Farmington, Minnesota camping options sit along the Vermillion River watershed, offering a mix of hardwood forest, prairie, and wetland environments. Most camping in the region occurs at elevations between 850-950 feet, with average summer highs around 83°F. Fall brings cooler temperatures with average lows dipping to 38°F by late October, influencing seasonal availability at many campgrounds.
What to do
Water recreation on Lake Independence: Baker Campground in Medina offers excellent access to Lake Independence for fishing, swimming, and boating. Visitors can rent canoes, paddleboats, and SUP boards directly at the lake. "There are nice paved trails around a couple of lakes/ponds for biking, and easy access to the shower and bathroom facilities (which were very nice)," notes one visitor at Baker Campground.
Bird watching: The diverse habitats around Farmington attract numerous bird species, especially during spring and fall migrations. "I love birding here as well," mentions a regular visitor to Baker Park Reserve. Morning hours between 6-9am typically offer the best viewing opportunities, with species ranging from waterfowl to woodland songbirds.
Hiking at Lebanon Hills: With over 14 miles of trails through forests and around lakes, Lebanon Hills Regional Park provides excellent hiking options. "Lebanon Hills is a great park and has a lot of trails for hiking and mountain biking," writes one camper. The trails vary in difficulty, with most being moderate and suitable for families with children over age 5.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campers highlight the well-maintained facilities at campgrounds near Farmington. "The bathroom facility near the ranger station was very well maintained and cleaned several times a day," notes a camper at Lebanon Hills Regional Park. Most campgrounds have flush toilets and hot showers, though availability varies seasonally.
Spacious sites: Hidden Meadows RV Park in Pine Island receives praise for its site design. "The campground was nice with grassy sites along with electric and water hook ups, there was a dump station also," writes one visitor. Many sites feature 20-30 feet between neighbors, offering more privacy than typical RV parks.
Lake access: Camping near lakes ranks high on camper satisfaction. At Lake Byllesby Campground, visitors appreciate the waterfront options. "Great views of the lake and two great playgrounds. Very close to town and good priced," comments one camper. The lake offers boat launches at both the east and west ends.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Farmington require reservations, especially during summer weekends. "Reserve early online, most weekends were already reserved by mid May," advises a Lebanon Hills camper. Some parks allow same-day bookings if sites remain available, but this is uncommon from June through September.
Seasonal closures: Operating seasons vary significantly between campgrounds. "It's a nice stop if you need close to Rochester. Not badly priced. Grill and Bar on site with good food. The store, bath, and laundry are still closed due to Covid," notes a visitor to Tilly's American Travelers RV Resort in Oronoco.
Road noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise due to their proximity to major roads. "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 a Lebanon Hills camper. Sites deeper within campgrounds typically offer more buffer from road noise.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds near Farmington feature playgrounds that appeal to families with young children. At Cleary Lake Regional Park, one visitor notes, "It was very clean, had friendly staff, and was close to a really fun park for our kids. We will be back!" Playgrounds typically accommodate children ages 2-12, with most featuring modern equipment installed within the last 5-7 years.
Beach swimming: Lake Byllesby Campground offers swimming beaches that families appreciate. "We picked a site at the end looking to have less neighbors... The camp was beautiful and had great trails and clean showers," shares one visitor. Swimming beaches typically operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with most lacking lifeguards.
Activity planning: Families should note that some campgrounds offer more activities than others. "With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be," writes a visitor to Baker Campground. Many campgrounds provide activity sheets or scavenger hunts at check-in for children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: RV campers frequently mention ground conditions at area campgrounds. At Dakotah Meadows RV Park in Prior Lake, a visitor notes, "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." Many sites require minimal leveling, with most needing less than 2 inches of adjustment.
Water fill stations: Access to water varies between campgrounds. At Hidden Meadows RV Park, one visitor mentions, "The water wasn't turned on yet, but we were able to fill our fresh water tank with a hose from their laundromat." Water availability at most parks extends from April through October, with freezing temperatures limiting winter access.
Power availability: When booking RV sites, checking electrical service specifications is important. "Sites were so easy and the bike trails were awesome! Lots of nature paths too," writes a camper at Lake Byllesby Campground. While most parks advertise 50-amp service, actual amperage can vary by individual site, with some older sections offering only 30-amp connections.
