Tony's Campground, Pelican Rapids, MN

Introduction / Overview

Tony's Campground offers a genuine, classic Minnesota camping experience nestled directly on the scenic shores of Lake Ida, near the charming community of Pelican Rapids. In a region of the state renowned for its abundance of pristine lakes—often referred to as 'Lakes Country'—this campground stands out for its prime, water-front location. It’s a destination that appeals to local users in Minnesota who appreciate a more rustic, laid-back atmosphere, often seeking an escape from the more commercialized, large-scale RV resorts.

The setting of Tony's Campground is intrinsically linked to the relaxed, vacation culture of Otter Tail County. It operates less as a modern resort and more as a traditional, old-school campground, where the primary draw is the water and the simplicity of life outdoors. The park generally caters to both long-term seasonal campers and short-stay visitors looking to enjoy the exceptional fishing and boating opportunities of Lake Ida. Unlike places that prioritize manicured amenities, Tony's is about the natural environment—the sound of the loons, the scent of the campfire, and the direct connection to one of Minnesota’s beautiful, clean lakes.

It is important to provide a balanced, factual perspective, particularly based on available public feedback. The reviews clearly indicate that Tony’s Campground is a place that strongly divides opinion. For those who grew up around the area or have a long history with the location and its ownership—often mentioning personal, positive connections to the owners, 'Tony and Bernice'—it is a beloved fixture, remembered fondly for its nostalgic charm. However, other customers report significant dissatisfaction with facilities and service, describing the campground as "subpar" and even advising others to "AVOID!" Prospective campers should thus view this location as a rustic, no-frills option where the community's natural beauty is the main amenity, and expectations for modern infrastructure or professional customer service should be managed accordingly. It is a place best suited for those who are resilient campers and value location and affordability over resort-style comfort and polished service.

Location and Accessibility

Tony's Campground boasts a highly desirable and scenic location in the heart of Minnesota's Lakes Country. The address situates it directly on a large, popular body of water:

10682 E Lake Ida Ln, Pelican Rapids, MN 56572, USA

This specific spot places the campground right on the eastern side of Lake Ida, a lake that spans over 4,400 acres and is known for its excellent water clarity and abundant fishing opportunities, particularly for walleye, northern pike, and panfish. For local Minnesota users, this proximity to high-quality lake life is a major draw.

Accessibility is generally straightforward. The campground is located a short drive from the small, vibrant town of Pelican Rapids, which offers essential services, groceries, and local dining options. It is also positioned conveniently off major county roads, allowing relatively easy travel from nearby regional hubs like Fergus Falls or Detroit Lakes. The natural environment is a key aspect of its location; the remote-feeling lakeside setting allows visitors to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the quiet beauty of the Minnesota woods and lakeshore. However, being on a smaller, residential lane like East Lake Ida Lane suggests that the campground is tucked away, contributing to its secluded, private feel, but also meaning it is not immediately off a major thoroughfare. Visitors should use GPS or mapping applications to ensure accurate navigation to the site, particularly since it is located on a lane associated with the lake's properties.

Services Offered

The services at Tony's Campground are geared toward facilitating a classic, comfortable camping experience, focusing on the basics required for an extended stay in a recreational vehicle (RV) or a traditional tent setup. While specific details on every utility are not publicly available in a comprehensive list, the model of a traditional mobile home park/campground suggests the following core offerings:

Campsite Rental: Availability for both short-term nightly/weekly rentals and seasonal lot leases, catering to weekend travelers and long-term summer residents alike.
RV Hookups: Generally includes essential hookups for RVs, which may feature electrical service (often 30-amp or 50-amp) and water connections, though the extent of sewer hookups or potable water availability across all sites should be verified directly.
Tent Camping Spots: Designated or available grassy areas for traditional tent setups for those seeking a more traditional, rustic experience.
Lake Access: Direct access to Lake Ida, allowing for easy launching of small watercraft, swimming, and fishing from the shore or a dock (if provided).
Basic Restroom Facilities: The expectation at a rustic campground is the availability of communal facilities, which might range from vault toilets to older bathhouses, consistent with the feedback of "subpar" facilities.
Essential On-Site Information: A central office or contact point to manage reservations, check-ins, and local information, managed by the owners.

Potential visitors are strongly encouraged to call ahead and confirm the exact amenities and the condition of the facilities before booking, especially if they rely on modern conveniences like high-speed Wi-Fi, updated laundry facilities, or impeccably maintained shower houses.

Features / Highlights

The main appeal of Tony's Campground for local Minnesota residents rests on a few key, irreplaceable features that embody the state’s lake culture.

Direct Lake Ida Frontage: This is the single most significant highlight. Being right on Lake Ida—known for its clear water and excellent fishing—provides a genuine, unencumbered Minnesota lakeside experience, which is a rare and coveted feature.
Rustic Charm and Nostalgia: The campground is often remembered fondly by long-time patrons and locals as a place with an "old-school" feel, providing a truly back-to-basics camping environment that many prefer over modern, high-amenity resorts.
Fishing Destination: Lake Ida is recognized as a premier spot for anglers in the region, making the campground an ideal base for fishing trips focused on catching walleye and various panfish.
Sense of Community: For seasonal campers, the park can foster a deep, close-knit community feeling, as evidenced by the positive mention of the owners, Tony and Bernice, by a long-time family associated with the area.
Affordability (Inferred): Generally, rustic, less amenity-heavy campgrounds like this one tend to offer a more budget-friendly price point for extended stays compared to full-service RV resorts, making it accessible to a wider range of local campers.

Contact Information

To inquire about campsite availability, seasonal rates, or specific hookup details, potential visitors should use the following contact information. Given the nature of a smaller, family-operated business, a direct phone call is typically the most effective method for securing a reservation.

Address: 10682 E Lake Ida Ln, Pelican Rapids, MN 56572, USA

Phone: (701) 850-7648

While the area code (701) suggests a connection to North Dakota, this is not uncommon for businesses operating near the Minnesota/North Dakota border, and the physical location is firmly within Otter Tail County, Minnesota.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Tony's Campground is uniquely suited for a specific type of Minnesota local: the resilient, seasoned camper who values an exceptional lakefront location and a back-to-basics experience above all else. For those who seek the genuine, unadulterated pleasure of Minnesota lake life—fishing at dawn, campfires under the stars, and minimal distractions—this campground provides an authentic experience that larger, corporate resorts often cannot replicate.

It is an ideal choice for the local user who has deep, fond memories of traditional Minnesota lake vacations or for those who simply need an affordable base camp for fishing and water activities on Lake Ida. The location's primary asset is its immediate, prime lake access. However, potential visitors must be prepared for a rustic environment. The campground’s polarising reviews are a clear indicator that the experience is not for everyone. If you are a camper who can overlook older facilities, perhaps bring your own portable shower/toilet setup, and prioritize a stunning, natural setting, a strong sense of community, and the simple joy of being on a Minnesota lake, then Tony’s Campground offers an irreplaceable piece of Lakes Country charm. It's a place where the focus is on the great outdoors, not on the glamour of the amenities.