The best camping near Ellsworth with fishing

88 sites · Luverne, Minnesota

(7)

Discover quartzite cliffs, bison herds, and wildflower-blanketed prairies.

5. Palisades State Park

43 sites · Garretson, South Dakota

An almost shocking landscape of grandeur and drama awaits you. Kayak, fish, rock-climb, and relax.

44mi from Ellsworth · 10 sites · Tents · Westbrook, MN

6. Camping on private lake

99%

(370)

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

7. The Retreat at Pointer’s Ridge

39mi from Ellsworth · 1 site · Tent · Baltic, SD

(42)

The Retreat at Pointer’s Ridge is located on 21 acres along the Big Sioux River, a place of quiet and natural beauty intended to foster social interaction and creative pursuits between artists and community in SE South Dakota, 10 miles north of Sioux Falls. Property updates at The Retreat happen constantly; we get better and better! The 100′ x 40′ main hall is perfect for larger workshops, concerts, poetry readings, small theatrical productions, classes, and other social gatherings and rentals in April through November. The A-Frame is a unique space for recitals, presentations, meetings, or a sleeping space for up to 6 people. There is a Woodworking Shop; Artist Studio; screened-in outdoor patio; playground; huge bonfire pit; and room to camp or explore. The Retreat is a space to work in quiet solitude or to collaborate on creative projects with others. The setting is inspiring; possibilities for your stay are endless. Learn more about this land: This site is a sandy spot along the Big Sioux River on a ridge well above the water line. View out over the river to a farm on the opposite bank. Spend your time with wild turkeys, geese, and an occasional deer. Site is on the far edge of an artist retreat, but still private. Spend time hiking the river bank or gravel country roads, fish in the river, take part in any Retreat activities if available, photography opportunities, enjoy an evening campfire under the stars.

8. Tippy Toe Acres

83%

(3)

40mi from Ellsworth · 4 sites · RVs · Trent, SD

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!

9. Secluded and Serene Tentground

27mi from Ellsworth · 1 site · Tent · Garretson, SD

(6)

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.

10. Big Sioux Recreation Area

52 sites · Brandon, South Dakota

(2)

Discover the natural charm of Big Sioux Recreation Area.

11. Split Rock Creek State Park

35 sites · Ihlen, Minnesota

Discover Split Rock Creek State Park's natural splendor.

12. Newton Hills State Park

67%

139 sites · Fairview, South Dakota

Discover the serene beauty of Newton Hills State Park.

13. Lake Shetek State Park

87 sites · The Lakes, Minnesota

(3)

Discover Lake Shetek's serene beauty and outdoor adventures.

82 sites · West Okoboji, Iowa

14. Emerson Bay State Recreation Area

Emerson Bay State Recreation Area: A Lakeside Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts.

112 sites · Wahpeton, Iowa

Showers

15. Gull Point State Park

Discover the Serene Beauty of Gull Point State Park.

221 sites · Orleans, Iowa

Showers

16. Marble Beach State Recreation Area

Discover the Serenity of Marble Beach State Recreation Area.

37 sites · Lakefield, Minnesota

17. Kilen Woods State Park

Discover Kilen Woods State Park's natural beauty and outdoor activities.

44mi from Ellsworth · 10 sites · Tents · Westbrook, MN

Camper favorites near Ellsworth

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Camping on private lake

99%

(370)

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

The Retreat at Pointer’s Ridge

39mi from Ellsworth · 1 site · Tent · Baltic, SD

(42)

The Retreat at Pointer’s Ridge is located on 21 acres along the Big Sioux River, a place of quiet and natural beauty intended to foster social interaction and creative pursuits between artists and community in SE South Dakota, 10 miles north of Sioux Falls. Property updates at The Retreat happen constantly; we get better and better! The 100′ x 40′ main hall is perfect for larger workshops, concerts, poetry readings, small theatrical productions, classes, and other social gatherings and rentals in April through November. The A-Frame is a unique space for recitals, presentations, meetings, or a sleeping space for up to 6 people. There is a Woodworking Shop; Artist Studio; screened-in outdoor patio; playground; huge bonfire pit; and room to camp or explore. The Retreat is a space to work in quiet solitude or to collaborate on creative projects with others. The setting is inspiring; possibilities for your stay are endless. Learn more about this land: This site is a sandy spot along the Big Sioux River on a ridge well above the water line. View out over the river to a farm on the opposite bank. Spend your time with wild turkeys, geese, and an occasional deer. Site is on the far edge of an artist retreat, but still private. Spend time hiking the river bank or gravel country roads, fish in the river, take part in any Retreat activities if available, photography opportunities, enjoy an evening campfire under the stars.

Tippy Toe Acres

83%

(3)

40mi from Ellsworth · 4 sites · RVs · Trent, SD

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!

Secluded and Serene Tentground

27mi from Ellsworth · 1 site · Tent · Garretson, SD

(6)

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.

Public campgrounds near Ellsworth

16mi from Ellsworth · 88 sites · Tents, RVs · in Blue Mounds State Park

(7)

Blue Mounds Campground

28mi from Ellsworth · 43 sites · Tents, RVs · in Palisades State Park

Palisades Campground

29mi from Ellsworth · 52 sites · Tents, RVs · in Big Sioux Recreation Area

(2)

Big Sioux Campground

32mi from Ellsworth · 35 sites · Tents, RVs · in Split Rock Creek State Park

Split Rock Creek State Park Campground

67%

35mi from Ellsworth · 139 sites · Tents, RVs · in Newton Hills State Park

Newton Hills Campground

We stayed here over Halloween weekend and had the whole campground to ourselves . While other Minnesotan's were preparing for hibernation , we were building tarp cities in the parks 😂

43mi from Ellsworth · 43 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Shetek State Park

(1)

Oak Woods Campground

If you love a good rocky beach in Minnesota , Lake Shetek State Park is the place to go .

43mi from Ellsworth · 32 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Shetek State Park

(1)

Sunrise Campground

The rocky sandbar leads you to Loon Island. Watch for deer !

44mi from Ellsworth · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Shetek State Park

(1)

Prairie Campground

Emerson Bay Campground

44mi from Ellsworth · 82 sites · Tents, RVs · in Emerson Bay State Recreation Area

Gull Point Campground

44mi from Ellsworth · 112 sites · Tents, RVs · in Gull Point State Park

Marble Beach Campground

45mi from Ellsworth · 221 sites · Tents, RVs · in Marble Beach State Recreation Area

Kilen Woods State Park Campground

50mi from Ellsworth · 37 sites · Tents, RVs · in Kilen Woods State Park

Stories from the community

River Road Campground Luverne, MN
2.5 miles from I-90

T

Tammy

October 2025

39 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to River Road Campground Luverne

Was a full weekend. Bathroom was out of paper towels.

S

Sarah

October 2025

12 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to River Road Campground Luverne

Everything you need. Clean site. Warm shower. Easy backin site. Super close to other rvs but it was very quiet all through the night. Would recommend

C

Christina

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Camping on private lake

We really enjoyed our stay — the campsite was peaceful and right by the water with everything we needed (kayaks/canoe/boat available). The host was very caring, friendly, and welcoming, even giving us fresh farm eggs, which was such a nice touch. The spot felt private and relaxing. The amenities are excellent: power at all sites, warm showers, flushing toilets, and well-maintained grounds. Unfortunately, we had to cut our trip short because of the high winds, but we’d love to come back when the weather is calmer!

L

Luke

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to River Road Campground Luverne

Very nice place! Was only there overnight but it was easy to get to and the shower house was clean!

D

Dawn

October 2025

40 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to River Road Campground Luverne

Very clean. We were only there for a quick overnight, but we would definitely stay here again. It being on the trail was really nice and made for a nice walk with our dog before we retired to bed.

S

Sheri

September 2025

18 ft travel trailer

We camped twice now and we were able to just pull and set up! Clean, peaceful and nice walking trails just steps away.

Heather

September 2025

38 ft toy hauler

Weekend Trip to Edge Hill

We easily located Brian's spot and enjoyed exploring the cute town of Luverne as well as Beaver Creek (The Cidery!) as well as Sioux Falls. For larger rigs I would recommend spots 1 or 2. We ended up in spot 4 and we fit in it just fine, but we're not the best at backing up and it took us several tries due to the angle. (That's on us, not Brian!)

M

M.M.

September 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Camping on private lake

A Little Slice of Heaven – Peaceful Lakefront Camping with an Amazing Host This place went above and beyond my expectations! I stayed for 2 nights and had an unforgettable experience. Jim is by far one of the most gracious, friendly, and welcoming hosts I’ve ever met. From the moment I arrived, he greeted me, showed me around, and made sure I had everything I needed. He even brought firewood right to my site and surprised me with a dozen fresh farm eggs—talk about hospitality! His land is a true hidden gem. The quiet lake is perfect for paddling or fishing, with a trolling motor boat, canoe, and kayaks available for guests. My campsite had electric hookups, a firepit, patio table with chairs, plus a mini fridge—a thoughtful touch that made camping feel effortless. There’s also access to a shower, flushing toilet, and outdoor bathroom, so comfort is never sacrificed. I loved that my two dogs could run around freely and enjoy the space—it was as much their vacation as mine! Nights were the highlight: no city light pollution, just millions of stars sparkling in the sky. Absolutely breathtaking. This place is serene, clean, and peaceful, with everything you need for a relaxing escape. I’ll definitely be back. Huge thanks to Jim for sharing his beautiful property and making my trip so memorable. This one’s a 5⭐️+ stay all the way!

R

Rosa

September 2025

13 ft travel trailer

Easy access from highway. Very Clean, reasonable price.

K

Keo

September 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Camping on private lake

Highly recommend! Such a great little spot. We stayed at Site 4, which was spacious and set a bit farther from the others—perfect for us with two dogs and a toddler. The site came with a fire pit, table, chairs, and even a hammock. We loved the lake view and really appreciated the access to kayaks, a canoe, and a boat with a trolling motor. You can hear some traffic but that's to be expected due to it's location but it didn’t take away from how enjoyable the stay was. We didn’t get to use everything this place offers, but that just means we’ll be back again. The host was very friendly and welcoming, showed us where everything was, and made sure we were comfortable settling in. We came in from Sioux Falls, and it was absolutely worth the drive and the money.

T

Thomas

September 2025

28 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to River Road Campground Luverne

Basic, but clean campground. Easy pull thru Sites.

Phyllis

September 2025

35 ft Class A

Weekend Trip to River Road Campground Luverne

We enjoyed an easy pull through, level site. It was great for our quick visit. Clean showers. Easy to make reservations on HipCamp.

K

Kimberly

September 2025

25 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to River Road Campground Luverne

This was a nice campground, easy pull through site and very conveniently located right off I90. It was a halfway point for us to stop and sleep on our way to the Black Hills. We didn’t really have time to explore the campground, but it worked great for us.

P

Pin-Kuan

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camping on private lake

I had my best camping experience here. I also went kayaking and fishing. The host is friendly and helpful.

M

MICHAEL

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camping on private lake

Highly recommend! Plenty of options for traversing the lake, have to say that's the first time I've heard cows while being out on a lake. Farmland nearby, nice and quiet and great for stargazing. Jim is an awesome host and very accommodating; mosquitoes can be a bid bad in early September.

Keith

September 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Camping on private lake

Great little private place to stay. Very quiet, beautiful lakeside sites that are pretty nice and big. Would definitely recomend.

G

Georgi

September 2025

Tent

1 night at The Retreat at Pointer’s Ridge

Highly recommend this retreat! Deb was a kind, generous host who accommodated our late arrival and immediately made us feel welcome. The property is secluded and feels very safe and peaceful. I would definitely stay here again!

E

Emily

September 2025

Tent

10/10 bathrooms were amazing and the campground was very upkept

Erica

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camping on private lake

This was an awesome campsite. The view was great, right by the lake. It was a cold weekend so we didn’t get to enjoy the water, but it seems clean and I want to go back there in the summer. We had a lot of space. Jim was very friendly and helpful, since we were the only ones there, we were able to switch site, and Jim provided a little space heater for us and it helped a lot overnight since it got pretty cold. We were there on the opening day for bird hunting, and we woke up on Sat and Sun morning with gun shots, not super fun since we don’t like hunting and my dog gets scared of the noise, but besides that, it is an awesome place and I plan on going back. 10/10 recommend it.

L

Linda

September 2025