Camping opportunities around Shakopee, Minnesota encompass a variety of established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius of the city. The area features several well-maintained facilities such as Dakotah Meadows RV Park in Prior Lake and Town & Country Campground in Savage, primarily catering to RV campers with full hookup sites. Tent camping is also accommodated at most locations, while Minneapolis Southwest KOA in Jordan and Baker Park Reserve in Medina offer cabin options for those seeking alternative accommodations. Several campgrounds are situated near lakes and natural areas, providing a mix of urban accessibility and outdoor recreation.
Seasonal operations affect most camping areas in this region, with the typical camping season running from late April through mid-October. Water hookups and certain facilities may be unavailable during early spring and late fall due to freezing temperatures. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when the Minneapolis-area campgrounds frequently reach capacity. Many campgrounds maintain paved sites with level concrete pads, making them accessible for larger RVs and trailers. The proximity to the Twin Cities means most camping areas have reliable cell service and are within a short drive of convenience stores and other amenities. As one camper noted, "This is a really nice campground with cement parking pads with full hookups. The grass around the lots is very green, lush and well maintained."
Most camping experiences in the Shakopee area combine convenient access to urban attractions with modest outdoor settings. Cleary Lake Regional Park and Lebanon Hills Regional Park receive positive reviews for maintaining a balance between natural surroundings and modern amenities. Several visitors highlight the shuttle services at Dakotah Meadows connecting to Mystic Lake Casino as a unique feature. While natural isolation is limited, the campgrounds generally maintain clean facilities and family-friendly environments. A review mentioned that "it's an easy on and off the interstate, super close to a gas station and RV wash bay." The campgrounds near Shakopee serve primarily as convenient bases for exploring Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan attractions rather than wilderness experiences, though nearby lakes provide opportunities for fishing and water recreation during summer months.
$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."
$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."
$21 - $29 / night
"Baker Park near Minneapolis Minnesota was a our camp choice for inexpensive camping on the last leg of our Minnesota vacation in 2017."
"The beaches are some of the best in Minnesota. The bike trails are nearby and plentiful."
$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!"
"A couple weeks ago we spent some time at the Northwest koa...that one had private tent sites surrounded on 3 sides by trees, quiet spaces etc."
"If you’re looking for an RV Park in the Shakopee/Savage area this place is nice. Game room small pool unfortunately all closed due to COVID but super cute little park."
"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."
$15 - $18 / night
"This campground even has 2 walking/hike-in campsites to give your avid campers a real out-in-the-middle-of-nowhere kind if feel, like you drove hundreds if miles to get away from the hustle and bussle"
"But the Eady walk to the lake, sitting on the dock or the grass and swimming III m the water are a great way to destress."
"Family friendly campground with educational activities. campsites are close together but it is a close drive from the cities and a nice place for families. Nice walking & biking trails."
"We had site 57, which is more expensive but is also very large, surrounded by trees and has a patio, the other campsite sizes vary greatly with some being very small, it's very easy for groups to camp"
$26 - $32 / night
"Full hookups available, quite a few pull through lots and close to the twin cities! No wifi, so make sure you've got decent cell service and hotspot if you need internet/wifi."
$26 - $46 / night
"There is a bathroom, but it is a 10 minute walk, so plan to be self-sufficient in that regard. Friendly host."
ScoutI was able to find a campsite not on the road. There was a trail from the parking spot so keep an eye out. Lots of animals saw a turkey and coyote so just be aware. Very pretty and calm. Had to pick up some trash from other campers just a reminder to leave no trace.
GuideThis place is spectacular,u have to walk down to the creek. God's work. Beautiful
TravelerWe stayed here from about 10pm to 6am. There were a ton of people there so it was hard finding somewhere to sleep. Once we did, it was very quiet and we got a good nights rest. There were a couple of cars that passed us in the morning when we left but nothing too crazy. The scenery was very beautiful. This is definitely a great free option if you’re looking for a peaceful spot in the woods to sleep!
TravelerI stayed there with my RV. Most all of the campsites were too small to park it, but I found one at the very end of the park to stay. Although the land itself is beautiful, the locals were reporting me to the DNR officer, who were clearly his friends, and accusing me of things I was not doing. Also, there’s a lot of traffic in and out of there and they fly through there day and night, as well as a lot of gunfire going off a lot of the time. I use T-Mobile service and I was on SOS most of the time. Not very impressed.
TravelerWell maintained. Nice beach.
TravelerBeen camping here year round for 20+ years. Free, first come first served rustic hike/cart in sites with steel fire ring/grill. There are 4 official sites and 2 more unofficial sites with no fire ring.
If you camp with animals: Sites all sit directly off walking trail very popular with dog walkers.
GuideSmall pullout area on state forest land. Can walk trail back to tent.
GuideNice spot right on the lake. Lots of animal noises! Pretty sunrise/sunset.
GuideGot in late on a Sunday night and there was plenty of space. Most sites are right along the gravel road so not super private. Wouldn’t recommend for large trailers/RVs as sites are small. Found a couple sets of deer bones right next to my site, not sure if it’s from hunters dumping their waste or coyotes but keep an eye out either way.
Camping around Shakopee, Minnesota centers on a cluster of regional and county parks within a 30-minute drive radius. Most sites operate seasonally from April through October due to Minnesota's harsh winters, with campgrounds rarely open past mid-October. While summer weekends fill quickly at popular locations, midweek stays offer better availability. Sites typically cost $25-35 per night, with tent camping generally less expensive than full hookup RV sites.
Kayaking at Lebanon Hills: Take advantage of the small lake perfect for paddling at Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan. "Nice little lake to kayak on," notes Chris S., making it ideal for beginners or those seeking calm waters.
Hiking trail networks: Lebanon Hills offers extensive trails connecting various parts of the park. "Great hiking. Sites with full hookups or more remote sites with electric that are more tucked away in the pines," according to Katie C. The park serves as a trailhead for several interconnected paths ranging from easy to moderate difficulty.
Swimming at Lake Auburn: The Carver Park Reserve features a designated swimming beach on Lake Auburn with gradually sloping shorelines. "The beach is lovely. And facilities were nice too," reports Meredith J. The swimming area remains relatively shallow, making it suitable for families with younger children.
Urban-adjacent natural settings: Campers appreciate finding natural areas close to city amenities. "Lebanon Hills is a great park and has a lot of trails for hiking and mountain biking. Our family selected this camp ground to test out some gear -- if we had problems or if we forgot something it was a short drive home," explains Blair from their experience at Lebanon Hills.
Educational programming: Baker Park Reserve offers regular nature programs for visitors. "The campground staff checked us in quickly, and gave us the rundown on all the amenities. We headed to our spot, which backed up to a beautiful wooded area, with plenty of grass to walk our wondermutt," shares Joanne M.
Weekday tranquility: The best places to camp near Shakopee remain relatively quiet on weekdays. "We live about 15 mins. away from this campground. We stayed in the East Loop which is for smaller RVs and tents... We liked that we weren't super close to any campers unlike most RV spots are nowadays," notes Angela L. about Lebanon Hills.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill completely on summer weekends. "Reserve early online, most weekends were already reserved by mid May," advises Blair about Cleary Lake Regional Park.
Variable site privacy: Site layouts differ dramatically between campgrounds and even within the same park. "I can't really speak for any of the other sites here, but 13 is the only one right on the water and it's HUGE with lots of trees and absolutely beautiful scenery," mentions Clare L. about Cleary Lake Regional Park.
Background noise concerns: Some campgrounds experience intermittent noise from surrounding development. "The only criticisms we have are that you can hear road noise -- and depending on your site you'll hear the alarm of one of the access gates for the Minnesota Zoo," notes Blair about Lebanon Hills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are popular camping destinations within 20 miles of Shakopee?
The Shakopee area offers several excellent camping options within a 20-mile radius. Dakotah Meadows RV Park in nearby Prior Lake is a popular choice with full hookups and big-rig-friendly sites. Cleary Lake Regional Park provides a beautiful setting with multiple access options including drive-in, boat-in, and walk-in camping. Other nearby options include Carver Park Reserve, part of the Three Rivers Park District system, which offers reservable sites and water access. Lake Auburn Campground near Victoria is another excellent choice within the radius, providing multiple camping styles and amenities for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
How much does camping cost in Shakopee, Minnesota?
Camping costs near Shakopee vary by location and amenities. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve offers modern campsites at county park rates, typically more affordable than private campgrounds while providing amenities like a filtered swimming pond and extensive recreational facilities. For budget-conscious campers, High Island Creek Park provides a cost-effective option with natural surroundings. RV camping at private facilities like Town & Country Campground typically ranges from $35-55 per night depending on hookups and season. County and regional parks in the area generally charge $20-35 per night for tent sites, while state parks add a reservation fee plus vehicle permits. Some wilderness areas offer free or low-cost primitive camping options.
Are there tent camping sites near Shakopee, MN?
Yes, tent campers have several excellent options near Shakopee. Cannon River Wilderness Area offers free tent camping in a beautiful riverfront setting, with sites just a short 10-minute walk from parking. The area provides a secluded experience with hammock-friendly spots right next to the river. Lebanon Hills Regional Park is another fantastic option for tent camping near Shakopee, offering family-friendly amenities including Schultz Beach, mountain bike trails, and miles of hiking paths. Additional tent camping can be found at Lake Elmo County Park Reserve and Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, both providing tent sites with varying levels of amenities and natural attractions.
What campgrounds are available in Shakopee, MN?
Shakopee itself has limited camping options, but Town & Country Campground & RV Park is a standout choice in the immediate area. This RV park offers amenities like a game room and pool (though availability may vary seasonally), making it ideal for families visiting Shakopee attractions. For those seeking more options, Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve is a highly-rated, inexpensive option not far from Shakopee, managed by Three Rivers Parks. This clean, well-maintained campground provides an excellent base for exploring the Shakopee area while enjoying natural surroundings.
Keep Exploring
