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

    43 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

    8 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

    13 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

    12 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

680 Reviews of 104 Lakeville 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 Lakeville

Camping near Lakeville, Minnesota includes several campgrounds located within 30 minutes of this Twin Cities suburb. The region sits within the transition zone between prairie and hardwood forests, creating diverse ecosystems for exploration at various campgrounds. Winter camping options expand beyond just Whitetail Woods, with several parks offering year-round facilities despite average January temperatures of 15°F.

What to do

Hiking trails with waterfalls: Nerstrand Big Woods State Park features trails leading to a small but picturesque waterfall. "We went there last July just go hiking for the day. 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," says Halie B.

Kayaking opportunities: Paddling options exist at several parks, allowing campers to experience the region from the water. "Nice little lake to kayak on," writes Chris S. about Lebanon Hills Regional Park. The park's small lake offers a peaceful water experience accessible to beginners.

Winter recreation: While summer camping dominates, winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing keep parks active year-round. At Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins, visitors find heated accommodations that make cold weather camping comfortable. "The cabins in the woods are great in winter with snow on the pine trees," notes Krista T.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Unlike the full-hookup areas mentioned in the existing description, tent campers can find secluded spots throughout the region. At Cleary Lake Regional Park, "I really like the hike in sites. Short walk from the car and right by the water yet spaced nicely for privacy," says Jeff C.

Diverse terrain options: The region offers varied camping environments from wooded areas to prairie settings. "The sites are nice and level, with plenty of space between each one. This feels very much like a nice state park," reports Joanne M. about Lebanon Hills Regional Park.

Regional parks quality: Many campers compare the county and regional parks favorably to state parks. At Lake Elmo County Park Reserve, one camper noted, "Top of the line campground. Surprisingly well spaced sites, facilities modern and clean. Trees galore. Clearly the locals use this park a lot."

What you should know

Site reservation strategy: The popularity of these campgrounds requires advance planning. "Reserve early online, most weekends were already reserved by mid May," advises Blair about Lebanon Hills.

Bathroom facilities vary: While some parks offer full shower facilities, others have more basic options. At Lake Byllesby Regional Park, campers appreciate that "The facilities are very clean and well-kept," according to Deb M.

Cell service considerations: Beyond the general reliability mentioned in the existing description, specific campgrounds may have connectivity challenges. At Whitetail Woods, one camper warns, "There's WiFi available, but depending on which cabin you reserve signal will be too weak for real usage. Same for mobile data—don't plan on cell service here."

Tips for camping with families

Playgrounds and kid-friendly amenities: Several parks feature updated playgrounds for children. Angela L. notes about Lebanon Hills: "Our spot was spacious, and close to the bathrooms and play area. The play area was really nice and looked brand new. Our girls loved making new friends to play with."

Swimming options: St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park provides beach access for families seeking water recreation. "Beach is great. Easy boat launch. Clean facility," states Rikki I., highlighting amenities beyond just camping.

Educational opportunities: Parks often offer programs specifically for children. Lake Elmo features "Saturday nights they have a campground program for the kids and families to watch," according to Tina H., providing structured activities during weekend stays.

Tips from RVers

Site selection priorities: For larger rigs, knowing site specifications matters. At Dakotah Meadows RV Park, "We have also stayed in the pull through sites, but not really a fan of those. Still, I would choose this park over others in the area for the access to 494 and 35W," advises Tom D.

Services and amenities: RV-specific features like dump stations and hookup quality vary by location. At Dakotah Meadows, "There is fuel on site as well as RV wash station. Bath house and laundry and card controlled ($5 card deposit on check in)…well maintained facilities," reports Beth B.

Level site availability: RV campers particularly appreciate well-constructed sites. Lisa D. describes Town & Country Campground: "It's a nice park but very close compact. Everyone is squeezed in like sardines. Very tight quarters on roads and sites."

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.