Upper Campground

Star0
2 reviews
Upper Campground
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Seasonal; check Park...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Opens Minnesota State Parks (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources) 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
Upper Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Reservations are required for all campsites. A non-refundable advance reservation fee is charged ($10 for call center / $8 for web). Same-day...
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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
Reservations: 866-857-2757; Park contact numbers on page: 888-646-6367, 651-296-6157
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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 2 reviews

67 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanshowerslake

"Visitors praise the scenic open prairie, lake views and well‑maintained, newer facilities (notably the modern bathhouse); common positives include spacious sites and good stargazing. Complaints center on limited shade, seasonal mosquitoes, and a unimpressive rocky beach."

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Campground Map

Upper Campground
No map location available
Driving directionsFrom Watson: about 1/2 mile north on US 59/State 7, then west on County Road 13 to the Upper Campground (Upper and Lower campgrounds are a drive apart and separate from the park registration area).
Accessible via US 59/State 7 and County Road 13; campground is on prairie bluffs above Lac qui Parle Lake.
Nearby places
Montevideo (nearest town)
Watson (nearby village) — distances not specified in source materials.
Nearby supplies
Montevideo (visitors mention traveling to Montevideo for food and services).

Best Time to Camp at Upper Campground

Spring brings the prairie to life with wildflowers and fewer crowds—the perfect time for a quiet getaway, though it's smart to check ParkFinder to see which facilities have opened for the season. Summer is when Upper Campground really shines: warm days ideal for splashing in the lake, long evenings perfect for campfires, and that authentic prairie experience in full swing. Just pack your sunscreen and bug spray for those occasional mosquito-heavy evenings, and always verify seasonal dates before you head out, as Minnesota weather likes to keep us guessing.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer likely highlights lake views and open prairie; reviewers praise scenic vistas (no season specifics).

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Prairie and lake scenery likely very scenic in fall, though no explicit fall reviews provided.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring offers open vistas and migrating waterfowl potential, but seasonal details are lacking.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Minnesota winters are harsh; no information on winter access or services is provided.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Seasonal; check ParkFinder or the park webpage for opening and closing dates for campgrounds.

About Upper Campground

Picture yourself camping where the prairie meets the sky—that's Upper Campground at Lac qui Parle State Park. This windswept blufftop retreat offers something rare in Minnesota: uninterrupted views across rolling grasslands to the lake below, where spectacular sunsets give way to some of the clearest night skies you'll find in the state.
Upper Campground contains individual campsites and camper cabins and accommodates tent and RV camping; visitor reports note RV sites with hookups and camper cabins spaced apart on the prairie.
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Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
WiFi
Flush toilets
Dump station

Activities you can enjoy

The Upper Campground is used as a base for hiking and wildlife viewing on prairie and lakeshore trails, boating and fishing on Lac qui Parle Lake, picnicking, stargazing and sunset viewing from the open prairie, and general camping in tents, RVs and camper cabins.
HikingDay hikes and nature walks on prairie and lakeside trails; some trails are grassy (reviewers note grassy surfaces can be harder for strollers).
FishingBoating and fishing opportunities on Lac qui Parle Lake; a boat launch is a short drive from the campground.
SwimmingBeach access to Lac qui Parle is available but reviewers describe the beach as small, rocky and sometimes with green water; access may require a short walk and scramble over rocks.
Boating
Wildlife viewing
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsExposed prairie conditions mean limited shade and potential strong winds; seasonal mosquitoes can be heavy after hatches. Beach access to the lake may require walking and scrambling over rocks. Wildlife such as birds and occasional coyotes have been reported nearby.

Weather at Upper Campground

Reviews

0.0
2 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Upper Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Visitors praise the scenic open prairie, lake views and well‑maintained, newer facilities (notably the modern bathhouse); common positives include spacious sites and good stargazing. Complaints center on limited shade, seasonal mosquitoes, and a unimpressive rocky beach.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic prairie bluffs and distant lake views, roomy sites and well‑spaced camper cabins, clean/new bathhouse and showers, good stargazing and sunsets, RV‑friendly sites with hookups reported.
Based on 2 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Confirm whether your reservation is for Upper or Lower Campground (they are separate). Bring sun protection and windbreaks (sites are exposed prairie), stake tents well and pack bug spray for...
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Based on 2 reviews

Camper Quotes

"A gem on the prairie"; bathhouse/showers described by visitors as "awesome"; reviewers note the campground offers "wide, unobstructed views" and excellent sunset and stargazing opportunities.
Based on 2 reviews

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Last updated February 17, 2026
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