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Best Campgrounds near Kensington, MN

205 Reviews

Camping options surround Kensington, Minnesota, with several established campgrounds providing a range of accommodation types. Andes RV Park in Kensington offers tent, RV, and cabin camping with full hookups, while Oak Park Kampground in nearby Garfield provides similar amenities plus recreational facilities. The area contains a mix of privately-operated parks and public recreation areas, with most campgrounds featuring electric hookups, water, and shower facilities. Lake Carlos State Park Campground, located about 30 miles east near Alexandria, offers more diverse camping experiences including boat-in sites and glamping options.

Road access to most campgrounds is well-maintained, with many sites accommodating large RVs. Seasonal considerations affect availability, with several campgrounds operating from May through September or October. Winter access is limited to a few year-round facilities like Lake Carlos State Park. Reservation requirements vary by location, with most private campgrounds accepting advance bookings while some public areas may have first-come, first-served options. Visitors should prepare for typical Minnesota weather patterns, including hot, humid summers with significant mosquito activity. As one camper noted about Andes RV Park, "if coming in summer make sure to bring plenty of bug spray!!!"

Waterfront camping represents a significant draw to the region, with several campgrounds situated near lakes or rivers. Tipsinah Mounds City Park and Elk Lake Campground provide direct water access, while others offer proximity to popular recreational bodies of water. Campers consistently mention clean facilities as a highlight across multiple locations. "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," reported one visitor. Family-friendly amenities appear throughout the area's campgrounds, with many featuring playgrounds, swimming pools, and outdoor recreation options. The Homestead at Ottertail RV Park receives particular praise for its amenities, including "bathrooms, showers, pool with spacious deck, fish cleaning shack, room to roam, playground, laundry facilities," according to camper reviews.

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Best Camping Sites Near Kensington, Minnesota (79)

    1. Lake Carlos State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Carlos, MN
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 852-7200

    "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)."

    2. Andes RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Kensington, MN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 965-2455

    $45 - $125 / night

    "Golf cart rentals, and trails from the park.

    Would definitely recommend."

    "It has outstanding trails that they use in the winter time for cross-country skiing with tons of outdoor activities. Brand new restroom and shower facilities with laundry."

    3. Oak Park Kampground

    5 Reviews
    Garfield, MN
    12 miles
    Website
    +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."

    4. Glacial Lakes State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Starbuck, MN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 239-2860

    "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."

    5. The Homestead at Ottertail RV Park and Resort

    3 Reviews
    Evansville, MN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 461-1479

    "Located very close to Otter Tail Lake."

    "Great owners, great amenities, close to many lakes…not much else you could ask for!"

    6. Tipsinah Mounds City Park

    7 Reviews
    Evansville, MN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 685-5114

    "Beautiful location. most lots are lake front. camper spots are easy to get into and spacious. two primitive areas, one by the beach and the other is tucked back in the trees(super secluded). people at"

    "Not lakeside but nicely secluded. There is a nice beach and the lake is clear. There is a big playground, basketball court, and ball field."

    7. Elk Lake Campground

    1 Review
    Kensington, MN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 986-2901

    8. Pomme De Terre Campground

    4 Reviews
    Chokio, MN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 208-6500

    "Bathhouse, walking trails, fishing and beautiful lake views. Some sites are a little difficult to get into but not impossible."

    9. Hobo Park

    2 Reviews
    Starbuck, MN
    14 miles
    Website
    +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."

    10. Alexandria Shooting Park and RV Campground

    2 Reviews
    Alexandria, MN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 763-5315
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Recent Camping Photos near Kensington, MN

25 Photos of 79 Kensington Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Kensington, MN

205 Reviews of 79 Kensington Campgrounds

  • Cassie W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Lucky Acres Campgrounds

    Great spot!

    Friendly caretakers, spots right on the beach and a clean shower house!

  • Mike O.
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Glacial 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.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2025

    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!!!

  • M
    Jul. 6, 2025

    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 ..
    Jun. 9, 2025

    Oak 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.
    Jun. 6, 2025

    Glacial 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.
    May. 27, 2025

    Games 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.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 19, 2025

    Sinclair 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 Kensington

Camping near Kensington, Minnesota, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and biking trails: Explore the scenic trails at Glendalough State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The hiking club trail around Annie Battle Lake is paved for biking and groomed for skiing."
  • Fishing and boating: Enjoy fishing off the dock at Tipsinah Mounds City Park. A camper shared, "There is a dock that you can fish off of and the shore is great for putting kayaks into the water."
  • Swimming: Relax at the sandy beach at Tipsinah Mounds City Park. One reviewer noted, "The lake views are spectacular, and the beach is perfect for swimming."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of restrooms and showers. A visitor at Lake Carlos State Park Campground said, "Very clean restroom/shower house."
  • Spacious sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites. A reviewer at Sinclair Lewis City Campground mentioned, "Lakefront sites are available, and the sites are easy to back into and decent sized."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One guest at Swan Lake Resort & Campground said, "Wonderful office staff, very kind and helpful."

What you should know:

  • Reservations are recommended: Many campgrounds, like Lake Carlos State Park Campground, require online reservations. A camper noted, "Need to reserve online."
  • Limited services in off-season: Some campgrounds reduce services during the off-season. A visitor at Sinclair Lewis City Campground mentioned, "The office was closed for the season with the water & electric turned off."
  • Noise levels can vary: Campgrounds near towns, like Delagoon Park Campground, may have higher noise levels. One camper said, "The noise level within the campground can be pretty high on weekends."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. A family at Tipsinah Mounds City Park enjoyed, "There is a playground area, bathrooms with showers that were clean, and a sandy beach to swim at."
  • Short walks to sites: Choose campgrounds where the walk from parking to the campsite is easy. A visitor at Glendalough State Park Campground mentioned, "The trip from the parking spot to your site is very short and very flat."
  • Plan for quiet evenings: Many campgrounds have quiet hours. A camper at Glacial Lakes State Park Campground noted, "Things were very quiet by 9 pm each night."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Oak Park Kampground said, "Mostly pull-through sites, water & electric tent sites with picnic tables & fire rings."
  • Look for electric hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with electric hookups. A visitor at Sinclair Lewis City Campground mentioned, "Most sites have electric but there are some primitive sites for tents."
  • Dump station availability: Check if the campground has a dump station. A camper at Glacial Lakes State Park Campground noted, "Not sure if there is a dump station for RVs."

Camping near Kensington, Minnesota, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Kensington, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kensington, MN is Lake Carlos State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 28 reviews.

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