Map showing campground location near Lanesboro, Minnesota

Camper submitted image from Sylvan City Park

Sylvan City Park

Bicycle tourists and Root River Trail users find convenient access at Sylvan City Park, where gravel sites accommodate both RVs up to 60 feet and tent campers. The municipal campground sits within walking distance of downtown Lanesboro, making it a practical base for exploring the area's bike trails and local shops.

RV sites cluster close together with water and electric hookups, while tent sites spread around the park's perimeter near a stocked fishing pond. "Walking distance to downtown and easy access to Root River Trail," notes Renee H.. The sloped terrain around the pond creates challenges for some tent campers, particularly those seeking level ground for sleeping.

Showers operate on quarters—four coins for five minutes—and the clean restrooms serve both camping areas. The first-come, first-served policy means no reservations, with payment handled at the adjacent city office during business hours. Campers can access the free dump station, though tight maneuvering space may challenge larger rigs.

Urban noise from the surrounding city affects the atmosphere, while strong cell service keeps visitors connected. The campground attracts cycling groups traveling the trail system, creating a social environment rather than a wilderness retreat. Plan to arrive early during peak cycling season to secure a spot.

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Location

Public Campground

Sylvan City Park is located in Minnesota

Directions

Located in the Sylvan Park, just off of Parkway Ave S

Coordinates

43.71800022 N
91.97600075 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 6 users
Last on 4/26/26
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 6 users
Last on 4/26/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 3 users
Last on 4/26/26

Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 6 users
Last on 4/26/26
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 6 users
Last on 4/26/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 3 users
Last on 4/26/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites
30 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

41 min from Rochester, MN
56 min from La Crosse, WI
1 hr 45 min from Waterloo, IA
1 hr 59 min from Eau Claire, WI

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5 Stars

4 Stars

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2 Stars

1 Star

3.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the convenient downtown location and trail access. Recurring comments addressed sloped tent sites and closely spaced camping areas with limited privacy.

Renee H.

Ranger

Reviewed May. 23, 2024

Small city park campground right in town

Walking distance to downtown and easy access to Root River Trail. RV sites were close to each other with little privacy. Many tent sites around the perimeter. Short walk to bathhouse. Showers are not free, 4 quarters for 5 minutes. No laundry available. Campground is first come/first serve and doesn’t take reservations or online payment. Payment is made at adjacent city office.
Sites are gravel, fairly level. Water and electric available at rv sites.
Nice park nearby with stocked fishing pond. There is some noise due to the park being tucked into the city. Garbage and dump station free for campers. They ask for a donation for dumping if not camped there. Tight access at dump station might make it difficult for larger rigs. Strong Verizon signal.

Site24

Month of VisitMay

(5) View All

Kevin

Scout

Reviewed Sep. 21, 2022

Small Community campground

Convenient spots for a night or two. Close to your neighbors though. Watch go falling walnuts in the fall!

Site19

Month of VisitSeptember

Peter K.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 20, 2021

Small campground next to city park.

This is a convenient small campground next to a city park. The touristy shops and biking trails are within a few blocks of the campground. The RV campsites have water and electricity. We found the sites to be rather close together. The sites are first come first served (no reservations). There are also numerous tent sites, as this seems to be popular with the bicycling crowd. This really is a beautiful area of southeast MN.

Site5

Month of VisitAugust

Jake L.

Scout

Reviewed Oct. 24, 2017

Close to bike trail and downtown

Stayed here in a tent while on a bicycle camping trip and it was adequate. It is located in a city park within a couple minutes walk of the downtown area. The bike trail crosses the south end of downtown so close to that too. This would not be a good place to camp if you'd like to be out in nature

Biggest gripe is the slope of the tent sites. The majority of the tent sites are on an incline around a pond. There are also a lot of ducks that aren't very afraid of humans. None got into my gear though. There are fire rings at the tent sites. No picnic tables at the individual sites but there are some nearby in the park and there's also a covered picnic shelter. Hammocks would be difficult to impossible as the tent area is a strip of grass between pond and bluff, which has mostly brush or too whimpy of trees to hang from at the base. There are a couple huge oaks but none in pairs.

Quarter showers and clean restrooms are available. $20/night/tent which seemed a bit steep to me considering how slanted the sites were and quarter showers. It is cheaper than the other places within immediate biking distance which were $25/night.

SiteTent site

Month of VisitOctober

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Sylvan Park Campground in Lanesboro, MN?

Sylvan Park Campground offers RV sites with water and electricity hookups. The campground features a bathhouse with coin-operated showers (25¢ per minute, requiring 4 quarters for 5 minutes). Tent sites are available around the perimeter of the campground. The facility is located within a city park and provides convenient access to downtown Lanesboro. No laundry facilities are available on-site. Sites are relatively close together with minimal privacy, particularly in the RV section. The campground's location in town makes it practical for accessing local services but offers limited natural seclusion.

How do I make reservations for Sylvan Park Campground in Lanesboro?

Sylvan Park Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. All sites are available only through direct arrival at the campground. For the best chance of securing a spot, particularly during peak seasons or weekends, arrive early in the day. The campground's proximity to downtown Lanesboro makes it a popular choice, especially during tourist season. For current availability information or questions, contact the Lanesboro city offices directly.

What recreational activities are available near Sylvan Park Campground?

Sylvan Park Campground offers excellent access to numerous recreational opportunities. The Root River Trail crosses near the south end of downtown, making it ideal for cyclists. Downtown Lanesboro with its touristy shops and attractions is just a few minutes' walk away. The campground's location in a city park provides immediate access to park amenities. While the campground itself isn't situated in a natural setting, it serves as a perfect hub for exploring the surrounding area, particularly for bicycle touring and walking excursions. The convenient location makes it easy to enjoy both outdoor activities and town amenities without needing to drive.

Are there photo galleries available of Sylvan Park Campground facilities?

Specific photo galleries of Sylvan Park Campground are not readily available on the official channels. For the most current images, contact the Lanesboro city offices or check the official Lanesboro city website. The campground features RV sites with hookups and tent sites around the perimeter, situated within a city park. The area includes open spaces with walnut trees and basic camping facilities. If you need visual information before booking, consider calling the park office directly.

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