Best Campgrounds near Lakefield, MN

Public lands and campgrounds near Lakefield, Minnesota offer a range of camping experiences, from state park facilities to county parks and private campgrounds. Kilen Woods State Park Campground, located in Lakefield, provides both drive-in and walk-in tent and RV sites with electric hookups and modern amenities. Sandy Point Park offers lakeside camping with water and electric hookups. Several additional options exist within a short drive, including Jackson KOA with cabin and glamping accommodations, and Robertson Park with more primitive facilities. The region supports camping throughout most of the year, though availability and amenities vary by location.

Campgrounds in the Lakefield area typically operate with seasonal considerations affecting services. Kilen Woods State Park remains open year-round, while nearby facilities like Jackson KOA operate from April through October. Most developed campgrounds provide electric hookups, showers, and toilet facilities, though amenities differ between locations. Water hookups may be unavailable during colder months at some sites. Several campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends. Cell service is generally available throughout the region, though coverage may vary in more remote areas of state parks. A camper noted: "Not far from I-90, but felt like we were in the middle of nowhere! Lots of cornfields surround the state park, so there wasn't much traffic or the sound of cars."

Privacy and site spacing receive consistent praise from visitors to campgrounds near Lakefield. Walk-in sites at Kilen Woods State Park are particularly noted for their seclusion, with one visitor describing them as "very private and away from everyone else." Sandy Point Park earns high marks for its peaceful lakeside setting, with campers appreciating views of the lake through the trees. Some visitors mention the park's quiet atmosphere, especially on weekdays when occupancy is lower. Jackson KOA receives positive reviews for its well-maintained facilities and friendly staff. While most campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, site amenities and terrain vary considerably between locations. Several reviewers specifically mention the clean bathroom facilities at campgrounds throughout the region.

Best Camping Sites Near Lakefield, Minnesota (80)

    1. Jackson KOA

    9 Reviews
    Jackson, MN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 847-3825

    2. Kilen Woods State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Lakefield, MN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 662-6258

    $20 / night

    "Found this site by luck just searching on the Minnesota DNR site! Lots of RV sites but there are 4 walk in sites down a small trail, very private and away from everyone else."

    "It was HOT, but there is a tree in the center of Site 7 that offered shade and lots of bushes and trees around that offer shade. We just had to keep moving to get it."

    3. Robertson Park

    11 Reviews
    Spirit Lake, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 847-2525

    4. Sandy Point Park

    2 Reviews
    Lakefield, MN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 847-2240

    "What a great little gem - lakeside, crickets chirping and perfect"

    "Views of the lake through the trees at the back of the campsite. Clean bathrooms and showers. Water and electricity."

    5. Marble Beach State Recreation Area Campground

    8 Reviews
    Spirit Lake, IA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 337-3211

    $12 - $20 / night

    "This campground is right on spirit lake and a really wonderful peaceful place to spend a night."

    "Easy driving distance to Arnold's Park. Campground is Clean, Showers/Bathrooms are new and modern. Full Hookups are easy to use. many spots in the Oak Woods."

    6. Island Park

    3 Reviews
    Mountain Lake, MN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 831-6129

    "Arrived a bit before dark and decided to sleep in my car rather than my tent just due to the timing and being tucked away by the river by myself."

    "Very quiet, right on the river. there's a kayak and canoe launch rights next to it."

    7. Brown County Park

    2 Reviews
    Spirit Lake, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 847-2525

    "We were back on Taylor Ridge so we had a noticeable drive in/out anytime we went anywhere. Bathrooms were clean and maintained. Sites had ample space."

    8. Emerson Bay State Recreation Area Campground

    7 Reviews
    Milford, IA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 337-3211

    $20 / night

    "This campground is right on the lake! The spots are spacious, the bathrooms are clean, and the price is right. There are a few docks available for boating, fishing or just lake gazing."

    "Close to many amenities and quiet overall"

    9. Cuttys Okoboji Resort Members Club

    2 Reviews
    Spirit Lake, IA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 336-2226

    "Uncle Lester had a membership and since we were related we could use his pass for mini golf, the pool, and the big shelter house near his favourite spot he always rented for his RV."

    10. Gull Point State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Milford, IA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 337-3211

    $10 - $18 / night

    "However, at the time, there were very few campers (none around us) and it had basic amenities like bathrooms, sinks, etc."

    "Very close to the lake and a neat nature walk. The campsites were a but muddy, but not too bad."

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Recent Reviews near Lakefield, MN

173 Reviews of 80 Lakefield Campgrounds


  • David B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Olson City Park

    Great stopover

    We just spent the night passing through, looking for something more than the Walmart parking lot. $23 for a non-electric site, basically a tent spot. Bathrooms were clean and had showers but we didn’t use them. We had a rainy night but had potential for a nice walk next to the lake. A bit of traffic nearby but didn’t disturb us at all in our van. Midweek in Mid- October and there were probably a half dozen other campers. Definitely recommend it!

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Magnolia City Campground

    Convenient to I90

    Very basic sites. Town park. Dated and feels strange when no one else if here. But, $20 a night for full hook ups can’t be beat.

  • Allen B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Swift Lake Park

    Lake view with in budget

    Nice campground just outside of town. Has several sites with a view of swift lake large enough to float around in a kayak. Sites are well spaced with shrubs between sites. All have picnic table & fire ring. Bathroom & shower are in need of some new paint & a bench. Otherwise very usable.

  • Dawn S.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Robertson Park

    Relaxing

    This place offers cabins places for tent camping as well as places for dispersed free camping

  • A & D S.
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Everett Park

    Quiet, off the beaten path.

    Friendly and helpful staff, very accommodating. Beautiful spot, close to the lake. Water fill station, 30A power, washroom & shower if needed. Great price $25 per night (20 if tenting). If you have kids, looks like a great playground, plenty of room to run & play. Sites are large and well spaced.

  • True I.
    Jul. 13, 2025

    Robertson Park

    Camp site not recommended

    The lake is not too deep for boats. In the camping area there are people with motorcycles speeding and making unnecessary noise. I went to complain to the manager and he did nothing about it because the owners of the motorcycles are friends.

  • Xiomara M.
    Jul. 13, 2025

    Robertson Park

    Do not recommend

    Never again, because since we arrived, people have complained about my family without us doing anything. They even watched us go to the bathroom. They called the police, claiming we were littering in the street and making unnecessary noises and speeding in the park. To top it all off, they're friends of the manager. It's three spaces against one. I don't recommend anyone staying here, because they recorded everyone who passed by and took pictures of their cars. When we went to tell them we wanted a refund quickly, they told them to call the manager.


Guide to Lakefield

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

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the scenic trails at Blue Mounds State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "We went on a couple trails and just enjoyed the beautiful fall colors."
  • Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for bison at Blue Mounds State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "We could hear the Bison, wasn't able to see them but we could hear them."
  • Fishing and Boating: Visit Flandrau State Park for fishing opportunities. One reviewer noted, "The creek through the campground is beautiful and the sound of water over the rock is great for sleeping."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Fort Ridgely State Park Campground said, "BRAND NEW Bathroom/shower building with large ADA showers."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Oak Woods Campground — Lake Shetek State Park. One camper remarked, "The sites are large and open and grassy."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the welcoming atmosphere. A guest at Jackson KOA said, "Every person there was INCREDIBLY nice!"

What you should know:

  • Limited Privacy: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Flandrau State Park noted, "The campsites on the inside of the rings are close together and no vegetation for privacy between sites."
  • Seasonal Availability: Check the camping season for each site. For example, Fort Ridgely State Park Campground is open from April 1 to MEA weekend.
  • Wildlife Caution: Be aware of local wildlife. A visitor at Blue Earth City Campground mentioned, "It’s pretty buggy this time of the year as one would expect!"

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Secluded Sites: Look for sites that offer some privacy. A family at Blue Mounds State Park Campground found, "Site 13 had a nice little secluded area for our tent."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor gear. One family at Sunrise Campground — Lake Shetek State Park enjoyed, "Fishing, swimming, and biking along all the great routes."
  • Check for Amenities: Make sure the campground has kid-friendly facilities. A camper at Flandrau State Park appreciated, "The horse campground is also very well maintained."

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups. A visitor at Sunrise Campground — Lake Shetek State Park said, "FHU. Large gravel sites."
  • Check Site Levels: Ensure your site is level for easier setup. A camper at Marble Beach State Rec Area noted, "Our site sloped down toward the lake; had to use our traction boards to level the van."
  • Plan for Nearby Amenities: Look for campgrounds close to grocery stores and restaurants. A visitor at Jackson KOA mentioned, "There is a small grocery store about 5 mins south of the park."

Camping near Lakefield, Minnesota, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With beautiful parks and friendly communities, it’s a great spot to unwind and enjoy nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Lakefield, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lakefield, MN is Jackson KOA with a 4.7-star rating from 9 reviews.