Camping near Empire, Minnesota includes several regional park campgrounds within 30 miles. The area features gently rolling terrain with elevations between 800-950 feet and has numerous small lakes and ponds throughout the region. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during camping season, with occasional thunderstorms common in June and July.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: Lake Byllesby Campground offers access to Lake Byllesby for boating activities. "The views are great! We stayed in a RV spot next to the lake," notes one visitor who appreciated the waterfront location.
Hiking trails: Baker Park Reserve features extensive trail systems through diverse habitats. "There is a nice 6+mile biking trail that connects to others, so bring the bikes," mentions one visitor who found the trails well-maintained.
Fishing spots: Several campgrounds offer fishing access, with various species available. "With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be," shares a Baker Park camper.
Golf nearby: Cleary Lake Regional Park offers golf facilities for campers who enjoy the sport. "The golfing nearby that seemed reasonably priced for those interested," mentions a Cleary Lake camper.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the secluded feel of certain campsites. "Tent camp sites are far enough from each other that neighbors can't be seen, and we didn't hear them either," notes a Lebanon Hills camper.
Clean facilities: Lebanon Hills Regional Park receives praise for its bathroom facilities. "The bathrooms were among some of the nicest I've used at a campground. The shower stall was big enough for a meaty human like myself to shower comfortably."
Concrete RV pads: Dakotah Meadows RV Park offers solid concrete parking surfaces. "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," reports one visitor.
Casino access: Several campgrounds provide access to nearby casinos. "Shuttle takes you to casino, but sometime we don't even go there and just enjoy the area. Good things are level cement parking area and grassy spots," mentions a Dakotah Meadows visitor.
What you should know
Gate closing times: Some parks strictly enforce gate closing hours. "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," warns a Cleary Lake camper.
Reservation needs: Many campgrounds require advance planning. "Reserve early online, most weekends were already reserved by mid May," advises a Lebanon Hills camper.
Noise considerations: Some campsites experience road noise. "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."
Pet areas: Different parks have varying pet facilities. "Dog park available, watch a few spots in fence near bottom where fencing has risen up...little dogs could easily climb under," notes a visitor at Dakotah Meadows.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Town & Country Campground offers play facilities. "The kids enjoyed the compact playground and pool. The site were in is w&e only but they have a dump station. It appears to be sold out for the weekend so book ahead," shares a recent visitor.
Swimming beaches: Multiple parks feature swimming options during summer months. "There are 2 swimming beaches: 1 for the campground and one for all of the day visitors," mentions a Baker Park camper.
Campsite selection: Consider site location when booking. "We stayed at site 72 which is at the beginning of the loop. This site isn't as secluded by trees as the other sites and we weren't able to position our pop up to face into the camping spot," advises a Lebanon Hills visitor.
Bike-friendly parks: Many parks offer paved paths suitable for children. "Grounds are mostly well groomed and the roads are maintained. There is some pride reflected in the ownership," notes a visitor to Dakotah Meadows.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: RV sites near Empire, Minnesota vary in privacy. "Sites 1-17 have remained the same and are awesome. Spots 18-46 are second best. Even numbered sites on the lake are better than the odd numbered sites but both have a few of the lake," advises a Lake Byllesby camper.
Full hookup availability: Treasure Island RV Park provides complete utilities. "This is a typical casino parking lot RV 'park' with full hookups. It is basically a parking lot with mostly pull through sites. The last row consists of 'deluxe' back-in sites with a few trees."
Surface considerations: Different RV parks offer varying parking surfaces. "Sites are paved and level. The park streets and sites are asphalt," noted a visitor about one campground.
Dump station locations: Several facilities offer sanitary disposal. "The site were in is w&e only but they have a dump station," mentions a Town & Country Campground visitor.
