Upper Campground

2 reviews

Lac Qui Parle State Park, 14047 20th Street Northwest, Watson, MN 56295

Quick Facts

1,017 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Opens Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (Minnesota State Parks) site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,017 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Opens Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (Minnesota State Parks) site

Official Website

Get Directions

Upper Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

A non-refundable reservation fee is charged for each advance reservation ($10 by phone / $8 online). Nightly campsite fees not listed on park page.

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

320-435-4033

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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 2 reviews

67 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanshowerslake

Some mention

mosquitoes

"Visitors praise the scenic prairie bluffs, wide lake and sky views, spacious grassy sites, and clean, newer restroom/shower facilities. Common negatives are limited shade, occasional mosquito activity, windy/exposed conditions, and a swimming beach with mixed reviews."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Lac Qui Parle State Park, 14047 20th Street Northwest, Watson, MN 56295

Upper Campground

Lac Qui Parle State Park, 14047 20th Street Northwest, Watson, MN 56295

Nearby supplies

Park shop near the lower entrance (drinking water available when open)

ranger station sells firewood when staffed

upper campground has a dump station and drinking water

Best Time to Camp at Upper Campground

Spring and early summer transform the prairie into a wildflower showcase, with comfortable temperatures perfect for hiking and wildlife watching. Mid-summer brings warm, sunny days ideal for water activities, though the open terrain offers limited shade—plan accordingly with sun protection and plenty of water. For many campers, the shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall offer the sweet spot: mild temperatures, spectacular bird migrations, and fewer crowds. These transitional periods provide ideal conditions for photographers and nature enthusiasts who want to experience the prairie at its most dramatic.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Below Average

Prairie wildflowers and open lake views make summer attractive per reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Below Average

Wide views remain appealing in fall though fall foliage not emphasized.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Average

Spring wildflowers and migratory birds likely; reviewers note abundant wildflower cover.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Above Average

No winter info; Minnesota winters may limit comfort and activities.

Planning Tips

About Upper Campground

Perched on sweeping prairie bluffs high above Lac qui Parle Lake, Upper Campground delivers the quintessential Minnesota prairie experience with panoramic lake views and endless skies that seem to stretch forever. Seasonal wildflowers paint the grasslands in vibrant colors, while camper cabins and well-appointed campsites (complete with drinking water and a dump station) provide your basecamp for exploration. Reservations are required, so plan ahead to secure your spot in this big-sky retreat.

Upper Campground offers a mix of camper cabins, tent sites, and RV sites (including some with hookups) set on open prairie bluffs above the lake.

Historical SignificanceThe park name derives from the Dakota name meaning “lake that speaks,” and the park contains historic sites such as Fort Renville and the Lac qui Parle mission area that reflect regional cultural history.

Weather and SeasonsSpring and early summer transform the prairie into a wildflower showcase, with comfortable temperatures perfect for hiking and wildlife watching. Mid-summer brings warm, sunny days ideal for water activities, though the open terrain offers limited shade—plan accordingly with sun protection and plenty of water. For many campers, the shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall offer the sweet spot: mild temperatures, spectacular bird migrations, and fewer crowds. These transitional periods provide ideal conditions for photographers and nature enthusiasts who want to experience the prairie at its most dramatic.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a landscape where prairie grasslands roll across open bluffs and the sky becomes the main attraction. With relatively few mature trees to obstruct your view, Upper Campground offers an unfiltered connection to the elements and the rhythm of the seasons. The surrounding prairie bursts with wildflowers throughout the growing season, creating a constantly changing tapestry of colors. Lac qui Parle Lake serves as a vital stopover along the Mississippi Flyway, transforming the area into a birdwatcher's paradise during migration seasons. Watch for large waterfowl and raptors gliding across those expansive skies, and keep your binoculars handy—you never know what rare species might make an appearance on the bluffs.

Geological RegionPrairie bluffs above Lac qui Parle Lake (Minnesota River backwater) — western Minnesota prairie/grassland setting

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsOnline reservations via the Minnesota state parks reservation system (online bookings available up to 120 days in advance) and phone reservations: 866-857-2757 (call center hours vary by season as listed on the park reservation page).

Cancellation PolicyReservation fee is non-refundable; see the state parks Reservations policy and FAQ for full cancellation terms.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

WiFi

Flush toilets

Dump station

Activities you can enjoy

Upper Campground sits on prairie bluffs above Lac qui Parle Lake and supports paddling/boating, fishing, hiking on prairie trails, and wildlife/bird watching. The open bluff setting is popular for sunsets and stargazing.

HikingPark trails include short routes on the east side of the lake and prairie trails; one short trail leads to the largest recorded cottonwood tree in Minnesota.

FishingFishing opportunities on Lac qui Parle include species such as walleye, northern pike, perch, and crappie.

SwimmingThere is a small park swimming beach; reviewers note the beach can be difficult to access and water/sand quality may be variable.

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe park posts alerts and notices; historically the lower campground has experienced repeated flooding and has been closed. Upper Campground is exposed prairie — expect strong sun, wind, and periods of mosquitoes; coyotes have been reported in the park area at night.

Weather at Upper Campground

Reviews

0.0

2 reviews

Limited Reviews

Upper Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitors praise the scenic prairie bluffs, wide lake and sky views, spacious grassy sites, and clean, newer restroom/shower facilities. Common negatives are limited shade, occasional mosquito activity, windy/exposed conditions, and a swimming beach with mixed reviews.

Review Summaries

Based on 2 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic open‑prairie setting with panoramic lake and sunset views; well‑spaced sites and camper cabins; modern, clean bathrooms/showers; available RV hookups and a dump station; good birdwatching and...

Based on 2 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve sites on the bluff/outer edge for the best lake views; bring sun protection and wind‑resistant shelter, stake tents securely, and bring bug repellent; consider camper cabins for added comfort.

Based on 2 reviews

Camper Quotes

"brand new" (bathrooms/showers) ; "awesome" (bathroom facilities) ; one reviewer said the open prairie layout 'did not look like what camping should be' (for those seeking shaded, secluded woods).

Based on 2 reviews

0 review

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Last updated January 5, 2026

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