Hi, I live in Lakeville and was wondering if there are any campgrounds close by that are nice. I have four kids between the age of 10-15, so they would be interested in trails and water. I like camp sites that are pretty wooded.
There is a wonderful park on the Apple Valley/Eagan border called Lebanon Hills. There's a great swimming beach, a building with a changing/shower area, restrooms, and laundry facilities. There are plenty of trails at this park to keep you busy! There are a wide range of campsites from open, well-groomed sites to more wooded, private sites. The park's website is: http://www.co.dakota.mn.us/parks/hills.htm
This might be closer than you wanted, but have you ever tried Cleary Lake in the Prior Lake area? The campsites we've stayed at are fairly large, wooded and you've got alot of nice trails, a park, the lake/beach, and volleyball. You can also rent canoes and paddleboats. It's close and reasonably priced. My kids and the extended family all loved it when we camped last year.
Good Luck!!
I have not been here but have heard that Kamp Dells near Faribult is very nice. It has a pool, playground and lots of other kids.
My husband and I used to go to William O' Brien State Park located Marine on the St. Croix. They have showers, canoe rental, hiking trails, and I think you can swim. There is a good amount of tree coverage between you and the next tent. We did find Wild River State Park and didn't look back at William O' Brien. I'm not sure about the water thing though but for us we felt more secluded at this campground. Sorry I can't help you out with a camping buddy. We had our time and place with it and our children are under 2. It sounds like fun though. Good Luck. Here's a link to the website. It's not too much farther than William O' Brien. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/wild_river/index.html
Jeannine, I don't know of any campgrounds.... but we are looking to move to the Lakeville area and just wondering how you like it. I am worried that I might feel like we live too far away from the cities. Don't know the schools, the traffic, etc. It would be wonderful to know how you like living in Lakeville. We have a 3 year old daughter and will be looking for a preschool for her as well.
Thanks, C.
