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List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near Elbow Lake, MN
33 campgrounds and RV Parks near Elbow Lake, MN. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
33 campgrounds
1587 campsites
22 RVs available for delivery
From $16/night
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Best campgrounds near Elbow Lake, MN
Ashby Resort Campground
Minnesota (11 miles away)
$$$$$
(50 sites)
+7
Elk Lake Campground
Hoffman, MN (13 miles away)
Swan Lake Resort and Campground
Fergus Falls, MN (16 miles away)
$$$$$
(15 sites)
+12
Oak Park Campground
Minnesota (23 miles away)
$$$$$
(58 sites)
+10
Big Foot Resort
Alexandria, MN (26 miles away)
$$$$$
(82 sites)
+9
Pomme de Terre Campground
Morris, MN (29 miles away)
RV There Yet? (Formerly Cruise Inn & RV Parks)
Alexandria, MN (30 miles away)
+3
Upper - Lake Carlos State Park
Minnesota (31 miles away)
$$$$$
(51 sites)
+4
Alexandria Shooting Park and RV Campground
Alexandria, MN (31 miles away)
$$$$$
(146 sites)
+3
The Homestead at Ottertail RV Park and Resort
Battle Lake, MN (33 miles away)
$$$$$
(85 sites)
+7
Beachside RV Park
Starbuck, MN (34 miles away)
Thumper Pond RV
Ottertail, MN (36 miles away)
$$$$$
(26 sites)
Most common amenities
Grills Showers Tables Playground Firewood Toilets Pet friendly Dump station Laundry Internet
Camping near Elbow Lake, Minnesota
Elbow Lake is the county seat of Grant County in west-central Minnesota, about 12 miles west of Interstate 94 and roughly midway between Alexandria and Fergus Falls. The area is prairie-and-lakes country, and most nearby campgrounds are small, family-run resorts on individual lakes rather than large public parks. RV travelers typically use Elbow Lake as a base for fishing, boating, and duck hunting across a cluster of shallow, walleye-heavy lakes.
Ashby Resort Campground sits on 10 acres on the north side of Pelican Lake in Grant County, a lake of roughly 4,000 acres known for fishing and sunsets. Elk Lake Campground, in nearby Hoffman, is city-owned, sits on the southern tip of Elk Lake, and offers 26 sites with electrical, water, and sewer hookups. Swan Lake Resort and Campground has been operating since 1949 on Swan Lake in Otter Tail County, a few miles south of Fergus Falls.
Pomme de Terre Campground and Oak Park Campground round out the local options, giving RV travelers a mix of lakeside and river-adjacent sites within a short drive of Elbow Lake.
Things to do around Elbow Lake
Fishing dominates the calendar. Pelican Lake near Ashby covers about 4,000 acres with bays that hold walleye, northern pike, bass, and panfish, and Swan Lake produces crappie, largemouth bass, northern pike, sunfish, and walleye. Boat ramps are on most named lakes, and several resorts rent pontoons, fishing boats, kayaks, and paddleboards.
On shore, the Central Lakes State Trail runs through Ashby, giving campers a paved corridor for biking and, in winter, snowmobiling. Duck and upland-bird hunting is a major fall draw: Lake Christina, less than a mile from the Ashby public access, is a well-known waterfowl destination.
For families, sandy swim beaches, playgrounds, and camp stores are standard at the resort campgrounds, and the town of Elbow Lake itself offers restaurants, groceries, and fuel.
Camping spots and RV parks near Elbow Lake, MN
Seasonal patterns and when to visit
- spring
March - May
52° / 28°F 50 mmIce-out and mud season; resorts reopen in late April
- summer
June - August
79° / 57°F 90 mmPeak season; weekends fill; book well in advance
- fall
September - November
54° / 34°F 45 mmCool, quieter sites; waterfowl hunting season active
- winter
December - February
21° / 5°F 20 mmDeep cold and snow; most private campgrounds closed
The core RV season runs from mid-May through mid-October. Most private resorts open around ice-out in late April and close by mid to late October, and city campgrounds follow the same rhythm. Swan Lake Resort and Campground typically operates May through October, and Elk Lake Campground runs from mid-May through the end of September. Water hookups, showerhouses, and dump stations are seasonal even at properties that keep some sites open longer.
Summer weekends are the busiest window. July and August bring warm lake temperatures, active fishing, and full campgrounds; long weekends around Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day fill first. Spring is cool and often wet, with mosquitoes ramping up by late May. Fall brings cooler nights, fewer crowds, and the start of waterfowl season, which can mean early-morning activity near hunting lakes.
Winter camping in this area is limited. Snow, wind, and sub-zero temperatures shut down most private resorts, and services at any open campground are minimal.
How to book campgrounds near Elbow Lake
Private resorts near Elbow Lake handle their own reservations. Ashby Resort recommends booking in advance, especially during peak months from May through July, and requires a 40% deposit to confirm a reservation with the balance due on arrival. Swan Lake Resort and Campground takes bookings through its own website and third-party platforms such as Hipcamp and Roverpass. At Elk Lake Campground, monthly and seasonal sites are reservable while shorter visits are first-come, first-served.
For Minnesota state parks in the wider region, the DNR uses a single reservation system. Sites can be booked up to 120 days before the arrival date, online at mndnr.gov/reservations or by calling 866-857-2757. Weekends, electric sites, and the most popular parks book out first, so plan to reserve at the 120-day mark for peak dates.
What to expect on the ground
Expect small, quiet campgrounds rather than large resort complexes. Most sites are grass or gravel pads under mature trees, with lake views common. Swan Lake Resort and Campground offers full hookups with 20, 30, and 50 amp electric, softened water, and sewer on pull-through sites, plus cabins and tent sites. Ashby Resort provides 30-amp electric, water, and sewer along with a free shower house, dump station, laundry, playground, and on-site store.
Cell coverage in the area is generally usable but not universal, and Wi-Fi at some campgrounds is strongest near the office. Bring bug spray from late May through August, and pack layers for cool evenings even in July. Firewood is typically sold on site; buying local is required to protect against emerald ash borer and other tree pests.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Elbow Lake, MN
How do I choose the right campsite for my RV?
Start with the practical stuff: site length, the hookups you need, and whether it's a back-in or pull-through. Camping conditions in the U.S. vary by region and elevation, so check the local season, road access, and reservation requirements before you book. Federal campgrounds use Recreation.gov and state parks each have their own systems. Learn more.
How much are RV campsites near Elbow Lake, MN?
Campsite prices near Elbow Lake, MN depend on the type of campground. State park sites typically run $20-$45 with hookups. Private RV parks in town often run $40-$100, with tourist-hub locations charging more. Nearby Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management sites are usually $10-$25, often without hookups.
Is there any free camping near Elbow Lake, MN?
Free camping near Elbow Lake, MN depends on what federal public land is in driving distance. Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service land usually allows up to 14 days of dispersed camping at one spot. Check fire restrictions before you head out. Learn more about free camping.
Can I book a campsite through RVezy?
Not directly. RVezy doesn't handle campsite reservations, but each campground listing links to the operator's website or booking page when one's available.
What's the best time to go camping near Elbow Lake, MN?
Camping near Elbow Lake, MN works best in the shoulder seasons, with spring and fall hitting the sweet spot in most of the country. Summer is peak in northern climates; winter is peak in the southern and desert states. Local weather and elevation drive the specifics.
How far are RV campgrounds from Elbow Lake, MN?
There are {campgroundCount()} RV campgrounds within {campgroundDistanceRadius()} of Elbow Lake, MN. The closest are: {closestCampgroundsWithDistance(3)}. Most U.S. cities have a state park or private RV park within an hour's drive.
Where are dump stations near Elbow Lake, MN?
Dump stations near Elbow Lake, MN are usually at private RV parks and state park campgrounds, sometimes for a fee if you're not staying overnight. RVDumpsites.net maps the nearest options.
What's the best time of year to rent a RV in Elbow Lake, MN?
Renting a RV in Elbow Lake, MN works best in the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) across most of the U.S. Peak rental demand runs June through August nationwide, while the snowbird stretch from December through March drives winter demand in the southern states and southwest deserts.
What's the best time of year to rent an RV in Elbow Lake, MN?
RV rentals in Elbow Lake, MN peak from June through August when school is out. Shoulder months (April, May, September, October) usually have better availability and lower rates. Winter is high season for snowbird destinations in Florida, Arizona, Texas, and southern California.
Can I have an RV delivered to my home or campground in Elbow Lake, MN?
Yes. Many RVezy hosts in the U.S. deliver and set up at your home, a campground, or a destination. It's especially useful for first-time renters and for trips into remote areas where backing in a big rig isn't fun.
Can the RV be delivered near Elbow Lake, MN?
In most cases, yes. A lot of U.S. hosts offer to drop off the RV near Elbow Lake, MN at your driveway, a campground, or wherever you're starting your trip. It saves you the drive and the setup.