Camper cabins and luxury tent sites offer glamping close to Lakeville, Minnesota for year-round outdoor enjoyment. The region's gently rolling terrain features numerous lakes and wooded areas with elevations ranging from 900-1100 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures typically dip to 7°F in January, while summer averages hover around 83°F in July.
What to do
Trail biking and hiking: At Cleary Lake Regional Park, multiple well-maintained trails wind through forest and lakeside areas. "Cleary Lake is a good size and a kayaker's delight! The park also has a golf course and is very well kept," notes reviewer Lili R.
Winter camping: Baker Park Reserve maintains accessible sites even during colder months with heated facilities. "The sites at Baker Park Reserve are larger than average. This is a big campground with a lot of paved bike trails and a nice lake a short walk away," says reviewer Melissa H.
Swimming and beach activities: Lake Auburn Campground offers a designated swimming area with beach amenities for summer visitors. "The swim area was cool after a hot day and the beach was gently sloping and smooth," according to Sarah S., who appreciated the clean beach area.
What campers like
Private lakeside spots: Lake Byllesby Regional Park features waterfront sites with utilities. "Very nice water front sites, clean, clean restrooms and showers, dump station. Plan on coming back. They're adding a bunch new sites," reports Daryl L.
Walk-in tent sites: Lake Auburn Campground provides more secluded options for tent campers seeking tranquility. "This campground even has 2 walking/hike-in campsites to give your avid campers a real out-in-the-middle-of-nowhere kind of feel," notes Andrea T.
Modern facilities: Campers consistently mention the quality of amenities at glamping sites near Lakeville. "The bathroom facilities are nice. Outside water is shut off during some parts of the year, so bring your own drinking water if you are camping close to/during winter," advises Blair at Whitetail Woods.
What you should know
Reservation timeline: Sites at popular glamping destinations fill quickly, especially during peak season. "Plan ahead as these are hard to come by," warns Scott M. about the Whitetail Woods cabins.
Winter water access: Multiple campgrounds shut off outdoor water sources during cold months. "The bathrooms were closed (covid). Had great trails to walk and bike on. Sites are spaced out. Our 34' trailer fit easily," reports Tracy O. at Sakatah Lake State Park.
Accessibility considerations: Afton State Park requires some physical exertion to reach certain areas. "The hike to the campground is short and grueling. A few of the sites are in wooded areas, but we stayed in one of the prairie sites," shares Andrew C.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Bunker Hills Regional Park offers excellent facilities for children. "Something for everyone here! Perfect for kids, they have a water park with a wave pool, a disc golf course, a golf course, several pavilions with grills, a few playgrounds and plenty of trails," explains Arielle P.
Beach activities: Multiple campgrounds feature designated swimming areas ideal for family outings. "The beach area looks nice," notes Erik R. at Lake Auburn Campground, which provides a shallow entry point suitable for younger swimmers.
Equipment for tent sites: When glamping close to Lakeville with children, consider site layout carefully. "Would strongly discourage big coolers or lots of weight," advises Adam P. about Afton's carry-in sites, which require hiking from parking areas.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Several campgrounds accommodate larger rigs, but some have limitations. "Very nice park if your RV is not too big. I put our 38 foot 5th wheel in a site but you better be on your game here. Lots of shade and big trees," cautions Tim B. about Sakatah Lake State Park.
Hookup availability: Most glamping sites near Lakeville offer electric but not all include water or sewer connections. "Lakeside sites are close together, with W/E hookups, but they're right on the lake with a wonderful view," describes Deb M. about Lake Byllesby.
Winter RV considerations: For cold-weather glamping around Lakeville, check seasonal availability and services. "No water at the sites but had electric in ours. We were able to get potable water at the entrance," reports Tracy O. about spring camping at Sakatah Lake State Park.
