Best Camping near Wadena, MN

Looking for the best campgrounds near Wadena, MN? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Wadena campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Wadena, MN. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Best Camping Sites Near Wadena, Minnesota (177)

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Showing results 1-10 of 177 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Wadena, Minnesota

356 Reviews of 177 Wadena Campgrounds


  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Birch Lake
    Feb. 11, 2025

    Birch Lake

    State Park feel

    I stayed here years ago with some friends who reserved the site. We had a large tent and a site close to the lake. I remember this being mid to late summer and the campground not being super busy. Not sure if that has changed as camping in general has become more popular in recent years. Overall was quiet and no road noise. The lake was nice and we did some swimming at the boat launch one night before bed.

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunnybrook Park
    Feb. 9, 2025

    Sunnybrook Park

    Lots to do!

    This park features fishing in Whiskey Creek, (stocked with rainbow trout, crappies, and sunfish), picnic area, children's playground, semi-enclosed shelters, campground area with full hook-up and tent sites, two camping cabins, softball fields, frisbee golf, volleyball area and a children's zoo, which includes buffalo, whitetail deer, peacocks, and golden pheasants. Site had picnic table and fire ring.

    Camping with the whole family so there may be some familiar rigs from other reviews of mine.

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Park Kampground
    Feb. 9, 2025

    Oak Park Kampground

    Hayride!

    Wide and long pull through sites that are big rig friendly with a picnic table and fire ring at each site. Restrooms with showers in the campground as well as a laundry facility. There is also a swimming pool and playground. Dump station is also provided for registered campers. Additionally, there are horseshoe pits, paddle boats, and hiking/biking trails.

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Carlos State Park Campground
    Feb. 9, 2025

    Lake Carlos State Park Campground

    Lakefront (winter edition)

    I stayed here with a few friends in the winter when the park was doing their lantern-lit snowshoe trail. They have 1 site (electric) available in the winter. We had room for a truck bed camper and a pop-up clam ice fishing tent. A couple and their 2 dogs stayed in the truck camper and me and another friend stayed in the clam with an electric space heater going in addition to our 0 degree bags. It stayed pretty cozy! Fire ring and picnic table at the site. I believe the bathrooms and showers were closed for the season but cannot recall. Firewood is available at the office.

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dower Lake Recreation Area
    Feb. 9, 2025

    Dower Lake Recreation Area

    Swimming!

    offers sites with no hookups and sites with electric (no water, but potable water station is provided to fill up prior to parking) bathrooms and showers in the campground. Fire ring and picnic table provide for each site. Firewood and sewage dump station also provided for free to registered campers. There is a dock, sand swimming beach, horseshoe pits, disc golf, basketball court, and softball field.

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Tipsinah Mounds City Park
    Jan. 28, 2025

    Tipsinah Mounds City Park

    Family Favorite!

    Restroom and shower facilities onsite, some lakefront campsites and some that are not. Public boat launch, sandy swimming beach, picnic shelters. WIFI is provided. There is a dump station, playground, nature trail, volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, and a fish cleaning station. Great place to go kayaking!

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lazy Days Campground
    Jan. 28, 2025

    Lazy Days Campground

    Been multiple times

    full hookup sites with picnic table and fire ring. Pool, playground, sand volleyball court, basketball court, shuffleboard, horseshoes. Showers and flush toilets in campground. Office has firewood, ice cream, candy, and other miscellaneous items for sale.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Tipsinah Mounds City Park
    Jan. 21, 2025

    Tipsinah Mounds City Park

    Lakefront camping

    General: RV style camping on Pomme de Terre Lake and Kenny Lake. Many sites are lakefront or have a view of the lake. We were one of the few (if not only) non-seasonal campers at this campground. 

    Site Quality: Our site was located directly behind the store/office but had a view of the lake. Parking was on grass. The site was level and had an electric hookup. A wooden picnic table (in good shape) and a fire ring complete the site. When I called to make a reservation, I asked for a non-electric site but was told the primitive sites are far from the restrooms. I’m glad we settled on an electric site as the primitive ones, besides the distance from the restrooms, would also only be suitable for tents. 

    Bath/Shower house: Reasonably clean but I’ve seen better. Two showers, two toilets, and one sink. The shower had hot water and good flow, but it was cramped with little room to get dressed (plus the showers are located right inside the door, impeding privacy. 

    Activities: All the activities you would associate with lakefront camping. None of these applied to us but it was a good overnight location for passing through. Several speed boats zoomed by on the lake, and I imagine that on a summer weekend, the boat traffic would be much increased. There is a fish cleaning station. There are nice docks with benches to enjoy the view of the lake/sunset. 

    This campground is not our preferred type of camping – no privacy between sites but on a weekday toward the end of August, it was very quiet (but still HOT). We appreciate that we were assigned a lakeview site as not all of them are.

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sinclair Lewis City Campground
    Jan. 2, 2025

    Sinclair Lewis City Campground

    Small town

    My extended family has gatherings here a couple times a year as it is close to everybody and a great location! The campground is open for the season from May 1st to October 1st each year, weather permitting.

    Reasons we like this campground: lakefront sites are available, the town is small so pretty quiet but there are gas stations, restaurants, and stores (including Walmart), it is close to home for everybody so this tends to be the first trip of the year to get water in everything and make sure there are no fun surprises after wintering the campers for 5 to 6 months, has bathrooms, there is a walking trail close to the campground that goes around part of the lake. 

    Additional details and amenities: 80 sites, 52 sites with full hookup which include water, sewer and electricity and 24 sites with water and electricity only and 4 primitive sites. All campsites contain a fire pit. Three sets of restrooms are contained within the campground with showers. Other amenities include: picnic tables, storm shelter, dump station, fish cleaning house, kayak rental, lake access with boat ramp and docks. Public beach, splash pad, bike trail, and playground adjacent.

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Linwood Resort & Campgrounds
    Nov. 13, 2024

    Linwood Resort & Campgrounds

    Great lake

    Amenities I remember when we had a seasonal spot here: cabins with beautiful lake view, boathouse lodge and game room, sunbathing dock on the water, large picnic grounds, sand-filled playground, paddleboard &kayak rentals, boat ramp and launching service, boat & pontoon rental, boatlifts, gas, oil, tackle and live bait, screened-in fish cleaning house, sand volleyball, mini golf, laundry.

    The nearby town of Osakis has convenience stores, grocery, liquor stores, gas, bars and restaurants, etc. Lake osakis is usually pretty good for fishing.

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sinclair Lewis City Campground
    Oct. 15, 2024

    Sinclair Lewis City Campground

    Great small town campground

    We stay every year typically for the legion's annual beer run! Great lake views and close to town. Boat launch is close by, bathrooms, showers, fish cleaning house provided.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Memorial Forest Park
    Sep. 16, 2024

    Memorial Forest Park

    Green and Peaceful

    This is a beautiful quiet place to park it for a while. There is everything here from 43 ft Class A rigs to tents. We were the only ones for about four days when we got here and now the campground is completely full. It’s the middle of September, and you wouldn’t know you were practically in the middle of the city with all the foliage. The only downfall is you have to unhook to go dump every so often. Thankfully the dump site is inside the campground

  • Greg S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Maplewood State Park Campground
    Sep. 15, 2024

    Maplewood State Park Campground

    Perfect Fall get away

    Simple beautiful park with the fall colors, plenty to due and see. Amazing fishing both trout and bass! Well maintained facilities in the park and friendly staff!

  • Elizabeth T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle's Landing
    Sep. 8, 2024

    Eagle's Landing

    Amazing Family Campround Great for all ages

    This is our second year and starting into our third. This campground has been great for our family. Everyone in the campground is very friendly, pool is amazing and the lake is great for fishing. It is a seasonal campground so it is awesome to be able to leave our camper here year-round.

  • a
    Camper-submitted photo from Vagabond Village Campground
    Aug. 24, 2024

    Vagabond Village Campground

    Clean, lots to do

    Lots of amenities, $60+ /night, guest fees. More open with less “trees and camping” feel so not for everyone but we liked it.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Charles A. Lindbergh State Park Campground
    Aug. 6, 2024

    Charles A. Lindbergh State Park Campground

    Nice and Clean, SUPER buggy

    Came through on an evening in July to meet a buddy canoeing the misssissippi. This was easily the buggiest site we stayed in all summer. Mosquitos so thick we had to wear nets over our faces. Maybe we’re just sensitive about it, but it was hard to get anything done.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Breeze Campgrounds
    Aug. 3, 2024

    Breeze Campgrounds

    Great place!

    We were scheduled for 5 nights, but extended to 8 because it was such a great spot. Don and his wife were very nice, and super helpful. We checked in late, and Don even helped us set up camp. Nice pool too. Showers and bathrooms are very clean. Laundry is nice. Highly recommend if you can snag a spot.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from DeSoto Lake Backpacking Sites — Itasca State Park
    Jul. 29, 2024

    DeSoto Lake Backpacking Sites — Itasca State Park

    Great hike-in sites

    I recently camped at BP4, on Desoto Lake. They have maybe recently added bear boxes to these two sites (3&4), I didn't see that mentioned in any reviews or the MN park website. The trail was a bit swampy and horrible with mosquitoes but the camp sites themselves were not bad at all. A very nice spot, secluded and beautiful.

  • Helen V.
    Camper-submitted photo from Andes RV Park
    Jul. 27, 2024

    Andes RV Park

    Nice / quiet!

    Nice, new rv park. Not far off I 94. Spent 1 night, but slept well due to no noise. Golf cart rentals, and trails from the park.

    Would definitely recommend.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Maplewood State Park Campground
    Jul. 4, 2024

    Maplewood State Park Campground

    Spacious and buggy

    For established camping, this park is lovely and spots are spacious. The place is bumpin’ with people but trees provide some sense of privacy but large, louder group was definitely in our vicinity—we couldn’t enjoy the birdsongs as we’d have liked (over 150 species can be found here). Staying at Grass Lake, we might have been able to launch our paddleboards from our site, but would have been a little tricky. Energy was better spent on keeping a fire tended with onslaught of unavoidable mosquitoes. Also, park doesn’t permit burning of found woods in the pits…

  • Ryan L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Andes RV Park
    Jun. 29, 2024

    Andes RV Park

    Dandy time at Andes RV Park

    We were in town for a weekend event and Andes RV Park was outstanding! Friendly service was in the easy check-in and checkout process. It has outstanding trails that they use in the winter time for cross-country skiing with tons of outdoor activities. Brand new restroom and shower facilities with laundry.

  • Clarence C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Alexandria Shooting Park and RV Campground
    Jun. 26, 2024

    Alexandria Shooting Park and RV Campground

    Stayed during State Trap Shoot

    We stayed for a few nights during the State High School Trap Shoot. Crowds were expected and it was a busy area. Surprisingly quiet in the evening given how many people were there. Facilities were clean. Will stay there again for sure.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Crow Wing State Park Campground
    Jun. 10, 2024

    Crow Wing State Park Campground

    Beautiful trails, easy to walk

    Nice trails along the Mississippi River, easy to walk, good signage on trails, and good information signs with history of each site along the trail.

    Very Clean men’s bathroom. One shower needs a new shower head.

    Sites 40 to 45 are very nice and secluded. Sites 58 and 59 are prime secluded sites.

  • Willis M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Carlos State Park Campground
    Jun. 4, 2024

    Lake Carlos State Park Campground

    Bougie "camping". More like a living room with no roof...

    This is a great state park. Group camping comes with its own bathroom building and shelter building with wood stove. The water is quite clean. Also there's even hot water in the bathroom.

  • Emelia O.
    Camper-submitted photo from Crow Wing State Park Campground
    Jun. 1, 2024

    Crow Wing State Park Campground

    Semi Secluded Site

    The campsite was pretty wooded on most sides. I visited in the late spring so there were quite a few mosquitos since the campground is near the river. Bathrooms/showers were cleanish, water was mid from the outdoor taps but not horrible


Guide to Wadena

Camping near Wadena, Minnesota, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking Trails: Explore the many trails in the area. One camper mentioned, "Many bike and walking/hiking trails. Well maintained park," while enjoying the scenic views at Bear Paw Campground — Itasca State Park.
  • Fishing and Swimming: Enjoy fishing or swimming at the lakes. A visitor at Lake Carlos State Park Campground said, "Nice larger sites... I stayed across from the lake and it was great."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One happy camper at Crow Wing State Park Campground noted, "We saw many deer, caught many pan fish and observed an eagle in its nest."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Pine Ridge Campground — Itasca State Park highlighted, "Men’s bathroom is cleaned twice a day! Showers are clean and water is hot!"
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Crow Wing Lake Campground said, "What a beautiful, peaceful sight in the woods next to the lake."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds often cater to families. One reviewer at Sinclair Lewis City Campground mentioned, "Amazing for a city camp. Lake is clean and warm. Perfect 10!!"

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the summer. A camper at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park Campground warned, "Mosquitos so thick we had to wear nets over our faces."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, so it's best to reserve your spot online. A visitor at Maplewood State Park Campground noted, "Sites are reserved through an online system."
  • Limited Amenities at Some Sites: Some campgrounds may not have full services. A reviewer at Stony Point mentioned, "Showers and Fishhouse have had issues to the point where they were not reopened this year."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with playgrounds and activities. A family at Crow Wing Lake Campground enjoyed, "Fun for the whole family. Amenities include: playground, pool, lake, dog park, and store."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or kayaks for extra fun. One camper at Glendalough State Park Campground said, "Beautiful biking trails!!! There’s a paved trail around the lake."
  • Pack Bug Spray: Keep mosquitoes at bay with repellent. A visitor at Bear Paw Campground — Itasca State Park reminded others, "Bring bug spray in the summer!"

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Wadena, Minnesota, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Wadena, MN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Wadena, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 177 campgrounds and RV parks near Wadena, MN and 8 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Wadena, MN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Wadena, MN is Lake Carlos State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 26 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Wadena, MN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Wadena, MN.

  • What parks are near Wadena, MN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Wadena, MN that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.