Best Campgrounds near Burnsville, MN

The southern suburbs of Burnsville, Minnesota feature a diverse range of camping options within a 30-minute drive. Lebanon Hills Regional Park in nearby Eagan stands out with highly-rated sites operating from April through October, offering both tent and RV camping with modern amenities. Dakotah Meadows RV Park in Prior Lake caters primarily to recreational vehicles with full hookups, while Cleary Lake Regional Park provides a mix of accommodation types including glamping options. Town & Country Campground in Savage remains open year-round, making it one of the few winter camping destinations in the area. Several campgrounds balance suburban convenience with natural settings, as one camper noted about Lebanon Hills: "Camping in Minnesota suburbs with miles of hiking, horseback riding, cross country ski trails, perfect for a weekend stay-cation."

Most campgrounds in the Burnsville area operate seasonally from late April through mid-October, with reservations strongly recommended during summer weekends and holiday periods. The region experiences typical Minnesota seasonal variations with humid summers that bring mosquitoes and occasional thunderstorms, while spring can bring muddy conditions to trails and campsites. Winter camping options are limited but available at select locations. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, though some more remote sites may have spotty coverage. Many campers appreciate the balance of seclusion and accessibility, as one Lebanon Hills visitor explained: "We liked that we weren't super close to any campers unlike most RV spots are nowadays. Our spot was spacious and close to the bathrooms and play area."

Family-friendly amenities distinguish many campgrounds near Burnsville. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve, though slightly farther northeast, exemplifies this trend with its "filtered swimming pond" and "giant playground" that visitors consistently praise. Campsites throughout the region vary in privacy levels, with Lebanon Hills offering more tree coverage between sites than open-layout parks like Baker Park Reserve. Recreational opportunities abound with hiking and biking trails connecting many campgrounds to larger trail systems. Proximity to urban amenities remains a key advantage, with most sites within 15-20 minutes of shopping and restaurants. Noise levels vary by location, with some campgrounds experiencing highway sounds or, as one reviewer noted about Sakatah Lake State Park, "residents that live on the lake that can be noisy."

Best Camping Sites Near Burnsville, Minnesota (106)

    1. Lebanon Hills Regional Park

    43 Reviews
    Apple Valley, MN
    4 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"

    "We live about 15 mins. away from this campground. We stayed in the East Loop which is for smaller RVs and tents. it has electricity but no water hookups, however there are water pumps."

    2. Dakotah Meadows RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Prior Lake, MN
    10 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."

    3. Cleary Lake Regional Park

    8 Reviews
    Prior Lake, MN
    8 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!"

    4. Town & Country Campground & RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Savage, MN
    6 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."

    5. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve

    37 Reviews
    Lake Elmo, MN
    23 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."

    6. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve

    38 Reviews
    Maple Plain, MN
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 694-7662

    $21 - $29 / night

    "Baker Park near Minneapolis Minnesota was a our camp choice for inexpensive camping on the last leg of our Minnesota vacation in 2017."

    "The beaches are some of the best in Minnesota. The bike trails are nearby and plentiful."

    7. Afton State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Denmark, MN
    24 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."

    8. Tony’s Backyard

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

    $45 - $60 / night

    9. Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins

    4 Reviews
    Empire, MN
    11 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."

    10. Minneapolis Southwest KOA

    9 Reviews
    Jordan, MN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (952) 492-6440

    "A couple weeks ago we spent some time at the Northwest koa...that one had private tent sites surrounded on 3 sides by trees, quiet spaces etc."

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Recent Reviews near Burnsville, MN

735 Reviews of 106 Burnsville Campgrounds


  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Riverside Park and Municipal Campground

    Riverside Park - Mill Pond

    This is a very nice city park with electric sites, tent sites, and restrooms with showers. Website says it's open until the end of October this year. The website is where you can reserve online or get the phone number to call during office hours M-F. We phoned and it was an easy process, $30/night for an electric site. That said, there's no instructions in the park that I could see that directs you on how to pay... so I can see that confusing to people just pulling up. With it being off-season and mid-week, there wasn't anyone around to enforce reservations... so I'm assuming the two vehicle dwellers that pulled in late and left early didn't pay. Overall, the place felt safe (it's right behind the police station) and cell service was great. The city did great making this campground feel like it's not right in the middle of a city. Two trains did go through and blast their horns at 2AM, so bring ear plugs if you're a light sleeper.

  • Sarah D.
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Secluded Site and Great Views Close to the Twin Cities

    We did a one night camping trip for my birthday at Cart-In Site 1 the second to last weekend of September.

    We loved the hiking at Frontenac State Park - walking along the lake and then walking along the bluffs at sunset was magical! Fantastic views. I imagine if we had gone two weeks later, we would have had a fantastic display of fall color. We went a little too early to catch the changing leaves.

    We loved how easy Frontenac was for a casual weekend getaway. It was an easy, scenic one hour drive from St. Paul that was very enjoyable. The park was also nice with great bathrooms at the main campsite, nice trails, and they even had board games to check out at the front office for a rainy day- a great idea!

    We stayed at Cart-In Site 1. I would rate the site itself a 3. It was very secluded and spacious, which was fantastic! We could not see any other campsites from our site, which was fantastic. We only occasionally saw some hikers on a nearby trail. We could hear some other noisy campers, but it wasn't too much of a disturbance. Very wooded, nice, spacious site. There is not water at the Cart-In parking lot, so be aware that you will have to fill up prior to parking and heading to your site (easiest place to do so is the main office/ visitor center).

    I also slept poorly because of a nearby train that kept going past and honking at least until midnight. So if you're a light sleeper, be aware of persistent train noise at these sites!

    Overall good site and an easy, fun, and relaxing weekend getaway from the twin cities.

  • Lance L.
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Cleary Lake Regional Park

    Large campground with plentyy of activities!

    They have two lots for RV and travel trailer use although the first lot only has two spaces and the second one has a total of five. The five space spot has no water or electric hook up but was a great place for me to test out my new solar set up. Word to the wise, gates ACTUALLY close at 10pm, there's no way to contact anyone and I had to walk about a mile in parked outside the gate 😅. The White Pine lot (5 spaces) has a central bathroom/shower building. The park was jam packed Friday/Saturday but a ghosts town the remains sun/mon/tue I stayed.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Great hiking trails NICE Bathrooms

    The campground is well maintained, all of the sites are clean and laid out nicely. Some sites are kinda close but there is brush growing between sites.

    There are a LOT of NICE TRAILS at this park. Many nice prairie trails and some fun trails in the bluffs along the Mississippi River too. One trail down along the River can be challenging because of MANY STAIRS.

    Large drive in picnic areas away from the campground that many people drive in to us and had a nice overlook on the Mississippi River. There are 2 nice overlooks that are great to walk to in the dark and watch the calmness and peaceful nature of the river and forest.

    The men’s bathroom and showers are GREAT! There is also very nice large full handicap bathrooms. The SHOWER WATER IS VERY HOT so be careful!

    Dump station is sloped so it makes it easy to drive in either direction to help dump waste water easily. Also fresh water at the dumping station.

    Always Plenty of firewood in the shed next to the office.

  • Joel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Lake Byllesby Regional Park

    Very nice campground

    This is a good campground. Very well kept. Fishing from shore and there is a boat launch. Nice playground for kids. Sites are fairly close. Many have no privacy from others, but some do. No water at the sites and pit toilets are the biggest weaknesses. Nice paths for walking and biking.

  • H
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve

    First time camping!

    For our first time camping, this was a great site! It was very clean, had friendly staff, and was close to a really fun park for our kids. We will be back!

  • Larry K.
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Willow River State Park Campground

    Never again

    Never again, $81 for an electric only site. Come on Wisconsin let's jab the out of .staters. Entry fee to parks, extra for out of staters. The site was secluded but not close to level. Not close to the facilities. I am going back to SD. They don't add fees because you are from out of town, they actually encourage out of state tourists. Last trip to a Wisconsin state park . And the showers were closed for the season, this is 10/9/25. But still full price and just an electric only site. No thanks Wisconsin

  • Maria D.
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Cleanest Campground Bathrooms Ever!

    Frontenac State Park had some of the nicest campground bathrooms and showers I’ve ever seen—clean, and modern. The ranger station was small and charming, stocked with board games to rent, and it’s clear the staff cares about creating a positive camping experience. I also loved the little free library outside the bathrooms.

    The downsides are that the campsites run small, usually only fitting two tents at most, and there aren’t many trees for hammocking. It’s also a popular park, so it can get pretty loud at times.

    Favorite sites: 37 – Shady and on the edge with just one neighbor (though the main road is on the other side). Decent privacy and potential for hammocking.

    21 – Nice views, but likely best for just one tent/car.

    22 – Very private, though the ground looked a little uneven.

    Other solid tent sites: 36, 25, 48, 49, 51. Site 57 also looked spacious with no neighbors, but it does border the visitor parking lot.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Ann Lake

    Quite camping just out of town

    Just a quick one night trip but a perfect getaway close to home. Very quiet. Camp host was nice . Found a tucked away site that we could park Infront of for more privacy


Guide to Burnsville

Minnesota's camping spots near Burnsville offer four-season options with varied terrain across Dakota County's 13 lakes and 4,000+ acres of parkland. Campgrounds range from 650 to 950 feet in elevation, creating diverse microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the year. Most sites require reservations 3-4 months in advance for summer weekends, with some campgrounds accepting bookings up to 120 days before arrival.

What to do

Hiking at Afton State Park: The trail system offers significant elevation changes uncommon in the Twin Cities area. "The hike to the campground is short and grueling. A few of the sites are in wooded areas, but we stayed in one of the prairie sites. The terrain is just hilly enough - and in August - the grass long enough to give the sites a sense of privacy and seclusion," notes Andrew C. about Afton State Park Campground.

Mountain biking and trail running: Lebanon Hills features extensive trail networks suitable for various skill levels. "Lebanon Hills is a great park and has a lot of trails for hiking and mountain biking. Our family selected this camp ground to test out some gear -- if we had problems or if we forgot something it was a short drive home," explains Blair in their review.

Water recreation: Many parks offer kayaking and canoeing opportunities from spring through fall. "Nice little lake to kayak on," writes Chris S. about the lake at Lebanon Hills, while Cleary Lake Regional Park provides "a private dock and the whole site is private and on a little point so the lake is surrounding you," according to Teresa O.

What campers like

Modern bathroom facilities: Baker Park Reserve earns praise for exceptional facilities. "The bathroom/showers are nice and clean, some of the best I've seen at a campground!" says Jennifer H. about Baker Campground. This makes it ideal for campers who want outdoor experiences with clean facilities.

Proximity to urban amenities: Campers appreciate the balance between nature and accessibility. "Great place to stop and rest when traveling through the twin cities. Great price for full hookup," notes Jon C. about Dakotah Meadows RV Park. Another reviewer mentioned "We enjoy this park a lot. We stay here 2-3 times per summer. Shuttle takes you to casino, but sometime we don't even go there and just enjoy the area."

Site privacy varies significantly: Campgrounds offer different levels of seclusion. "Tent camp sites are far enough from each other that neighbors can't be seen, and we didn't hear them either," writes Blair about Lebanon Hills Regional Park. Meanwhile, campers at Minneapolis Southwest KOA note "Campsites are all cramped together with zero privacy."

What you should know

Weather considerations: Spring camping often means dealing with water challenges. "The only criticisms we have are that you can hear road noise — and depending on your site you'll hear the alarm of one of the access gates for the Minnesota Zoo," mentions Blair about Lebanon Hills.

Reservation timing is crucial: Popular spots fill quickly, especially for unique accommodations. "Plan ahead as these are hard to come by," warns Scott M. about Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins. Another reviewer notes: "It's difficult to get reservations, so I recommend trying to start booking 120 days in advance, which is the farthest out you can reserve."

Urban noise intrusions: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby infrastructure. At Minneapolis Southwest KOA, one camper reported "It's right off a highway so you hear cars flying by 24/7," while Cleary Lake visitors mention more natural sounds with "Quiet, lots of flies, good spot overall."

Tips for camping with families

Swimming options: Lake Elmo County Park Reserve offers a unique swimming experience. "They have a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming," explains Timothy S. about Lake Elmo County Park Reserve.

Kid-friendly facilities: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "The play area was really nice and looked brand new. Our girls loved making new friends to play with," shares Angela L. about Lebanon Hills. Another visitor to Lake Elmo notes it "has awesome sites that fit the needs of just about anyone... a swimming beach for the hotter days."

Educational opportunities: Some parks offer structured activities. "They have events planned for kids," notes Chris H. about Minneapolis Southwest KOA, while Tina H. mentions that Lake Elmo has "Saturday nights they have a campground program for the kids and families to watch."

Tips from RVers

Site surfaces: RV sites vary in quality and levelness across campgrounds. "The sites are paved and have well-maintained grass. We were located near the casino road, which has an occasional loud car, even at night," notes Chris F. about Dakotah Meadows RV Park. Another visitor appreciated "level cement parking area and grassy spots."

Hookup reliability: Water and electric service quality differs between locations. "The water wasn't turned on yet, but we were able to fill our fresh water tank with a hose from their laundromat," shares Michelle A. about Dakotah Meadows. At Town & Country Campground, one visitor mentioned "It's a nice park but very close compact. Everyone is squeezed in like sardines."

Off-season considerations: RV camping extends into colder months at some locations. "The site had a nice picnic table, which we used to help sort out our new (to us) trailer storage. We didn't use the fire ring, but it would have made for a nice campfire. We had full hookups, even though we only needed water and electric," explains Joanne M., highlighting the practical amenities available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Burnsville, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Burnsville, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 106 campgrounds and RV parks near Burnsville, MN and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Burnsville, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Burnsville, MN is Lebanon Hills Regional Park with a 4.8-star rating from 43 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Burnsville, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Burnsville, MN.