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List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near Ellendale, MN
50 campgrounds and RV Parks near Ellendale, MN. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
50 campgrounds
4780 campsites
39 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
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Best campgrounds near Ellendale, MN
Crystal Springs RV Resort
Ellendale, MN (1 miles away)
$$$$$
(46 sites)
+6
Riverview Campground
Owatonna, MN (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(145 sites)
+8
Brookside Campgrounds
Blooming Prairie, MN (15 miles away)
$$$$$
(110 sites)
+12
Albert Lea / Austin KOA Journey
Minnesota (16 miles away)
$$$$$
(82 sites)
+9
Oakwoods Trails Campground
Austin, MN (16 miles away)
$$$$$
(21 sites)
+7
White Fox - Myre-Big Island State Park
Albert Lea, MN (16 miles away)
$$$$$
(62 sites)
+4
Kiesler's Campground and RV Resort
Waseca, MN (17 miles away)
$$$$$
(308 sites)
+8
Big Island - Myre-Big Island State Park
Albert Lea, MN (17 miles away)
$$$$$
(31 sites)
+3
Rice Lake State Park
Owatonna, MN (19 miles away)
$$$$$
(42 sites)
+4
Camp Maiden Rock West
Morristown, MN (26 miles away)
$$$$$
(50 sites)
+6
Sakatah Lake State Park
Waterville, MN (27 miles away)
$$$$$
(62 sites)
+5
River Bend Campgrounds
Austin, MN (27 miles away)
Most common amenities
Grills Tables Showers Toilets Dump station Playground Pet friendly Firewood Internet Laundry
Campgrounds near Ellendale, Minnesota
Ellendale sits along Interstate 35 in Steele County, roughly halfway between Owatonna and Albert Lea in southern Minnesota. The town works well as an RV base because it puts campers within a short drive of state park camping on Albert Lea Lake, private full-hookup parks off the interstate, and interstate stopovers on I-90 to the south.
The closest option is Crystal Springs RV Resort, located just off I-35 at Exit 26 on East Frontage Road. It offers full-hookup pull-through and back-in sites, laundry, a community room with restrooms and showers, and a stocked pond for fishing. Riverview Campground provides another nearby choice for RV travelers looking to stay close to town.
For state park camping, Myre-Big Island State Park sits south of Albert Lea and operates two campgrounds: White Fox - Myre-Big Island State Park, with more open sites and a modern shower building, and Big Island - Myre-Big Island State Park, a densely wooded loop set on an island in Albert Lea Lake. RV travelers passing through on I-90 can also base at Albert Lea / Austin KOA Journey in Hayward, which specializes in pull-through sites for larger rigs.
Things to do near Ellendale
Myre-Big Island State Park protects eight miles of shoreline on Albert Lea Lake and includes the 116-acre Big Island, reached by a causeway from the mainland. The park is a strong pick for families, with hiking loops on Big Island, canoe and kayak rentals from the park office, fishing, birdwatching, and picnic areas along the lake.
The paved Blazing Star State Trail runs from the park into the town of Albert Lea, giving campers an out-and-back for biking or walking through prairie and past glimpses of the lake. Anglers can drop a line in Albert Lea Lake or the stocked pond at Crystal Springs RV Resort.
Off-site day trips are easy from any of the local campgrounds. The SPAM Museum in Austin is a common family stop, and Rochester is roughly an hour east.
Camping spots and RV parks near Ellendale, MN
When to visit and seasonal patterns
- spring
March - May
54° / 37°F 70 mmThaw and bird migration; private parks reopen in May
- summer
June - August
79° / 61°F 110 mmWarm, humid, wettest season; book weekends early
- fall
September - November
55° / 39°F 62 mmCool nights, fall color, lighter crowds
- winter
December - February
25° / 10°F 24 mmCold and snowy; most private RV parks closed
Southern Minnesota has a humid continental climate with strong seasonal contrasts. Winters are cold and snowy, summers are warm and humid, and precipitation peaks in June. Most private RV parks in the Ellendale area operate on a defined season: Crystal Springs RV Resort is open May 1 through October 31.
Myre-Big Island State Park keeps camping available longer. The Big Island camper cabin is reservable April through October and first come, first served November through March. Campsites in the park remain reservable year-round, though the White Fox shower building is open seasonally and vault toilets stay open in winter.
Late spring through early fall is the prime window for RV travelers. May and June bring wildflowers, migrating birds, and green forest cover, but also the region's heaviest rain and active thunderstorm season. July and August are the busiest and warmest months. September and October cool off quickly, deliver strong fall color, and thin out weekend crowds.
How to book campgrounds near Ellendale
Reservations at Myre-Big Island State Park go through the Minnesota state park reservation system online at mndnr.gov/reservations, or by phone at 866-857-2757. All campsites and lodging can be booked up to 120 days before the arrival date, with new dates opening at 8 a.m. Central Time on the first day they become available. A state park vehicle permit is required in addition to the camping fee, and can be purchased with the reservation.
Crystal Springs RV Resort takes reservations directly by phone or through its website, with no tent camping and an RV age policy that generally requires units ten years old or newer unless pre-approved by park management. Albert Lea / Austin KOA Journey books through the KOA site or app.
What to expect on-site
Expect a mix of full-hookup private parks and more rustic state park loops within a short drive. Crystal Springs RV Resort offers level, big-rig-friendly sites with water, sewer, and 30/50-amp electric, plus Wi-Fi, clean restrooms, and laundry, but no tent camping. The KOA in Hayward runs long pull-throughs suitable for large rigs.
At Myre-Big Island State Park, sites accept tents, trailers, and RVs up to 60 feet, with parking spurs, tables, fire rings, drinking water, flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station. White Fox is more open with less shade, while Big Island is heavily wooded.
Come prepared for mosquitoes from late spring through summer and strong thunderstorms in warmer months, since the region sits along the northern edge of Tornado Alley.
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 Ellendale, 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 Ellendale, MN?
Campsite prices near Ellendale, 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 Ellendale, MN?
Free camping near Ellendale, 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 Ellendale, MN?
Camping near Ellendale, 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 Ellendale, MN?
There are {campgroundCount()} RV campgrounds within {campgroundDistanceRadius()} of Ellendale, 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 Ellendale, MN?
Dump stations near Ellendale, 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 Ellendale, MN?
Renting a RV in Ellendale, 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 Ellendale, MN?
RV rentals in Ellendale, 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 Ellendale, 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 Ellendale, MN?
In most cases, yes. A lot of U.S. hosts offer to drop off the RV near Ellendale, MN at your driveway, a campground, or wherever you're starting your trip. It saves you the drive and the setup.
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