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Best Campgrounds near Lake Benton, MN

234 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Lake Benton, Minnesota (60)

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Recent Camping Photos near Lake Benton, MN

43 Photos of 60 Lake Benton Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lake Benton, MN

234 Reviews of 60 Lake Benton Campgrounds

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Blue Mounds State Park Campground

    Quiet Relaxing Visit

    Had a great time relaxing by the camper. We had great views from our campsite. Hiking was nice. Bathroom and shower facility were very well kept. Very grassy sites - great for group camping.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Palisades State Park Campground

    Average

    Overpriced, no water hookup at electric site and do dump station. Friendly staff but probably wouldn’t stay again

  • Jennifer K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Blue Mounds State Park Campground

    Beautiful and peaceful

    Super friendly people all around. Very quiet and beautiful campground. Well minus the semitrucks going down the road here and there. Beautiful clean bathrooms and showers. Pathway is well lit without being obnoxious. Seems to be mostly electric sites. There's a dump and water fill with small clean dumpsters throughout. The hosts were super nice to talk to. Sites are clean and manicured and pretty level. Would definitely stay here again. Beautiful little oasis amid what seems to be endless farmland. Just such a welcome stop after a long drive.

  • Karla J. B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Blue Mounds State Park Campground

    Peaceful prairie getaway

    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. Some sites were smaller and closer together than others, so your experience may vary. But people were quiet and respectful, so I’m sure you can enjoy your stay. The naturalists here are friendly and knowledgeable, take advantage of programming! Visit the nearby Pipestone National Monument while in the area. Misc notes: Others have mentioned clean facilities, we did get manure smell with the breeze, but very few mosquitoes, great sunsets!

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Horse Campground — Oakwood Lakes State Park

    Clean

    The bathrooms and showers were very clean. Also, the campsites are very clean beach areas and boat ramps were very clean. Also a nice frisbee, golf course and great beach access. Also not real expensive but you do need a park pass and they do charge out of stators $10 more for campsites but at the end of the day very nice and well worth it garbage and fill stations and dump station.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2025

    Palisades State Park Campground

    Expensive

    We made a reservation using the phone number provided. On short notice, we were charged 80+ dollars for two nights after requesting a tent site without electricity. 0n arrival, we were charged 30 dollars for entrance passes to put on the car. The trains ran close by, and the flies were terrible.

  • Lynn M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 13, 2025

    midway camp, Volga South dakota

    Relax by river

    Hidden gem. Midway camp is known for weddings and events. There are 24 sites most on the Sioux river. All back in sites. Grounds well maintained.

  • B
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Blue Mounds State Park Campground

    Blue Mounds State Park

    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. Park features natural prairie and a buffalo herd. Bison tours are available. Plenty of hiking trails and some cliff climbing. LuVerne MN is 6 miles and has all supplies wanted available.

Guide to Lake Benton

Camping near Lake Benton, Minnesota, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the trails around the area. Campers have enjoyed the hiking trails at Blue Mounds State Park Campground, noting, "We went on a couple trails and just enjoyed the beautiful fall colors." The park is also home to bison, adding a unique touch to your nature walks.

  • Fishing and Water Activities: Lake Shetek State Park is a great spot for fishing. One visitor mentioned, "Good fishing. Stock up on groceries as large grocery stores are approximately 40 minutes away." This makes it a perfect place to relax by the water and try your luck at catching dinner.

  • Wildlife Watching: The area is rich in wildlife. A camper at Oak Woods Campground shared, "We saw and heard many birds including songbirds, woodpeckers, geese, turkeys, and a nesting swan." Keep your eyes peeled for deer and other animals too!

What campers like

  • Spacious Campsites: Many campers appreciate the large, well-spaced sites. One review for Lac qui Parle Upper Campground noted, "Lots of space between sites," which is great for privacy.
  • Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms and showers are a big plus. A visitor at Palisades State Park Campground remarked, "Bathrooms exceptionally clean. Showers great." This makes for a more comfortable camping experience.
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of park staff. One camper at Big Sioux Recreation Area said, "The ranger at the station was super friendly and helpful."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. For instance, Split Rock Park has no showers or toilets, just outhouses. A visitor noted, "There are no showers or toilets, just outhouses."
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in the warmer months. A camper at Lac qui Parle State Park mentioned, "The mosquitos weren't! Stayed right after a mosquito hatch sadly."
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads or train tracks. A camper at Sioux Falls KOA said, "Lots of noise since it’s off the highway." If you're looking for peace and quiet, check the location before booking.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park is noted for its "lots of activities to keep them entertained."
  • Plan for Outdoor Fun: Bring along games and outdoor toys. One family at Sunrise Campground enjoyed "fishing, swimming, and biking along all the great routes."
  • Safety First: Keep an eye on younger kids near water and cliffs. A camper at Split Rock Park advised, "There are cliffs and water, so plan accordingly."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Palisades State Park mentioned, "Totally new entrance with easy access to new section that will handle larger RVs."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check the campground features. One visitor at Big Sioux Recreation Area appreciated the "level spots with electric."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: If you're near highways or train tracks, be ready for some noise. A camper at Sioux Falls KOA noted, "It was clean, but the noise was a downside."

Camping near Lake Benton, Minnesota, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

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?

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?

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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