The best camping near Monson Lake State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Monson Lake State Park adventure.

50% (1 reviews)

Discover Monson Lake State Park's serene beauty and outdoor fun.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Monson Lake State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Monson Lake State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Monson Lake State Park

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Moon valley camping

1 site · Lodging56 acres · Montevideo, MN

Hi, located in the heart of the Minnesota river valley. This wooden tent offers a unique camping retreat. Seclusion, privacy and river front access within walking distance of boat landing and in town amenities like gas stations and the like.

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(127)

Pearsons Century Farm

16 sites · RVs, Tents79 acres · Litchfield , MN

Homesteaded more than 100 years ago this farm is somewhat stuck in time. Once this was a prosperous dairy operation. Location location location, this place is my slice of heaven on earth. Located in the corner of 4 townships on an extremely quiet road. Our farm now raises grass fed beef and wooly pigs pastured along driveway along with the usual cast of a farm, dogs, cats, chickens, guineas and goats

Walleye Retreat On Lake Osakis

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Osakis, MN

Staying at this centrally-located cabin ensures your family is close to everything. It's less than 15 minutes away from Alexandria, nestled among numerous lakes, with hundreds of miles of bike and snowmobile trails accessible by foot or bike from our cabin. Osakis is charming, offering everything you need within walking distance. You can bring your boat and dock it from mid-May to the end of September. Feel free to use our kayaks, or rent a boat in the area! Enjoy snowmobiling or ice fishing? Our new furnace will keep you cozy after a day in the cold! Our cabin can sleep 6 comfortably and we have one full bathroom.

Booked 8 times

Canary Beach Resort

32 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Villard, MN

The past 100 years have given us the experience to make every detail of your Minnesota lake vacation memorable and relaxing! We are a family-friendly resort, operated as a family, and open all four seasons of the year. We offer 11 comfortable and immaculate lakefront cabins and vacation homes set on a thousand feet of pristine, sandy shoreline along Lake Villard. We are the fifth generation of families to own and operate Canary Beach Resort and have made it into the popular, award-winning year-round lake vacation destination that it is today. Canary Beach Resort has been awarded the 2022 Readers' Choice Award for Best Family Resort by our readers! We have also been mentioned in Minnesota Monthly, AAA Magazine, featured in Lakes and Loons, and in the Pope County Tribune, to name a few. Canary Beach Resort is also the winner of the Minnesota Resort and Campground 2016 Resort Operators of the Year award, in recognition of our passion for excellence in hospitality. We take pride in maintaining our property and cabins so that you and your family can relax and enjoy your time at the lake. It’s our goal to make our place at the lake, your place at the lake!

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The Auntie's Grove at Moonstone

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents240 acres · Montevideo, MN

Moonstone is a perennial polyculture (no annual crops, lots of diversity) on the bluffland of the Upper Minnesota River Valley. A family-based farm specializing in grass-fed organic beef production, we also maintain a vineyard, an edible forest, farmstore, farmstay guest cottage and a full-shade camping area, the Auntie's Grove within walking distance of our pond, little beach, water points and restrooms.

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(48)

Lower Elk Lake - Full RV Hookup

1 site · RV2 acres · Hoffman, MN

Full hookup RV site on a natural environment lake and 2 acres to spread out. The site is just a short drive on a well maintained gravel dead end road. The bay is very shallow so unfortunately fishing and swimming are not recommended. The view of the lake and gentle slope to the lake make it a perfect setting for your RV. For reference, the site is roughly 25 miles west of Alexandria, 90 miles north west of St. Cloud and 155 miles north west of Minneapolis.

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Wold Ranch

1 site · RV5 acres · Belgrade, MN

Pause your travels for the night or spend a few days. Conveniently located right off US Hwy 71 or 20 miles from I-94. This is a level RV site able to accommodate big rigs, 50amp service and water. We are a working family farm. Enjoy the horses , cows, cats, and dog. Patio with shade and fire ring located next to site.

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Rusty Star Ranch Riverview

2 sites · RVs, Tents34 acres · Melrose, MN

The Rusty Star Ranch is nestled along side the Sauk River. The site is slightly elevated which give you a picturesque view of the river and the natural beauty of country scenery. Perfect access to the river if you want to enjoy canoeing, kayaking or fishing. Level sites for campingLearn more about this land:On the banks of the Sauk River. Kayaking. Tubing, bicycle access to the Wobegon trail. Fishing for pike. The view over the river is breathtaking at sunset

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Alexandria Lakes Area Camp

6 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Alexandria, MN

This property is unavailable until farther notice. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

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(6)

Andes RV Park

3 sites · Lodging, RVs800 acres · Kensington, MN

Our new RV Park was opened in 2023 and features 45 full hook up spots, bath/shower house, kids play area, Pickle ball court (coming Mid July 2023), and over 800 acres of trails to enjoy. We have 2 small bodies of water accessible by our trail system that are great for kayaking and fishing. Come enjoy the outdoors with us today!

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Kobi’s Backyard Getaway

1 site · RV, Tent51 acres · Alexandria, MN

Single site camp spot surrounded by woods and water. Our 51 acre parcel is just three miles from downtown Alexandria but you’ll feel like your way out of town. It’s a quiet location with no neighbors, a dock for fishing (or watching the sunset) trails for hiking and one of the best lakes for kayaking, canoeing or paddle boarding. We are located: A short mile to a trailhead on the Central Lakes Trail Half mile to Lake Brophy County Park with a giant playground and Mountain Bike Trails Quarter mile from the Arrowood 18 hole golf course Also our lake is connected to the Carlos, Le Homme Dieu, Darling Chain of lakes, jump in your boat and connect to 11 more lakes

Saved 10 times

Acorn Farm Country Family Camp

3 sites · RVs10 acres · Villard, MN

This property was once old farm land. The old barn with a dirt floor still has some old horse equipment. We're proud that this family has been in our family for 30 years. We are happy have plenty of crops on the other side of the tree line and love spending time here to watch wild life! Learn more about this land:10 acre lot located between Sauk Center and Alexandria. Great place to get out and enjoy nature. Mix between beautiful flowers, grassy areas wooded areas to explore. We see lots of wildlife such as deer, turkey, pheasants, sand hill cranes, eagles and much more.Must bring your own accommodations.

The best camping near Monson Lake State Park guide

Overview

About

Though it doubled in size in 2009, Monson Lake State Park remains one of Minnesota’s smallest (and awesomest) spots to don a bathing suit (or fishing vest). Due to a lower visitation, not much has been altered since it opened in the 1930s, and why would they? With Sunburg Lake by which to sun, tons of game fish to bait, and boat rentals on the shore, Monson Lake is a pretty rad place to spend a weekend (only open in the summer months and with just 20 campsites, you’ll want to reserve right about now—thank us later).

Originally established as a memorial to 13 Swedish American pioneers who died in the Dakota War of 1862, this park contains archaeological evidence of Native American tribes as early as 1000 BCE! And the variety of tools and materials they found suggested a wide and healthy trade route with Wisconsin, North Dakota, and even Canada.

Notable campgrounds

Yellow Medicine River Campground - Offers a tranquil riverside camping experience amid lush greenery.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early to secure your spot, as campsites fill up quickly during peak seasons.
Check for cancellations regularly, as last-minute openings can occur.
Consider visiting during the weekdays for better availability.
Explore nearby camping options for alternative accommodations if the park is full.

When to go

The best time to visit Monson Lake State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer offers warm days perfect for water activities, though it's also the busiest season. Winters can be harsh, making some areas less accessible.

Know before you go

Highway 67 is closed; follow alternative directions provided by the park to reach different areas.
Prepare for limited cell service; plan your route and communications in advance.
Check the park's website for the latest updates on trail and facility closures.
Remember to pack essentials for outdoor activities, including water and sun protection.
Respect wildlife and natural habitats by staying on designated trails and observing park regulations.