Near Redwood Falls, Minnesota, camping areas offer a mix of prairie, wooded, and riverfront settings. The region sits at approximately 1,050 feet elevation with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months. Several campgrounds in the area maintain winter accessibility, with Camden State Park open year-round for cold-weather camping experiences.
What to do
Explore hiking trails: At Fort Ridgely State Park Campground, trails range from easy walks to more challenging paths. One camper noted, "The hiking was actually challenging and the open fields in lavender bloom are beautiful. There is also some nice history to the park so a great lesson for kids especially."
Visit wildlife areas: Multiple parks offer opportunities to observe local fauna. At Alexander Ramsey Park, campers can experience the park's small zoo. "Great family place with all of the animals they have to feed including buffalo, goats, elk, geese, and prairie dogs!" according to one visitor. Another reviewer mentioned, "Great people and walking trails are some of the best around deer you can walk right up to and the water fall is beautiful."
Water recreation: Several parks feature water activities. In Lake Shetek State Park, one visitor reported, "We brought our kayaks and enjoyed kayaking the lake, though there was always a pretty big wake and we stayed near the shoreline. We kayaked (a short Portage) to 2 smaller lakes that had no one on them."
What campers like
Natural water features: Many campgrounds offer creek or river access. At Fort Ridgely, a camper shared, "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." Another visitor at Lake Shetek mentioned, "We were able to tie our boats to a tree below our campsite and scaled up the embankment, there was a path already there."
Winter camping options: Camden State Park Campground offers year-round access, making it ideal for winter glamping in Redwood Falls, Minnesota. The park maintains access even during snow seasons, with one reviewer noting, "We visit this place for a quick getaway a few times a year. Great hiking and biking trails, swimming pond and right on the redwood river."
Historical features: Several parks include educational components. A Fort Ridgely visitor stated, "Make sure to read up about the fort before arriving so that you can appreciate the importance of the site you're camping on." This adds context to luxury glamping experiences in the Redwood Falls area.
What you should know
Campsite privacy varies: Campgrounds differ significantly in site spacing. At Flandrau State Park, a camper observed, "The campsites have no privacy at all unless you go with one of the hike in sites. We stayed at site 91, which you have about a 500 ft walk to get to. The campsite was very secluded and large."
Seasonal closures: Not all facilities operate year-round. Fort Ridgely runs from April through MEA weekend, while Lake Marion County Park operates from May 1 to October 15. At Memorial Park in Granite Falls, one visitor noted, "Sites one through seven are first come first serve eight through 13 are reservations which you can get online."
Insects can be problematic: Depending on season and location, bugs may impact your glamping experience near Redwood Falls. One Alexander Ramsey Park visitor warned, "Be warned- there is NOTHING to do & the flies (non biting houseflies) were abundant!! We had to buy fly strips!!"
Tips for camping with families
Look for swimming areas: Lake Ripley County Park Campground features lakefront sites with recreation options. A visitor noted, "Most of the sites here are lakefront. They have you park your vehicle behind a row of bushes to help keep the view clear for everybody. Anderson flower gardens are a short walk away."
Consider spacious campgrounds: Some sites offer more room for children to play. A Lake Ripley visitor mentioned, "Sites have large open areas in front of camps for kids to play." At Camden State Park, a camper shared, "My family does a annual family reunion camping once a year! We stayed here and it was beautiful! Perfect for all the kids off all ages, adults, grandparents."
Check for playground access: Several parks feature play equipment. At Memorial Park, a visitor reported, "The campground is shady, quiet, and clean. There is a new pavilion and playground with a small Zipline." Alexander Ramsey Park includes "a playground for kids, volleyball, etc. Swimming is just a little walk away."
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup options: Oak Woods Campground at Lake Shetek State Park offers various electrical options. According to one visitor, "The six non-electric campsites are along one edge of the campground, across the road from the park's four camper cabins. All of the campsites are large and open and grassy."
Site spacing considerations: RV sites vary in proximity and privacy. At Fort Ridgely, a camper observed, "The non electric sites are very wooded and private. The electric sites are very open and offer little privacy." Another mentioned, "It honestly seems to have tons of access for RVs so if that is your flavor I would suggest this park."
Availability of facilities: Amenities differ between parks. At Memorial Park, a visitor stated, "The camping fee for RVs is now $20 a night." Fort Ridgely provides "electric hookups, and water at every site. Bathrooms and showers right in horse camp, and a nice little creek about 50 ft behind our site."
