The greater Vermillion area sits at an elevation of approximately 750 feet above sea level in the Cannon River watershed. Several campgrounds near Vermillion offer accommodations within 25 miles of town, providing strategic access to southern Minnesota attractions. Summer temperatures typically range from 65°F to 85°F with occasional humidity spikes that can make tent camping challenging.
What to do
Hiking on connected trails: Lake Byllesby Regional Park offers trail access for walkers and cyclists. "Nice paths for walking and biking" with connections to longer routes as noted by Joel S., who appreciates the "well kept" grounds surrounding the park.
Fishing from shorelines: Cleary Lake Regional Park provides bank fishing opportunities with regular catches. "Only caught a few catfish and bass there but still a great view fishing," mentions Teresa O., who enjoys the lakeside scenery even when fish aren't biting.
Golf nearby: Cleary Lake Regional Park features a golf course adjacent to camping areas. "The golfing nearby that seemed reasonably priced for those interested," notes Truly W., who discovered this recreational option during a recent stay.
Mountain biking: Lebanon Hills Regional Park maintains dedicated mountain biking trails separate from hiking paths. "Lebanon Hills is a great park and has a lot of trails for hiking and mountain biking," states Blair, who selected this campground for its extensive trail network.
Brewery and winery visits: Cannon Falls breweries and wineries provide tasting options near Lake Byllesby. "Great brewery and winery close by," shares Daryl L., highlighting these adult-oriented attractions within short driving distance.
What campers like
Clean bathhouse facilities: Town & Country Campground maintains well-kept restroom and shower buildings. "Bath house wasn't bad, small but not bad," mentions Claire M., though she notes the park has "tight quarters on roads and sites."
Level concrete pads: Dakotah Meadows RV Park offers stable parking surfaces throughout. "Sites are paved and level. Each site has their own fire pit," explains James and Susan K., who appreciate the consistent quality across the campground's concrete sites.
Playground access: Lake Byllesby Campground features play equipment for children. "Great views of the lake and two great playgrounds," Nichole G. notes, though she mentions "the lake is very dirty" during certain periods.
Dog-friendly areas: Dakotah Meadows provides designated pet exercise spaces. "Dog park available, watch a few spots in fence near bottom where fencing has risen up...little dogs could easily climb under," cautions Beth B., who otherwise found the facility well-maintained.
Prompt shuttle service: Casino campgrounds offer reliable transportation to gaming facilities. "There is a shuttle to the casino and at 7pm folks seemed to clear out to head over," observes Ashley K., who stayed at Treasure Island and found "it was honestly one of the quietest campgrounds we've been to on a Friday night."
What you should know
Water quality varies: Lake algae issues affect swimming at several parks during summer months. "The lake had a blue green algae problem," reports Kerstin W. from Lake Byllesby Campground, though she still rated her stay highly.
Reservation policies differ: Dakotah Meadows RV Park uses a deposit system for certain amenities. "Bath house and laundry and card controlled ($5 card deposit on check in)," explains Beth B., detailing the facility's usage system.
Gate closure enforcement: Some parks strictly enforce after-hours policies. "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," warns Lance L. about Cleary Lake Regional Park.
Variable site spacing: Lebanon Hills offers different privacy levels between camping areas. "Tent camp sites are far enough from each other that neighbors can't be seen, and we didn't hear them either," explains Blair, contrasting with RV sections where sites may be closer.
Noise considerations: Environmental sounds can affect certain sites. "The only criticisms we have are that you can hear road noise — and depending on your site you'll hear the alarm of one of the access gates for the Minnesota Zoo," notes Blair about Lebanon Hills Regional Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Select sites near play areas to reduce walking distance for children. "The playground is a short walk to the tent area, which was a big hit with our kids," shares Angela L. about Lake Byllesby Regional Park, mentioning her "girls didn't want to leave!"
Wild edibles: Hidden Meadows RV Park offers natural exploration opportunities. "We saw deer by the primitive camp areas and had nightly campfires in our fire ring," reports Karen S., who appreciated the wildlife viewing alongside camping activities.
Geocaching adventures: Some parks feature established geocaching locations. "It was great and had fun geocaching spots," mentions Kerstin W. about Lake Byllesby, suggesting an activity that combines technology and outdoor exploration.
Test camping location: Lebanon Hills serves as an ideal introduction site for new campers. "Our family selected this camp ground to test out some gear — if we had problems or if we forgot something it was a short drive home," explains Blair, highlighting the park's practical location.
Tips from RVers
RV site length considerations: RV spaces may accommodate larger rigs than advertised. "Sites are much bigger than they say. All RV sites are the listed length plus 16' for your tow vehicle," Davis D. notes about Lebanon Hills Regional Park.
RV wash stations: Tilly's American Travelers RV Resort provides vehicle cleaning facilities. "Not badly priced. Grill and Bar on site with good food," mentions Brad W., though he cautions about "road noise" that affects some sites.
Utility placement challenges: Town & Country Campground has unconventional hookup arrangements. "Oddly spaced power hook up with sewer and water placements," Jaime P. points out, suggesting RVers should prepare for potential setup adjustments.
Leveling requirements: Hidden Meadows RV Park sites require adjustment equipment. "The parking pads are very unlevel," warns Jaime P., indicating the need for leveling blocks or other stabilization gear.
