Camping sites near Farmington, Minnesota range from tent-only spots to full-hookup RV parks, with most facilities within a 30-minute drive radius. Area elevations average 900-1,200 feet, creating rolling terrain that transitions between oak woods and open prairie grasslands. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing from November through March, making seasonal operations common for most campgrounds in the region.
What to do
Hiking diverse terrain: At Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground, trails lead through rare old-growth forest to unique features. "The trails were great and at the end of the trails there were beautiful falls. The falls weren't huge but there were pretty. A lot of things to photograph," notes Halie B., highlighting the accessible nature paths for day hikers.
Swimming in filtered water: Lake Elmo County Park Reserve maintains a swimming pond with filtered water and sand bottom. "They have a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming," mentions Timothy S., pointing out this unusual amenity that combines natural setting with pool-like cleanliness.
Paddling accessible waters: Multiple area lakes accommodate beginning paddlers and fishing enthusiasts. "Nice little lake to kayak on," reports Chris S. about Lebanon Hills Regional Park, where rental equipment is available. Another visitor mentions "a lake with a beach that rents kayaks (single and double), canoes, and paddle boards."
Geocaching and nature programs: Several parks offer ranger-led activities and self-guided adventures. "On Saturday nights they have a campground program for the kids and families to watch," explains one Lake Elmo visitor, making weekend stays particularly engaging for families with children.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds provide good spacing and natural barriers. "Tent camp sites are far enough from each other that neighbors can't be seen, and we didn't hear them either," explains Blair about Lebanon Hills. Similarly, at Nerstrand Big Woods, "The sites have quite a few trees separating them," though Deb M. notes some sites "back up almost into the sites on the right side of the B loop."
Modern facilities: Clean, well-maintained bathrooms rank high in camper satisfaction. Cleary Lake Regional Park earns particular praise: "Amazing bathroom/Showers. Quiet, lots of flies, good spot overall," shares Truly W. St. Croix Bluffs campers appreciate "fantastic bathrooms zoned showers."
Proximity to attractions: Location within easy driving distance to Twin Cities amenities appeals to many. "Convenient location. No problems. Facilities were really well maintained," mentions one camper about Lake Elmo, noting its proximity to the Minneapolis airport. Similarly, Town & Country RV Park provides "an easy on and off the interstate, super close to a gas station and RV wash bay."
Seasonal beauty: Different parks showcase distinct seasonal highlights. "Nerstrand is so lovely in October," shares Maria D., describing the fall colors. Another camper notes, "This is a great campground for Fall camping. The colors are amazing."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular sites fill quickly, especially for unique accommodations. Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins cabins are particularly sought after. "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," advises Blair, noting "as of this review (early June), all weekends are booked for all cabins."
Site selection challenges: Research campsite maps before booking. At Nerstrand Big Woods, "there's some sites that are tricky to back a trailer into, which would have been helped by some maintenance - there were LOTS of branches that needed to be trimmed back," warns Deb M.
Water limitations: Water access varies by season and location. At Afton State Park, a visitor cautions, "none of the water faucets or water pumps on the trails at Afton State Park are working. The good news is you can fill up on cold drinking water at the visitor center before trekking around the park's beautiful hiking trails!"
Gate hours: Some parks restrict after-hours access. "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 Lance L. about his experience at Cleary Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park offers "Nice playground for the kids" according to Lisa D., making it ideal for families with young children who need frequent activity breaks. Lebanon Hills visitors similarly mention, "Our spot was spacious, and close to the bathrooms and play area. The play area was really nice and looked brand new."
Easy hiking options: Multiple parks feature short trails manageable for children. "Directly behind the site was a hiking trail that led us through woods, fields and prairie," notes one Lake Elmo camper, describing the convenient access to nature exploration from campsites.
Swimming options: Supervised swimming areas provide family recreation. "The beach was very nice to swim in, but was a bit crowded no surprise in mid July," notes a St. Croix Bluffs visitor, suggesting weekday visits might offer more space during peak season.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Animal encounters create memorable experiences. "Then I saw the snake. I literally grabbed my husband to hold him back from stepping on it," shares Emily G. about a Afton State Park hike, illustrating how wildlife sightings become family stories. Another camper mentions raccoon visits, advising to "be sure to clean and put away food AND garbage before calling it a night."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Town & Country Campground & RV Park offers sites close to Minneapolis but with space limitations. "It's a nice park but very close compact. Everyone is squeezed in like sardines. Very tight quarters on roads and sites," notes Claire M., suggesting careful maneuvering for larger rigs.
Hookup options: Dakotah Meadows provides full-service sites with paved pads. "Sites are paved and have well-maintained grass. We were located near the casino road, which has an occasional loud car, even at night," explains Chris F., highlighting both amenities and potential noise issues.
Dump station access: Some parks offer dump facilities even without full hookups. At Town & Country, Jennifer H. notes, "The site were in is w&e only but they have a dump station," providing a practical detail for extended stays.
Seasonal restrictions: Water systems typically shut down during freezing weather. "Outside water is shut off during some parts of the year, so bring your own drinking water if you are camping close to/during winter," advises a Whitetail Woods visitor, relevant information for shoulder season camping.
