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Camping near Isle, MN
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Camping opportunities around Isle, Minnesota concentrate along the shores of Lake Mille Lacs, with several developed campgrounds providing various accommodation options. Father Hennepin State Park Campground features both lakeview and maple grove camping areas with tent sites, RV hookups, and wooded surroundings. South Isle Family Campground and Fiddlestix RV and Golf Resort cater to families seeking amenities like heated pools, planned activities, and full hookup sites. Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, located about 20 miles west of Isle, offers year-round camping with cabin accommodations in addition to traditional tent and RV sites.
Seasonal considerations heavily influence camping experiences in the Isle area, with most campgrounds operating from May through October. "The beach is long and rocky but ample enough to swim in. It is a busy place because of its location close to the cities and other areas up there," noted one camper about Father Hennepin State Park. Reservations are required at state parks and strongly recommended at private campgrounds, especially for summer weekends and holiday periods. Weather varies dramatically by season, with pleasant summer temperatures in the 70s-80s°F, while spring can bring significant rainfall and mud. Many campgrounds close or reduce services during winter months, though Mille Lacs Kathio remains open year-round with limited amenities.
Lakefront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, with sites along Mille Lacs offering fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. Several campers mentioned that while sites at Father Hennepin State Park are relatively close together, the abundant tree cover provides some privacy during summer months. Families particularly appreciate the organized activities at South Isle Family Campground, where one visitor commented, "Take the stress out of camping and RV'ing if you are just getting started like we did. Very nice sites and friendly staff!" Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, raccoons, and various bird species. Campers should be prepared for insects, particularly in early summer, with several reviews mentioning black flies at certain times of year. Hiking trails throughout the region provide additional recreational opportunities, though they are generally rated as easy to moderate rather than challenging.
Best Campgrounds near Isle (162)
1. Father Hennepin State Park Campground
"A nice surprise We had site #50 in Lakeview Campground, this site is located on the rise and had nice breezes, close to showers, lake and playground."
"Right on Lake Mille Lacs, one of Minnesota’s largest. Walking distance from the bakery and bar! Newer, updated facilities. Boat access. Lake side sites (if you book early enough)."
from $24 - $68 / night
Check Availability2. South Isle Family Campground
"Close by one of Minnesota's best fishing lakes MilLacs Lake. Great bike trails! You will be satisfied!!!"
"Beautiful walking trails. Lots of activities for the kids."
3. Mille Lacs Kathio Petaga Campground — Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
"Stayed in Petaga (drive in) spot #52."
"This is one campground in Minnesota that offers a handful of electric hookups for winter camping."
from $25 - $35 / night
Check Availability4. Snake River Campground
"Their are mosquitoes this year and I don't think the four wheeler trails are highly used I was hoping there would be hiking trails we'll probably just stay one night because the limited walking and I won't"
"Nice calm place, nice trails. Good location"
from $17 - $22 / night
Check Availability5. Ogechie Campground — Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
"We chose one of the dispersed sites so had to walk aways but worth it! We had a pretty nice spot on bottom of hill away from everyone. It was nice and secluded."
"They have a lot of hiking trails and a really cool fire tower that you can climb and see all of the surrounding area. Definitely recommend, but in the spring or fall months."
from $23 - $46 / night
Check Availability6. Hidden Bay RV Resort
"I’m talking winter camping on the lake on the Ice in an “Ice castle” catching walleye. Had a great time fishing in the camper (Ice Castle) well plowed roads, nice showers."
7. Camper Cabins — Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
"Early Wednesday morning (around 3am)is where things stopped being peaceful. A really bad storm developed (that I had no idea was coming)."
"Stayed at Mille Lacs Kathio and visited the nearby Father Hennepin State Park in late winter, staying in a camper cabin."
from $90 / night
Check Availability8. Fiddlestix RV and Golf Resort
from $55 - $85 / night
Check Availability9. Banning State Park Campground
"Bawning park is a walk through the history of the area the self guided tour is both informative and entertaining and the hike along the river is one to remember featuring the only class 5 rapids in Minnesota"
"There are miles of trails to hike, including along the river and to a waterfall, all kinds of paddling and rafting possibilities(bring your own, or join a trip sponsored by a local outfitter), or go bouldering"
from $24 - $80 / night
Check Availability10. Rum River State Forest
Drive Time
- 1 hr 11 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 1 hr 29 min from Duluth, MN
- 1 hr 31 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 2 hrs 47 min from Eau Claire, WI
Recent Camping Photos near Isle, MN
131 Photos of 162 Isle Campgrounds
MickandKarla W.
Fiddlestix RV and Golf Resort
Benjamin
Father Hennepin State Park Campground
Jaime N.
South Isle Family Campground
Casie S.
Snake River Campground
Skip H.
Rum River State Forest
Ashley H.
Mille Lacs Kathio Petaga Campground — Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
Jordan L.
Ogechie Campground — Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
Laura P.
Boulder Woods RV Park
Deb M.
Grand Casino RV Resort
Lindsey H.
Robinson Park Camping
Janet R.
Banning RV Park and Campground
Joanna B.
Banning State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Isle, MN
433 Reviews of 162 Isle Campgrounds
- GGlen B.Ranger
County Road O Landing Dispersed River Camp — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
Not much to offer
Geared towards fishing and tent camping. Space in the lot for my rig and a few cars.
- Crystal R.
GuideMoose Lake State Park Campground
Cozy little campground!
I stayed here last minute because on my previous camping trip my gear was soaked, and I can't dry out my gear in my apartment. So I chose to come here and I'm so glad I did!
The park itself is smaller. The campground only has three loops. There's one loop that is primitive, while the other two have electric hook up.
My favorite part of this campground is the gorgeous trees.
I saw lots of deer and a turtle laying eggs!
It has a small beach and a fishing pier (i think a spot to launch boats too but I could be remembering wrong).
Campground host was super friendly and came by to say hi. At one point, there was a tornado warning and she literally drove to my campsite to let me know and made sure I got to the shelter. (there didn't end up being a tornado, just a gnarly storm).
- Crystal R.Guide
Father Hennepin State Park Campground
Cozy little state park right on the water!
I stayed here last summer (2025)and am planning on staying here this summer as well.
The park is smaller than it's sister park Mille Lacs Kathio, but it definitely has some things that are better about it!
I stayed in the Maplewood campground, which I recommend if you like quiet and privacy. The sites are further apart and give you a more "in the woods" feel. The other campground (lake view) is more traditional RV style camping where the sites are fairly close. However they have some sites (small and close together) that have views directly of the lake, if that's your thing.
I stayed at site 96 which was verrrrry deep and felt pretty private. It's backed up to the woods so you don't have anyone behind you. It has a nice tent pad, and plenty of space for canopies or other equipment. It's a short walk down to the water too, where there's a fishing pier really close by, and a large beach a little further down. I went in very early June and the mosquitoes honestly weren't terrible yet, but the caterpillars were everywhere! There were caterpillars all over my tent, in my sandals I left outside my tent, on my car, etc. When I found one I just relocated them to a safer area in the woods. Lots of deer, you can hear owls at night, squirrels etc. It is bear country, but I didn't see any bears. I kept my food locked up in my car.
One night it was kind if windy and you could hear the waves on the lake from the tent, so that was kinda cool.
I have t mobile and had decent service here as well.
- Crystal R.Guide
Camper Cabins — Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
Beautiful cabins, excellent staff!
I had a very...interesting experience at the camper cabins this week! I stayed at the cabin #3 this week, Monday through Thursday (3 nights). Monday and Tuesday were awesome. I was the only one there on the whole side of the road, and it was soooo peaceful.
Early Wednesday morning (around 3am)is where things stopped being peaceful. A really bad storm developed (that I had no idea was coming). It was probably the worst storm I had ever experienced in my life. Five trees fell in the yard, one small one hitting the cabin. One tree even fell a couple of feet behind my car, blocking me in. After taking a short walk when the sun came up, I realized the damage was everywhere in the park. I was seeing downed trees all over every single trial and road. I emailed the park office which opened at 8 that I was trapped, and they cleared all the trees from the office to where I was (almost three miles away) and was getting me out by 9:30. I was so impressed with how fast they worked. Amazing job! They offered to give me a refund if I wanted to go home early (I didn't, because I was still really enjoying my time there). I will definitely be back!
Without the whole storm fiasco, here are some pros and cons:
Pro *the cabins are gorgeous and cozy. *they have electric and heat (a gas burning stove heats the cabin, how cute!) *there's a screened in porch allowing you to enjoy the weather without bugs. *the vault toilet is really close, but there is also flush toilets with a shower in the campground, which is like a five minute walk, or a very short drive. *the mattresses on the bunk beds appear to be newer than some cabins I stayed in, that being said, a foam mattress topper isn't a bad idea if you struggle to sleep *the trails are gorgeous. The cabins aren't far from the lake either. There's a visitor center that's currently closed for renovations (2026) but I think will be open next year. There's a short interpretive trail behind it too. *there's a fire ring and picnic table outside.
Cons (there aren't many!) *I think being separated from the main campground is both a pro and a con, depending on your personality. If you like solitude then it's perfect. If you enjoy being where everyone else is, then it's a con.
- the cabins are kinda close together, but there's trees and shrubs between (although several fewer than there were earlier this week 😭) so it does kinda feel private. But the noise can travel (there were people two cabins down my first night and I did hear them just a little bit).
- there's not much cell service. I heard Verizon does best. I had t mobile and depending on where I was standing I either got zero bars or occasionally up to 2bars (usually I didn't really get much though). That's kinda annoying especially during situations like the storm that happened (thankfully I was not harmed, my car wasn't harmed, and the cabin didn't get damaged from the tiny tree that fell right on it).
- Amanda P.
ScoutLum City Park
Nice stay
Small campground but nice location with it being close to shopping and other activities. City park is just across the parking lot and includes a beach, fishing docks, boat access and the bathroom/shower amenities. Be warned that the map online may not seem quite accurate. They camp spots seem much larger and spaced apart more then they actually are. Even the host agreed with that. We picked a site that seemed like it would be plenty large enough for our camper and truck but in reality it was barely big enough for our camper which is 31 feet long. So be aware of that when booking. My kids enjoyed the beach area when it was nice enough out. Bathrooms are what I would call a typical public bathroom. Could use some updating such as repainting and better mirrors over the sink area and I didn’t see a single trash can in the bathroom either. The shower area is basic but does the job. It’s a single person room basically but there is no interior lock so if someone has a key and you don’t hear them knock they can enter and with it being just a room as soon as that door is open it’s not private. All in all I would stay there again but I would definitely be more prepared and pick a better location for a site.
- SShanae O.
TravelerTwo Rivers Campground
Amazing
Absolutely love this campground. 2nd year for my family. We plan on coming back for many years to come. This place is completely family oriented. Very well maintained. Wonderful staff members. Just overall a wonderful experience each and every time. I highly recommend a visit if you rang to amenity memories that will last a life time.
Erin H.ScoutCamp Holiday Resort and Campground
Lake Resort!
Camp Holiday has many great options for lodging and amenities. The hosts are personable and friendly. There are activities for everyone; kids, teens and adults. The lake is big enough and they have two beach access points. We can't wait to stay again this summer!
Corinna Y.TravelerOld Railroad Bridge
Great little getaway spot for winter camping!
We stayed here with a group of hot tent campers in early January. The site is large and had a couple of fire pits. Includes a few picnic tables, and a pit toilet. It's a beautiful open area not far from the parking lot with a gorgeous view of the St. Croix River.
Guide to Isle
Isle, Minnesota camping destinations offer a diverse range of experiences across all four seasons. Located on the southern shore of Lake Mille Lacs, Isle's elevation of approximately 1,250 feet provides campers with shoreline vistas and wooded retreats. Weather shifts dramatically from humid 80°F summer days to below-freezing winter temperatures, making seasonal planning crucial for any campsite near Isle, Minnesota.
What to do
Climb the observation tower: At Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, visitors can access panoramic views from the fire tower. "The park hosts various seminars throughout the week. There are several places to swim and a big playground for the little ones," notes reviewer Liz H.
Explore historic sites: The park offers educational experiences beyond typical camping activities. "The park is also on the national register of historical sites, owing to the large number of archeological digs, revealing human activity in the area that dates back thousands of years," shares Brian C.
Enjoy water recreation: Snake River Campground offers alternatives to Lake Mille Lacs. "There is a pretty stream about 500 feet from the site and some really fun dirt bike trails. The view of the bluffs were amazing," mentions Casie S.
Winter camping options: Unlike many seasonal campgrounds, winter opportunities exist. "Mille Lacs Kathio is a great place for winter camping with electric hookups. The beauty of this campground is that while the campsites available are in a row, there's plenty of space between sites," reports Amy G.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Banning State Park Campground offers diverse wildlife encounters. "We also saw several different Warblers! The real magic of Banning State Park was the beautiful river and the fauna," writes Tori M.
Spacious, private sites: Many campers appreciate site layout. "The campsites were fairly well spaced, wooded and offered some privacy. There were multiple vault toilets in the campsite loops," reports Joanna B.
Historical explorations: "The hiking here is amazing! The Quarry Loop along the Kettle River has a ton of history, allowing you to explore the remains of the 130+ year old sandstone quarry. Seeing the drill holes in the cliffs was really cool," Jennifer H. explains.
Fall colors: The camping season extends beyond summer. "We booked a site in advance and hoped to catch the fall colors. Fall came early in MN and it was just past peak. Most of the leaves were yellow (or on the ground), but it was still pretty," shares Joanna B.
What you should know
Insect preparedness: Biting insects can impact camping experiences. "There isn't anything terrible about this park, but of all the MN options, this doesn't come close to most. One thing to note is this park gets a ton of black flies so beware. They bite and are gross," warns Amber S. about Father Hennepin State Park Campground.
Wildlife encounters: Larger wildlife may visit campsites. "We loved this camp site. Very clean. The only downside depending on your view are the bears. There was a black bear in our camp 15 minutes after we went to sleep. Then the 2nd a little guy was hanging around our site all day," reports Daniel R.
Seasonal access limitations: Many facilities close during winter. "The vault toilet is not easy to find from where the electric openings are in the winter. While these spaces are right next door to a shower house with toilets, this is closed in the winter," notes Amy G.
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available near Isle, Minnesota?
What campgrounds are available near Isle, Minnesota?
Isle, Minnesota offers several excellent camping options. Father Hennepin State Park Campground is situated right on Lake Mille Lacs with lakeside sites, updated facilities, and boat access. Mille Lacs Kathio State Park features private, spacious sites with easy access to bathrooms and trails. Other nearby options include South Isle Family Campground, Minnesota National RV Park located inside a golf course, and Rum River State Forest for more primitive dispersed camping. Most campgrounds in the area provide access to Lake Mille Lacs, one of Minnesota's premier fishing destinations, with varying levels of amenities from basic sites to full hookups.
Is there a family-friendly campground in Isle, MN?
Is there a family-friendly campground in Isle, MN?
South Isle Family Campground is an excellent option for families, featuring an in-ground heated pool, great shower facilities, and plenty of shade trees. Many families stay for weekends or longer visits. The campground is close to Mille Lacs Lake for fishing opportunities and has great bike trails nearby. Another family-friendly option is Savanna Portage State Park Campground, which is situated near four lakes with a variety of activities. Loon Lake within the park has a beach area that's perfect for families, and there are ample opportunities for fishing, hiking, biking, and wildlife watching.
Can I rent an RV in Isle, Minnesota?
Can I rent an RV in Isle, Minnesota?
While the reviews don't specifically mention RV rental services in Isle, Minnesota, there are RV-friendly campgrounds in the area that accommodate visitors with their own or rented RVs. Minnesota National RV Park offers full hookup sites with 50-amp service, water, and sewer connections built next to the Minnesota National Golf Course. St. Cloud Campground & RV Park, though slightly farther away, provides well-maintained sites with a pool and various amenities. For RV rentals, you may need to check with rental companies in larger nearby cities like St. Cloud or the Twin Cities area, which offer delivery services to campgrounds in the Isle region.
What activities and attractions are available near Isle campgrounds?
What activities and attractions are available near Isle campgrounds?
The Isle area offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities centered around Lake Mille Lacs, one of Minnesota's largest lakes. Fishing is a primary attraction, with Mille Lacs known for excellent walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass fishing. Crosby Memorial City Park provides easy access to Cuyuna Mountain Bike trails and paved bike paths. Hiking trails abound at Crow Wing State Park, which makes a great weekend getaway. Swimming beaches, boating, and wildlife watching are popular at several parks. The town of Isle offers shopping and dining options, while a casino is located within 30 minutes of the area. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the Minnesota National Golf Course adjacent to the RV park.
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