92% (209)
Top-rated campgrounds
92% (209)
Top-rated campgrounds
Public campgrounds near Ellsworth
Stories from the community
C
Christina
October 2025
Tent
With kids
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!
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M
M.M.
September 2025
Tent
With pets
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!
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K
Keo
September 2025
Tent
With kids
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.
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P
Pin-Kuan
September 2025
Tent
I had my best camping experience here. I also went kayaking and fishing. The host is friendly and helpful.
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MICHAEL
September 2025
Tent
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.
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Keith
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Great little private place to stay. Very quiet, beautiful lakeside sites that are pretty nice and big. Would definitely recomend.
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Erica
September 2025
Tent
With pets
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.
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Logan
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Jim was awesome host! Awesome property! Nice lake with kayaks and boats for use. Had a great weekend and will definitely return one day.
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C
Chandra
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Hands down one of the BEST little hidden gems of a camping spot that we have ever come across! Jim is an incredible host and provides boats and kayaks for his guests to enjoy on the private lake, the sites are absolutely beautiful and offer the perfect secluded get away for couples, families and large groups. The lake is absolutely gorgeous and perfect for fishing/swimming/cruising in the fishing boat or paddling out and enjoying the sun and each campsite is right on the water with its own private access points. Jim really did create a perfect little slice of narures heaven for people to enjoy here! We LOVED our time here and will be making this a yearly spot for our group!!
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Pache
September 2025
Tent
My friends and I absolutely loved staying at this campsite! Jim is an awesome guy! He welcomed us in, gave us a quick tour of where everything was, and even gifted us some of the eggs from his chickens :) He’s super thoughtful and has pretty much everything you’d need. He has a table, a grill-top for the campfire, chairs/seats, and even a hammock set up in the trees! I also love that he had kayaks/canoes available to use for free as well. My friends and I definitely enjoyed our time on the lake paddling in those! Of course, his dog Rocky, just the sweetest girl! We definitely recommend this place and we ourselves would come here again! Thanks Jim!
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nicholas
August 2025
Tent
This is a great place. Jim is an amazing host. I am definitely going back. Highly recommend if you are looking for a quiet and relaxing place right on the lake.
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t
ty
August 2025
Tent
Group trip
Knowing you can get on a small lake without bringing the gears.
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L
Lindsey
August 2025
Tent
Beautiful property and such a welcoming host! The fishing boat and kayaks were a bonus! 10/10 experience!
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rettie
August 2025
Tent
Group trip
Jim is awesome. We stayed in site 1 and it was lovely. Lots of room and enjoyed the canoe. Will be back!
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Jennifer
August 2025
Tent
With pets
Jim has made his campsites a beautiful comfortable place to camp. The man made lake was perfect for my dog. He was able to swim without large boulders. We typically can not get him to swim for as long as he did. Listed as no picnic table, but to our surprise was a patio set at site #4. The guys loved going out on the boats. We didn't use the indoor shower but took advantage of the outdoor shower rinse. Toilets were clean and as a woman I really appreciated a flushing toilet. Electricity was a huge plus for my dad's cpap. The Sunrise and Sunsets were absolutely gorgeous! We honestly did not expect all the extras that came with renting out this site. We had a wonderful relaxing time.
This would also be a great place if you have younger children because of how far out kids can go and swim without a lot of worry
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Paige
July 2025
Tent
With pets
We had such a great time at site 1 on Jim’s land! Our dog absolutely loved being able to wake up and run to the lake. The site had nice shady spots to setup our tent and the electric was key with it being so hot over the weekend - we could sleep with a fan on in the tent no problem. The beach is a perfect spot to walk to and we highly recommend taking a sunset cruise on the lake!
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Andrew
July 2025
Tent
With kids
Jim is so great. He was busy working when we showed up, but he dropped what he was doing and showed me and my three boys around. He let us use his boats and hooked us up with a plastic axe throwing target that my kids loved playing with. He also put up a hammock for us. We stayed at Site 4. It was private enough away from the other sites. It was closest to where the boats were stored. It was furthest from the bathrooms and showers, but still not a far walk. We caught soooo many bullheads in the lake.
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C
Christina
July 2025
Tent
We had the best time camping at Jim’s property this weekend! We stayed at Site 1 and absolutely loved it — peaceful, scenic, and right near the water. We really enjoyed using the canoe and boat, and the property itself is so well cared for.
Jim was incredibly helpful and welcoming when we arrived, which made the whole experience even better. The bathroom was clean throughout our stay, and there was plenty of firewood stocked, which made our evenings by the fire super cozy.
One of our favorite parts? The birds and fireflies! So many to watch and listen to — it truly felt like a nature retreat. Highly recommend this spot, and we can’t wait to come back again soon! 🌲✨🛶
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Elena
July 2025
Tent
With pets
We really enjoyed the camping experience here! The surroundings are beautiful and peaceful. Jim is very friendly and quick to respond. It was great to have access to a boat, as well as a restroom and shower. We even caught the final moments of a stunning golden sunset last night. We might return in the future!
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Rebekah
July 2025
Tent
With kids
Jim was very friendly. The sites were beautiful. we came at the perfect time and were able to forage for mulberries and raspberries as well. 10/10 recommend
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