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Best Campgrounds near Farmington, MN

701 Reviews

Campgrounds near Farmington, Minnesota include a mix of county and regional park facilities offering diverse camping experiences within a short drive. Lebanon Hills Regional Park and Nerstrand Big Woods State Park provide established camping with both tent and RV sites, while specialty locations like Whitetail Woods feature modern camper cabins built on stilts overlooking the forest. Most campgrounds in this area maintain developed sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and access to toilets, though amenities vary significantly between primitive tent-only areas and full-hookup RV sites.

Several campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, typically from April through October, with Lebanon Hills, Lake Byllesby, and Cleary Lake all closing for winter. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park remains open from April 1 to October 23, while a few facilities like Afton State Park and Town & Country Campground offer year-round access. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for the popular camper cabins at Whitetail Woods. A recent review noted, "Plan ahead as these are hard to come by," highlighting the demand for these distinctive accommodations.

The camping experience in Dakota County parks receives consistently high ratings for their blend of natural settings with proximity to urban amenities. Lebanon Hills stands out with its mix of wooded tent sites and RV facilities, earning praise for its well-maintained facilities. 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." The camper cabins at Whitetail Woods represent a popular glamping option, with reviews highlighting their accessibility during shoulder seasons: "They each have 4 spots and have contactless entry as you get sent a code to use." Most mixed-use campgrounds in the region provide access to hiking trails, lakes, and outdoor recreation opportunities, making them suitable for both overnight stays and extended camping trips.

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Best Camping Sites Near Farmington, Minnesota (106)

    1. Lebanon Hills Regional Park

    43 Reviews
    Apple Valley, MN
    8 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. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Nerstrand, MN
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 333-4840

    "This is a Nice campground middle of Minnesota. Surprising place in the middle of farm country. Very nice campground and lots of walking trails. Great for leaf peeping."

    "To be on the safe side, incase we had issues, we decided to stay close to home so we decided to hit up a new park, Nerstrand Big Woods State Park just outside Northfield, Minnesota."

    3. Afton State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Denmark, MN
    22 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. Cleary Lake Regional Park

    8 Reviews
    Prior Lake, MN
    11 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!"

    5. Lake Byllesby Regional Park

    12 Reviews
    Cannon Falls, MN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 263-4447

    "Near lake and excellent bike path. Great brewery and winery close by."

    "Lakeside sites are close together, with W/E hookups, but they’re right in the lake with a wonderful view. The facilities are very clean and well-kept."

    6. Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins

    4 Reviews
    Empire, MN
    4 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."

    7. Dakotah Meadows RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Prior Lake, MN
    16 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."

    8. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve

    37 Reviews
    Lake Elmo, MN
    25 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."

    9. 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"

    10. Town & Country Campground & RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Savage, MN
    14 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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Farmington, MN

188 Photos of 106 Farmington Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Farmington, MN

701 Reviews of 106 Farmington 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.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Lebanon Hills Regional Park

    Not a bad stay

    Sites are a little close with little to no privacy in most. Fun little trails nearby for an afternoon walk. Reservation system is weird and the sites are much bigger than they say. All rv sites are the listed length plus 16’ for your tow vehicle, which you need to call to find out.

Guide to Farmington

Camping near Farmington, 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 or an RV.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Willow River State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Lovely trails, the beach is a large area with a nice park and picnic area." The park also features beautiful waterfalls that are worth the hike.
  • Water Activities: At Interstate State Park, you can rent canoes and kayaks. A reviewer said, "Canoe and kayak rentals for more adventures on the river" make for a fun day out.
  • Wildlife Watching: Afton State Park Campground is known for its scenic views and wildlife. One camper shared, "The eagles soar as you swim in the sandy, shallow warm river stream."

What campers like:

  • Privacy: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Lebanon Hills Regional Park. A visitor noted, "We were very surprised at the privacy of our site."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers rave about the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. One review for Frontenac State Park Campground stated, "Bathrooms are VERY CLEAN."
  • Convenient Location: William O'Brien State Park Campground is close to Stillwater, making it a great spot for a quick getaway. A camper mentioned, "Close proximity to Stillwater which made for a nice day trip."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lake Elmo County Park Reserve, do not have showers or toilets. A reviewer pointed out, "Only portapotties" are available.
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. One camper at Lake Maria State Park warned, "The mosquitos were awful."
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots like Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve fill up quickly. A visitor advised, "Must reserve months in advance as usually full."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites, like Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground. A family shared, "Sites are wooded so you don’t have neighbor issues."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One camper at Afton State Park Campground said, "Great trails for all different skill levels."
  • Pack Bug Spray: With the presence of mosquitoes, a camper at Lake Maria State Park reminded others, "Be prepared with bug spray/repellant!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Interstate State Park mentioned, "The site did not have electricity, but there were plenty of sites in the inner circle that did."
  • Use Dump Stations: Facilities like Lebanon Hills Regional Park have sanitary dump stations. A camper noted, "Water and dump station located at the office."
  • Stay Connected: Some campgrounds have limited cell service. A visitor at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park mentioned, "T-Mobile service is one (1) bar of LTE."

Camping near Farmington, MN, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Farmington, MN?

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

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