Campgrounds Near Mille Lacs Lake: A Quieter Home Base at Deer Lake Farmstead (Malmo, MN)

If you’re searching for campgrounds near Mille Lacs Lake, you’re probably picturing big-lake days—fishing, boating, lake-side meals, and that classic Minnesota “up north” reset. Deer Lake Farmstead RV Park and Campground gives you exactly that access, with a calmer place to come home to at night.

We’re located in Malmo, Minnesota on the south shore of quiet, non-motorized Deer Lake, and we’re less than a mile from Malmo Bay on Mille Lacs Lake. So you get the best of both: quick access to the big lake when you want it, and a quieter campground setting when you’re ready to slow down. For many guests comparing campgrounds on Mille Lacs Lake versus nearby options, that balance is the difference between a trip that feels hectic and a trip that feels like a true getaway.

Why People Choose Our Campground Near Mille Lacs Lake

Mille Lacs is a destination lake for a reason. It draws anglers, families, and weekenders from all over the state—especially people searching for campgrounds in Minnesota that offer real lake-country experiences without a marathon drive.

But here’s what a lot of people discover after a few trips: the best camping experience isn’t always right on the busiest shoreline. Sometimes it’s being close enough to launch in minutes—then coming back to a quieter lake at night.

That’s where Deer Lake Farmstead fits.

A calm lake that stays calm

Deer Lake is non-motorized, which means mornings are peaceful. Instead of waking up to constant wakes and engine noise, you’ll hear loons, wind in the trees, and the occasional neighbor heading down to the water with a coffee.

Close to Mille Lacs without living in the crowd

Because we’re less than a mile from Malmo Bay, it’s easy to do Mille Lacs your way:

• run out for an early bite window
• spend the afternoon boating
• meet friends on the big lake
• grab a meal nearby

Then you come back to Deer Lake to unwind.

Easy from the Twin Cities

Deer Lake Farmstead is about 105 miles and under two hours north of Minneapolis, which makes regular weekends realistic—not just once-a-summer trips.

Campgrounds Near Mille Lacs Lake vs. Campgrounds on Mille Lacs Lake

If you’ve been searching campgrounds Mille Lacs Lake, you’ll notice two main types of options:

Campgrounds on Mille Lacs Lake

These are great if you want:

• big-water views right outside your door
• immediate shoreline access
• a more active, “lake all day” atmosphere

Campgrounds near Mille Lacs Lake (like Deer Lake Farmstead)

These can be a better fit if you want:

• quieter nights and calmer mornings
• a peaceful lake for paddling and reset days
• fast access to Mille Lacs without the busiest feel
• a more laid-back campground rhythm

There’s no wrong answer—just different styles of weekends. Our guests tend to be the kind of people who love Mille Lacs, but don’t want everything to feel like peak-season hustle.

What Camping at Deer Lake Farmstead Feels Like

People often tell us they love our campground because the days have an easy rhythm.

Morning: quiet lake time

Start with coffee by the water. Take a paddle before the day warms up. Cast a line from the dock. Because Deer Lake is non-motorized, mornings stay genuinely peaceful.

Midday: choose your adventure

Head to Mille Lacs for fishing, boating, or meeting friends—then come back for lunch at your site. Or stay put and enjoy a slower day close to the water.

Evening: the best part of the day

This is when the farm-and-lake setting really shines. The light drops over the fields, the lake settles down, and the whole place feels quieter—perfect for campfires, grilling, and easy conversation.

Why Our Setting Feels Different

Deer Lake Farmstead isn’t a “theme-park campground.” Our setting is more farm-and-lake than in-town, and more calm than crowded. You’ll see open fields and big skies alongside your lake views—something that changes the whole feel of camping here.

If you like:

• paddling more than jet skis
• campfires more than nightlife
• quiet mornings more than packed schedules

…you’ll probably feel right at home.

Things To Do When You Camp Near Mille Lacs Lake

When people search campgrounds in Minnesota, they usually want more than a place to sleep—they want a base for the season’s best experiences. Camping near Mille Lacs gives you plenty to build weekends around:

• Mille Lacs fishing and big-lake days
• boating, cruising, and shoreline stops around the lake
• exploring Malmo, Isle, and nearby towns
• trail riding and outdoor recreation depending on the season
• reset days on calm Deer Lake when you want quiet water

If you want a local-style list, take a look at our area guide: Things to Do Near Malmo and Mille Lacs.

Planning Tip: If You’re Comparing Campgrounds Mille Lacs Lake Visitors Use Most

If you’re still deciding between campgrounds on Mille Lacs Lake and nearby options, here’s a simple way to choose:

• If you want maximum activity and big-lake energy all day, choose a campground right on the lake.
• If you want quick access to Mille Lacs but quieter evenings and calmer mornings, choose a campground near the lake—like Deer Lake Farmstead.

Ready to Camp Near Mille Lacs Lake?

If you’re looking for campgrounds near Mille Lacs Lake that keep you close to the big lake while giving you a quieter place to unwind at night, we’d love to help you learn more about Deer Lake Farmstead.

Start here:

• Explore Seasonal RV Sites
• See what’s available on-site on our Amenities page
• Reach out with questions via Contact Us