Camping Around Detroit Lakes, MN: A Journey into Lakeside Comfort and Adventure

Overview of Detroit Lakes Region

Popularity Among Campers and Outdoor Enthusiasts

Located in Becker County, Minnesota, Detroit Lakes is surrounded by over 400 lakes within a 25-mile radius. That’s not a typo — the entire region is laced with waterways, from sprawling bodies like Big Detroit Lake to quiet, reed-lined ponds ideal for paddling and solitude. This abundance of water makes it a natural draw for campers, anglers, kayakers, and families, especially during the short but spectacular summer months.

Unlike more commercialized lake towns, Detroit Lakes manages to keep its character. It’s just the right size — big enough to have grocery stores, outfitters, and cafés, but small enough that a sunset paddle still feels like a private moment. Most campgrounds are within 10–15 minutes of town, meaning you can balance nature with convenience — a blessing if you’ve ever run out of propane, mosquito spray, or marshmallows after dark.

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Top Campgrounds Around Detroit Lakes

Over the years, I’ve camped in nearly every major campground in the area, and each offers its own take on the Minnesota lake experience. Some are quiet and secluded, others lively and built for families. What unites them all is proximity to the water and a welcoming Midwestern charm that’s hard to fake.

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Country Campground

Just south of Detroit Lakes, Country Campground is a reliable choice for those seeking clean, quiet camping with easy road access. This was one of the first places I ever stayed in the region, and it’s the kind of place that doesn’t try too hard — it just works.

Site Types and Amenities

Country Campground offers RV sites with full hookups, including 30/50-amp electricity, sewer, and water, plus tent sites with level grass pads and shade. Every site includes a picnic table and fire ring, and many offer just enough trees between spaces for a touch of privacy.

The bathhouses here are always clean — something I don’t say lightly — and there’s a well-stocked camp store for snacks, supplies, and that one thing you forgot. Wi-Fi is available near the office, and there’s even a small game room and rec field for kids to stretch their legs.

Reservation Details and Seasonal Availability

Reservations are accepted online or by phone, and the campground is typically open from May through early October, depending on weather. July books up quickly, especially around Water Carnival Week, so call early if you want a site with shade or close to the main bathhouse.

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American Legion Campground

If you’re looking to camp right on the lake, this is your spot. Run by the local American Legion post, this campground sits directly on Big Detroit Lake, and offers the best shoreline sunset view I’ve found without booking a lakeside resort.

Family-Friendly Facilities

The sites here are simple — a mix of gravel and grass pads with electrical hookups, fire rings, and access to a shared dock. What makes this campground shine is the sense of community. On summer weekends, you’ll find families grilling together, kids riding bikes, and neighbors chatting over coffee.

Bathrooms are modest but functional, and the campground offers access to a swimming beach and boat launch — huge bonuses if you’re bringing watercraft.

Proximity to Lake Access Points

Being steps from the lake means you can start your morning with a paddle or cast a line at dusk without ever starting your engine. It’s also within walking distance of downtown Detroit Lakes, which means ice cream runs, live music, and bait shops are all within reach.

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Forest Hills RV & Golf Resort

Looking for something a bit more upscale and recreational? This is where I bring friends who don’t “camp” so much as “glamp.”

Unique Features and Accommodations

Forest Hills offers paved pull-through RV sites with landscaped lawns, patios, and even golf cart rentals to get around. Some sites even feature full concrete pads with patios, grills, and privacy fencing.

Beyond camping, there are vacation villas and cabins with air conditioning, cable TV, and fully equipped kitchens — great for larger family reunions or shoulder season visits.

On-site Activities and Entertainment

The adjacent 9-hole golf course is a big draw, but Forest Hills also includes a heated outdoor pool, bike rentals, walking paths, and weekend activities for both kids and adults. It’s a campground in name but feels more like a recreational resort.

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Long Lake Campsite & RV Resort

Just a short drive east of town, Long Lake Campsite sits on one of the area’s quieter lakes, offering a nice blend of rustic atmosphere and modern convenience.

Site Options and Utilities

Sites are tucked between trees, and most offer water and electric hookups. A few premium lakefront spots offer direct canoe access — I’ve launched from one with my solo kayak at sunrise, and the only sound I heard was my paddle in the water and the distant call of loons.

There are flush toilets and showers, a laundry station, and even occasional live music under the pavilion.

Recreational Opportunities

Guests enjoy fishing piers, swimming rafts, and a quiet nature trail that loops through wetlands and forest. The vibe is relaxed and friendly, with just enough social life to make s’mores with new neighbors if you want — or retreat to your fire circle if you don’t.

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Tamarac Resort & Campground

If you’re willing to drive a bit further north into the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, this resort-style campground delivers a peaceful, wild escape.

Amenities and Services

Tamarac Resort offers cabins, full-service RV sites, and even tent pads near the lake. The bathhouse is one of the nicest in the area, and there’s a small restaurant and bar on site serving up hearty breakfasts and dinners with a view of the water.

Boat rentals, paddleboards, and guided fishing tours are also available.

Community Events and Gatherings

What makes Tamarac stand out is the weekly programming: outdoor movie nights, kids’ nature scavenger hunts, and live music on weekends. I’ve made more campfire friends here than anywhere else in Minnesota.

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Activities and Attractions Near Campgrounds

What keeps me coming back to Detroit Lakes — beyond the peaceful mornings and crackling campfires — is how much there is to do, both on land and in the water. Whether you’re an angler, a paddler, a hiker, or someone who simply wants to eat well and take scenic walks, this region delivers.

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Water-Based Activities

Spending time on the water is non-negotiable here. You’re surrounded by lakes, after all — and not just for the view.

Boating and Fishing Opportunities

Most campgrounds offer easy access to boat launches, and even if you didn’t bring your own, you’ll find plenty of outfitters offering pontoon boats, fishing rigs, kayaks, and paddleboards.

Fishing is outstanding — the area is known for walleye, bass, crappie, and northern pike. I’ve had luck casting from the docks at Long Lake and trolling with a local guide out of Tamarac. Early morning and late evening are the best times, especially if you’re after that photo-worthy catch.

Boat-In Campsites and Paddle-In Retreats

One of the best-kept secrets is that you can camp directly from the water. Several parks and outfitters around the quieter lakes, like Shell Lake or parts of Tamarac Refuge, offer paddle-in only sites. I once spent a weekend camping off my kayak, reachable only after a 45-minute paddle. The isolation, starry skies, and loons calling across the lake made it unforgettable.

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Swimming Areas and Beaches

Big Detroit Lake has multiple public beaches, including a large one right in town with a sandy shore, lifeguards, and nearby amenities. Most campgrounds have their own swimming areas too — I especially like the beach at American Legion Campground for its clean water and natural shoreline.

Bring water shoes if you’re visiting in June — the spring runoff sometimes brings in pebbles and cooler temps, but the clear water is always refreshing.

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Land-Based Recreation

After you’ve dried off, there’s plenty to keep your feet on the ground and your spirit in motion.

Hiking and Biking Trails

The Detroit Mountain Recreation Area has excellent trails for both hikers and mountain bikers. The terrain ranges from forested hills to lakeside paths, and you can rent gear if you didn’t pack yours.

One of my favorite morning walks is along the Pelican River trail, a peaceful, partially shaded route where deer often cross ahead and red-winged blackbirds perch on the reeds.

Wildlife Observation Spots

This is birding country. I’ve spotted sandhill cranes, bald eagles, and once — to my amazement — a great gray owl just before dusk. The Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge has a visitor center with maps and tips, and even guided wildlife tours during migration season.

Bring binoculars, a notebook, and time — you’ll be glad you did.

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Local Dining and Shopping

Camping meals are great, but sometimes you want someone else to do the cooking.

Notable Restaurants and Cafes

For breakfast, Main Street Restaurant is where I’ve met everyone from local farmers to traveling motorcyclists. The pancakes are as big as your plate, and the coffee’s always hot.

Dinner at Hub 41 never disappoints — their walleye sandwich is a classic, and the deck seating gives you sunset views over the marina. For something a bit more upscale, La Barista serves inventive seasonal fare in a cozy, locally sourced setting.

Shopping Centers and Local Markets

If you need to stock up, Downtown Detroit Lakes has a small but well-stocked grocery store, several outfitters, and even a bait & tackle shop with last-minute gear. I always stop by The Nines for artisan snacks and local wines before heading back to camp.

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Planning Your Camping Trip

No matter how you like to camp, the key to a great trip is being prepared — especially in a region as active and seasonal as Detroit Lakes.

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Best Times to Visit

Summer is prime time, but each season has its charm.

Seasonal Highlights and Weather Considerations

• June to August: High season, warm weather, and lively town events like the Water Carnival.
• September to mid-October: Crisp air, vivid fall colors, and fewer crowds. A great time for cabin stays.
• Late May and early October: Quieter and often cheaper, though weather can be unpredictable.

It’s worth packing layers — even in July, nights can dip into the 50s.

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Booking and Reservation Tips

Plan ahead — popular campgrounds fill up months in advance.

Rustic Cabins with Sauna or Fireplace

Some campgrounds and nearby resorts offer Scandinavian-style cabins with features like wood-fired saunas, stone fireplaces, or screened porches. They’re particularly lovely in the shoulder seasons when evenings cool off. Ask about availability at Tamarac Resort or Forest Hills.

Advance Booking Recommendations

If you’re eyeing holiday weekends, book 3–6 months in advance. Midweek stays are often more flexible, and you may get a better spot.

Cancellation Policies

Most campgrounds have a 48- to 72-hour cancellation window for partial refunds. Always check individual policies, especially for cabins and boat-in sites, which may have stricter rules.

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Packing Essentials for Detroit Lakes Camping

Every trip teaches you something new about what to bring.

Gear and Equipment Suggestions

• Bug spray and mosquito netting: A must.
• Portable shade: Even shady campsites get strong afternoon sun.
• Dry bags for boating or paddle trips.
• Warm bedding: Temperatures can drop quickly at night.

Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Cell coverage is decent but not perfect. Bring offline maps, a first-aid kit, and if you’re going remote — a whistle or personal locator beacon. Let someone know your plan if heading into Tamarac or paddle-in zones.

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Tips and Recommendations

Choosing the Right Campground for Your Needs

When I talk to fellow campers — whether it’s over morning coffee or while rinsing off gear by the water spigot — one thing always comes up: choosing the right campground for your mood and your group makes all the difference.

Family-Friendly vs. Secluded Spots

If you’re bringing kids, bikes, fishing poles, and a cooler full of hot dogs, you’ll want somewhere like American Legion Campground or Forest Hills RV Resort. Both offer structure, predictable amenities, and activities that keep kids busy — swimming areas, open lawns, and in some cases, even scheduled events.

But if your idea of a great weekend is sipping coffee in silence or watching deer pass at dawn, then go for Long Lake Campsite or Tamarac Resort. These offer more privacy, fewer crowds, and a better connection to nature. I’ve spent solo weekends in both, where the loudest noise I heard was an owl or the wind through the birches.

Think about what you’re escaping from — and what you’re hoping to find. Detroit Lakes has a campground for that.

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15+ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)