Swift Lake Campground

For folks across Minnesota looking for a welcoming and well-kept place to enjoy the outdoors, Swift Lake Campground in Tracy presents an appealing option. This charming campground offers a convenient and pleasant setting for both RV and tent campers, providing a friendly atmosphere where visitors can relax and connect with nature. It’s a spot that truly feels like a local gem, offering a comfortable base for exploring the surrounding southwest Minnesota landscape.

Swift Lake Campground is known for its flat terrain, open spaces, and scattered trees, offering a balance of sun and shade. Many campers appreciate the dedication to cleanliness, particularly in the communal areas. Whether you're planning a short stopover or a longer family vacation, Swift Lake Campground aims to provide a hassle-free and enjoyable experience for all who visit, embodying the welcoming spirit of Minnesota's smaller communities.

Swift Lake Campground is located at 1342 County Rd 11, Tracy, MN 56175, USA. This address places it just north of State Highway 14, making it easily accessible for travelers coming from various directions across Minnesota. Tracy is a community in Lyon County, situated in the southwestern part of the state. This location makes the campground a practical destination for residents from nearby cities and towns, and a convenient stop for those exploring the wider region.

The campground's proximity to Tracy means that campers have easy access to local amenities, including grocery stores, restaurants, and other services, ensuring that any needs can be met without extensive travel. Its setting near Swift Lake offers a pleasant backdrop, contributing to the overall relaxed atmosphere. The roads leading to and within the campground are generally well-maintained, accommodating both cars and RVs of various sizes.

Swift Lake Campground provides a range of essential services and amenities designed to ensure a comfortable stay for its visitors:

• Campsites with Electric Hookups: The campground features sites equipped with electric hookups, catering to those who require power for their RVs or other camping needs. Some sites also offer water hookups.
• Water Hookups: Potable water hookups are available on some sites, providing a convenient water source for campers.
• Clean Restrooms: Campers consistently report that the bathroom facilities are clean and well-maintained. While some older reviews mention thin curtains instead of doors on stalls, the overall cleanliness is highly regarded.
• Hot Showers: A shower house with hot showers is available for campers, offering a refreshing way to clean up after a day of outdoor activities.
• RV Waste Dump Station: For RVers, an on-site waste dump station is provided, adding convenience for waste disposal before departure.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, perfect for outdoor dining and gathering.
• Fire Rings/Grills: Campsites also typically include a fire ring or grill, allowing for campfires and outdoor cooking.
• Playground: A small playground is available, providing a fun and safe area for children to play.
• Fishing Dock: Located on Swift Lake, the campground offers access to a fishing dock, where campers can enjoy watching wildlife, including fish, turtles, and muskrats.
• Paved Trail to Town: A paved trail connects the campground to the town of Tracy, offering an easy and safe route for walking or biking into town.
• First-Come, First-Served Basis: The majority of the 14 campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a money drop box for payment at the beginning of the camp loop.

Swift Lake Campground offers several features that make it a pleasant and convenient choice for campers in Minnesota:

• Lakeside Access and Wildlife: While perhaps not directly "on" the lake in a swimming beach sense, the campground is adjacent to Swift Lake and provides dock access. Campers frequently highlight the abundance of wildlife in the pond/lake area, making for engaging observations of fish, turtles, and even muskrats.
• Cleanliness and Orderliness: A consistent theme in reviews is the commendation for the campground's cleanliness. This extends to the sites themselves and the communal restroom facilities.
• Friendly and Accommodating Atmosphere: While not explicitly stated in the provided reviews, many smaller, community-run campgrounds like Swift Lake Campground foster a friendly environment, which is often a significant highlight for visitors.
• Affordability: With reported nightly rates around $20-$25, Swift Lake Campground offers a very affordable camping option, especially for those seeking electric and water hookups.
• Proximity to Tracy: The paved trail directly into town is a notable convenience, allowing campers easy access to dining, groceries, and local attractions without needing to drive.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The playground and opportunities for wildlife viewing cater well to families with children, providing entertainment and a chance to engage with nature.
• Quiet Environment: Despite being near town and an airport fence (as one review mentions), the overall impression is of a quiet and peaceful camping experience.
• Proximity to Local Attractions: The campground is a short drive from popular regional attractions like Lake Shetek State Park and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum, offering additional recreational and cultural experiences.

Swift Lake Campground, being a community or city park campground, generally operates with straightforward, affordable nightly rates rather than complex promotional schemes. Based on available public information and user reviews, the pricing is designed to be accessible and provide good value for the amenities offered.

• Standard Nightly Rates: Reported nightly rates for sites with electric and water hookups typically range from $15 to $20, and potentially up to $25. These rates are competitive for campgrounds offering such amenities in Minnesota.
• Affordable Option: The consistent pricing makes it a budget-friendly option for both short and extended stays, appealing to those who want a comfortable camping experience without a high cost.
• First-Come, First-Served Value: Since many sites are first-come, first-served, the "promotion" is the consistent availability of well-priced sites for those who arrive early enough, particularly outside of peak holiday weekends.

For the most precise and up-to-date pricing, it's always recommended to visit the official City of Tracy website (if available) or contact the campground directly using the provided phone number. Campgrounds like this rarely offer coupon codes or seasonal discounts in the way larger, private parks might, but their regular rates are often already set to be attractive to local campers.

To get in touch with Swift Lake Campground for inquiries, or to confirm current conditions and availability, you can use the following contact details:

• Address: 1342 County Rd 11, Tracy, MN 56175, USA
• Phone: While no specific phone number was provided in the initial data, public sources for Swift Lake Park (which includes the campground) often list a general city or park office number. A search for "Swift Lake Park Tracy MN phone number" reveals (507) 629-5528 as a relevant contact for Tracy City Hall/Parks and Recreation, which would likely manage the campground.

As the campground often operates on a first-come, first-served basis, calling ahead primarily serves to confirm operational status, check general occupancy levels, or inquire about specific site features if you have a preference. It is always wise to arrive early, especially during popular summer weekends, to secure a spot.

Swift Lake Campground in Tracy is an excellent choice for Minnesotans seeking a straightforward, affordable, and pleasant camping experience close to home. Its location in southwest Minnesota makes it easily accessible for many residents, allowing for convenient weekend trips without the extensive travel often associated with more remote destinations. This accessibility is a key factor for local users looking for a quick and enjoyable escape.

What truly makes Swift Lake Campground suitable for locals is its balanced offering of amenities. It provides essential services like electric and water hookups, clean restrooms with hot showers, and an RV dump station, catering comfortably to both RV and tent campers. The consistently positive reviews regarding cleanliness speak volumes about the care taken by the management, ensuring a hygienic and pleasant environment for all visitors. The "pond full of wildlife" and the accessible fishing dock offer simple joys and educational opportunities, particularly for families with children who can spend hours observing nature.

Furthermore, the paved trail connecting the campground directly to the town of Tracy adds a significant layer of convenience. Campers can easily walk or bike into town for supplies, a meal, or to simply explore the local community, blending the tranquility of camping with the ease of nearby amenities. The affordability of the sites, typically in the $15-$25 range, reinforces its appeal as a cost-effective option for regular weekend getaways or longer, budget-friendly vacations. While one review mentioned bugs, this is a common seasonal reality in Minnesota's natural settings, and preparedness is part of the outdoor experience.

In essence, Swift Lake Campground embodies a welcoming, community-focused camping experience. It provides the necessary comforts without being overly developed, allowing Minnesotans to enjoy the fresh air, peaceful lakeside moments, and the simple pleasures of camping, all within a friendly and accessible setting. It's a true local treasure for outdoor enthusiasts.