The best camping near Balaton with hiking

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In Balaton, you’ll find over 450 campsites set up for hikers—ranging from lakeside clearings to wooded trails that start right outside your tent. Prices average around $35 a night, with options dipping as low as $32 if you’re keeping an eye on your budget. Top picks include River Road Campground Luverne (236 reviews), which backs onto broad river trails, Camping on private lake (178 reviews) for water access and early-morning hikes, and the tucked-away Secluded and Serene Tentground (1 review). You’ll have showers, can bring your dog, and light a campfire at most spots. Off the trail, you can fish, swim, or even try your luck at snow sports in the right season. If you want a place to crash after a long hike, Balaton’s campsites keep it simple and focused on what actually matters outside—good terrain, reliable basics, and room to explore.

94% (521) 37 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Balaton

Camping on private lake

1. Camping on private lake

99%
(370)
32mi from Balaton · 10 sites
This property has 4 camp spots. Sites 1 and 4 have a boat landing. All sites have shades trees that can hold hammocks. All sites are right next to the lake. Site 3 has a dock that all can use. There is excellent swimming with a sandy bottom at the south end of the lake. The lake is stocked with perch in 2024 but has walleye, northern, bass as well. It is also close to many lakes that are good for fishing. I have a 14' fishing boat with trolling motor, a paddle boat, 2 kayaks, and canoe for campers to use for free. Firewood is available for $5/day. There is some hiking on the property and much near by. Biking is also good with small lakes nearby to visit. The camping here is very peaceful with wonderful views and the wildlife is awesome! 120 volt power is at all sites and 220 can reach sites 2 and 3. There is warm showers and flushing toilets. Also all sites are drive through on hard ground grass. Grates are provided for cooking over the fire. There is Wi-Fi internet that reaches sites 1-3
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
River Road Campground Luverne

2. River Road Campground Luverne

92%
(548)
44mi from Balaton · 19 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
This is a newer campground to Rock County near Luverne, MN. This property is known as the "boy scouts" by the locals. When we were kids we spent time on this property riding bike, horses, and exploring. We have turned this 13 acre property into 22 site campground that we are excited to share with you. Check out Sweet Retreat a house for rent. Call 605-254-5450 for details. (also available on Airbnb/VRBO) (Sweet Retreat, 5 bedrooms, 2 bath) Nestled in a bed of trees just 2 miles from I-90 and 1/4 mile South of the Luverne City Park. This campground has 12 sites with rural water and 20,30&50 amp electric at every site. Dump Station. 8 Full Hook Up Sites (Sewer, Water, Electric) Two small ponds and shade trees. Wifi. Shower House/Bathrooms. Campers can enjoy the quiet place to relax and enjoy nature and wildlife, a perfect place for bird watching. We also have a paved bike trial that connects to the campground that leads to miles of trials around Luverne and out to the State park.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$35
 / night
Tippy Toe Acres

3. Tippy Toe Acres

83%
(3)
46mi from Balaton · 4 sites
We purchased the property for use as a honey bee ranch. We no long keep bees, but we still love to go out to the country, and garden, and just enjoy the peace and quiet. Learn more about this land: Please, don't make a reservation, and then invite a bunch of people to join you. Your guests aren't my guests, but can be. Just a field near the Big Sioux River. Amenities will be added, as demand warrants. Lots of peace and quiet. Still close to Dell Rapids SD, for gas, bait, groceries, etc. We believe in equality for all, Top Freedom Friendly!
Pets
from 
$10
 / night
Camden State Park

4. Camden State Park

100%
(7)
State park 9.4mi from Balaton · 93 sites
Discover Camden State Park's natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Lake Shetek State Park

5. Lake Shetek State Park

100%
(3)
State park 13mi from Balaton · 87 sites
Discover Lake Shetek's serene beauty and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Secluded and Serene Tentground

6. Secluded and Serene Tentground

100%
(6)
49mi from Balaton · 1 site
Welcome! If you’re looking for a quiet place to tent camp, look no further. We have tent camping available on 2 acres of land equipped with your own fire pit, surrounded by beautiful trees. We are a half mile walk from hiking at Palisades State Park and a two mile drive to 3 other parks. No restrooms onsite.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$29
 / night
Split Rock Creek State Park

7. Split Rock Creek State Park

100%
(4)
State park 34mi from Balaton · 35 sites
Discover Split Rock Creek State Park's natural splendor.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Blue Mounds State Park

8. Blue Mounds State Park

100%
(7)
State park 40mi from Balaton · 88 sites
Discover quartzite cliffs, bison herds, and wildflower-blanketed prairies.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Upper Sioux Agency State Park

9. Upper Sioux Agency State Park

100%
(1)
State park 40mi from Balaton · 73 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Upper Sioux Agency State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lake Cochrane Recreation Area

10. Lake Cochrane Recreation Area

State park 45mi from Balaton · 31 sites
Discover Lake Cochrane's serene waters and vibrant outdoor activities.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Palisades State Park

11. Palisades State Park

100%
(4)
State park 50mi from Balaton · 43 sites
An almost shocking landscape of grandeur and drama awaits you. Kayak, fish, rock-climb, and relax.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

In Balaton, you’ll find over 450 campsites set up for hikers—ranging from lakeside clearings to wooded trails that start right outside your tent. Prices average around $35 a night, with options dipping as low as $32 if you’re keeping an eye on your budget. Top picks include River Road Campground Luverne (236 reviews), which backs onto broad river trails, Camping on private lake (178 reviews) for water access and early-morning hikes, and the tucked-away Secluded and Serene Tentground (1 review). You’ll have showers, can bring your dog, and light a campfire at most spots. Off the trail, you can fish, swim, or even try your luck at snow sports in the right season. If you want a place to crash after a long hike, Balaton’s campsites keep it simple and focused on what actually matters outside—good terrain, reliable basics, and room to explore.

94% (521) 37 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Balaton

Camping on private lake

1. Camping on private lake

99%
(370)
32mi from Balaton · 10 sites
This property has 4 camp spots. Sites 1 and 4 have a boat landing. All sites have shades trees that can hold hammocks. All sites are right next to the lake. Site 3 has a dock that all can use. There is excellent swimming with a sandy bottom at the south end of the lake. The lake is stocked with perch in 2024 but has walleye, northern, bass as well. It is also close to many lakes that are good for fishing. I have a 14' fishing boat with trolling motor, a paddle boat, 2 kayaks, and canoe for campers to use for free. Firewood is available for $5/day. There is some hiking on the property and much near by. Biking is also good with small lakes nearby to visit. The camping here is very peaceful with wonderful views and the wildlife is awesome! 120 volt power is at all sites and 220 can reach sites 2 and 3. There is warm showers and flushing toilets. Also all sites are drive through on hard ground grass. Grates are provided for cooking over the fire. There is Wi-Fi internet that reaches sites 1-3
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
River Road Campground Luverne

2. River Road Campground Luverne

92%
(548)
44mi from Balaton · 19 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
This is a newer campground to Rock County near Luverne, MN. This property is known as the "boy scouts" by the locals. When we were kids we spent time on this property riding bike, horses, and exploring. We have turned this 13 acre property into 22 site campground that we are excited to share with you. Check out Sweet Retreat a house for rent. Call 605-254-5450 for details. (also available on Airbnb/VRBO) (Sweet Retreat, 5 bedrooms, 2 bath) Nestled in a bed of trees just 2 miles from I-90 and 1/4 mile South of the Luverne City Park. This campground has 12 sites with rural water and 20,30&50 amp electric at every site. Dump Station. 8 Full Hook Up Sites (Sewer, Water, Electric) Two small ponds and shade trees. Wifi. Shower House/Bathrooms. Campers can enjoy the quiet place to relax and enjoy nature and wildlife, a perfect place for bird watching. We also have a paved bike trial that connects to the campground that leads to miles of trials around Luverne and out to the State park.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$35
 / night
Tippy Toe Acres

3. Tippy Toe Acres

83%
(3)
46mi from Balaton · 4 sites
We purchased the property for use as a honey bee ranch. We no long keep bees, but we still love to go out to the country, and garden, and just enjoy the peace and quiet. Learn more about this land: Please, don't make a reservation, and then invite a bunch of people to join you. Your guests aren't my guests, but can be. Just a field near the Big Sioux River. Amenities will be added, as demand warrants. Lots of peace and quiet. Still close to Dell Rapids SD, for gas, bait, groceries, etc. We believe in equality for all, Top Freedom Friendly!
Pets
from 
$10
 / night
Camden State Park

4. Camden State Park

100%
(7)
State park 9.4mi from Balaton · 93 sites
Discover Camden State Park's natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Lake Shetek State Park

5. Lake Shetek State Park

100%
(3)
State park 13mi from Balaton · 87 sites
Discover Lake Shetek's serene beauty and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Secluded and Serene Tentground

6. Secluded and Serene Tentground

100%
(6)
49mi from Balaton · 1 site
Welcome! If you’re looking for a quiet place to tent camp, look no further. We have tent camping available on 2 acres of land equipped with your own fire pit, surrounded by beautiful trees. We are a half mile walk from hiking at Palisades State Park and a two mile drive to 3 other parks. No restrooms onsite.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$29
 / night
Split Rock Creek State Park

7. Split Rock Creek State Park

100%
(4)
State park 34mi from Balaton · 35 sites
Discover Split Rock Creek State Park's natural splendor.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Blue Mounds State Park

8. Blue Mounds State Park

100%
(7)
State park 40mi from Balaton · 88 sites
Discover quartzite cliffs, bison herds, and wildflower-blanketed prairies.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Upper Sioux Agency State Park

9. Upper Sioux Agency State Park

100%
(1)
State park 40mi from Balaton · 73 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Upper Sioux Agency State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lake Cochrane Recreation Area

10. Lake Cochrane Recreation Area

State park 45mi from Balaton · 31 sites
Discover Lake Cochrane's serene waters and vibrant outdoor activities.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Palisades State Park

11. Palisades State Park

100%
(4)
State park 50mi from Balaton · 43 sites
An almost shocking landscape of grandeur and drama awaits you. Kayak, fish, rock-climb, and relax.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

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