Cleary Lake Regional Park Campground

camping prior lake mn

For Minnesota locals seeking a refreshing escape into nature without venturing too far from the Twin Cities metropolitan area, Cleary Lake Regional Park Campground in Prior Lake offers an ideal solution. This quiet regional park provides a harmonious blend of serene natural beauty and diverse recreational opportunities, making it a perfect spot for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike. Whether you’re looking to pitch a tent under the stars, settle into your RV, or simply enjoy a day of outdoor activities, Cleary Lake Regional Park offers a convenient and enjoyable experience right in your own backyard.

Cleary Lake Regional Park Campground is strategically located at 18106 Texas Ave, Prior Lake, MN 55372, USA. This prime address places it just south of the bustling Twin Cities, making it exceptionally accessible for residents of Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding suburbs. For Iowans traveling from across the state, the drive is straightforward, ensuring minimal travel time and maximum enjoyment. To reach the park from I-35W, you can follow 185th St. west to County Road 27, then head south on 27 to the park entrance. From Highway 169, take the Highway 13 exit (towards Savage), then Highway 13 south, turn east on County Road 21, and finally south on County Road 27.

The campground’s integration within the larger Cleary Lake Regional Park means that campers have immediate access to all the park’s extensive amenities and natural features. The park itself is a expansive and well-maintained green space, offering a peaceful atmosphere despite its proximity to urban areas. The paved trail system encircling the lake, approximately 3 miles long, provides easy access to scenic views and various activity hubs within the park, including the visitor center and boat rental facilities. This excellent accessibility, combined with the tranquil natural setting, positions Cleary Lake Regional Park Campground as a highly desirable and practical choice for Minnesota locals seeking a convenient and enriching outdoor experience.

Cleary Lake Regional Park Campground offers a thoughtful selection of services and amenities, designed to make your camping experience comfortable and convenient, while still allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural environment. The park focuses on providing essential modern comforts alongside ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Here’s a detailed look at what’s available:

• Diverse Camping Options:
  • Tent-Only Sites: The park features 20 rustic tent-only campsites spread across two hike-in campgrounds: Red Pine and Basswood. These sites offer a more secluded, back-to-nature feel, with distances from the parking lot ranging from approximately 100 to 300 yards. Wheeled carts are available for check-out to assist with gear transport.
  • RV Sites: There are two dedicated RV sites equipped with full hookups (water, electric, sewer). These concrete pads are spacious and include a fire pit and trash cans, offering a more convenient setup for RV campers.
  • Group Campsites: Three spacious group campsites are available, making it an ideal destination for larger gatherings of families or friends. Group Site 1 is adjacent to the modern campground and accommodates up to 30 people. Birch Hollow Group Site includes a picnic shelter, electricity, water, and a portable toilet for up to 20 people.
• Clean Restrooms: Modern bathrooms with flush toilets and hot showers are available at the Nordic Center, which is accessible from the campgrounds. Pit latrines are also available at the hike-in tent sites.
• Potable Water: Water pumps are available near the hike-in tent sites, and water hookups are provided at RV and some group sites, ensuring access to fresh drinking water.
• Fire Pits and Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring/grill, perfect for outdoor cooking and enjoying campfires.
• Boat and Paddle Sport Rentals: The visitor center offers rentals for kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and paddleboats, providing easy access to non-motorized water activities on Cleary Lake.
• Visitor Center Services: The visitor center serves as the hub for camper registration, boat rentals, and general park information.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A trailer/RV dump station is available for convenient waste disposal.
• Park Permits: Washington County Parks vehicle permits are required for all vehicles entering the park, with daily and annual options available.
• After-Hours Access: Registered campers can obtain a gate code from the Park Office for after-hours entry, ensuring convenient access even when the main gate closes.

Cleary Lake Regional Park Campground boasts an impressive array of features and highlights that make it a standout destination for Minnesota locals seeking diverse outdoor recreation:

• Tranquil Atmosphere: Described as a "Quiet Regional Park," it offers a peaceful camping environment, allowing visitors to truly relax and unwind amidst nature. This is a significant draw for those looking to escape urban noise.
• Diverse Camping Experience: With both secluded hike-in tent sites and spacious full-hookup RV spots, the campground caters to a wide range of preferences, from rustic adventurers to those seeking more modern conveniences. The limited number of RV sites (only two) means you can "practically had the whole place to ourselves!" as one reviewer noted, offering a unique sense of privacy.
• Beautiful Lake for Non-Motorized Water Sports: Cleary Lake is ideal for "kayak, canoe, paddle board, or any other non motorized water sports activities." Despite being "weedy and full of silt" with a "green color most of the time," it provides ample opportunity for peaceful paddling.
• On-Site Public Golf Course: The presence of a 9-hole public golf course attached to the park is a major highlight, offering a convenient recreational option for golfers of all skill levels.
• Extensive Paved Trail System: A "paved trail system that encircle the lake" (almost 3 miles around) is perfect for "Walking or bicycle riding." Reviewers praise it as "lovely and easy" with "great views."
• Fishing Opportunities: Despite the weedy water, fishing is allowed, and the lake is known to contain fish, making it a viable option for anglers. There is also a beach for lake access.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: A "large grassy field behind the camp site that’s great for playing with kids" and a playground within the park ensure entertainment for younger campers.
• Winter Activities: Beyond summer, the park offers groomed and lit trails for cross-country skiing, winter biking (fat tire), skijoring, and snowshoeing, making it a year-round recreational hub.
• Proximity to Twin Cities: Its location near the Twin Cities makes it "Highly recommend it if you’re looking for a camping spot near the Twin Cities," offering a convenient escape without a long drive.
• Event Facilities: Shelters are available for various events, including weddings, indicating versatile facilities.

For inquiries, reservations, or more information about Cleary Lake Regional Park Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: 18106 Texas Ave, Prior Lake, MN 55372, USA

Phone: (763) 694-7777

Mobile Phone: +1 763-694-7777

For the most up-to-date information on campsite availability, specific site details (including hookup types for RVs), park permits, and reservation policies, it is highly recommended to visit the official Three Rivers Park District website or their dedicated reservation portal. Reservations are often required, especially for RV and group sites, and there may be minimum stay requirements for weekends and holidays.

Cleary Lake Regional Park Campground stands out as an exceptional choice for Minnesota locals seeking a versatile and accessible outdoor experience. Its prime location just south of the Twin Cities means a short drive leads to a world of natural recreation, allowing more time for enjoyment and less time on the road. For active individuals and families, the park offers an impressive array of activities, from serene paddle sports on Cleary Lake and challenging rounds on the golf course, to extensive biking and hiking on the paved trail system. The unique camping options, including secluded hike-in tent sites and private RV spots, cater to diverse preferences, ensuring a comfortable stay for everyone. The cleanliness of the facilities and the overall well-maintained nature of the park contribute significantly to a pleasant experience. Furthermore, the park's year-round offerings, including winter sports, ensure that it remains a valuable local resource throughout all seasons. Cleary Lake Regional Park Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it's a comprehensive recreational hub that perfectly combines convenience with the natural beauty and outdoor adventure that Minnesota residents cherish.

Cleary Lake Regional Park Campground

18106 Texas Ave, Prior Lake, MN 55372, USA