Lebanon Hills Campground

For those of us living in Minnesota, the desire to connect with nature, whether for a quick weekend escape or a longer vacation, is deeply ingrained. Finding a campground that offers both the serene beauty of the outdoors and convenient access to modern amenities and attractions is a true Minnesota gem. Lebanon Hills Campground in St. Paul, Minnesota, stands out as just such a place. Nestled within the vast and picturesque Lebanon Hills Regional Park, this campground provides an exceptional opportunity for locals to immerse themselves in a wilderness-like setting without venturing far from the comforts and conveniences of the Twin Cities metro area. This article invites you to explore what makes Lebanon Hills Campground a beloved and highly-rated destination for families, adventurers, and anyone seeking a refreshing outdoor experience in our beautiful state.

Minnesota is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, from its pristine lakes to its dense forests and rolling prairies. Lebanon Hills Campground expertly captures this essence, offering a meticulously maintained environment that allows campers to truly unwind. It's a place where you can wake up to the sounds of nature, spend your days exploring miles of trails, or simply relax by the water's edge. The unique combination of seclusion within a sprawling natural park and the accessibility of major urban attractions like the Minnesota Zoo and the Mall of America makes it an unparalleled choice for a diverse range of camping preferences. Prepare to discover a destination that truly offers the best of both worlds for your next Minnesota adventure.

Lebanon Hills Campground is ideally located at 12100 Johnny Cake Ridge Rd, St Paul, MN 55124, USA. While the address might suggest a St. Paul location, it is more precisely situated within Apple Valley and Eagan, Minnesota, which are southern suburbs of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. This is a significant advantage for Minnesotans, as it means a genuine outdoor escape is just minutes away from major population centers.

The campground is an integral part of the expansive Lebanon Hills Regional Park, the largest park in the Dakota County park system, encompassing nearly 2,000 acres of forests, grasslands, marshes, and lakes. Accessibility is excellent, typically involving well-maintained roads leading directly into the park. For those coming from I-35E, a common route is to take the Cliff Road exit (Exit 93), head east for about 0.6 miles to Johnny Cake Ridge Road, and then proceed south for approximately 1.1 miles to the campground entrance. This easy navigation makes it convenient for all types of vehicles, including large RVs, which have been noted to navigate the park with ease. The strategic location provides campers with the unique benefit of feeling secluded in nature while being incredibly close to urban amenities, restaurants, shops, and popular attractions like the Minnesota Zoo, ensuring both tranquility and convenience for your stay.

Lebanon Hills Campground provides a comprehensive range of services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all campers, catering to various needs:

• Campsite Variety: Offers 93 total sites, including:
  • Full Hookup Sites (Water, Sewer, Electric 30/50 amp): Approximately 58 sites, located in a more open loop, some are pull-through.
  • Standard Electric Sites (30 amp): Approximately 24 sites, often more secluded with vegetative buffers.
  • Nonelectric/Primitive Sites: Approximately 11 sites, offering a more rustic, secluded experience, also with good spacing and privacy.
• Clean Restroom & Shower Facilities: Highly praised by visitors for being spotless and well-maintained, often cleaned multiple times a day, with hot water.
• Sanitary Dump Station: Available for RV waste disposal.
• Free Wi-Fi: Available, particularly around the campground office and full-hookup sites, though connectivity can vary by site.
• Fire Rings and Picnic Tables: Provided at each site for outdoor cooking and dining.
• On-site Caretakers: Ensuring a well-managed and secure environment.
• Equipment Rental (at Visitor Center): Canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals are available at the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center within the park, providing easy access to water activities.
• Camp Store: While not extensively detailed, basic necessities and perhaps firewood might be available.
• Online Reservations: Reservations are highly recommended and can be made online, often booking up months in advance, especially for weekend stays during peak season.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are generally welcome, though specific rules and leash requirements apply.

These services underscore the campground's commitment to providing a full-service experience that balances outdoor authenticity with modern comforts.

Lebanon Hills Campground boasts a remarkable array of features and highlights that make it a standout destination within Minnesota's park system:

• Within Lebanon Hills Regional Park: The campground's biggest asset is its location within 2,000 acres of diverse natural landscape, offering miles of trails and numerous lakes and ponds for year-round outdoor recreation.
• Breathtaking Lake Views: Many sites, especially those "right next to the water," offer stunning lake views, enhancing the natural beauty of the stay.
• Extensive Trail System: Over 14 miles of summer hiking trails and 12 miles of winter trails are available, including paved pathways, mountain biking trails (with beginner to expert levels), and equestrian trails.
• Water Activities: Opportunities for jet skiing, boating, fishing (including stocked ponds), canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding directly within the park. Schulze Lake Beach offers swimming and changing facilities.
• Well-Maintained Grounds and Sites: Consistently praised for being "well kept," with "nicer fire pits with grilling options" and mostly "level but flat" pads for easy setup. Sites are often large and private, with wooded options providing good spacing and privacy.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: Features a great playground area for kids, ensuring entertainment for younger campers.
• Proximity to Minnesota Zoo: Located just a short bike ride or drive from the Minnesota Zoo, making it a perfect base for families wanting to visit this popular attraction. Also close to the Mall of America and other Twin Cities amenities.
• "Wilderness in the City" Feel: Despite being in the suburbs, the park provides a "secluded, state-park feel," offering a true oasis in the middle of the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• Friendly Staff: Consistently described as "friendly staff," contributing to a welcoming and pleasant atmosphere.

These features combine to create a dynamic and appealing environment for a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts, from active adventurers to those seeking peaceful relaxation.

Address: 12100 Johnny Cake Ridge Rd, St Paul, MN 55124, USA (also commonly listed under Apple Valley, MN 55124)

Phone: (651) 480-7773 (Campground Office)

General Dakota County Parks Phone: (952) 891-7000

Email: parks@co.dakota.mn.us

For reservations, which are highly recommended and must be made online, please visit the Dakota County Parks website and search for "Lebanon Hills Campground." It is advisable to book well in advance, especially for weekend stays during the peak season (May to October), as sites often fill up quickly.

For Minnesotans, Lebanon Hills Campground offers an exceptionally compelling blend of natural immersion and urban convenience, making it an ideal choice for a local getaway. Its location within the vast and diverse Lebanon Hills Regional Park provides an authentic outdoor experience – complete with beautiful lake views, dense woodlands, and abundant wildlife – without requiring extensive travel from the Twin Cities metro area. This accessibility is a major advantage for busy individuals and families, allowing for easy weekend trips or longer, rejuvenating vacations right in their own backyard.

The campground's commitment to quality is evident in its well-maintained grounds, clean restroom and shower facilities, and the variety of available sites, from full hookup RV spots to secluded tent sites. This caters to a wide spectrum of camping preferences, ensuring comfort for all. Furthermore, the sheer breadth of activities available within Lebanon Hills Regional Park itself—including miles of hiking and biking trails, opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming at the beach, and multiple playgrounds—means there’s always something to do for every age and interest, promoting active family fun and relaxation.

The added benefit of being just a short drive from beloved local attractions like the Minnesota Zoo and the Mall of America provides unparalleled flexibility. Campers can enjoy the peace of nature during the day and easily access urban entertainment when desired. With its friendly staff, a strong sense of community, and the promise of a truly "great place to stop at for the weekend," Lebanon Hills Campground is more than just a place to stay; it's a quintessential Minnesota experience waiting to be discovered by its residents. It's a testament to the fact that you don't have to venture far to find a world-class outdoor adventure right here at home.

Lebanon Hills Campground

12100 Johnny Cake Ridge Rd, St Paul, MN 55124, USA