Glamping options close to Lilydale, Minnesota provide a mix of camping experiences within 25 miles of this Mississippi River town. Situated in Dakota County, the area features rolling terrain with elevation ranging from 700-900 feet and experiences humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Most glamping locations remain open from April through October, though several offer year-round accommodations with heating systems for cold weather camping.
What to do
Beach access at Lake Byllesby: Campers can enjoy shoreline activities just 30 miles from Lilydale at Lake Byllesby Regional Park. "This is a great family campground! Camping spots are rather close, but we have two little ones so they made friends quick with other children. The views are great!" reports Angela L. The park features a swimming beach, boat launch, and playground.
Trail exploration at Bunker Hills: The extensive trail network at Bunker Hills Regional Park provides hiking and biking opportunities across varied terrain. Krista T. notes, "Despite many of these things not being anything that I have a slight interest in, this somehow works for the park and it feels like a hidden paradise. I was immediately enthralled by the scenery as we drove into the park." The park offers both paved and unpaved trails suitable for various skill levels.
Wildlife viewing at Cleary Lake: The lakeside camping at Cleary Lake Regional Park provides excellent opportunities for birding and wildlife spotting. "Our 'hike in' spot was very close to the car but hidden in a forest. Gorgeous spot. We walked around and looked at all the other sites and each was unique and pretty," shares Lili R. The park features both drive-in and walk-in sites with easy access to the water.
What campers like
Modern comfort at Rice Creek: Campers appreciate the amenities at Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park, which offers both tent and RV sites. "It was very easy to find, close to the twin cities, and clean. There was good access to kindling for a fire in the nice fire pit that has a grill. There is ample room to park a car and put up a large tent," notes Ashley J.
Privacy at Baker Park Reserve: The spacious sites at Baker Park provide a sense of seclusion despite being in a popular area. "The sites are good sized, and the bathroom/showers are great. With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be," writes Bryan S. The park offers various site types from waterfront to wooded.
Convenience to Minneapolis: The proximity to urban areas makes Lake Auburn Campground a popular choice for quick getaways. "I bought new camping gear and this campground, given its proximity to our house, made for an easy weekend getaway to give the gear a trial run," explains Erik R. Most glamping locations near Lilydale are within a 45-minute drive of downtown Minneapolis.
What you should know
Reservation timing: The glamping spots at Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins require advanced planning. "It's difficult to get reservations, so I recommend trying to start booking 120 days in advance, which is the farthest out you can reserve. For example, as of this review (early June), all weekends are booked for all cabins," advises Blair.
Winter considerations: Seasonal services vary at most parks. "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," notes one Whitetail Woods camper. Most bathhouses operate with limited services during cold months.
Noise levels: Some campgrounds offer more peace and quiet than others. At Minneapolis Southwest KOA, one camper reported, "It's right off a highway so you hear cars flying by 24/7. Campsites are all cramped together with zero privacy." Consider site selection carefully when booking.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Many regional parks offer family-focused amenities. "With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be," shares a camper about Baker Park Reserve. Most family-friendly sites include play structures within walking distance of campsites.
Swimming options: Several glamping sites offer water recreation for children. At Lake Byllesby, Angela L. notes, "The playground is a short walk to the tent area, which was a big hit with our kids. Our girls didn't want to leave!" Check beach conditions before planning water activities as some lakes experience seasonal algae blooms.
Site privacy concerns: Family groups should consider how close sites are to neighbors. At Minneapolis Northwest KOA, Jessica M. observed, "The sites were spacious and private-surrounded on 3 sides by trees. The bathrooms were clean. The pool area was clean and without issue." Request sites away from main roads for quieter family experiences.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric and water services vary by location. At Lake Byllesby, Daryl L. mentions, "Nice showers and restrooms. Paved RV pads. Near lake and excellent bike path. Great brewery and winery close by." Most regional parks offer partial hookups rather than full-service sites.
Site leveling needs: Some campgrounds present challenges for larger rigs. "The sites a 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," reports Melissa H. Request information about pad materials and levelness when booking.
Dump station access: Plan ahead for waste management needs. Many regional parks offer on-site dump stations, but not all do. Check with individual parks about sanitation facilities before arrival to avoid inconvenient trips to distant dump stations.
