Appleton, Minnesota is a small town on the western border and its lakes, rivers and campgrounds offer you many healthful activities. What sets Minnesota apart is its commitment to its trails. The state has many miles of trails--most interconnected in some way--and Appleton has its share of both land trails and water trails.
Camping in Appleton
Three campgrounds offer opportunities for camping in the city of Appleton. The municipal campground is on the Pomme de Terre River, making river access very convenient. River and walking trails can be accessed here. The campground does not take reservations; it is first come-first served. Riverside Park is nearby and, while it does not offer camping, it does offer additional river access and access to the Community Trail. The Shooters Estates Campground is a private operation that has reserved spots with water, sewer and electric available. The campground is in town. The Lions Club also has a small campground that offers primitive camping and requires no reservations. The city has trails--some paved--in addition to access to water and canoe trails in the nearby rivers. Snowmobile trails are marked in winter. Kayaks and canoes may be rented at the city park.
State Park
Lac qui Parle State Park is eight miles south of Appleton and offers a more remote camping experience. The state park offers full hookups for campsites--water, sewer and electric--as well as primitive sites for tent camping. Reservations may be made up to a year in advance. From November 1 through March 31, the campground is on a first-come, first-served basis. The park has three cabins available. Daily, weekly and seasonal rates are available for the cabins and for the campsites. The state park offers trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding and skiing. You can also paddle a canoe or swim in "the Lake that Speaks" or cast a line for excellent fishing for walleye, northerns, perch and catfish.
Minnesota River Valley Camping
The Minnesota River Valley is a 287-mile-long nationally designated byway that follows the Minnesota River. You could canoe the river or hike the entire route. The route passes through Appleton. Along the way, there are many small towns with campsites.
RV Camping
The nearest RV resort-type camping is at Overton, about 20 miles away on Big Stone Lake. Lakeshore RV Park has 94 sites with water, sewer and electric hookups. There are also 50 seasonal sites and three cabins. The campground has primitive camping for groups. This RV resort has train rides for the kids, volleyball, mini-golf, horseshoes, a heated pool, volleyball and "water warz." There is a recreational room with a full kitchen guests may use. There is a laundry, grocery store, cable TV and WiFi. You have boat access to the lake.
Canoe Camping
The Pomme de Terre River is a tributary of the Minnesota River. The Minnesota River changes from swamp to open lake at Lac qui Parle Lake. The Minnesota River water trail goes more than 40 miles and there are several other tributaries you could explore via canoe in the area. You may camp along the river banks as long as you do not set up on private property. You may camp in state parks at primitive campsites along the river if you get a free permit from the park. Canoe trails are very popular in Minnesota and there are hundreds of miles of them across the state.
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