Lake Benton in southwestern Minnesota sits at 1,755 feet elevation with rolling prairie terrain surrounding a 2,875-acre glacial lake. The region experiences distinct seasonal camping conditions with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F and most campgrounds operating from May through October. Winter camping options are limited, with few sites offering cold-weather accommodations.
What to do
Water recreation at Lake Shetek State Park: Electric-only and non-electric campsites provide access to multiple lakes. "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," notes one visitor to Oak Woods Campground.
Hiking opportunities: Several parks offer maintained trail systems of varying difficulty. At Camden State Park Campground, one camper reported, "Great trout stream, swimming, tubing, camping, horse trails, hiking... my kids loved it." The park features approximately 4 miles of hiking trails, including prairie and wooded terrain.
Disc golf: Some county parks in the region offer disc golf courses alongside camping facilities. A visitor to Plum Creek Park Campground shared, "This is the definition of a hidden gem. The park is well maintained with friendly staff. There are nice trails around the lake and more in the lower unit. There is disc golf and kayak rentals and a small store."
What campers like
Secluded tent camping options: Non-electric tent sites often provide more privacy than RV areas. "For extra peace and quiet, get the tent only (non-electric) sites across the lake! There are a variety of sites if you want to 'rough it' or not," recommends a visitor to Plum Creek Park Campground.
Natural wildlife viewing: The prairie landscape offers diverse wildlife spotting opportunities. A camper at Oak Woods Campground explained, "We saw and heard many birds including songbirds, woodpeckers, geese, turkeys, pelicans, turkey vultures, and a nesting swan. We saw deer, squirrels, chipmunks, and a mink. We heard coyotes the first night."
Historical attractions: Several campgrounds provide access to local historical sites. "It's just outside of Walnut Grove and full of Laura Ingalls Wilder history," notes one reviewer about camping options near Lake Benton, Minnesota. The region features multiple historical museums and preserved sites within driving distance of most campgrounds.
What you should know
RV sites near Lake Benton, Minnesota vary in size and hookup options: Most established campgrounds offer electric hookups, but not all provide full-service connections. At Palisades State Park Campground, a visitor mentioned, "Overpriced, no water hookup at electric site and no dump station." Always check specific site dimensions before booking.
Seasonal closures affect availability: Most camping facilities operate from May through October. A camper at River of the Double Bend Campground noted, "We rented kayaks and went up river, then floated to our camp site," demonstrating the summer water activities available at regional campgrounds.
Site privacy varies significantly: Campground layouts range from wooded, private sites to open field arrangements. One camper at Oak Woods Campground reported, "Sites are well marked and they are all in close proximity to one another. There are little to no natural features that divide each site from the next. When this campground is full you have zero privacy."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated children's areas. A visitor to Sioux Falls Yogi Bear shared, "Our family spent a long weekend here enjoying all of the activities they had to offer. Everything from laser tag to chocolate milk chugging contests. The sites were extremely well maintained."
Swimming facilities: Lakes and constructed swimming areas provide summer recreation. "This park features great sites, trails, a swimming beach, and playground equipment," noted a camper at Plum Creek Park, though another visitor cautioned about Oak Woods Campground: "There is a 'beach' located near the Oak Wood campground however it was underwater."
Camper cabins for families new to camping: Some parks offer cabin alternatives for those without equipment. At Camden State Park Campground, cabins provide an entry-level camping experience. A visitor to Oak Woods Campground explained, "Site 12 is directly across from one of the camper cabins - these little cabins are super cute!"
Tips from RVers
Motorhome access considerations: Many rv sites near Lake Benton accommodate larger rigs, but accessibility varies. At Oraas County Park, a visitor noted, "Nice park. Water and electric hookups at each site. Each site had plenty of space," though another mentioned, "Only one site with electric as far as I could tell."
Cell service coverage: Coverage is inconsistent throughout the region. Campers report: "T-Mobile 40mbps download and Verizon 5mbps download" at Plum Creek Park, while at Camden State Park "we didn't have cell service (Verizon), which wasn't a big deal."
Leveling challenges: Some RV sites require significant leveling equipment. A camper at Sioux Falls Yogi Bear reported, "We had a pull thru spot, leveling was tricky. They let us put up a tent for no additional cost." Be prepared with adequate leveling blocks and chocks for sites on uneven terrain.
