LegendHennepin Canal Lock 22 Campground
Quiet Primitive Camping Off I-80
Set just off I-80 near Sheffield, the Lock 22 Campground offers some of the simplest, most serene camping you’ll find in the Hennepin Canal State Trail system. Here, you’re not at a full-service campground– this is the kind of place where the canal’s old lock whispers history and the towpath beckons walkers and anglers. First impressions? A flat, grassy expanse with scattered trees, picnic tables, pit toilets and a quiet canal-side vibe that is refreshingly basic, peaceful and full of charm if you’re into low-maintenance camping.
As a Class ‘C’ campground, Lock 22 offers primitive facilities only, meaning no showers, no hookups and no electricity(yes, a whole lot of‘Nos’), but it does include toilets and drinking water. Campsites are vehicle-accessible and the$8/night per-family fee is collected in person by a site security officer(if they show up), on a first-come, first-served basis. Youth groups follow a separate fee schedule with minimums and supervision rules. Camping is quiet, basic, and outdoors-first here.
What really sets this spot apart is its location and simplicity. It’s under the lock bridge itself, so be sure to bring a chair, toss a line in the canal and wander the towpath trails that take you past aqueducts and marshes. Cell service is reported as excellent, making it a surprisingly connected getaway. Nearby, Sheffield offers a few basic services, and you're within easy driving distance of I-80 and surrounding towns.
Insider Tips? Here’s a handful:(1) For the flattest, quietest camping, choose a grassy site closest to the canal but back off from the parking area;(2) Bring all the water you'll need as while Lock 22 has drinking water, it’s only at a designated faucet and not at the campsites themselves;(3) The canal towpath is fantastic for peaceful walking, biking, fishing and bird-watching, but for the best experience, get there early;(4) Check the Visitor Center north of I-80 for trail maps so that you can plan your canal hiking and camping;(5) No campfires outside of designated fire pits, so I would strongly encourage you to bring alternative cooking options like a butane or propane-fueled stove or range; and(6) If you drive into Sheffield check out Wings Café serving hearty comfort food, or try The Dug-Out Sports Pub for pub-style eats and local atmosphere.
Happy Camping!
