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Camping near Prior Lake, MN

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    The Prior Lake area in Minnesota features several established campgrounds within a 30-minute drive, including Cleary Lake Regional Park and Dakotah Meadows RV Park. Camping options range from developed sites with full hookups to more rustic experiences. Lebanon Hills Regional Park offers both tent and RV camping with electricity but no water hookups at some sites. Cleary Lake Regional Park provides boat-in, drive-in, and hike-in access for tent and RV campers. Most campgrounds in the region maintain moderate to high ratings from visitors, with many praising the mix of natural settings and proximity to Twin Cities amenities.

    Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the Prior Lake region, with most campgrounds operating from April through October. Lebanon Hills Regional Park is typically open from April 30 to October 12, while Minneapolis Southwest KOA operates from April 25 to October 11. Winter camping options are limited, though Town & Country Campground & RV Park remains open year-round. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend stays during summer months when many campgrounds reach capacity. Several sites require advance booking through county or regional park websites. A visitor noted, "Lebanon hills has everything for the family. Schultz Beach for summer fun. Professional built mtn bike trails for adventure. Camping in Minnesota suburbs."

    Campers consistently praise the balance of natural surroundings and convenient amenities found at campgrounds near Prior Lake. Many sites offer electric hookups, drinking water, and sanitary facilities while maintaining wooded settings. The proximity to lakes and trails represents a significant draw, with multiple campgrounds providing water recreation opportunities. Baker Park Reserve, though slightly farther from Prior Lake, receives positive reviews for its lake access and family-friendly amenities. A review from Cleary Lake Regional Park mentions appreciating the boat-in access options and trail connectivity. For those seeking more solitude, some campgrounds offer walk-in sites set back from main camping areas, though these tend to fill quickly on summer weekends. Most campgrounds maintain clean facilities with regularly serviced restrooms and showers.

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    Best Campgrounds near Prior Lake (114)

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      1. Lebanon Hills Regional Park

      4.8(44)13mi from Prior LakeRVs

      "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."

      from $24 - $42 / night

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      2. Dakotah Meadows RV Park

      4.4(12)1mi from Prior LakeRVs

      "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."

      from $40 - $50 / night

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      3. Cleary Lake Regional Park

      4.9(8)4mi from Prior LakeRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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!"

      from $16 - $50 / night

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      4. Town & Country Campground & RV Park

      3.9(8)4mi from Prior LakeRVs

      "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."

      "Great spot close to attractions in the twin cities. The family friendly activities are perfect for families with younger kids, playground, swimming, crafts and games."

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      5. Minneapolis Southwest KOA

      3.8(9)7mi from Prior LakeRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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."

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      6. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve

      4.5(39)22mi from Prior LakeRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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."

      from $21 - $29 / night

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      7. Lake Auburn Campground

      4.4(11)15mi from Prior LakeRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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."

      from $15 - $18 / night

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      8. Fish Lake Acres Campground

      4.0(2)6mi from Prior LakeRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $26 - $32 / night

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      9. Carver Park Reserve - Three Rivers Park District

      4.0(7)15mi from Prior LakeRVs, Tents

      "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"

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      10. Champion Valley

      5.0(1)7mi from Prior LakeRVs, Tents

      "There is a bathroom, but it is a 10 minute walk, so plan to be self-sufficient in that regard. Friendly host."

      from $26 - $46 / night

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    Recent Camping Photos near Prior Lake, MN

    184 Photos of 114 Prior Lake Campgrounds

    Recent Reviews near Prior Lake, MN

    746 Reviews of 114 Prior Lake Campgrounds

    • Danielle D.
      Aug. 19, 2026

      Roberds Lake Resort and Campground

      Clean and quaint

      As a newer resident on Roberds Lake I decided to walk my son in his stroller down to the resort. It looked like a tropical paradise. The water is treated, there were tons of kids splashing around, his age.. It was the hottest day this year so far. It was packed! Lots of welcoming smiles on the beach...I saw the sign saying "Public Not Allowed." I was like aw that's disappointing ,and I understand completeley, why they do this.  I have worked in the food and bev/entertainment industry for all of my life. Im 44...

                            I went into the little eatery to ask permission from what appeared to be the owner or manager. I asked her and she replied with " NO!" in the rudest way you could say it, and pointed her finger at the door....I mean, come on. Im my opinion, I think she could have handled it a little more professionally and suggest somewhere else, offer a cup of ice water, anything kind....no. All she was, was straight up cruel and I had to rush the first 2 blocks before I lost it. My son, didn't make a peep..anyways. . .I dont like saying negative things about people but in the case, I cant hold back. If you cant be kind and hospitable to EVERYONE that walks in that door, find a new profession like a prison guard or something....

    • PThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 15, 2026

      Lake Washington County Park

      Nice campground

      Well tended county campground surrounded by many good fishing lakes. Good spacing between sites , gravel pads, nice and clean shower house. Not much shade. Both paved and grass trails. Not very busy.

    • JP Master B.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 15, 2026

      Hoffman City Park

      A sleepless night

      I picked this site for the proximity to the golf course that I’m playing in the morning. A lot of people, a lot of noise being next to the highway but, I can’t sleep in my own house let alone being outside. When I came in and set up at the RV spot instead of the tent. Kurt was kind enough to help me relocate to the correct location. Kudos!

    • A S.
      Aug. 13, 2026

      Bunker Hills Regional Park

      Welcoming

      I arrived after the campgrounds closed I was welcomed and was very happy to be accepted

    • Brook D.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 12, 2026

      Willow River State Park Campground

      Well maintained state park

      Very clean and level sites. Small park close to lovely historic towns. Sites feel very private . There is road noise and possibly a shooting range near by so it is not quiet in the day.

    • BThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 10, 2026

      Sakatah Lake State Park Campground

      Can’t wait to come back

      Amazing staff who were super nice and helpful. Great clean bathrooms and camp sites. We liked the trails and ability to access the lake. Super cheap and easy to rent kayaks.

    • Cari E.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 6, 2026

      Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park

      Top notch for a county park

      I’m still a little miffed that this was a county campground—it’s better than some state (non-MN) campgrounds I’ve been to. Unfortunately I only had one quick night here, but it was a quiet, relaxing stay.

      There is a dump station and playground, but I didn’t come across a bathhouse when walking the inner campground loop—it’s likely I just missed it. I had poor cell service with Verizon, but it was good enough to text although web browsing was a bit slow. Be aware there is also an additional $7/day vehicle fee required upon entry, which is not included in the price of your campsite. It can be paid at the visitors center and I believe there is a kiosk if you arrive after hours.

      My only complaint was the 5 piles of very large dog excrement in my campsite, which says more about the previous campers, but it was prevalent enough that I found myself wishing the park staff had cleaned it up.

    Guide to Prior Lake

    Prior Lake's camping areas feature a mix of rolling hills and glacial lakes with elevations ranging from 900 to 950 feet above sea level. The region experiences warm summers with average July temperatures of 83°F and winter lows reaching 7°F. Most campsites near Prior Lake sit within hardwood forests dominated by oak and maple trees, with seasonal wildflowers blooming from April through September.

    What to do

    Kayaking nearby lakes: Cleary Lake Regional Park offers a peaceful paddling experience with minimal motorboat traffic. "Nice little lake to kayak on," notes Chris S. about Lebanon Hills Regional Park, while Cleary Lake gets praise for its boat-in access options.

    Hiking connected trail systems: Many of the best places to camp near Prior Lake connect to extensive trail networks. "Lebanon Hills has a lot of trails for hiking and mountain biking," says Blair, who found the campground provided surprising seclusion despite being in the Minneapolis suburbs.

    Swimming at maintained beaches: Several campgrounds feature designated swimming areas with varying amenities. Lake Auburn Campground offers "an unguarded beach, playground, volleyball court and tons of miles of trails," according to UnnamedAdventures, who praised the facilities as "very clean along with all of the other amenities they offered."

    What campers like

    Proximity to attractions: Many campers appreciate how the top camping destinations near Prior Lake balance nature with access to city amenities. "Close to everything but yet secluded," writes Angela L. about her stay at Lebanon Hills Regional Park, noting they were "about 15 mins away from this campground" yet felt removed from urban areas.

    Clean facilities: Bathroom quality stands out in reviews across multiple sites. "The bathrooms were among some of the nicest I've used at a campground," writes Joanne M., who specifically mentioned "the shower stall was big enough for a meaty human like myself to shower comfortably."

    Site spacing and privacy: While site privacy varies significantly between campgrounds, several offer more secluded options. At Cleary Lake Regional Park, Clare L. found site 13 particularly impressive: "it's the only one right on the water and it's HUGE with lots of trees and absolutely beautiful scenery."

    What you should know

    Reservation requirements: Most popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer weekends. "Reserve early online, most weekends were already reserved by mid May," advises Blair about Lebanon Hills.

    Site characteristics vary widely: Even within the same campground, sites can differ dramatically in size, privacy, and amenities. At Carver Park Reserve, Missy B. notes "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."

    Payment options: Some campgrounds have specific payment requirements. Not My Name H. cautions that Fish Lake Acres Campground "ONLY accepts cash so be sure to hit the ATM before you get here. They also charge $2 extra per dog if you have them."

    Tips for camping with families

    Educational programming: Some campgrounds offer regular educational activities for children. Carver Park Reserve provides "programs every Saturday night, some of the ones we've been to were about bugs, raptors, bees, and snakes," according to Missy B., who also mentioned "there are usually programs during the day at the nature center as well."

    Playgrounds and beaches: Several campgrounds feature child-friendly amenities. Angela L. found Dakotah Meadows RV Park had a "play area was really nice and looked brand new. Our girls loved making new friends to play with."

    Group camping options: For family reunions or larger gatherings, Teresa O. recommends the group camping area at Cleary Lake: "We always stay at the Cleary point group camp and we love it... the whole site is private and on a little point so the lake is surrounding you."

    Tips from RVers

    Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer complete RV services. David E. found Dakotah Meadows RV Park "clean, friendly, and convenient to the cities" with full hookups, noting it's "quiet, staff are friendly, easy access, delivery services through 3rd parties, and dog friendly."

    Site leveling considerations: RVers should research specific sites before booking. Tom D. shares that at Dakotah Meadows, "We last stayed in site 25, a back in up on the hill. We have also stayed in the pull through sites, but not really a fan of those."

    Year-round access: Unlike seasonal campgrounds, Town & Country Campground remains open throughout winter months. One visitor described it as having "cement parking pads with full hookups" and noted the grounds are "very green, lush and well maintained."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What campgrounds are available near Prior Lake, MN?

    Several quality campgrounds are available near Prior Lake, Minnesota. Dakotah Meadows RV Park is the closest option, offering full hookups, clean facilities, and convenient access to Mystic Lake Casino. Nearby, Cleary Lake Regional Park provides a more natural setting with both drive-in and walk-in camping options. For families seeking amenities, Town & Country Campground in Savage and Fish Lake Acres Campground offer well-maintained facilities. Those willing to drive 30-40 minutes can enjoy excellent options like Baker Park Reserve and Lake Elmo County Park Reserve, both featuring swimming areas, hiking trails, and family-friendly facilities.

    Can I rent an RV in Prior Lake, Minnesota?

    Yes, you can rent an RV for camping near Prior Lake, Minnesota. While there aren't dedicated RV rental facilities in Prior Lake itself, several rental companies operate in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, just a short drive away. These services typically offer delivery options to campgrounds like Lebanon Hills Regional Park, which provides excellent facilities for families with professionally built trails and a beach for summer fun. For RV camping, Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve is highly recommended for its clean facilities, beautiful sites, and affordability. Many RV rental companies in the Twin Cities area offer online reservations with various sizes and models available.

    Is internet service available at Prior Lake camping areas?

    Internet service varies across camping areas near Prior Lake. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve generally offers decent cellular reception for mobile hotspots, though coverage can be spotty in some areas of the park. At William O'Brien State Park Campground, campers report moderate cell service that allows for basic internet usage. Most campgrounds in the area don't provide dedicated WiFi, so relying on cellular data is common. For reliable internet, Dakotah Meadows RV Park typically has the strongest cellular reception due to its proximity to urban areas. Signal strength varies by carrier, with Verizon and AT&T generally performing better in the region. For critical internet needs, consider bringing a signal booster.

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