Camping sites near Savage, Minnesota span from rustic tent-only locations to full-service RV parks. Located in the Minnesota River Valley at approximately 720 feet elevation, the area features a mix of prairie lands, wooded hills, and lake access points. Seasonal availability extends beyond summer at select locations, with several parks operating from April through October while others like Town & Country Campground offer year-round access.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: Lebanon Hills Regional Park offers extensive trail networks for different ability levels. "We love Lebanon Hills! Close to home and an oasis in the middle of the Twin Cities. Great hiking," notes Katie C. The park maintains separate systems for hiking and mountain biking.
Water recreation: Lake Auburn Campground provides multiple water activities with a designated swimming area. "The beach area looks nice" mentions Erik R., while another camper added, "Nice little lake to kayak on."
Archery practice: Lake Elmo County Park Reserve maintains a dedicated archery range open to campers. A visitor commented that "other amenities like an archery range and hiking trails are fantastic for kids."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple locations offer shore fishing access. At Cleary Lake Regional Park, campers mention trying for "catfish and bass" from the private dock at the group site. The park has designated fishing areas with cleaning stations.
What campers like
Secluded sites: Many campers value the privacy available at certain locations. At Cleary Lake Regional Park, "site 13 is the only one right on the water and it's HUGE with lots of trees and absolutely beautiful scenery," according to Clare L. Another camper noted, "We camped here last minute when the rain held off... our 'hike in' spot was very close to the car but hidden in a forest."
Clean facilities: Afton State Park Campground maintains well-kept amenities despite its more rustic setting. "The Camper Cabin (Eastern Bluebird) is a perfect little cabin nestled in the southern half of the park! Screened in porch, heated with electricity, and two double bunk beds!" reports one visitor.
Proximity to urban areas: The regional parks provide quick access to major attractions while feeling removed. As one Lebanon Hills camper put it, "We just found this campground in September and this year we've been there 3 times and we live in Montana, there's no place I'd rather stay... lots of things in the area to do, and the 'city' isn't that far to drive to."
Group camping options: Several parks offer dedicated group sites. Regarding Cleary Lake, one camper mentions, "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."
What you should know
Varying site privacy levels: Site layouts differ dramatically between campgrounds. At Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve, "The sites are about as private as the typical state park, so not very, but that is offset by all the other positives this campground has to offer."
Reservation requirements: Most regional parks require advance booking, especially during peak season. "Reserve early online, most weekends were already reserved by mid May," advises a Lebanon Hills visitor.
Site terrain considerations: Not all sites accommodate tents equally well. At Lake Auburn, "some sites are a little uneven and better suited to RVs than to tents, all sites are spacious and clean."
Gate closure enforcement: Parks enforce strict closing times. One camper at Cleary Lake learned the hard way: "gates ACTUALLY close at 10pm, there's no way to contact anyone and I had to walk about a mile in parked outside the gate."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Minneapolis Southwest KOA offers family-friendly water recreation. "They have a pool that stays open late, and it's got some playgrounds," notes one visitor, while Lake Elmo features "a filtered pond" that's maintained like a swimming pool.
Playground facilities: Baker Park is particularly well-suited for children. "Nice paved trails around a couple of lakes/ponds for biking, and easy access to the shower and bathroom facilities (which were very nice)," comments one camper. Another adds there's a "nice park for kids just a small hike away."
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer nature programs. Lake Auburn connects to miles of trails that "lead through prairie lands and to a nature center where you and your kids can learn about the natural surrounding habitats."
Site selection for privacy: For families seeking quiet, choose carefully. At Town & Country Campground, one visitor noted, "You are basically drove insane from the constant gawking eyes of judgmental neighbors. Campsites aren't even spaced out to where you have ANY privacy."
Tips from RVers
Concrete pads available: Dakotah Meadows RV Park features level, paved sites. "The sites are paved and have well-maintained grass. We were located near the casino road, which has an occasional loud car, even at night," notes Chris F. Another camper adds, "This is a really nice campground with cement parking pads with full hookups."
Access considerations: Lebanon Hills accommodates larger rigs with dedicated areas. "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," explains Angela L.
Site leveling notes: Site preparation varies considerably between parks. At Minneapolis Southwest KOA, one camper warned about "unlevel sites, broken dump station... we refused to stay the second night."
Year-round operation: Town & Country remains open during winter months with full hookups, making it one of the few all-season options in the region for RVs requiring utility connections.
