2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Glacial Lakes State Park Campground and Lac qui Parle County Park provide glamping accommodations with outdoor experiences near Montevideo, Minnesota. Glacial Lakes State Park houses canvas yurt structures with comfortable sleeping arrangements amid prairie landscapes, while Lac qui Parle County Park features yurt-style accommodations on the bluffs overlooking the lake. "We had a lovely weekend overlooking Lac Qui Parle from our campsite. The lack of mature trees on the upper campground bluffs is a plus. A gentle breeze keeps the bugs down and allows for nice views," shared one visitor. Both locations offer electric hookups, toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. Memorial Park and Alexander Ramsey Park also provide glamping-style accommodations with more developed amenities including showers and drinking water.
Crystal-clear water activities complement the eco-friendly glamping experience at these locations. Glacial Lakes State Park maintains glass-like calm waters perfect for stand-up paddleboarding rentals. The park features hiking trails across rolling prairie with exceptional views from the High Peak Trail. One camper noted, "Our favorite part of this trip was renting stand up paddle boards. The lake water was crystal clear and glass like calm." Lac qui Parle County offers wildlife viewing opportunities with its lakeside location. The parks operate seasonally, with Glacial Lakes open year-round while others like Games Lake County Park operate from May through September. Reservations are recommended for glamping accommodations, especially during peak summer months. Nearby attractions include the small zoo at Alexander Ramsey Park featuring bison and other wildlife, plus access to the Glacial Lakes bike trail.
"Variety of sites, from group camping, primitive (no hookups), electric only, full hookups (water, electric, sewer) as well as cabins and tent only areas."
"During migration, the thousands of birds convening on the headwater lakes of these two rivers makes it sound as though the lake itself is speaking up in its own voice, hence the french furtraders name"
Available this weekend
from $24 - $85 / night
"The bathroom is remodeled and was very clean. There is a new pavilion and playground with a small Zipline. The last 2 sites around the corner are very priivate."
"Clean facility- large pads- electric & water. Across from river- 3 minutes from town but you’d never know it. One pull thru. Great fall visit."
from $15 - $22 / night
"Trails to nearby river. Some gravel roads to get to site, but well-maintained. Suggested fee of $20/night. Ideal for one-night stay while en route."
"The trails in the park have nice rolling hills and offer a unique type of beauty. The campground is small, but offers some electric sites as well as some primitive sites."
"Oak ridge is perfect for larger rigs (<35 feet - anything bigger there are only 2 spots that will fit) (no electric or water). Clean vault toilets. Lots for kids to do."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 - $150 / night
"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."
"Nice, secluded and wooded sites."
Available this weekend
from $24 - $75 / night
"Great people and walking trails are some of the best around deer you can walk right up to and the water fall is beautiful."
"Lots of nice trails to walk. Small zoo that is well kept. Had a nice shady site."
from $25 / night
"Just got back from a weekend at Games Lake County Park and honestly, it exceeded expectations!"
"No waterfront sites but the lake is still close by! There is a nearby boat launch with parking. As well as a playground and beach area with a slide."
"On the shores of Big Stone Lake. A nice beach and a boat landing. There are normally no open sites, we are told, as they are all rented for the season."
ScoutWhat a wonderful campground! Bathrooms and showers are very nice, and kept clean. The campsites are nice and level. Well laid out, and numbered clearly. Reserving through the website is easy. What a spectacular view of the valley! I took a peek into one of the cabins - very nice. This place is a great value for the money.
ScoutThe community facilities are well kept and clean. Overall this site is beautiful and great for kids, we tried booking a spot by the lookout but unfortunately they only had electric hookups!
Either way the site we switched to was spacious and had two picnic tables. We will definitely be back!
GuideAlmost no shady sites. Large open field overlooking the river below which is visible if in camper or standing. Sites have fire ring & picnic table. Main road is blacktop sites level gravel. Good separation but open.
GuideGood primitive sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Water tap available. Pit restrooms, one of which is is poorly maintained and to be avoided. Parked on wide expanse of grassy area. Trails to nearby river. Some gravel roads to get to site, but well-maintained. Suggested fee of $20/night. Ideal for one-night stay while en route.
GuideStayed in a tent in early may. 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. There is a swimming pond near by and miles of beautiful southwest Minnesota scenery. Trails include river bottom, prairie, and woodland.
TravelerBeautiful park with rolling prairies. Oak Ridge campground is prettier, quieter, and more private than the Lower campground. Site 28 and 30 don’t have tree cover, but have beautiful views of the rolling hills. Site was a bit buggy, but very manageable with bug spray and a Thermacell. The bugs on the hiking trails were unrelenting even with lots of deet bug spray- I was planning to hike 5 miles but had to stop after 2. Would be nice to have showers in the Oak Ridge campground as it’s a long walk to the Lower campground.
ScoutSeems run down compared to 20 years ago. The swimming pond is very gross. Lots of weeds. They really need to clean it out. You can even see the spring anymore it’s so overgrown. Very sad to see something that was so clean and beautiful to be muddy, not clear and full of weeds.
GuideHad a great stay, everything was as expected with a camper cabin. Beautiful park with great trails and a beautiful lake! Our cabin was a long ways from the shower facility which I knew going into the weekend. Parking near showers was close to non existent.
ScoutJust got back from a weekend at Games Lake County Park and honestly, it exceeded expectations! Before heading out, I actually asked ChatGPT for camping suggestions in Minnesota, and this spot came up—and wow, it did not disappoint. Super clean facilities, friendly staff, and plenty of space for both tents and RVs. The kids loved the beach area and playground, and we spent most of our time fishing and boating on the lake—it’s such a peaceful spot. Definitely a great find for families or anyone looking to relax in nature. Big thanks to ChatGPT for pointing me in the right direction!
Montevideo's camping region sits in southwestern Minnesota's prairie landscape, where rolling grasslands meet river valleys at around 1,000 feet elevation. The area experiences distinct seasons with hot summers and cold winters, making late spring through early fall the prime camping season. Glamping options in the region have expanded beyond traditional canvas structures to include various accommodation types at multiple parks.
Hiking at Camden State Park: The park offers both wooded and prairie trails for various skill levels. "Great trout stream, swimming, tubing, camping, horse trails, hiking... my kids loved it," reports one visitor to Camden State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Alexander Ramsey Park features a small zoo with native and farm animals. "Small zoo that is well kept. Had a nice shady site," notes a camper at Alexander Ramsey Park. The park houses bison, prairie dogs, goats and other animals in maintained enclosures.
Water activities: Clear lakes provide swimming and paddling opportunities. "The lake water was glass like calm," reports a visitor about the paddleboarding opportunities, while another mentions that sites in the lower campground at Camden "is close to the playground and swimming pond."
Private sites with views: The upper campground at Lac qui Parle offers panoramic vistas. "The lack of mature trees on the upper campground bluffs is a plus. A gentle breeze keeps the bugs down and allows for nice views," shares one camper at Lac qui Parle County Park.
Clean facilities: Many parks maintain their restrooms and shower buildings well. "The bathroom is remodeled and was very clean. There is a new pavilion and playground with a small Zipline," notes a visitor to Memorial Park in Granite Falls.
Fishing opportunities: Several parks offer access to stocked lakes. "Basically it is part of the 'Norway chain of lakes,' which total 2,800 acres, and provides an excellent fish population," mentions a reviewer about Games Lake County Park, which also features a boat launch with parking.
Site characteristics vary significantly: Some sites lack shade while others are heavily wooded. "Sites in the lower campground are fairly close together and we didn't have cell service (Verizon)," notes one Camden State Park camper, while another mentions "Our site was a bit buggy, but very manageable with bug spray and a Thermacell."
Water levels affect facilities: Lake levels can impact accessibility. "The lake was really high when we visited, which led to a useless campground fishing pier and a boat dock that you had to swim to to use," reports a visitor to Glacial Lakes State Park Campground.
Seasonal availability: Not all parks operate year-round. Games Lake County Park is open "May to September 30," while other parks like Alexander Ramsey operate "mid May to mid October," limiting fall and winter glamping options in Montevideo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Montevideo, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Montevideo, MN is Lac qui Parle Upper Campground — Lac qui Parle State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Montevideo, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 glamping camping locations near Montevideo, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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