Lake Byllesby Regional Park near Randolph, Minnesota offers lakeside camping with paved RV pads, water and electric hookups just 45 minutes from the Twin Cities. This area sits at approximately 850 feet above sea level in Dakota County's rolling terrain, with camping options situated between dense forests and prairie landscapes. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with higher humidity levels during July and August.
What to do
Explore the Sakatah Lake Trail system: Access miles of paved biking paths from Lake Byllesby Regional Park. "The paved trail around the area is really nice for walking the pups. Very clean and well kept campground," notes a visitor at Lake Byllesby Regional Park.
Visit nearby breweries and wineries: Several local establishments are within a short drive of the camping areas. "Great brewery and winery close by," reports a camper who stayed at Lake Byllesby.
Try fishing in multiple lakes: Each camping area offers different fishing experiences, from shallow lake fishing to river access. "The lake is nice for fishing, boating or swimming. Has a small store," says one camper about Lake Byllesby Regional Park.
Observe local wildlife: Early morning and evening provide the best viewing opportunities. At Afton State Park Campground, one visitor reports, "We saw a bull frog and a few leopard frogs at the boat launch. And continued on our hike. We saw a few cool birds, lots of berries and a few interesting bugs."
What campers like
Private prairie camping: Some sites offer unique prairie views with natural privacy barriers. "The terrain is just hilly enough - and in August - the grass long enough to give the sites a sense of privacy and seclusion," writes a visitor to Afton State Park Campground.
Easy lake access: Many sites feature direct water views or access. "All spots have a lake view and the beach is within walking distance. We love it here," explains a camper who stayed at Cleary Lake Regional Park.
Convenient city proximity: Most camping areas remain peaceful despite being close to urban areas. "Less than an hour drive from Minneapolis this is a good get away. As expected it has many walk trails," notes an Afton State Park visitor.
Scenic camping for photographers: Morning mist over lakes and prairie sunsets provide excellent photo opportunities. One camper at Cleary Lake Regional Park shared, "I went with Boy Scouts," while another mentioned their "site 13 is the only one right on the water and it's HUGE with lots of trees and absolutely beautiful scenery."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular sites book quickly, especially for summer weekends. "The campground gets booked up fast, so book early!" advises a Lake Byllesby visitor.
Site spacing varies significantly: Locations range from secluded to close quarters. At Sakatah Lake State Park Campground, a visitor cautions, "Very nice park if your RV is not to big. I put our 38 foot 5th wheel in a site but you better be on your game here. Lots of shade and big trees."
Seasonal water conditions: Lake quality can change throughout summer. "The only thing disappointing is the lake becomes green with algae as the summer goes on," reports a Lake Byllesby camper.
Bathroom/shower availability: Facilities vary widely between locations. At Rice Lake Campground, a visitor noted, "As of now NO showers," while others mentioned clean facilities at other parks.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Choose sites near play areas for easier supervision. A camper at Lake Byllesby shared: "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!"
Consider fishing access for children: Some locations offer docks and shallow water fishing spots. "The views are great! We stayed in a RV spot next to the lake which had water and electric hookups," notes a Lake Byllesby visitor.
Plan for seasonal activities: Each season offers different family-friendly options. At Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve, visitors appreciate that "With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be."
Look for berry picking opportunities: Several campgrounds have wild berries in season. One Lake Byllesby visitor mentioned, "We had fun going on a short hike and finding wild blackberries to eat."
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: Many locations have varied terrain requiring leveling equipment. At Minneapolis Southwest KOA, one RVer noted, "The site was very unlevel and the water Spicket didn't really work very well."
Maneuvering space: Tree density and narrow roads can challenge larger rigs. "Very difficult to negotiate at night," cautions an RVer about Minneapolis Southwest KOA.
Electric hookup locations: Check specific amenities for each site before booking. "Lakeside sites are close together, with W/E hookups, but they're right in the lake with a wonderful view," explains a visitor to Lake Byllesby.
Dump station access: Not all locations offer full-service hookups or convenient dump stations. At Sakatah Lake State Park, one RVer appreciated that the park has "clean thru out the park. Some very nice shaded sites. Not the greatest for big RV's."
