities despite its relatively small size.
What campers like
Diverse camping options: Beyond the glamping opportunities, Blue Mounds State Park accommodates various camping preferences. "Very quiet even on holidays, sites are in the woods so all sites have shade. All types of camping is available, tent, RVs trailers, 5th wheels, Class A, etc. We have 46 foot toy hauler," reports Bruce P., highlighting the versatility of the campground.
Modern amenities: Campers appreciate the clean facilities throughout the area. "Bathrooms are nice and clean. There's a little free library near the restroom," mentions Tori K., who also noted that while the dump station layout requires driving through the campground rather than being positioned on the way out, the overall facilities are well-maintained.
Seasonal wildlife viewing: Different seasons bring unique wildlife viewing opportunities. "We saw and heard many birds including songbirds, woodpeckers, geese, turkeys, pelicans, turkey vultures, and a nesting swan. We saw deer, squirrels, chipmunks, and a mink. We heard coyotes the first night," shares Deanna J. from her spring stay at Oak Woods Campground.
What you should know
Water situation: Some parks in the region have experienced water issues. "They give you jugs of drinking water on check in, and for now the showers are swim beach are off line," mentions Kara B. about Blue Mounds State Park Campground, while another visitor noted "The only downside is that their water is contaminated. They provide directions to a city site where you can fill your camper tank, and they give out a gallon of drinking/cooking water when you check in."
Weather considerations: The prairie landscape means exposure to elements. "Lots of sun so bring your sunscreen," advises Maritza R., reminding visitors that the open landscape offers limited natural shade in many areas.
Noise levels: Rural Minnesota camping can include unexpected noise sources. At Camden State Park, "There are nearby train tracks and trains ran by several times a day, though luckily they don't blow the horn so we didn't notice them much," reports Makayla B., who stayed in the lower campground area.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: The region offers various swimming opportunities for families. At Camden State Park, "Great trout stream, swimming, tubing, camping, horse trails, hiking... my kids loved it," says Emma V., though visitors should check current conditions as another camper noted the swimming pond needs maintenance.
Playground accessibility: Consider campsite location relative to playgrounds. "They had only a few tentsites available amid all the RV sites, but they were right on the edge of the playground, so the families had to walk right through my campsite to get to the play area," notes Carolyn M. about Big Sioux Recreation Area, highlighting how site selection impacts the family camping experience.
Campsite spacing: Site privacy varies significantly between parks and campground loops. At Lake Shetek State Park, Jen H. found that "the campground was essentially an open field with sites numbered along the edge. No privacy which made it tough to travel with dogs and kids were running around everywhere."
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup details: Island Park in Rock Rapids offers affordable options for RVers. "Very cheap, $15 a night for RV with electric and water, $5 for tents," shares Amber P., noting that the campground also features "huge swimming area with slides for kids, and river with a lot of fish!!!"
Site leveling considerations: When selecting an RV site, check the leveling requirements. "Site had a picnic table and fire ring. Firewood is available at the park office," notes Tori K. about her stay at Blue Mounds State Park, while Makayla B. mentioned that at Camden State Park, "Our site, 30, sloped away from the parking pad. You wouldn't be able to set up chairs under your awning at this site."
Seasonal availability: For those seeking yurt camping near Hardwick, Minnesota during colder months, verify availability. While many campgrounds in the region close seasonally, some remain open with limited services. "This is a beautful state park campground. The sites are large and wooded without feeling closed in," reports Kristen B. about Blue Mounds State Park, where yurt accommodations provide a comfortable option through multiple seasons.
