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Best Campgrounds near Prior Lake, MN

700 Reviews

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 Camping Sites Near Prior Lake, Minnesota (105)

    1. Lebanon Hills Regional Park

    42 Reviews
    Apple Valley, MN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 480-7773

    $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."

    2. Dakotah Meadows RV Park

    12 Reviews
    Prior Lake, MN
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (952) 445-8800

    $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."

    3. Cleary Lake Regional Park

    7 Reviews
    Prior Lake, MN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 694-7777

    $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!"

    4. Minneapolis Southwest KOA

    9 Reviews
    Jordan, MN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (952) 492-6440

    "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."

    5. Town & Country Campground & RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Savage, MN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (952) 445-1756

    "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."

    "Some road noise, but you are in the city so expected, but yet still quieter then in some areas being close to things. I recommend this park."

    6. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve

    37 Reviews
    Maple Plain, MN
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 694-7662

    $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."

    7. Lake Auburn Campground

    12 Reviews
    Victoria, MN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (952) 443-2911

    $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."

    8. Fish Lake Acres Campground

    2 Reviews
    Prior Lake, MN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (952) 492-3393

    $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."

    9. Carver Park Reserve - Three Rivers Park District

    7 Reviews
    Victoria, MN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 694-1112

    "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"

    10. Champion Valley

    1 Review
    Prior Lake, MN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (952) 230-2378

    $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."

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176 Photos of 105 Prior Lake Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Prior Lake, MN

700 Reviews of 105 Prior Lake Campgrounds

Guide to Prior Lake

Camping near Prior Lake, Minnesota, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful parks and campgrounds nearby, you can enjoy nature while making lasting memories with family and friends.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Willow River State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Plenty of sites and hiking to do. Very cool area. The falls are awesome!"
  • Water Activities: Head to Interstate State Park for canoeing or kayaking. A visitor shared, "Canoe and kayak rentals for more adventures on the river."
  • Wildlife Watching: At Afton State Park Campground, you can enjoy birdwatching and spotting local wildlife. One camper said, "The eagles soar as you swim in the sandy, shallow warm river stream."

What campers like:

  • Privacy: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Lebanon Hills Regional Park. One review noted, "We were very surprised at the privacy of our site."
  • Clean Facilities: Many visitors rave about the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A camper at Frontenac State Park Campground remarked, "Bathrooms are VERY CLEAN."
  • Convenient Location: Campgrounds like William O'Brien State Park are close to the Twin Cities, making them perfect for quick getaways. One reviewer said, "It’s a great park conveniently located near the twin cities."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lake Elmo County Park Reserve, lack certain amenities like showers and toilets. A visitor mentioned, "Only portapotties. I think the best camping opportunity I saw was the group campgrounds."
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A camper at Lake Maria State Park warned, "The mosquitos were awful."
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots like Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve fill up quickly. One camper advised, "Must reserve months in advance as usually full."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites, like Nerstrand Big Woods State Park. A family shared, "Larger and more private than most state parks."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities, such as hiking and swimming, to keep kids engaged. One parent at Afton State Park Campground said, "Good pricing, great trails for all different skill levels."
  • Pack Bug Spray: With the presence of mosquitoes, it's essential to have bug spray handy. A camper at William O'Brien State Park noted, "We went through a lot of bug spray and coils."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site dimensions. A visitor at Interstate State Park mentioned, "The electric sites are quite cramped."
  • Utilize Dump Stations: Many campgrounds have dump stations, so plan accordingly. A camper at Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve said, "Trash and water fill up stations."
  • Stay Connected: Some campgrounds have limited cell service. A visitor at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park noted, "Very patchy cell signal and could only get WiFi signal when standing next to Ranger station."

Camping near Prior Lake, MN, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed adventure.

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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