Camping opportunities around Jordan, Minnesota range from developed campgrounds to rustic sites within 30 minutes of town. The region sits at approximately 930 feet above sea level in the Minnesota River Valley, with terrain characterized by rolling hills, wetlands, and small lakes. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons experience cooler temperatures from 45-65°F.
What to do
Beach activities at Lake Auburn: Lake Auburn Campground offers a clean, maintained beach area with gentle slopes suitable for young swimmers. "The beach is very nice. Bathrooms are clean," notes visitor Amy K., who also mentions the "great playground and green space for the kids."
Biking on paved trails: Baker Campground in Baker Park Reserve provides access to extensive paved trails. "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)," reports ERolf P. The park features 6+ miles of connected trails.
Hiking through ravines: High Island Creek Park offers unique hiking terrain with several trails descending into a wooded ravine. "We hiked to a nearby river. We cooled off and enjoyed the peace and quiet," explains Travis A., adding that the park features "a gulley that a large creek runs through surrounded by trees and large forested hills."
Golf nearby: Cleary Lake Regional Park campers have access to golf facilities. "The park also has a golf course and is very well kept," states one visitor. Another camper adds, "The golfing nearby seemed reasonably priced for those interested."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Lebanon Hills Regional Park consistently receives praise for maintenance standards. "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," writes Joanne M., who noted staff takes good care of facilities.
Secluded sites: Cleary Lake Regional Park offers walk-in sites that provide privacy despite proximity to parking. "I really like the hike in sites. Short walk from the car and right by the water yet spaced nicely for privacy," notes Jeff C. Another camper describes site 13 as "HUGE with lots of trees and absolutely beautiful scenery."
Cost-effective options: High Island Creek Park provides free camping with basic amenities. "Nice clean campground very well maintained and free. Near Henderson, MN which is one of a kind small town well worth the visit," explains Mike G., mentioning the park has "rustic with no hookups except very clean portapotty and hand lever water jack."
Convenience to urban areas: Dakotah Meadows RV Park offers proximity to Minneapolis attractions. "Very convenient for visiting Minneapolis…25/30 minutes from airport/Mall of America (Aquarium) and Security patrols regularly," explains Beth B. Another visitor adds it's "one of the nicer parks in the Twin Cities area" with "access to 494 and 35W."
What you should know
Site privacy varies significantly: Minneapolis Southwest KOA in Jordan has limited separation between sites. "Campsites are all cramped together with zero privacy," reports Nick G. Another camper notes, "There are no trees separating the sites which I don't like."
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the area operate from late April through October. The Minneapolis Southwest KOA specifically operates "Apr 25 to Oct 11" according to their listing information, while Lebanon Hills Regional Park runs "April 30 to October 12."
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. Regarding Lake Auburn Campground, one camper advises: "Reserve early online, most weekends were already reserved by mid May."
Noise considerations: Town & Country Campground experiences some urban noise. "It's right off a highway so you hear cars flying by 24/7," notes one camper, while another mentions, "Some road noise, but you are in the city so expected, but yet still quieter than in some areas being close to things."
Tips for camping with families
Look for educational programs: Carver Park Reserve offers regular programming for children. "They have programs every Saturday night, some of the ones we've been to were about bugs, raptors, bees, and snakes, there are usually programs during the day at the nature center as well," explains Missy B.
Consider sites near playgrounds: Lake Auburn Campground features playground equipment that appeals to various age groups. "The playground is awesome for all ages as it accommodates something for all age groups from a traditional playground set for the younger ones, volleyball net and concrete bag toss boards," notes one reviewer.
Check swimming conditions: Lebanon Hills Regional Park offers swimming areas with amenities. "Schultz Beach for summer fun, professional-built mountain bike trails for adventure, camping in Minnesota suburbs," mentions one visitor regarding the recreational opportunities.
Select appropriate campsites: Baker Campground offers sites of various sizes and locations. "We spent two nights in the campground. It was fairly busy, but we still felt secluded despite a full campground," reports ERolf P., suggesting that site selection can impact the family experience.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Fish Lake Acres Campground offers complete services for RVs. "Full hookups available, quite a few pull through lots and close to the twin cities!" reports a camper, adding "Nightly rate for the full hookup site I had was $32 with the dog."
Level site considerations: Some campgrounds provide concrete pads. "Sites are paved and have well-maintained grass," notes Chris F. about Dakotah Meadows RV Park, while another visitor appreciates the "level cement parking area and grassy spots."
Watch for size restrictions: When selecting campgrounds, verify RV length accommodations. "It appears to be sold out for the weekend so book ahead," advises Jennifer H. about Town & Country Campground, noting "The site we're in is W&E only but they have a dump station."
Amenities beyond camping: Some RV parks offer additional services. At Dakotah Meadows RV Park, "There is fuel on site as well as RV wash station. Bath house and laundry and card controlled ($5 card deposit on check in)," explains Beth B., also mentioning that "Security patrols regularly and there is shuttle if you want to visit casino."
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