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 adventure.
50% (1 reviews)
50% (1 reviews)
Discover Monson Lake State Park's serene beauty and outdoor fun.
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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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(81)
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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$40
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(39)
The Woods
5 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Greenwald, MN
Welcome to "The Woods"!
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$20
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(4)
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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$35
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Booked 2 times
Private secluded camp
1 site · RV, Tent30 acres · New London, MN
Learn more about this land:Next to the slough with open water. Lots of wildlife especially in the spring. There are three spots to choose from, two are more secluded and not really meant for large campers. But the bigger spot is really large.
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$33
/ night
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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$50
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(19)
The Land - Alexandria Lakes Area
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 offers 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.
** Starting October 1st, there will not be a toilet on the property due to the end of the season. Camping is still open but you'll need your own accommodations for the toilet. Thanks for understanding. **
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$20
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Saved 19 times
Rosie's Ranch
1 site · RV, TentBrooten, MN
We have a small sheep & lamb operation on our small farm nestled into the Glacial Lakes area in West Central MN. We are right off of the Glacial Ridge Scenic Byway. Surrounded by over 1000 acres of public land and Nature Conservancy preserves within a quick drive, our ranch rotationally grazes sheep on diverse native prairie pastures. Our operation is rustic, quiet, private and humble but inviting. Learn more about this land:Primitive, quiet private campsite on a small farm with sheep and dogs (dog lovers only please)! Native prairie hills hug a lake loaded with wild rice and wild waterfowl adjacent to oak woods. Abundant hiking options as well as some local access to the Chippewa river as well as some fishing holes we can guide you to. About 10 min drive to Green Lake/ Norway lake areas with great public beaches. Sunburg is close by with a bar & grill, New London is 17 miles with a great brewery and tons of outdoor events all summer long. We allow limited access to our mudroom/ bathroom area for campers.
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$30
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99%
(81)
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
picnic 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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$15
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98%
(40)
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.
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$45
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Booked 3 times
RV There Yet?
40 sites · RVs3 acres · Alexandria, MN
RV There Yet is located in the gorgeous town of Alexandria, Minnesota. Campers come here every year to escape the busyness of life; visitors can look forward to clean and well-managed facilities, friendly and helpful staff, and of course, plenty of peace and quiet.
There's tonnes to do around the park, so expect excellent golf courses, bowling alleys, local museums and antique shops. There's also a plethora of great dining options, so if you're from out of town, be sure to dine out as much as you can to experience Alexandria through its cuisine.
Near the campground, campers can also enjoy tastings at the Carlos Creek Winery or take the kids to the Erickson Petting Zoo.
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$45
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99%
(106)
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
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$60
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(1)
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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$55
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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.
Top cities near Monson Lake State Park
- Monson Lake State Park
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