Lakeside Campground

0 review

Lakeside Campground

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Seasonal; opening an...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

ElectricShowers

Opens Minnesota DNR - Division of Parks and Trails (Minnesota State Parks) site

Official Website

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Seasonal; opening an...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

ElectricShowers

Opens Minnesota DNR - Division of Parks and Trails (Minnesota State Parks) site

Official Website

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Lakeside Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Reservations required for all campsites. A non-refundable reservation processing fee is charged for advance reservations ($10 by call center, $8 by...

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 (general contacts); reservations call center 866-857-2757

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What Campers Say

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Limited Reviews

Based on 0 reviews

Most mentioned

showersrestroomswaterlake

"Visitor sentiment is generally positive: Lakeside Campground is popular for its lakeshore views, sandy beach and very dark night skies for stargazing. The site often fills on busy weekends, but there are few documented infrastructure complaints."

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Campground Map

Lakeside Campground

No map location available

Park is in far northwestern Minnesota and accessed via paved county/park roads; check ParkFinder for turn-by-turn directions.

Best Time to Camp at Lakeside Campground

Summer transforms the lake into your backyard pool—warm enough for long swims, calm enough for paddling, beautiful enough that you'll linger by the shore long after sunset. Spring and early summer paint the prairie in wildflower colors while the forest canopy glows that particular shade of new-leaf green that only lasts a few weeks. Fall belongs to the aspens and oaks, their gold and copper reflection doubling in the lake's surface. Winter quiets everything down to just you, the snow, and miles of cross-country ski trails—though it's worth calling ahead to check grooming schedules before you pack your skis.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer likely best for lake use and trails; lake setting praised for scenic appeal.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Mixed forest and prairie suggest good fall color and hiking; trails variety noted.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring offers trails reopening and birding potential, but no explicit spring notes provided.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Minnesota winters may limit lake activities; no winter amenities or activities mentioned.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Seasonal; opening and closing dates vary by campground—check ParkFinder or the campground webpage for specific dates.

About Lakeside Campground

Where the prairie's edge meets the forest, Lakeside Campground offers something rare: a 4,300-acre wilderness island surrounded by farmland, where you can swim in crystal-clear waters by day and stargaze under officially dark skies by night. The 1930s WPA stonework tells stories of another era while you write your own—paddling across the reservoir, hiking between ecosystems, or simply sinking your toes into sand so fine it's earned the nickname 'sugar sand.'

The park has three drive-in campgrounds (over 150 sites) with a mix of electric and non-electric sites and a separate group camp on the south side of the lake.

Historical Significance

The Lake Bronson reservoir was constructed in 1936. The park preserves several WPA-era structures, including Camp Bronson and a large stone water/observation tower; pioneer cemeteries and other historic features are accessible by trail.

Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms the lake into your backyard pool—warm enough for long swims, calm enough for paddling, beautiful enough that you'll linger by the shore long after sunset. Spring and early summer paint the prairie in wildflower colors while the forest canopy glows that particular shade of new-leaf green that only lasts a few weeks. Fall belongs to the aspens and oaks, their gold and copper reflection doubling in the lake's surface. Winter quiets everything down to just you, the snow, and miles of cross-country ski trails—though it's worth calling ahead to check grooming schedules before you pack your skis.

Natural Features and SceneryThis is Minnesota's best-kept secret: tallgrass prairie flowing into aspen and oak groves, creating a patchwork of habitats you won't find anywhere else in the region. Your campsite becomes a launching point for exploration—sandy beaches and sugar-soft dunes lead to woodland trails that open onto prairie overlooks. The Lake Bronson reservoir anchors it all, its waters perfect for an early morning paddle when mist still clings to the surface, or an afternoon swim when the sun turns the shallows turquoise.

Geological RegionTallgrass Aspen Parkland biome; mix of aspen–oak forest, prairie, and oak savanna surrounding the Lake Bronson reservoir

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsOnline reservations (UseDirect) and state parks call center (866-857-2757). Online reservations can be made up to 120 days in advance; same-day fee-free reservations may be available.

Cancellation PolicyReservation processing fee for advance reservations is non-refundable; see Reservations policy and FAQ for full details.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Lake Bronson State Park offers a mix of water-based and upland recreation around the reservoir, plus interpretive and historic features.

HikingAbout 14 miles of trails including interpretive aspen parkland loops and the Hiking Club Trail; trails provide lakeshore views and access to historic/pioneer sites.

FishingFishing from shore and a fishing pier on Lake Bronson; reservoir supports typical regional lake fishing opportunities.

SwimmingSandy swimming beach on Lake Bronson accessible from the Lakeside Campground via paved trail.

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsVisitors have reported black bear sign on trails; proper food storage and bear awareness are advised. Typical seasonal pests such as mosquitoes and ticks can be present. Cell coverage may be limited in this remote, far-northwestern location (reported gaps; exact carrier performance varies).

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Lakeside Campground

Reviews

0.0

0 reviews

Limited Reviews

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

Visitor sentiment is generally positive: Lakeside Campground is popular for its lakeshore views, sandy beach and very dark night skies for stargazing. The site often fills on busy weekends, but there are few documented infrastructure complaints.

Review Summaries

What Campers Love

Scenic lake vistas and sunsets, excellent stargazing/dark skies, a variety of trails, a sandy swimming beach, modern restrooms with showers in the main campgrounds, and historic WPA features...

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve lakeside sites in advance for busy weekends; bring proper food storage due to bear sign; bring red-light headlamps/binoculars for stargazing; expect limited or variable cell service in this...

Camper Quotes

"The best time I’ve ever had at a state park" (visitor praise highlighting sunsets, hiking variety and exceptional stargazing).

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Last updated February 17, 2026

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