Hennepin Canal Lock 6 Campground
Reviewed Nov. 29, 2021

Hard to find, but worth it if you don't like crowds

This was a great little find in the middle of nowhere.  We were traveling home after Thanksgiving and we don't like crowded campgrounds.  We were in a tent (didn't need electric) and this was perfect.

I have to be honest, coming into this one "in the dark" was a bit creepy.  No lights, no signs and some graffiti on the railroad bridge.  But we looked around with a flashlight and it seemed good!  So we built a fire and stayed the night.

Word of warning: there is a railroad bridge RIGHT NEXT TO the campsite (about 50 yards) and it is functional.  We found this out in the middle of the night when we were jolted from sleep by headlights and loud noise!  Scary until we realized what was going on...lol.  But if you don't mind that now and then (and you know that it might happen) it wasn't bad.  Only happened twice.

There is noise here from the canal (this campground is at a lock so the water falls over the lock since there are no gates that work). But we found it to sound like a rushing stream and it was nice background noise.

There is a vault toilet that was well taken care of right next to the site.  These are "walk in" sites since you have to park in lot, but the sites are within 20 to 50 yards of the lot.  Easy access (not a trail, just grassy area).

About 4 sites here, but only one had a picnic table. One had a "sort of" fire ring.  But as quiet as this is likely to be, you shouldn't have issues.

The lock is really cool to look at during the day and there is a tow path it's entire length that can be biked/hiked/ skied/etc.  Around 100 miles I think!  Other campsites along it's path as well.  There is an interactive Google map on their website.

The only other minor issue was that this was far enough off the path that it seemed like it "might" be a place for folks to visit at night for purposes other than camping.  We did have one car approach before we were in bed, make a prompt u-turn and leave.  However that was the only incident we encountered beyond the train.

Overall...great place for off the beaten path camping that was clean and cheap! Would visit again!

Month of VisitNovember