Best Tent Camping near Monticello, MN

Looking for an adventure where you can explore Monticello and then fall asleep in your tent? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Monticello. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Monticello, MN (24)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 24 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews in Monticello

404 Reviews of 24 Monticello Campgrounds


  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Spirit of Ripley
    Nov. 4, 2024

    Spirit of Ripley

    Close to lake

    Nice large grass pads, easily accessible for big rigs! Close to the lake and public boat access. Each site had a picnic table and a fire ring provided. All sites have power, water, and sewer hook ups. Went for several bike rides around the lake.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from South of Sand Dunes State Forest
    Oct. 31, 2024

    South of Sand Dunes State Forest

    Nice place. Lots of traffic

    Plenty of spots. Fairly small spots. This road is pretty busy for a dirt forest road and people FLY down it. Almost got hit a few times walking. Even through a Wednesday night cars are flying down the road.

  • David T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park Campground
    Oct. 23, 2024

    Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park Campground

    A really excellent stop over, although I didn't need a whole hookup!

    I was traveling Eastward through the upper Midwest and had a really hard time in this area finding a place to camp. I finally came across this place. There was some suggestion that there was some drive in sites that were not reservable, that is. They were first come first serve. But I was unaware or unable to find those. I ended up paying a fair amount of money for a full hookup site. The bathrooms were extremely modern and clean.

    There were some really nice wide trails around the lake. I think those were basically designed for cross-country skiing in the winter. But they made a perfect opportunity for me to let the dog run off. Leash. Probably was not within the rules, but it was very quiet there and the dog didn't bother anybody with her running.

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Masonic West River Campground
    Oct. 15, 2024

    Masonic West River Campground

    Large riverfront sites

    Amazing campsite! Sites are large and grassy! We had a lakeview site right off the paved walking/biking trail with room for a large tent and the pop-up camper. Fire ring and picnic table provided. A man drives through the campsite close to dusk to sell firewood as there is no traditional office. Bathrooms and showers are located near the dump station and dumpster. Be on the lookout for the code for the doors during your reservation process. We had missed it and had to ask a neighbor if they knew the codes so we could shower.

  • gary W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Isanti County Fairgrounds
    Sep. 8, 2024

    Isanti County Fairgrounds

    Fun at the fairgrounds.

    Very nice clean well kept grounds. Always things going at the fairgrounds,we missed the flea market by 1 day. Great places to eat in the area. We were visiting family nearby and they could come visit us for picnics with no problems and no extra cost. Very friendly grounds keepers. Will be back again when in the area. We had a nice view of the little lake.

  • Travis A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Leaf Park
    Aug. 28, 2024

    Oak Leaf Park

    Wonderful city park

    I stayed two nights. The city park has private restrooms. Check in with the park host and he will provide you the code to access the restrooms/showers. The park has 13 rv sites with 30/50amp and water, four tent sites. Fishing pond, two baseball fields, basket ball court, playground, disk golf, and aquatic center/swimming pool. Little town has a lot to offer. Great place to camp

  • Maggie W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from The Jubilee Homestead
    Aug. 23, 2024

    The Jubilee Homestead

    Lovely place and people!

    We are excited to go back to the Farm! Wonderful atmosphere and if there are any hiccups the hosts are super reasonable and kind, great communication. They gave a warm welcoming and tour right away then left us to our peace. All animals who were out and about were friendly. The grounds were kept very tidy and well put together by any farm standard! I felt very safe letting my 5yr old run around with the other campers and be around the animals.

  • wThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Minneapolis Southwest KOA
    Aug. 5, 2024

    Minneapolis Southwest KOA

    Older koa

    We stayed at this koa because it was our only way to watch softball tournament. We stayed 5 days and it was fairly nice. People that were working were very helpful and nice. Lost power a couple hours twice because of branches falling g from trees.

  • Leslie P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lebanon Hills Regional Park
    Jul. 31, 2024

    Lebanon Hills Regional Park

    Jewel near the cit

    Stayed here while visit our son. Picked it because it was close. We were very surprised at the privacy of our site. We were in the east loop with just electric.

  • Laurie V.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mississippi Riverwood RV Park
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Mississippi Riverwood RV Park

    Buyer Beware!

     If you do NOT stay the entire amount of time you have paid for, you may lose the right to return to your site, even if your lease says the lot is still yours.

    My husband and I camped at MRRV Park from July 5 to August 5th,2023, because my husband had a job in the area. We signed a lease that went through October 15th. We agreed that the lot’s owner could find another renter after we left with the condition that some of our money would be refunded. Shortly after we left, my husband found out he had a second job in the twin cities. We tried to contact the owner many times to see if any other renters were lined up. Only by contacting the park board did we find that the lot had been rented out 2 days after we left. The lot’s owner refuses to return any money for the 9 extra weeks we paid for! My husband had to rent a hotel room☹ 

    The RV Park board refuses to help so we are going to court.

  • E
    Camper-submitted photo from Rum River State Forest Dispersed
    Jul. 28, 2024

    Rum River State Forest Dispersed

    Secluded, Quiet, Good Cell Coverage, Bugd

    There are many different sites (most just pull offs) in this area! I did see one that was pull through further down game refuge road. The cell service with Verizon is good enough to stream videos and work on your laptop with ease. There aren't too many people in the area, even on a Sunday in July. The bugs are not great but that's just what you're going to get in an area like this one. Overall I would definitely stay here again.

  • David G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River
    Jul. 28, 2024

    Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River

    Fun place

    The campground is nice and clean. Good size spaces. The tubing is a plus. Had one issue with power dropping so we had to pull the surge protector off the. It was fine. Also very hot and humid so everyone was running AC to the max. Pool was small but nice. Splash pad was even nice for adults I recommend this campground. Key thing is the river is very clean and sandy bottom.

  • p
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Elmo County Park Reserve
    Jul. 23, 2024

    Lake Elmo County Park Reserve

    Great camping

    This was a great experience overall. The sites are spacious and far enough away from others to feel like there was enough privacy.

    The one negative thing was that some neighbors watched a movie each night — starting just after quiet hours. We could hear their movie from across a road and through some trees (and tents).

    But overall it was great. Good hiking and geocaching.

    We would go back to this campground.

  • samuel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from South of Sand Dunes State Forest
    Jul. 18, 2024

    South of Sand Dunes State Forest

    Good forest road, nothing special

    For the proximity to the city and nearby highways, this was a good spot. Didn’t expect to see as many campers as I did, but all seemed to be friendly. I stayed here for one night and roads were totally fine for any vehicle. Most spots are like the pictures shown. There are a few spots that have great views or pull-through areas, and there are limited spots that are big-rig friendly. Saw lots of dogs, and mine had a blast, even had what seemed to be a stray husky quickly roll through camp around dusk. Something to keep on your mind. The road goes for a long ways, I parked near the front and closer to numbers, always like to be safer. Overall there was some shouting and yelling but for the location I was happy.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from South of Sand Dunes State Forest
    Jul. 17, 2024

    South of Sand Dunes State Forest

    Very Quiet

    There’s lots of little spots off the main gravel road. Nothing allowed further into the forest. One pull through area that I found. Couple vehicles pass a day. Stand storks are very protective. Stay away from them. They attack. 🤣

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve
    Jul. 16, 2024

    Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve

    Favorite spot

    This is just the best campground that is close to Minneapolis! Peaceful, quiet, with spacious sites that are situated in a staggered way, so you never feel like you’re on top of each other. The lake was a bit reedy and silty but overall a fantastic and easy option.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Minneapolis Southwest KOA
    Jul. 13, 2024

    Minneapolis Southwest KOA

    Unlevel sites, broken dump station

    About the only nice thing about this place is the lady who answered the phone, Valerie.

    She was extremely nice other than that it was gravel. Roads that were poorly maintained trucks were parked sticking out into the road making it difficult to get around. The site was very unlevel and the water Spicket didn’t really work very well.. we paid for two nights and bought a KOA review or rewards program to do it… We refused to stay the second night when we called to see if we could get our money back the gentleman who checked us in as a ground tender was rude and choppy he wasn’t very friendly when he brought us into the place.

    The place was packed like sardines… Very difficult to negotiate at night.

    Overall, the worst campground we’ve stayed in in the two RV trips we’ve taken from Florida to Minnesota. There are so many beautiful state parks don’t bother with this KOA not even for a one nighter.

    We were stuck on a back loop. There were a lot of mosquitoes bugs and mud… It just wasn’t a nice experience.

  • Jason B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from South of Sand Dunes State Forest
    Jul. 2, 2024

    South of Sand Dunes State Forest

    Quiet with lots of different bird sounds

    this is a nice quiet area. Some younger people coming through sporadically playing with their trucks but nothing serious and not often. Be aware if you have an rv though. I had a county sheriff person tell me it's not lawful to park a trailer and they kicked me out. I called the dnr and they said that wasn't right but I decided to leave anyway. County sheriff's not pleasent around here.

  • Joslyn H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bunker Hills Regional Park
    Jun. 27, 2024

    Bunker Hills Regional Park

    Love bunker!

    I have stayed at Bunker a few times in site 33 and one of the walk in sites. Site 33 is very large and also very wide open. The walk in sites are a lot more secluded but not totally private. Really enjoy camping here, just wish it wasn't so expensive. It costs more than staying at a state park.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bunker Hills Regional Park
    Jun. 5, 2024

    Bunker Hills Regional Park

    Same day booking

    Went early in the season in the afternoon and had no problems getting a good spot with electric hookups. Better for someone with an RV, and more seemingly a weekend spot for the family.

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Ann Lake
    Jun. 2, 2024

    Ann Lake

    Overnight Stay

    Very quiet campground, with large peaceful, rustic sites. We stopped for one night while traveling through Minneapolis area. Found several open sites on Saturday, first weekend in June. The road into the campground was a bit bumpy, take it slow it was only about 0.75 miles.

  • Katie C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Maria State Park Campground
    May. 16, 2024

    Lake Maria State Park Campground

    Overall good

    If you're looking for a beginner backpack spot, with privacy and not too far from the cities, then this will fit your bill. You can either do a short-hike from the parking lot via the road to B5 or a 1 mile easy hike via the trail. The backpacking sites are very spread out, we could barely tell anyone else was at the park with us ever. 

    B5 was beautiful, already lots of mosquitos for May (and appeared poison oak/ivy). I'm not sure what this park does differently than most other parks, but our privy was LOADED with spiders. I get it, it's the outdoors. But still, I've used many in-ground toilets and never had dozens of spiders covering the toilet seat/front. 

    Another reason we chose this park was for birding. The park ranger at check-in was not helpful and then said he's never heard of MN State Parks free birding kits to borrow, though it's clearly listed on several spots on their website. Bummer, but we still enjoyed our time.



Guide to Monticello

Tent camping near Monticello, Minnesota offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can enjoy the great outdoors. With options for hiking, birding, and relaxing by the water, there's something for everyone.

Tent campers should check out local activities

  • Experience the beauty of birding at Lake Maria State Park Campground, where you can explore trails and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
  • Enjoy a day of hiking and biking on the trails at Lake Rebecca Park Reserve, which features a variety of paths suitable for all skill levels.
  • Take your horse along the trails at Crow Hassan Park Reserve, where equestrian camping is available and the scenery is stunning.

Campground amenities for tent campers

  • Lake Maria State Park Campground provides drinking water, picnic tables, and fire pits, making it a comfortable spot for your camping experience.
  • At Lake Rebecca Park Reserve, you'll find reservable sites with access to toilets and trash disposal, ensuring a hassle-free stay.
  • A J Acres Campground offers electric hookups and a market for convenience, perfect for families looking for a more equipped camping experience.

Features that enhance your camping experience

  • Enjoy the privacy of the backpacking sites at Lake Maria State Park Campground, where you can immerse yourself in nature away from the crowds.
  • Crow Hassan Park Reserve is known for its beautiful trails and mature trees, ideal for setting up hammocks and enjoying the shade.
  • Experience the tranquility of Oak Island Watercraft Campsite, a primitive site perfect for canoeists looking for a peaceful stop along the Mississippi River.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Monticello, MN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Monticello, MN is Lake Maria State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 30 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Monticello, MN?

    TheDyrt.com has all 24 tent camping locations near Monticello, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.