Blue Mounds State Park offers prairie camping experiences in southwestern Minnesota, 35 miles southwest of Ihlen. The park's elevation rises to 1,719 feet on a quartzite ridge, one of the highest points in the region. Electric and non-electric campsites are available year-round, with summer temperatures averaging between 70-85°F and winter dropping well below freezing.
What to do
Bouldering and climbing: Blue Mounds State Park features unique quartzite rock formations ideal for climbing. "Great prairie views and it's always great to see Bison. Didn't love the lack of potable water. Would be nice to see more investment here- real gem of a park," notes Sydney J. about Blue Mounds State Park Campground.
Kayaking and water sports: Lake Shetek State Park offers water recreation options for glampers near Ihlen. "We brought our kayaks and enjoyed kayaking the lake, though there was always a pretty big wake and we stayed near the shoreline. We kayaked (a short Portage) to 2 smaller lakes that had no one on them," shares Joanna B. from Oak Woods Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Split Rock Creek at Palisades State Park provides opportunities to observe local wildlife. "South Dakota is known for its well-maintained state park campgrounds, and this area offers two great options: King and Queen. Queen is nestled in a wooded area with limited visibility to the sky, offering a more secluded experience," explains Tim R. at Palisades State Park.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campgrounds near Ihlen maintain well-kept restrooms and showers. "Bathrooms are nice and clean. There's a little free library near the restroom. Layout for getting water and dump station is a little odd as you have to drive through the campground to get to it rather than it being on your way out," mentions Tori K. from Blue Mounds State Park.
Quiet camping environment: Many sites offer peaceful settings, particularly during weekdays. "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, Clean bathrooms and plenty of dumpsters," reports Bruce P. about Blue Mounds State Park.
Lake views: Several glamping options near Ihlen provide water views. "We followed our GPS getting off I-29 at exit 79 in Sioux Falls and going straight west on hwy 42 for about 20 miles to the sign for the right turn to go up to the recreation area. Our site was spacious enough for our 40 5th wheel and F450. The electric hookup is at the back; we needed about 30 of cord," explains MickandKarla W. at Lake Vermillion Recreation Area.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Spring and fall offer the most comfortable glamping conditions near Ihlen. "No bugs in early June. Campsites were very clean and well taken care of. Clean bathrooms," shares Levi S. about Blue Mounds State Park.
Weather variability: Prairie environments experience significant temperature fluctuations. "We went to Sioux Falls for a concert and added a few night to our trip to camp at Blue Mounds. Sites were not full on the weekend, even less so on Sunday night. Do the prairie tour, interesting and worth the time and the $15," recommends Karla J. B.
Reservation requirements: Most glamping sites require advance booking, especially during summer months. "Cheap full hookup when passing through," notes Paul A. about Magnolia City Campground, which offers a simpler booking process as a first-come, first-served destination.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature play areas for children. "We made a reservation using the phone number provided. Super friendly people all around. Very quiet and beautiful campground. Well minus the semitrucks going down the road here and there," reports Jennifer K. about camping in the area.
Educational opportunities: Ranger programs and nature walks provide learning experiences. "The naturalists here are friendly and knowledgeable, take advantage of programming! Visit the nearby Pipestone National Monument while in the area," suggests Karla J. B. about the area.
Swimming areas: Lakes near Ihlen offer swimming opportunities during summer. "Very nice campground with big sites. This area is very nice for hiking and pretty sure swimming and kayaking. We were there early spring so water was to cold to swim," reports Clarke N. about Palisades State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Hookup options: Most glamping sites near Ihlen offer electric hookups, while full-service sites are limited. "Great place right off of 90. Follow the gps location on the app. Don't use the address off of the city's web site. Plus there are signs for camping that will lead you right to it. It's a first come place with no reservations and you pay on the honor system when you pull in," advises mark about Magnolia City Campground.
Site selection: For larger rigs, researching specific site dimensions is essential. "We were at camp spot 12E it was very nice! The bathrooms and showers were okay and the people were very nice. It was my first time ever pulling and backing up a camper and I was struggling and one of the park rangers came and helped me," shares Wilanrie B. from Big Sioux Recreation Area.
Water access: Not all campgrounds provide water hookups directly at sites. "Rangers are nice, park Host is amazing, facilities are clean. Beautiful place view of lake, sites are paved, no stones. Lots of trees and shade, i stayed in east campground," mentions kenneth B. about Lake Vermillion Recreation Area.
