The area around Montgomery, Minnesota features glacial lakes and hardwood forests with elevations between 1,000-1,100 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during peak camping season with frequent thunderstorms in late afternoons. Camping options include both rustic sites and developed campgrounds, most within 30 minutes of Montgomery.
What to do
Wildlife watching on hiking trails: Rice County McCullough Park provides access to forested hiking trails with abundant bird and wildlife viewing opportunities. "Loved this park!! Very quiet and peaceful. Biked the trail. Campfires, hammocked and just enjoyed chillin!" notes Carla A. about nearby Sakatah Lake State Park Campground.
Fishing access: Many campgrounds offer fishing docks or shoreline access for anglers. "We stayed here while visiting Minneopa state park. The campground was nice. It was mid April so no water at the sites but had electric in ours," shares Tracy O. about her experience at Sakatah Lake. Rice County McCullough Park provides "Two boat/fishing docks, playground, pavilion, and hiking trails for things to do," according to Tonya B.
Biking on paved trails: High Island Creek Park connects to several regional trail networks. "Remote camping circle with TONS of trails that go down the ravine and alongside the river!" mentions Alison O. The park offers free camping with limited amenities but excellent trail access.
What campers like
Quiet, spacious sites: Campers appreciate sites with adequate separation and natural buffers. At Rice County McCullough Park, "Sites were long enough for our 40ft fifth wheel camper plus the truck and we had a large yard. Sites have crushed asphalt base and are decently level. Grounds are well maintained," reports Tonya B.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathroom and shower facilities matter to campers with pets. At Lebanon Hills Regional Park, "The bathrooms were among some of the nicest I've used at a campground. The shower stall was big enough for a meaty human like myself to shower comfortably," notes Joanne M.
Nature sounds: The diversity of wildlife creates memorable auditory experiences. "I was so amazed with all the sounds of birds in this park. I heard Everything from Eagles, Canadian Geese and Swans to Woodpeckers and multiple song birds. Also the frogs and toads were adding their voices too," shares Shelly S. about her experience at Sakatah Lake State Park.
What you should know
Seasonal water conditions: Lakes in the area may develop algae blooms in late summer. Tim B. notes about Sakatah Lake: "On the lake but you need to be in middle of this lake if you want to get wet. Unless you enjoy swimmers itch. Not even very nice fishing on the dock Unless you like green fish."
Free camping option: High Island Creek Park offers free camping with basic amenities. "Nice clean campground very well maintained and free. Near Henderson, MN which is one of a kind small town well worth the visit for all. This is rustic with no hookups except very clean portapotty and hand lever water jack," explains Mike G.
Reservation requirements: Most developed campgrounds require advance booking, especially for weekend stays. At Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground, Tim B. advises: "As most State parks in MN you better get your reservation in early if you want a site with electric. If your good without, it's a great park."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Kamp Dels has extensive kids' amenities. "This is such a great campground for families! So many activities including a water recreation area, petting zoo, shuffleboard, mini golf, pool, toddler water park, multiple playgrounds, basketball and more," recommends Tami W.
Water recreation options: Several campgrounds offer swimming or paddling opportunities. "This was my third time camping at this campground and I love it more and more every time. It's next to a lake so we can easily bring our kayaks with," shares Kayla O. about Sakatah Lake State Park.
Check campground quiet hours: Enforcement of quiet times varies between campgrounds. Matt C. mentions about Sakatah Lake State Park: "Our site was a perfect tent-in site (site 15), as it was far enough away from the highway and other sites, so noise was minimal."
Tips from RVers
Site access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging access for larger RVs. "Very nice park if your RV is not to big. I put our 38 foot 5th wheel in a site but you better be on your game here. Lots of shade and big trees," cautions Tim B. about Nerstrand Big Woods State Park.
RV park amenities: For full-service RV camping, Lebanon Hills Regional Park offers comprehensive hookups. "We stayed in the East Loop which is for smaller RVs and tents. It has electricity but no water hookups, however there are water pumps. We stayed at site 72 which is at the beginning of the loop," shares Angela L.
Seasonal considerations: Most pet-friendly camping near Montgomery, Minnesota has limited seasonal availability. "About the only nice thing about this place is the lady who answered the phone, Valerie," notes Mia F. about one campground, highlighting the importance of checking ahead during shoulder seasons when some staff and amenities may be limited.
