Backpack Campsites

Star4.12
60 reviews
Backpack Campsites

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

ElectricShowers

Opens Minnesota State Parks (Minnesota DNR) site

Official Website

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Backpack Campsites
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Reservations are required for all campsites. A non-refundable reservation fee is charged for each advance reservation ($10 for call center / $8 for...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Minnesota State Parks
Provider
888-646-6367, 651-296-6157
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What Campers Say

4.12

Satisfactory

Based on 60 reviews

455 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulhikinglake

"Overall reviewer sentiment is largely positive: visitors praise the scenic prairie and rolling-hill vistas, well-maintained trails, and the special backpack sites (notably Kettle Lake). A minority of reviews note issues with restroom cleanliness, limited privacy at some sites, flies in summer, and awkward placement or condition of RV water/dump facilities."

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Campground Map

Backpack Campsites
No map location available

Best Time to Camp at Backpack Campsites

Backpack camping availability varies throughout the year, so be sure to check the park's current seasonal dates before planning your trek into the backcountry. Visit ParkFinder or the Glacial Lakes State Park webpage for up-to-date opening and closing information.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Hiking trails and buffalo tours are highlighted—good summer appeal.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Vistas and mound landscapes likely showcase fall colors/views, though not specified.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Prairie and trails likely attractive in spring, but description lacks specifics.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

No winter details; MN winters may limit activities and access.

Planning Tips

    About Backpack Campsites

    Why end the adventure when the stars come out? Set up camp among the glacial hills and let the evening unfold with ranger-led programs, moonlit trails winding through prairie and woodland, or the timeless ritual of campfire stories and perfectly toasted marshmallows.
    Backpack/primitive campsites are present (backpacking to Kettle Lake site is repeatedly mentioned). The park also contains developed campsites with electricity and other lodging options elsewhere in the park, but the Backpack Campsites themselves are primitive/backcountry.
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    Amenities available

    Showers
    Potable water
    Electricity hookups
    Flush toilets
    Dump station
    Fire rings

    Activities you can enjoy

    Backpacking/backcountry camping plus a variety of day-use activities: hiking on trails through prairie and rolling hills, fishing (including ice fishing mentioned by reviewers), swimming at a lakeside area, non-motorized boating (canoe/kayak/paddleboard rentals), biking, and wildlife viewing.
    HikingMultiple maintained trails traverse prairie, oak-grass hills and lake shoreline; reviewers frequently praise the hiking opportunities and vistas.
    FishingVisitors report fishing (and ice fishing) on park lakes.
    SwimmingA designated swimming/beach area is used by visitors; reviews disagree about beach quality (some call it good for kids, others note there is no proper sand beach).
    Biking
    Boating
    Wildlife viewing
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsUse approved or local firewood to prevent the spread of forest pests. Light fires only within fire rings or charcoal grills; do not leave fires unattended and fully extinguish fires before leaving.
    No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

    Weather at Backpack Campsites

    Reviews

    4.1
    60 reviews
    Satisfactory
    Satisfactory
    Backpack Campsites is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Overall reviewer sentiment is largely positive: visitors praise the scenic prairie and rolling-hill vistas, well-maintained trails, and the special backpack sites (notably Kettle Lake). A minority of reviews note issues with restroom cleanliness, limited privacy at some sites, flies in summer, and awkward placement or condition of RV water/dump facilities.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 60 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Scenic rolling hills and prairie vistas, good hiking trails, peaceful/quieter atmosphere, memorable backpack sites (Kettle Lake), canoe/kayak rentals and a usable swimming area.
    Based on 60 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Consider backpacking to the Kettle Lake site for a special experience; visit on weekdays for more quiet; bring insect protection (fly swatter/repellent); reserve developed electric sites away from...
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    Based on 60 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    “A hidden gem in the MN park system.”; “Of the backpacking sites, I think the Kettle Lake site has the most remarkable location.”; “Clean, large sites. Great swimming beach for kids.”
    Based on 60 reviews

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    Last updated February 17, 2026
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