Best Camping in and near Monson Lake State Park

50% (1 reviews)

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

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

Monson Lake Campground

20 sites · RVs, Tents In Monson Lake State Park

from

$19

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Monson Lake State Park

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Alexandria Lakes Area Camp

6 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Alexandria, MN

Located outside of the city, this beautiful oasis offers much more privacy and serenity than a typical campground. The 2.5 acres offer plenty of room for large campers and small tents. With just a few sites, you will have company with some other hipcampers but also the privacy you want as you relax and enjoy living life.

99%

(114)

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

99%

(46)

The Woods

5 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Greenwald, MN

Welcome to "The Woods"!

99%

(88)

The Country School

2 sites · Tents5 acres · Avon, MN

Once a country school built in 1938 and used into the 1960s, this property with 5 wooded acres surrounded by pasture and farmland, has been our family home since 1982. We are less than 10 minutes from I-94 , Lake Wobegon bike trail, St John's University, Avon Hills Folk School, county parks with hiking trails , and lots of lakes. Fire ring, and pallet table on each site. Learn more about this land: We provide a walk-in only, primitive, private camping experience. Pitch your tent in our woods, just a short walk in from the road. Campsite 1 is close to the road and house, just about 50 paces in from the road. Campsite 2 is farther into the woods, uphill and offers more privacy. The night and early morning sounds can be incredible! Coyotes, owls, loons, frogs, sandhill cranes, wild turkey, cattle, sheep and chickens too. While we currently do not have many amenities, we do offer a get away from humanity, darkness , nature sounds , and campfires. While our property does not include a lake , there are many within a few short miles. The small town of Avon on 1-94 is just 3 1/2 miles away. It offers access to the 65 mile long Lake Wobegon bike trail, the Avon beach, a fishing pier, and legendary "Fisher's Club" , home of the best darn walleye, all on Middle Spunk Lake. St John's University is a few short scenic miles away. Hiking trails, maple syrup festival, bird watching, fall colors , and many more reasons to visit this Benedictine campus. Stearns county has 8 county parks with miles of hiking trails. Birdwatching is excellent year around. Avon Hills Folk School is little over a mile away. El Rancho Manana is within 8 miles and offers horseback riding.

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(81)

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.

98%

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Lower Elk Lake - Full RV Hookup

1 site · RV2 acres · Hoffman, MN

This is a recently acquired piece of land that we installed electricity, water, and sewer hookups for use with our RV. Unfortunately we don't get to spend as much time as we would like and want to let others enjoy it when we cant.

Booked 3 times

Canary Beach Resort

33 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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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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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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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

100%

(5)

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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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

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.