Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park and Afton State Park offer premier glamping near Mendota, Minnesota. These sites typically remain open from May through October, with some cabins available year-round. During summer months, daytime temperatures average 75-85°F with overnight lows around 55-65°F, making warm sleeping bags recommended even for cabin stays. Seasonal algae can affect lake water quality in mid-to-late summer at certain locations.
What to do
Hiking diverse terrain: Afton State Park features 11+ miles of trails with significant elevation changes and varied ecosystems. "I hiked 11 miles here and it was awesome!" shares Mike K., who visited the park. The trails take you through prairie, forest, and riverside landscapes.
Water recreation at Cleary Lake: Cleary Lake Regional Park provides excellent kayaking and fishing opportunities. According to Jeff C., "I really like the hike in sites. Short walk from the car and right by the water yet spaced nicely for privacy." The lake is particularly good for beginners and families with small children.
Winter activities: For cold-weather enthusiasts, Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins offers cozy, heated accommodations perfect for winter exploration. "The cabins in the woods are great in winter with snow on the pine trees," notes Krista T., adding that the cabins have built-in bunk beds with individual reading lights.
Biking extensive trail networks: The paved trails at Baker Campground connect to longer routes throughout the region. Matt H. mentions, "A lot of biking trails. Nice clean bathrooms. Nice park for kids just a small hike away. Plus a decent amount of rentals."
What campers like
Accessible natural getaways: Baker Park Reserve offers spacious sites just outside the Twin Cities. "This campground is a gem so very close to the Twin Cities. The sites are good sized, and the bathroom/showers are great," shares Bryan S., who appreciates the proximity to urban areas while still feeling secluded.
Well-maintained facilities: Campers consistently note clean, modern bathroom facilities across most parks. At Lake Auburn Campground, Sarah S. reports, "While some sites are a little uneven and better suited to RVs than to tents, all sites are spacious and clean. Campground management is helpful and friendly."
Unique lodging options: Regional parks offer distinctive accommodation styles beyond traditional camping. Scott M. describes Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins as "Super simple camping cabins. They each have 4 spots and have contactless entry as you get sent a code to use." These elevated cabins blend modern convenience with nature immersion.
Lake access: Water proximity draws many visitors. Clare L. describes her Cleary Lake Regional Park experience: "Site 13 is the only one right on the water and it's HUGE with lots of trees and absolutely beautiful scenery." Waterfront sites fill quickly during peak season.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Secure sites well in advance, especially for holiday weekends. At Afton State Park, the campsites require planning. Adam P. advises, "These sites do require a hike from parking. Would strongly discourage big coolers or lots of weight." Yurts and camper cabins often book 3-4 months ahead.
Site privacy varies: Many regional parks have mixed site layouts. For tent campers seeking seclusion, Krista T. recommends specific areas: "The lower loops are definitely better for tent campers, even though quite a few spots could support an RV. The upper loop is definitely more geared towards RVs."
Seasonal considerations: Water availability can be limited in shoulder seasons. Warren H. warns about Afton State Park: "None of the water faucets or water pumps on the trails are working. The good news is you can fill up on cold drinking water at the visitor center before trekking around."
Cooking restrictions: Most cabin accommodations prohibit indoor cooking. Scott M. notes about Whitetail Woods, "There is no cooking inside the cabin so you have to use the fire ring outside." Plan accordingly with weather-appropriate meal options.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Bunker Hills Regional Park offers extensive recreational options. "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 both paved and unpaved," explains Arielle P., highlighting why families return frequently.
First-time camping spots: Lake Auburn Campground works well for novice campers. Heather V. shares, "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."
Group camping options: For family reunions or large gatherings, Teresa O. recommends Lake Byllesby: "We always stay at the Cleary point group camp and we love it. It used to have toilets but last year only had a port-a-potty which was less than ideal for a group of 40 people. The camp is great though, 4 or 5 hookups and a private dock."
Playground access: Most regional parks feature play areas for children. Angela L. notes about Lake Byllesby, "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!"
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Lake Byllesby Regional Park offers water and electric at lakeside sites. "Lakeside sites are close together, with W/E hookups, but they're right in the lake with a wonderful view," notes Deb M., highlighting the tradeoff between proximity to others and prime positioning.
Dump station access: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes and Lake Byllesby both provide sanitary dump stations. Daryl L. observes Lake Byllesby has "Nice showers and restrooms. Paved RV pads. Near lake and excellent bike path."
Site leveling: Be prepared for uneven sites at some locations. Mia F. shares her experience at Minneapolis Southwest KOA: "The site was very unlevel and the water Spicket didn't really work very well." Bring leveling blocks and extra water hoses when possible.
Winter access: Most RV sites close seasonally, typically from October through April. However, Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins remain open year-round with electric heating, offering a winter glamping alternative when traditional RV camping isn't available.
