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 (79)

    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

    4 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

172 Reviews of 79 Lakefield Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 6, 2025

    Island Park

    Cold night

    I called and they said there was a payment box. No box. She said no bathrooms or water. I was fine with that. Although there was someone else there set up. Not sure how they got electric because it was paddle locked. It was down in the 30’s. Good thing I had an electric blanket. The Jackery kept running. Stayed warm with that. Very nosy.

  • 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.


Guide to Lakefield

Within southern Minnesota's rural countryside, Lakefield provides access to established campgrounds with diverse accommodation options. The area features Kilen Woods State Park Campground, offering electric hookups for RVs and secluded walk-in sites for tent campers seeking more privacy. Sandy Point Park provides lakeside camping with water and electric hookups in a quieter setting. Jackson KOA, approximately 10 miles south of Lakefield, extends additional amenities including cabin rentals and glamping options. These campgrounds provide a mix of prairie, woodland, and lakeside environments typical of this region of Minnesota.

The camping season around Lakefield generally runs from April through October, with some facilities like Kilen Woods State Park maintaining year-round accessibility. Summer temperatures average between 70-85°F during the day, while spring and fall bring cooler conditions that many campers prefer. Most campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly for weekend stays during peak summer months. Many sites offer electrical hookups, with water and sewer connections varying by location. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, though coverage may be spotty in more secluded locations. "The park ranger on duty was very helpful. Campsites were generous in space. Well kept. Fire ring and picnic table on site were kept up well. Trails and scenery through the back hills are well kept and maintained," noted one visitor about Kilen Woods.

Campers frequently mention the peaceful atmosphere of the region's parks as a primary attraction. Several visitors specifically highlighted the quiet environment at Sandy Point Park, with one camper describing it as "a beautiful little gem - lakeside, crickets chirping and perfect." Wildlife viewing opportunities include songbirds, deer, and occasional waterfowl near the lakes. For those seeking more privacy, the walk-in sites at Kilen Woods State Park are particularly valued, with a camper noting they are "very private and away from everyone else." While some areas can attract mosquitoes and other insects during summer months, especially near wooded areas, many campgrounds maintain well-groomed sites with adequate spacing between neighbors. Bathroom and shower facilities at the established campgrounds generally receive positive reviews for cleanliness and maintenance.

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.