Best Campgrounds near Lakeville, MN

The greater Lakeville area offers several established campgrounds within a 30-minute drive, primarily managed by county and regional park systems. Lebanon Hills Regional Park in nearby Eagan features spacious RV sites with full hookups and secluded tent sites nestled in wooded areas. Cleary Lake Regional Park provides lakeside camping with both drive-in and hike-in options. Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins offers year-round glamping opportunities for those seeking more comfortable accommodations. Most campgrounds in this region maintain facilities ranging from basic toilets to full shower buildings and electrical hookups.

Reservation requirements vary across the region, with most sites requiring booking 3-4 months in advance, especially for summer weekends. "We would be happy to stay again," noted one camper at Lebanon Hills, where the staff takes "excellent care of the facilities." Many campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from April through October, though select locations like Whitetail Woods cabins remain available year-round with heating systems for winter camping. Weather considerations include humid summer conditions and occasional severe thunderstorms. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, though signal strength varies at more remote sites. Campground roads are well-maintained and accessible with standard vehicles, making this region suitable for campers of all experience levels.

Waterfront sites consistently receive the highest ratings among campers in the Lakeville area. At Cleary Lake Regional Park, visitors particularly appreciate Site 13, described as "HUGE with lots of trees and absolutely beautiful scenery" right on the water. Multiple reviewers highlight the balance of accessibility and privacy found at regional parks near Lakeville. Sites that back up to wooded areas or natural spaces provide more seclusion, while full-hookup RV areas tend to have less privacy between sites. Travelers appreciate the proximity to Twin Cities attractions, with one camper calling Lebanon Hills "an oasis in the middle of the Twin Cities." The extensive trail systems connected to many campgrounds offer hiking and mountain biking opportunities without requiring additional travel from camp.

Best Camping Sites Near Lakeville, Minnesota (104)

    1. Lebanon Hills Regional Park

    42 Reviews
    Apple Valley, MN
    7 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. Cleary Lake Regional Park

    7 Reviews
    Prior Lake, MN
    7 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!"

    3. Dakotah Meadows RV Park

    12 Reviews
    Prior Lake, MN
    12 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."

    4. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Nerstrand, MN
    24 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."

    5. Town & Country Campground & RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Savage, MN
    10 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."

    6. Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins

    4 Reviews
    Empire, MN
    7 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. Afton State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Denmark, MN
    25 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."

    8. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve

    37 Reviews
    Lake Elmo, MN
    26 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. Lake Byllesby Regional Park

    11 Reviews
    Cannon Falls, MN
    18 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."

    10. St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park

    20 Reviews
    Denmark, MN
    23 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"

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Recent Reviews near Lakeville, MN

671 Reviews of 104 Lakeville Campgrounds


  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Zumbrota Covered Bridge Park

    Scenic

    Pros: great paved walking and bike trail; leads to state bike trail; MN only covered bridge; huge park playground; disc golf course; along branch of the river; easy walk into town; friendly camp host; very quiet Cons: few site pads, you just drive onto grass where you see electric/water posts and fire ring; restroom with 1 toilet and 1 shower were dirty (husband said it looks like it hadn’t been cleaned in a month) I concur on woman’s as well but there was toilet paper (happy) but no hand soap or paper towels; garbage in women’s shower

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Haycreek Valley Campground

    Beautiful surroundings

    Red Wing, Minn might be the prettiest small town in the US. Rolling hills, greenery, the Mississippi River, and genuinely nice people in a small city with lots of attractions.

    The campground is about a 10 minute ride from the city center. The amenities are sparse and aged, but the sites are level, plentiful, and reasonably priced.

    Be aware however…..The Dyrt is wrong. There are no sewer hookups at this campground. They have a dump station and will pump for a fee.

    There is a perfectly average pub on site. The food is okay, the price is reasonable.

  • Krista T.
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park

    Nice metro get away

    This is a beautiful park and the campsites for the most part all seem spacious, and the loop we were in (whichever one site 52 is in) all had decent tree cover.

    The bathroom facility has seen better days. The nature center is nice and a great place to spend some time if it is raining during their open hours.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Sakatah Lake State Park Campground

    It was perfect. There wasn’t a lot of people there. The lots are pretty nice and secluded.

    I love the location and how quiet it is and secluded each spot is

  • Lance L.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Fish Lake Acres Campground

    Cozy Lakeside Sitr

    Great pricing and friendly staff. Nice beach. A few spots are pull through which is nice for larger RVs and travel trailers.

  • JJ W.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Bluff Valley Campground

    Great site!

    Pretty good site. Cool playground, pool is a little small and no wifi. Phone reception is choppy and worse on the weekends. Many different-sized sites. Right on the river. Great tubing. Weekend activities are very fun and the concerts are always fun, the band rocks.

  • Deb M.
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Lake Byllesby Regional Park

    Great park

    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. Cannon Falls is a nice town to explore, and it’s close to home and work. Cell service was good also.

  • Ludwig H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2025

    Willow River State Park Campground

    Tent camped here

    Facilities are great no complains, the beach is a bit over run my goose so is a little dirty, there is a great spot below the dam to cool off if needed.

  • Dan O.
    Jul. 27, 2025

    Mississippi Riverwood RV Park

    A hidden gem - PRIVATE RV Park

    This hidden gem is a PRIVATE RV Park where each lot is individually owned and most owners live South in the winter. Individual owners can rent their lot with restrictions and those rentals are between the owner and the renter. The owners association is not involved in these rentals or the disputes that sometimes arise.  That said, we own a riverside lot and absolutely love it here.


Guide to Lakeville

Camping near Lakeville, Minnesota, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

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 features various hiking paths that lead to stunning waterfalls.
  • Water Activities: At Interstate State Park, you can rent canoes and kayaks. A reviewer shared, "Canoe and kayak rentals for more adventures on the river" make it a great spot for water lovers.
  • Wildlife Watching: Lebanon Hills Regional Park is perfect for spotting local wildlife. One camper noted, "Great location for easy access to mountain bike trails," indicating the area's rich biodiversity.

What campers like:

  • Privacy: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve. A happy camper said, "Peaceful, quiet, with spacious sites that are situated in a staggered way."
  • Clean Facilities: Many visitors rave about the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Frontenac State Park Campground stated, "Bathrooms are VERY CLEAN," which is a big plus for many campers.
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful landscapes. One reviewer at Afton State Park Campground mentioned, "The eagles soar as you swim in the sandy, shallow warm river stream."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like William O'Brien State Park Campground, have limited amenities. A visitor noted, "Vaulted toilets need help and a good cleaning," so be prepared for rustic conditions.
  • Mosquitoes: During warmer months, bugs can be a nuisance. A camper at Lake Maria State Park warned, "Be prepared with bug spray/repellant!"
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can get busy, especially during weekends. A review for Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground mentioned, "Sites are close together and the use of large campers seemed to far outnumber those staying in tents."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites like Lake Elmo County Park Reserve. A family-friendly review stated, "The sites are spacious and far enough away from others to feel like there was enough privacy."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to plan family-friendly activities. One reviewer at Afton State Park Campground said, "Great trails for all different skill levels," which is perfect for families with kids.
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes. A camper at Interstate State Park mentioned, "The friendly folks at the park office helped me plan a fun day of hiking."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve noted, "RV pads are gravel," which can be a factor for larger rigs.
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups, like Lebanon Hills Regional Park. A visitor mentioned, "RV portion has full hook ups."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Keep noise levels down, especially at night. A camper at Interstate State Park shared their experience with noisy neighbors, saying, "People in RVs tend to not recognize their voices penetrate tent walls with incredible ease."

Camping around Lakeville, Minnesota, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the campgrounds near Lakeville, MN?

Several campgrounds are located within a short drive from Lakeville. Lebanon Hills Regional Park is one of the closest options, offering family-friendly camping in a suburban Minnesota setting with hiking trails, mountain biking, and beach access at Schultz Beach. Another nearby option is Cleary Lake Regional Park, located near Prior Lake with drive-in and walk-in sites. Additional campgrounds within driving distance include Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins, Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, and Lake Elmo County Park Reserve, all offering various amenities and outdoor activities for campers looking to explore the Lakeville area.

What camping options are available in and around Lakeville, Minnesota?

The Lakeville area offers diverse camping experiences for all preferences. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve provides impressive amenities including a filtered swimming pond with sandy beaches, hiking trails, horseback riding, boating, and an excellent playground—perfect for families. For a more rustic experience, Cannon River Wilderness Area offers free riverside camping with sites tucked away from crowds, ideal for hammock camping. Other options in the region include Nerstrand Big Woods State Park (great for leaf-peeping), William O'Brien State Park (with easy walking trails), and Frontenac State Park (offering cart-in sites). Most campgrounds in the area provide basic amenities like toilets and water access.

Are there private RV parks near Lakeville for camping?

Dakotah Meadows RV Park near Prior Lake is one of the closest private RV parks to Lakeville, offering drive-in access with full hookup sites that accommodate big rigs. Another option is Town & Country Campground & RV Park near Savage, which is RV-friendly and features reservable sites with toilet facilities. For RVers looking for a quick overnight stay, some stores like Cabela's in Rogers permit overnight parking, though it may be noisy due to proximity to highways. Island Campground and Marina near Red Wing also offers full hookups for RVs, though it's primarily designed for river access and may have noise from the nearby Highway 63 bridge.