Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Faribault, MN has a lot to offer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Faribault, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
Lebanon Hills Regional Park is the largest park in the Dakota County park system. Containing almost 2,000 acres, the park offers miles of trails and many lakes for year-round outdoor sports, recreation and environmental education.
The Lebanon Hills Visitor Center, located in the eastern section of the park, offers park information, interactive nature displays, courses and programs, equipment rental and access to all the beauty the park has to offer.
Dakota County Parks is actively restoring more than 1,100 acres of prairie and forest within Lebanon Hills Campground and planting more than 3,000 new trees and shrubs.
$24 - $42 / night
Located on the St. Croix River, just 20 miles east of Saint Paul, Afton State Park is great for those looking for camping near Minneapolis and is 1600 acres of rolling prairies, oak woodlands, and limestone river canyons amid an ancient glacial landscape. The land for the park was acquired in 1967, but it took almost 15 years of planning revisions and compromises with local residents before the park finally opened in 1982. Little development has gone into Afton State Park in an effort to maintain its natural characteristics, and former farmland atop the bluffs are continuously being restored to their original state. This makes Afton an ideal destination for campers looking to experience the outdoors in a wilder setting.
Load up your backpack with all you’ll need for your stay, as camping at Afton State Park requires a hearty, 0.75-mile hike in from the parking area. The year-round campground offers 27 rustic sites with picnic tables and fire pits, with options for pitching your tent in either open or wooded areas. There is drinking water, a vault toilet and firewood is supplied within the camp area. There is also three boat-in campsites, and two group campsites that can accommodate up to 60 people each. If you’d rather not rough it, the park also offers four camping cabins and two yurts, some of which are wheelchair accessible. There are also several picnic areas and restrooms within the park. Campsite rates range from $15–$23/night; cabins range from $55–$70/night, and yurts $50–$65/night.
When you’re ready to explore, start at the park’s Nature Store where you can pick up information about the park’s flora and fauna, or join a nature walk. Then choose from more than 20 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, as well as a short barrier-free path. If you’re visiting in winter, many of these trails are open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Bring your GPS and go on a geocaching treasure hunt, or bring your binoculars and go on safari for a variety of migratory birds, waterfowl, and wildlife, including deer, foxes and badgers. And little ones will love becoming Junior Park Naturalists and learning about bugs, birds, plants and other critters. If you’re looking for a real outdoor adventure, Afton State Park has what you’re looking for.
Meet new friends, relax in the heated pool, take a walk along the river, smell the scent of a friendly campfire or have your next family reunion here! River View Campground is located a mile south of Owatonna, MN, in a beautiful country setting, nestled among giant oak trees and bordered by the Straight River.
The campground has 58 drive-in campsites. Camping is available year-round. In winter, the park has campsites available for use in the B-loop of the campground, including electric (30 amp) and non-electric sites. The park's camper cabin is available for use year-round. Camper Cabin users must call to arrange for cabin key.
The campground has six, 30 amp electric sites.
Water and dump station are seasonal.
$24 - $34 / night
Capacity Maximum six people per campsite One RV per water/electric backin and water/electric pull-through site. One camper (or two tents) per electric only site. A tent with RV is permitted on sites #1-17 and #47-83 for an additional $8 (plus tax) per night. Amenities Lakeside or lakeview sites On-site caretakers Picnic table Fire ring (Firewood restrictions) Accessible restrooms with showers Camp store – closed until further notice due to COVID-19 Children’s playground Sanitary dump station Motorized and non-motorized boat launch Swimming beach - closed due to improvement project Horseshoe pits – closed due to improvement project, available in September Picnic shelter Handicap accessible site Paved lakeside trail with connection to Mill Towns State Trail and Cannon Valley Trail Water supply to applicable campsites (after Oct. 1, water will be shut off when temperatures are forecast to be below freezing)
$39 - $60 / night
Lebanon Hills Regional Park is the largest park in the Dakota County park system. Containing almost 2,000 acres, the park offers miles of trails and many lakes for year-round outdoor sports, recreation and environmental education.
The Lebanon Hills Visitor Center, located in the eastern section of the park, offers park information, interactive nature displays, courses and programs, equipment rental and access to all the beauty the park has to offer.
Dakota County Parks is actively restoring more than 1,100 acres of prairie and forest within Lebanon Hills Campground and planting more than 3,000 new trees and shrubs.
$24 - $42 / night
