Best Campgrounds near Prior Lake, MN

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Prior Lake, MN is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Prior Lake. Find the best campgrounds near Prior Lake, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Prior Lake, Minnesota (100)

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Recent Reviews near Prior Lake, MN

684 Reviews of 100 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 camping is available near Prior Lake, MN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Prior Lake, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 100 campgrounds and RV parks near Prior Lake, MN and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Prior Lake, MN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Prior Lake, MN is Lebanon Hills Regional Park with a 4.8-star rating from 42 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Prior Lake, MN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Prior Lake, MN.

  • What parks are near Prior Lake, MN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Prior Lake, MN that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.