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Best Campgrounds near Apple Valley, MN

686 Reviews

Campgrounds near Apple Valley, Minnesota range from developed sites with full amenities to more rustic options within a short drive. Lebanon Hills Regional Park offers camping within the suburban area, featuring both RV sites with full hookups and more secluded tent sites in wooded areas. Nearby options include Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins for those seeking a glamping experience, and Afton State Park Campground approximately 20 miles east, which provides tent camping, cabins, and yurts. Most campgrounds in the region maintain a natural setting despite their proximity to the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

Reservations are essential during the peak camping season from late spring through early fall, with many parks booking up months in advance, especially for weekend stays. The camping season generally runs from April through October, though some facilities like Afton State Park remain open year-round. Most developed campgrounds provide clean restrooms and shower facilities, with varying levels of hookups for RVs. Lebanon Hills features both a West Loop with full hookup sites and an East Loop for more rustic camping experiences. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area due to the proximity to the metro region. According to one visitor, "Lebanon Hills is a great campsite for families, first time campers, or anyone having a 'staycation' while keeping hotel costs down."

Campers consistently praise the balance of natural settings with convenient access to urban amenities. The region's campgrounds offer a surprising amount of seclusion despite being near a major metropolitan area. Lebanon Hills receives high marks for its spacious sites and proximity to hiking and biking trails, with one camper noting it has "everything for the family" including professional mountain bike trails and miles of hiking paths. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve, located about 30 minutes northeast of Apple Valley, stands out for its filtered swimming pond and extensive trail system. Many campgrounds in the area serve as convenient basecamps for exploring both natural attractions and nearby urban destinations, including the Mall of America, Minnesota Zoo, and various lakes for water recreation.

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Best Camping Sites Near Apple Valley, Minnesota (108)

    1. Lebanon Hills Regional Park

    42 Reviews
    Apple Valley, MN
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 480-7773

    $24 - $42 / night

    "Professional built mtn bike trails for adventure. Camping in Minnesota suburbs. Miles of hiking, horseback riding, cross country ski trails. . perfect for my family's weekend Stay-cation"

    "The East loop is perfect for tent camping with large, wooded, private sites close to the amazingly clean bathrooms and showers. (Seriously, the bathrooms were so clean.)"

    2. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve

    37 Reviews
    Lake Elmo, MN
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 430-8370

    $23 - $80 / night

    "For a County Park, Lake Elmo has an impressive list of amenities. Before we even get to the campsite let's mention the filtered swimming pond."

    "Lake Elmo County Park in Washington County Minnesota is a great park for families."

    3. Afton State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Denmark, MN
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 436-5391

    "Minnesota State Parks have just started to build Yurts for 3 campgrounds around the state; Afton, Cuyuna and Glendalough State Parks."

    "It is also next to Afton Ski resort. This park has a lot of beautiful prairie landscape with some temperate forest features. Wildflowers, shrubs, fungi, evergreens, and deciduous trees."

    4. Dakotah Meadows RV Park

    12 Reviews
    Prior Lake, MN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (952) 445-8800

    $40 - $50 / night

    "The grass around the lots is very green, lush and well maintained. Campground is right next to the hotel/casino and very much within walking distance."

    "Shuttle bus comes through the camp if you want to go to the casino and play- it’s also within walking distance."

    5. Cleary Lake Regional Park

    7 Reviews
    Prior Lake, MN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 694-7777

    $16 - $50 / night

    "I imagine in the middle of summer, it might feel slightly less secluded as there are 3 other sites relatively close by, one of which you have to walk through to get to this one, but in early September,"

    "The access to water is really nice and a couple sites were perfect.

    The hike in sites are super close to the car so it doesn’t even require much work. Plan to come here again!"

    6. Town & Country Campground & RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Savage, MN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (952) 445-1756

    "It’s an easy on and off the interstate, super close to a gas station and RV wash bay. Also super close to some very large power lines. The kids enjoyed the compact playground and pool."

    "Some road noise, but you are in the city so expected, but yet still quieter then in some areas being close to things. I recommend this park."

    7. Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins

    4 Reviews
    Empire, MN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (952) 891-7000

    $85 / night

    "There is a fire ring outside of each cabin, along with a table. No cooking is allowed inside the cabins, which can make things rough if the weather isn't cooperating. "

    "There is no cooking inside the cabin so you have to use the fire ring outside. Shower facilities are really nice and match the cabins. Plan ahead as these are hard to come by."

    8. St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park

    20 Reviews
    Denmark, MN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 430-8240

    "Minnesota is beautiful and there is so much to do here. The bathrooms are spotless and everything is new here."

    "Washington County, which manages campgrounds at both the Lake Elmo Park Reserve and St Croix Bluffs Regional Park, does a great job of maintaining campgrounds, trails, and bathroom facilities at both parks"

    9. Tony’s Backyard

    2 Reviews
    Bloomington, MN
    7 miles
    +1 (612) 751-0908

    $45 - $60 / night

    10. Willow River State Park Campground

    61 Reviews
    Hudson, WI
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 386-5931

    "Fun to play in the water, go behind the waterfall and a good hike up 200 steps to view the falls from above!"

    "Located 5 miles outside of Hudson, Willow Creek State Park is large park with hiking, camp sites, fishing, canoeing, and the waterfall."

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Recent Camping Photos near Apple Valley, MN

184 Photos of 108 Apple Valley Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Apple Valley, MN

686 Reviews of 108 Apple Valley Campgrounds

Guide to Apple Valley

Camping near Apple Valley, MN, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds nearby, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Willow River State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Lovely trails, the beach is a large area with a nice park and picnic area."
  • Water Activities: Check out Interstate State Park for canoeing and kayaking. A visitor shared, "Canoe and kayak rentals for more adventures on the river."
  • Wildlife Watching: At Wild River State Park Campground, you might spot deer. One camper noted, "The woods surrounding were dense enough to obscure others while still feeling open."

What campers like:

  • Privacy: Many campers appreciate the spacious sites. One happy visitor at Lebanon Hills Regional Park said, "We were very surprised at the privacy of our site."
  • Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of bathrooms. A reviewer at Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve stated, "Shower facilities are very nice."
  • Convenient Location: The proximity to the Twin Cities is a big plus. One camper at William O'Brien State Park Campground said, "It's a great park conveniently located near the twin cities."

What you should know:

  • No Alcohol Allowed: Some campgrounds, like Interstate State Park, have strict rules against alcohol. A reviewer pointed out, "NO alcohol allowed."
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A camper at Lake Maria State Park warned, "The mosquitos were awful."
  • Limited Amenities: Some sites, like those at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground, may have fewer amenities. One visitor noted, "Only water/toilets at the campground or picnic area."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites, like Wild River State Park Campground, where one reviewer said, "The sites are secluded by sumac trees."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A family at Afton State Park Campground enjoyed, "Great trails for all different skill levels."
  • Pack Bug Spray: With the presence of mosquitoes, a camper at Lake Maria State Park advised, "Be prepared with bug spray/repellant!"

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Apple Valley, MN, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful retreat, these campgrounds have you covered!

Frequently Asked Questions

What lakeside camping options exist near Apple Valley, Minnesota?

Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground offers one of the best lakeside camping experiences in southern Minnesota, just 1.5 hours from Apple Valley. Located on Lake Pepin, it features wooded sites with good spacing, beautiful lake views, and a swimming beach. Another option is Cleary Lake Regional Park, closer to Apple Valley, which provides lakeside camping with boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in access options. Both locations allow campers to enjoy water activities like swimming and boating while having a comfortable campsite near the shoreline.

Can I rent a camper in Apple Valley instead of bringing my own?

While there aren't dedicated RV rental facilities directly in Apple Valley, several options exist in the Twin Cities metro area. Dakotah Meadows RV Park near Prior Lake partners with RV rental companies and can help arrange rentals. Another option is to check Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins which offers cabin rentals as an alternative to traditional campers. For those seeking traditional RV rentals, several companies in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area offer delivery and setup services to nearby campgrounds, making it convenient to enjoy camper comforts without ownership.

Where are the best campgrounds near Apple Valley, MN?

Lebanon Hills Regional Park stands out as a premier camping destination right in Apple Valley. It offers full hookup sites in the west loop and more private, wooded tent sites in the east loop. The park features exceptionally clean bathrooms and showers, plus miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. For families seeking more amenities, Lake Elmo County Park Reserve is another excellent option within a short drive, featuring a filtered swimming pond with a sandy beach, extensive playground facilities, and multiple recreational opportunities including hiking and horseback riding.

Are there private or secluded camping options around Apple Valley?

Frontenac State Park Campground offers cart-in sites that provide a more secluded camping experience. While you may still see neighboring campsites, the spacious layout ensures you won't feel crowded. For a truly secluded option, Cannon River Wilderness Area provides free riverside camping with sites tucked away from others. Some spots allow you to set up hammocks right next to the river, and the short 10-minute hike from parking to the farthest sites adds to the feeling of seclusion and privacy.

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