G
Gwen A.
Guide
GuideBlue Mounds State Park Campground
Alright!
The Ranger at the desk polite and full of information. The only thing we did not like is the cold room where the showers are. Loads of hot water.
Camping near Lake Benton, MN
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Camping near Lake Benton, Minnesota includes several county parks and established campgrounds set amid prairie landscapes and agricultural surroundings. Hole in the Mountain County Park and Norwegian Creek County Park provide the closest camping options to Lake Benton itself, while Horse Hill County Park offers additional facilities within the immediate area. These campgrounds sit in southwestern Minnesota's rolling terrain, approximately 30 minutes from the South Dakota border and about 2 hours from Sioux Falls. The region features a mix of grasslands, farmland, and small lakes typical of this part of Minnesota.
Most campgrounds in the Lake Benton area operate seasonally, with primary camping season running from mid-May through early October. Hole in the Mountain County Park specifically operates from May 15 to October 1. Winter conditions can be harsh with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing, making off-season camping impractical. Summer brings warm days with temperatures typically in the 70s and 80s°F, though occasional heat waves can push temperatures higher. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, with some campgrounds even offering WiFi. Campers should note that water systems at some parks may be shut off during shoulder seasons.
The camping facilities around Lake Benton accommodate both tent and RV campers, with most county parks providing electric hookups, drinking water, and sanitary dump stations. Many sites are drive-in accessible with gravel pads and grassy areas for setting up equipment. According to visitors to nearby state parks in the region, "sites are well marked but in close proximity to one another with little to no natural features dividing each site from the next." Facilities typically include showers, toilets, and picnic tables, though amenities vary by location. Lake Hendricks Park, located about 20 miles northwest of Lake Benton, offers year-round camping with similar amenities and has received positive reviews for its lakeside setting.
Best Campgrounds near Lake Benton (66)
1. Norwegian Creek Co Park
"So beautiful to wake up to the sunrise on the lake. Perfect stop in our way .. great location for kids - there are 2 parks and little “beaches” with sand to play next to the lake"
"I'd stay again, although a lady in town said the hole in the mound county park nearby is much quieter. The ice cream man made a loop through the grounds."
2. Hole in the Mountain County Park
3. Camden State Park Campground
"Camp site was easy to access and close to the restrooms/showers. The camp sites along the river have little trails that go down to the water, beautiful river bottom scenery a few yards away."
"Great hiking and biking trails, swimming pond and right on the redwood river. The Camden Regional trail is 14 miles of paved trails between Camden State Park and Marshall, MN."
from $24 - $75 / night
Check Availability4. Pipestone RV Campground
"Neighbors had to move their table away from my septic hook up unfortunately. Very nice people but spots are close together. Each spot has a fire pit and some have tables."
"the owners are attentive, the facility is clean, neighbors are friendly, and it’s located close to restaurants, shopping, and anything else you could need or want! We’ll definitely be back!"
from $18 - $42 / night
Check Availability5. Blue Mounds State Park Campground
"Quiet place with nice bike and walking paths. Electric only 30amp water close by. Full dump station."
"Amazing remnant of Minnesota prairie set among the farm country."
from $24 - $50 / night
Check Availability7. Horse Hill Co Park
8. Swensons Park
"Nice little lake with clean bathrooms"
9. Pipestone Family Campground
"Campground was nearly full of local campers but the kids played great together. Decent pool & showers, fun activities like bags tournaments and a potluck."
10. Redwood Lodge — Camden State Park
from $245 / night
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Drive Time
- 1 hr 4 min from Sioux Falls, SD
- 2 hrs 7 min from Mankato, MN
- 2 hrs 9 min from Sioux City, IA
- 2 hrs 39 min from St. Cloud, MN
Recent Camping Photos near Lake Benton, MN
49 Photos of 66 Lake Benton Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Norwegian Creek Co Park
Camden State Park Campground
Split Rock Creek State Park Campground
Oak Woods Campground — Lake Shetek State Park
Sunrise Campground — Lake Shetek State ParkT
Campground 1 — Oakwood Lakes State Park
Blue Mounds State Park Campground
Split Rock ParkC
Plum Creek Park Campground
Palisades State Park Campground
Adrian City Park
Sioux Falls Yogi Bear
Recent Reviews near Lake Benton, MN
264 Reviews of 66 Lake Benton Campgrounds
Emily A.GuideBlue Mounds State Park Campground
We liked it!
Nice showers, sites online can be a bit deceiving. We thought we were getting a more remote site but it ended up being right in the middle of everyone with a direct view of the trashes. Because we were so close to said trash the flies were terrible and got into our camper and stayed in it for days. But showers and bathrooms were clean and overall a cute site with a nice trail nearby!
- BBrian B.
TravelerSplit Rock Park
Enjoyable 1 nighter
I spent one night at Split Rock on my trip back to Colorado from Minnesota. I had a spot right on the river. The views and scenery were amazing. This is an oasis on the plains. There is an active train track that runs behind the campground that did cause a few wake-ups during the night but overall I had a great stay.
- BBrenda L.Traveler
Split Rock Park
Split Rock Park after Labor day
This is a wonderful city park. It has electricity only at most of the sites. There's a choice of fifty amp or thirty amp. No water , except from a community pipe , which you can reach with a hose to fill your r v or camper from the road as you drive in. No dump station here in the park , but just two blocks outside of the park is a free one. Lovely shade trees lots of birds. For powered site , it's $20 a night , so much more affordable than the r v parks! Garretson's website has reservation details. There's also a boat , ramp and a lovely children's playground.
- Sacred E.Traveler
Split Rock Creek State Park Campground
Very nice!
There were lots of sites available and the women in the office was really helpful. Showers were clean but push button and temp wasn't adjustable.
- KKarla F.
ScoutRiver Road Campground
I90 $35 per night sewer and electric
Hot shower, clean bathroom, playground, close to town and I 90
elizabeth B.GuideCity of Westbrook Campsite
Nice quiet place in SW MN
$20/night, no sewer hookup but there is a dump site nearby. Nice trees.
- VVirginia A.Traveler
Magnolia City Campground
Best site in the trees
Stayed here for almost a month. There are full hook ups for a minimal fee. The sunsets are beautiful. Highly recommend
- KKarissa U.Guide
Blue Mounds State Park Campground
Blue Mounds State Park
We did not personally stay at the campgrounds however we checked it out when we went hiking there. It is cheaper if you book on the web verses their call center. They have electric and non-electric sites, and they all have a table and fire pit. For more information or to book you can visit the Minnesota DNR website. If you just want to enjoy the hike they offer vehicle day passes for $7 which is what we opted for (they have slips for your car on the info board by the parking lot) This hike takes you to the quarry which has super cool rock formations as well as to multiple bison viewing areas
Guide to Lake Benton
Camping near Lake Benton, Minnesota centers around several parks located in Lincoln County. The area sits at approximately 1,755 feet elevation with native prairie remnants interspersed with agricultural land. Summer nights can drop into the 50s°F even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s, creating temperature swings that campers should prepare for with appropriate gear and clothing.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Norwegian Creek County Park offers lakeside fishing access where campers can try for walleye and northern pike. "So beautiful to wake up to the sunrise on the lake. Perfect stop in our way...great location for kids - there are 2 parks and little 'beaches' with sand to play next to the lake," notes Shirlee A. at Norwegian Creek Co Park.
Bison viewing: Blue Mounds State Park maintains a herd of bison that visitors can observe during special tours. "Park features natural prairie and a buffalo herd. Bison tours are available. Plenty of hiking trails and some cliff climbing," shares Bruce P. who stayed at Blue Mounds State Park Campground.
River activities: Camden State Park offers opportunities for tubing and playing along the Redwood River. "Great trout stream, swimming, tubing, camping, horse trails, hiking... my kids loved it," reports Emma V. who visited Camden State Park Campground.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and shower buildings. "Bathrooms are nice and clean. There's a little free library near the restroom," writes Tori K. about her stay at Blue Mounds State Park.
Swimming areas: Local lakes and swimming ponds offer welcome relief during hot summer days. "The campground is close to the playground and swimming pond," notes Makayla B. about Camden State Park, though she adds that weather didn't cooperate during her visit.
Regional trails: The area features both paved and unpaved trails for hiking and biking. "The Camden Regional trail is 14 miles of paved trails between Camden State Park and Marshall, MN," explains Kyle B. who visits Pipestone RV Campground regularly.
What you should know
Water issues: Some parks in the region have experienced water system problems. Bruce P. mentions at Blue Mounds that "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."
Site spacing: Several campgrounds feature sites positioned relatively close together. "Electric and water hookups. Spots are very close together," reports Lisa from Norwegian Creek County Park, adding that "Luckily several people cancelled for the weekend and we were allowed to pick any spot."
Train noise: Some campgrounds sit near active rail lines. "There are train tracks really close to the campground. The trains didn't seem long nor did they blow the horns," reports Shelly E. from Camden State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. "We recently spent a long weekend in May camping here with family! This campground is a great example of what camping really is," shares Lucas P. about Lake Hendricks Park, adding that "neighbors are friendly, and it's located close to restaurants, shopping, and anything else you could need or want!"
Group camping options: The area works well for family reunions and larger gatherings. "My family does a annual family reunion camping once a year! We stayed here and it was beautiful! Perfect for all the kids off all ages, adults, grandparents...we had a really good time," says Anne G. about her Camden State Park experience.
Educational opportunities: The region offers learning experiences for children. "The national pipestone monument area is right across the road. Really neat interactive place to visit," notes camper S G. after staying at Pipestone Family Campground.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Some sites require work to get RVs properly positioned. S G. from Pipestone Family Campground mentions, "We had a pull thru spot, leveling was tricky. They let us put up a tent for no additional cost."
Hookup availability: Most county parks provide electric hookups, with some offering water and sewer connections. "Very quiet and beautiful campground. Well minus the semitrucks going down the road here and there," notes Jennifer K. about Blue Mounds, adding "Seems to be mostly electric sites. There's a dump and water fill with small clean dumpsters throughout."
Site selection: Choosing the right campsite can significantly impact your experience. "Go to the lower park, more to do, more to see. Upper camp, not much to see, plus our site was really steep," advises Lynn A. C. regarding Camden State Park's two distinct camping areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Benton campground located in Minnesota?
Where is Lake Benton campground located in Minnesota?
Lake Benton is located in southwestern Minnesota, approximately 30 miles east of the South Dakota border. The lake features several camping options including Hole in the Mountain County Park on the southeastern shore of the lake. The area is situated in Lincoln County, characterized by prairie landscapes and agricultural surroundings similar to nearby Blue Mounds State Park Campground, which is about an hour's drive south. Lake Benton is approximately 2.5 hours southwest of Minneapolis and about 1.5 hours north of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, making it a convenient destination for weekend getaways.
What are the camping fees at Lake Benton campgrounds?
What are the camping fees at Lake Benton campgrounds?
Camping fees at Lake Benton campgrounds are generally affordable compared to larger state parks in Minnesota. At Horse Hill Co Park, expect to pay approximately $15-25 per night for standard sites. County parks around Lake Benton typically charge similar rates to other regional facilities like Swensons Park, with potential discounts for Lincoln County residents. Fees usually cover basic amenities including water access and parking. Some campgrounds may offer weekly or monthly rates for extended stays. For the most current fee information, it's recommended to contact Lincoln County Parks Department directly, as rates may vary by season and site type.
What amenities are available at Norwegian Creek County Park on Lake Benton?
What amenities are available at Norwegian Creek County Park on Lake Benton?
Norwegian Creek County Park offers several essential amenities for campers visiting Lake Benton. The park provides potable water access, toilet facilities, and is big-rig friendly with accommodating sites for larger RVs. Similar to South Dutch Charlie Creek in the region, the park maintains well-kept grounds even during off-peak seasons. The campground features discrete sites in an open layout rather than secluded spots. Campers have lake access for fishing, boating, and water activities. While not as developed as state parks in the region, Norwegian Creek provides the essential facilities needed for a comfortable camping experience on Lake Benton.
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