Camping spots near Glencoe, Minnesota offer diverse recreation options within central Minnesota's agricultural landscape. The terrain consists primarily of flat to gently rolling farmland interspersed with small lakes and streams at elevations ranging from 950 to 1,050 feet. Fall camping season typically extends later than neighboring regions, with many campgrounds maintaining services through mid-October due to the area's slightly warmer microclimate compared to northern Minnesota.
What to do
Hiking trails and ravines: At High Island Creek Park, visitors can explore unique ravine systems. "Beautiful trails leading you down the revenue to a gentle flowing creek," notes one camper, while another mentions "TONS of trails that go down the ravine and alongside the river!" The ravine terrain creates a surprising elevation change in an otherwise flat region.
Water recreation options: Lake Auburn Campground offers swimming and fishing opportunities from late April through October. "The beach area looks nice" and is "very nice, smooth and gently sloping" according to visitors. The lake's no-wake zones make it particularly suitable for paddling sports with "not many motor boats so good for kayaking or canoeing."
Biking on paved trails: The regional trail system connects multiple campgrounds with miles of paved paths. At Carver Park Reserve, campers report "lots of biking and hiking trails, which can also be accessed from the campground." The interconnected trails allow cyclists to travel between parks without using roads, with some routes extending over 15 miles through the countryside.
What campers like
Peace and quiet: High Island Creek Park receives praise for its tranquility. "I'm spending three nights here... When I got here it was empty. Nice open spots and a good amount of tree cover," reports one camper. Another notes it's "at end of long gravel road for peace and quiet."
Clean facilities: Visitors consistently mention the well-maintained amenities at local campgrounds. At Baylor Regional Park, campers appreciate the "nice site with manicured lawn and great trials, including a boardwalk!" The park maintenance extends to regular mowing even during dry periods.
Educational programming: Several parks offer structured activities, particularly for families. "They have programs every Saturday night, some of the ones we've been to were about bugs, raptors, bees, and snakes," notes a visitor about Lake Auburn. These programs typically run from Memorial Day through Labor Day and are free with camping registration.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance bookings during summer months. At Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve, "You'll need to book for at least two nights and book as soon as you can. There are 200 sites but on the July weekend we stayed, I'd say almost all of them were booked."
Site privacy considerations: Site layouts vary significantly between parks. "While the park is nice and has mature trees, the sites are very open and offer little privacy between sites. The only separation is the driveway where you park your car," reports one Lake Auburn visitor. Sites near playground areas tend to have less privacy but better access to amenities.
Variable water access: Access codes for facilities may not be obvious. One camper at Masonic West River Park advises: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose sites near play areas for convenience with young children. Lake Auburn Campground offers "great playground and green space for the kids, beach is very nice." The playground equipment accommodates various age groups with "a traditional playground set for the younger ones, volleyball net and concrete bag toss boards."
Shallow swimming areas: Collinwood County Park and other local lakes feature gradual entry points ideal for children. Lake Auburn's beach is "very shallow for kids" making it suitable for younger swimmers, though parents should note some areas have "weeds floating in the water."
Weekend educational activities: Plan weekend stays to take advantage of programming. "There are usually programs during the day at the nature center as well," making Saturday overnight stays particularly valuable for families interested in structured activities focused on local wildlife and ecosystems.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer limited electric sites that book quickly. At Oak Leaf Park in Glencoe, "The park has 13 RV sites with 30/50amp and water, four tent sites," making advance reservations essential during summer months.
Dump station access: Several campgrounds provide sanitary dump facilities even when full hookups aren't available. One RVer at Baylor Regional Park mentions "Easy dump and fill" facilities, which are typically accessible even for day-use visitors for a small fee (usually $10-15).
Level site selection: When making reservations, inquire about levelness for specific sites. "Good size sites but close together. Level trailer sites. Many tent sites were not," notes one camper at Baylor Regional Park, highlighting the importance of site selection for larger rigs.
