Top Tent Camping near Mountain Lake, MN
Looking for the best Mountain Lake tent camping? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Mountain Lake. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your Minnesota tent camping excursion.
Best Tent Sites Near Mountain Lake, MN (10)
1. Rapidan Dam Co Park
6 Reviews•3 Photos•12 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
2. Bright Lake Co Park
1 Review•4 Photos•6 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
3. Iowa Lake Co Campground
2 Reviews•3 Photos•3 Saves- Tents
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
8. Cenla Campgrounds
Be the first to review!- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Tents
- Picnic Table
- WiFi
9. Valhalla Island Campgrounds
Be the first to review!•2 Saves- Electric Hookups
- Tents
- Market
10. Clear Lake Co Park
Be the first to review!•3 Saves- Tents
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
Recent Tent Reviews In Mountain Lake
207 Reviews of 10 Mountain Lake Campgrounds
Chloe T.
Traveler
Land of Memories Campground
Closed due to flooding
No indication when it will open, but it looks like the campground is closed because of the June 2024 flooding in the area. Be sure to check the website before going to see if they've reopened.
Jennifer K.
Ranger
Blue Earth City Campground
Fantastic overnight
Just stopped for the night. It's like a fair grounds. Friendly host. Adorable green giant statue.
- eellenTraveler
Sandy Point Park
Beautiful, quiet spot
We struck out 4times before finding this place and we are so happy that we did! What a great little gem - lakeside, crickets chirping and perfect
Jim L.TravelerBlue Earth City Campground
Clean And quiet
Didn’t realize it was on the fairground. Very small. Very clean. Host family was very friendly and helpful. Free firewood was nice. Enjoyed our stay. Great for a one day stop
- TTracy B.
Guide
Flying Goose Campground & Resort
Nice campground on nice lake
Large campground with a play park and other sporting area. Lake to swim in - no lifeguard offered. Large sites with water/electric hook up - some full hook sites and big rig friendly. The site we were put in was not set up well for the connections however it was a large site. Very muddy site but they offered to let us use a rug so we didn’t get ours all Muddy.
Jenni C.Traveler
Olson City Park
Great Spot
Though we didn’t stay long, this campground was tidy, well marked, and a perfect stop for the night. The campsites were clean, facilities were top notch, and the park and walking path provided a great spot to wear kids out before continuing on.
James P.
Legend
Sunrise Campground — Lake Shetek State Park
Nice and peaceful
FHU. Large gravel sites. Good fishing. Stock up on groceries as large grocery stores are approximately 40 minutes away. Vehicle pass required along with paid campsite. Nice staff. Firewood for purchase.
- HHeather N.
Scout
Red Fox Campground — Minneopa State Park
Close sites
Most of the sites are roomy enough but not a lot of privacy. Short walk to water/bathrooms.
- TTomRanger
Fort Ridgely State Park
July and Beautiful! Gem of a Park!
This is now my favorite MN State Park. Campground is VERY WELL MAINTAINED. BRAND NEW Bathroom/shower building with large ADA showers.
I was there Tuesday through Saturday and I was THE ONLY CAMPER in the whole park Wednesday through Saturday!
Drinking water is very good and many fountains and hydrants are located all throughout the park, even way out on the trails there are water fountains.
Large stone pavilion for groups picnics.
In JULY The Prairie Trails are stunning with all the wild flowers in full bloom. Many trails and nice overlooks too. I walked and hiked the trail over and over because of the beautiful flowers and trails.
The MN State Historical Society could do a much better job at EDUCATING what really happened at the Fort and why. The signage is in need of repair and restoration. Make sure to read up about the fort before arriving so that you can appreciate the importance of the site you’re camping on.
The horse campground is also very well maintained and has nice shower/bathroom building. No flys and people have been great at cleaning up manure and putting it in the compost pile.
The creek through the campground is beautiful and the sound of water over the rock is great for sleeping. The creek is cool temperature even in July but kids have fun swimming and splashing. There are marked areas for crossing the creek which make great wading areas too.
Megan R.Scout
Plum Creek Park Campground
Hidden Gem
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 where you can buy ice, firewood, souvenirs, and an ice cream treat.
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. Bathrooms are clean.
You can tell the workers here care about the park and your experience. I found 0 trash on the trails, and I usually come out with a handful.
It fills up on weekends with “seasonals” but all the sites have trees and nice shade that gives you a sense of privacy. Theres a tent site close to the playground and bathrooms perfect if you have kids.
Kent F.Scout
Rapidan Dam Co Park
Closed due to flooding
Closed
Katie C.TravelerRed Fox Campground — Minneopa State Park
Great choice for a weekend trip
We stayed at A24 and A26. Overall, nice spots and were easy to find, and an easy walk to the bathrooms (which were standard but good). Theres a “little library” by them too with a small picnic table for kids. Your sites all face each other completely so don’t expect any privacy (it’s a campground so not that you should expect that usually).
Like others said, A24 is huge and has a beautiful tree in the middle, but it currently has a blue stripe around it which might mean it’s getting chopped or is sick?? (Photo attached) I think you’d lose a lot of your tree cover if they take it down.
Tons of mosquitoes like at many parks this year.
- BBeverly M.Guide
Flying Goose Campground & Resort
Just beautiful
Very quiet and clean, goid WiFi. Gary was very helpful. This campground is just beautiful. There is a lake you can fish,swim,rent kayaks and canoe. Laundry and showers.
- cclair W.Scout
Everett Park
Beautiful, peaceful, not too far out of the way.
It was serene and beautiful. The sunset over the water was absolutely amazing. Breathtaking scenery. There is a shower and toilets. And it costs $20 for a tent sight, $25 for a power hookup sight. We'll worth the stop, I almost didn't want to leave. I would stay here again!
Tori K.LegendRed Fox Campground — Minneopa State Park
Favorite site
This park has one of my favorite sites. The site for your tent is up a short walkway from where you park your car. My dog loves the bison drive! Firepit and picnic table provided. wood is available for purchase at the office. Shower and bathroom facility was clean and close to this campsite. Be sure to visit the waterfall in the other section of the park nearby! Will be returning this summer! Please note, raccoons are in the area, so please be kind to mother nature and keep your food and trash secure!!
- SSkip H.Ranger
Land of Memories Campground
Large park and campground with much to do!
The park here has a Frisbee golf course as well as soccer fields and a trail system that wraps the campground and park. In the campground, the spots are plentiful, especially if you winter camp like I do. There are accommodations for any size camper, including pull through locations for big rigs. This campground offers electric and non electric sites. The spots with the most privacy are here by the river. Other spots inside the park are more exposed. If you kayak, there's also a boat ramp! I'd recommend that anyone looking to visit minneopa come here if you have a large rig. The logistics are far easier here, and you're still close to the bison.
- SSkip H.Ranger
Red Fox Campground — Minneopa State Park
Nice location for camping and viewing the bison
Nice spot. Quiet during the off-season. The spots are plentiful here given its the off-season, but keep in mind, if you come, the only camping spots available are the ones that have power. The "A" section is closed down, but once the season gets going again, it will open. Camping is nice here. My preference is the "A" leg of the campground as it is more wooded and you're buffered better against other campers. The "B" leg isn't quite as private. Pick the perimeter spots if you don't want a neighbor right on top of you. These spots end in even numbers. The inner camp spots are odd numbers, and they've expanded the amount of spots, so there isn't much privacy. Once the foliage grows in, it might be "ok," but looking at it now during the winter season, there isn't any privacy at all. In the park there are bathrooms and a dump station. Parking over at the trail system, there are also pit toilets and community grills, and picnic tables. It's mostly quiet here with a slight bit of road noise. It's nothing bad, though. Anything from tents to cars to fifth wheels can camp here. Any larger fifth wheel, I believe, would be better suited to the "b" leg for camping. There is power there and spots large enough to accommodate your rig. If you're coming to see the bison, keep in mind that the bison drive is closed Wednesdays! Have fun!
Matthew H.Guide
Kilen Woods State Park
Great Campground! Conveniently located!
Great Campground. 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.
- SSkip H.Ranger
Rapidan Dam Co Park
Super spot!
This is a great spot with numerous sites along the river. Small trails for car/ tent camping. Not trailer friendly. Small vehicles only. At the foot of the road in there a small food/ice cream shop with friendly staff.
Lana G.Scout
Mack Lake County Park
great for river view
small hidden gem right on the river. sights are gravel and mostly level. had a popup camper. wouldn't want to sleep on the ground in a tent. clean porta potty in the camp area. county parks manager is friendly and knowledgeable if you need to call during business hours. plenty of wood to forage (allowed) also some nice wood at registration station for a donation. fort ridgley close by if you want to do a bit of sight seeing. i would always prefer a county park over state park. there is water available, didn't look for it or need it. no electric. also a picnic shelter with vault toilets. too far from camp area to be of benefit for campers, the porta potty is good enough.
- LLisa K.Scout
Rapidan Dam Co Park
Hidden Gem
This camp ground is great. Beautiful location in the woods witha stream next to it. There are a few water pumps and some outhouses. All sites have a picnic table and fire ring. Restaurant onsite is fantastic.
- SSaarah P.Traveler
Blue Earth City Campground
Great Stop Near I-90
We stayed here per the recommendation of a friend and had a great experience. The camp host, Denise, was very nice upon arrival. The grounds were quiet and bathrooms were clean. Fast wifi and free firewood were great added benefits that made our night after a long day of driving.
Dean G.Traveler
Brown County Park
Brown County
This place is HUGE. We were shocked at the size of the state park and how many many campsites there were. 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. Because it is all on the ridges of the park, there is a significant decline after the campsite “flat area”
Meg W.GuideKilen Woods State Park
Peaceful Prairie Spot
Chosen at the last minute for its proximity to the Twin Cities area, the drive was about 2 hrs 45 minutes. Park is quiet, clean and very easy to hike. Entire park can easily be hiked in a day, with prairie, river and oak savanna views. The park rangers were not at the station at any point while we visited, meaning payment for firewood and parking must be done online. Really nice facility with flush toilets and showers sits between the two campground loops. Camped in Walk-In Site #1 and the seclusion from the electric sites was great. The walk-in sites are nestled in the woods and fairly private. From the parking spot to the campsite was an easy ~100’.
- RRogerGuide
Ludlow Park
Not a camping site
Contacted the office that manages these campgrounds and was told that the Olson Park campground is the only park with camp sites in Worthington…
- MMatt N.Scout
Robertson Park
DO NOT GO
We decided to camp here after a long day on I-90. We got here at 3am and the first thing we saw was a “historic cemetery”. After setting up camp an old mini van kept driving by us, with no one there. He had stopped for a second to look at us and drove away. 10 minutes later he was back and we PACKED up and left. This place is suspicious, take caution.
Wade G.ScoutLudlow Park
Not what it says
There doesn't seem to be any overnight camping at this spot. There is no indication that there is any spots to do any camping. Don't stop here.
Guide to Mountain Lake
Camping near Mountain Lake, Minnesota, offers a mix of beautiful scenery 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
- Explore the trails: Many campgrounds have great hiking paths. For example, at Fort Ridgely State Park Campground, one camper mentioned, "The Prairie Trails are stunning with all the wildflowers in full bloom."
- Wildlife watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Red Fox Campground shared, "My dog loves the bison drive!"
- Fishing and swimming: At Sunrise Campground, a camper noted, "Good fishing. Stock up on groceries as large grocery stores are approximately 40 minutes away."
What campers like
- Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Fort Ridgely State Park Campground said, "BRAND NEW Bathroom/shower building with large ADA showers."
- Friendly staff: Many visitors mention the helpfulness of campground hosts. A guest at Jackson KOA remarked, "The owners are very helpful and friendly! Best camping experience yet!"
- Spacious sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. A review for Oak Woods Campground highlighted, "The sites are large and open and grassy."
What you should know
- Limited privacy: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A visitor at Flandrau State Park mentioned, "The campsites on the inside of the rings are close together and no vegetation for privacy between sites."
- Mosquitoes can be a nuisance: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A camper at Red Fox Campground warned, "Tons of mosquitoes like at many parks this year."
- Seasonal access: Some campgrounds have specific open seasons. For instance, Fort Ridgely State Park Campground is open from April 1 to MEA weekend.
Tips for camping with families
- Check for kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or nearby attractions. At Fort Ridgely State Park Campground, a reviewer mentioned, "There’s a nice trout stream and a playground nearby."
- Plan for meals: Make sure to bring enough food, as some campgrounds are far from grocery stores. A camper at Sunrise Campground advised, "Stock up on groceries as large grocery stores are approximately 40 minutes away."
- Keep an eye on your food: Raccoons can be a problem. A visitor at Red Fox Campground cautioned, "Please be kind to mother nature and keep your food and trash secure!"
Tips from RVers
- Choose the right site: Some sites are better suited for larger rigs. A reviewer at Oak Woods Campground noted, "Any larger fifth wheel would be better suited to the 'B' leg for camping."
- Check for hookups: Make sure your campground has the necessary hookups for your RV. A camper at Jackson KOA mentioned, "Water pressure was good, no issues with electric."
- Be prepared for noise: Some campgrounds can be busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Flandrau State Park shared, "The campsites are very tightly packed in a small area."
Camping near Mountain Lake, Minnesota, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mountain Lake, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mountain Lake, MN is Rapidan Dam Co Park with a 4-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Mountain Lake, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Mountain Lake, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.