Wills Riverview Campground

shakopee mn camping

### Introduction / Overview

For RV enthusiasts and outdoor lovers in Minnesota, finding a truly accommodating and versatile campground can often feel like searching for a hidden gem. Wills Riverview Campground, nestled along the picturesque Minnesota River in Shakopee, aims to be just that. It's not just another RV park; it’s a destination that stands out for its unique year-round operation, a rare and valuable feature for those who wish to experience Minnesota's distinct seasons from the comfort of their RV, even the adventurous winter months. As many Minnesotans know, having the option to camp during the colder season opens up a whole new realm of outdoor possibilities.

Wills Riverview Campground prides itself on offering beautiful views and direct access to an extensive hike and bike trail that runs right along the Minnesota River. This natural amenity is a significant draw for active individuals and families looking to explore the state's scenic beauty on foot or by bike. The park aims to provide a welcoming environment for both short-term visitors and those seeking longer-term stays, including coveted winter spots for the truly "Badass" cold-weather campers, as one enthusiastic reviewer put it.

However, like any community-oriented establishment, Wills Riverview Campground has received varied feedback from its patrons. While many praise its unique year-round availability, location, and the friendly nature of the initial ownership, some recent reviews highlight significant concerns regarding management practices, internal community dynamics, and the upkeep of shared facilities like bathhouses and laundry. This article will provide a balanced overview, drawing from available public information to help Minnesota locals make an informed decision about whether Wills Riverview Campground is the right fit for their RV adventures.

### Location and Accessibility

Wills Riverview Campground is conveniently located at 1705 3rd Ave W, Shakopee, MN 55379, USA. Its position in Shakopee, Minnesota, offers an excellent blend of natural beauty and urban accessibility. Shakopee is a vibrant city in Scott County, just southwest of the Twin Cities metropolitan area, making it an easy drive for many Minnesotans and those visiting from further afield.

The campground's most notable geographical feature is its direct adjacency to the Minnesota River. This riverside location provides campers with scenic views and immediate access to the "kickass hike and bike trail" that runs alongside the river. This trail system is perfect for cycling, walking, or running, allowing residents to immerse themselves in nature without having to drive anywhere.

Beyond its natural attributes, the location in Shakopee offers impressive accessibility to a wide range of attractions and essential services:

• Major Attractions: Wills Riverview Campground is remarkably close to some of Minnesota's most popular entertainment venues. Valleyfair, the Upper Midwest's largest amusement park, is approximately 1 mile away. Canterbury Park, offering live horse racing and a year-round card casino, is also about 1 mile distant. The famous Minnesota Renaissance Festival grounds are roughly 5 miles away, making the campground an ideal base for attending these major events.

• Shopping and Dining: Shakopee provides ample options for groceries, retail shopping, and diverse dining experiences, all within a short drive from the campground.

• Healthcare: St. Francis Regional Hospital is conveniently located within 2 miles, ensuring quick access to medical facilities if needed.

• Metropolitan Access: For those who wish to explore further, downtown Minneapolis is approximately a 25-minute drive, offering access to professional sports, museums, theaters (like the Guthrie Theater and Chanhassen Dinner Theatre), and a vast array of urban experiences, including the Mall of America, which is about 15 miles away.

This prime location makes Wills Riverview Campground an attractive spot for both short-term recreational visits and potentially longer seasonal stays for locals who want to enjoy the area's many offerings.

### Services Offered

Wills Riverview Campground offers a range of services designed to make RV camping convenient and enjoyable, with a notable distinction for its year-round operation. Based on common RV park amenities and available customer feedback, here are the likely services provided:

• RV Sites with Hookups: The campground offers sites equipped with essential hookups for RVs. This typically includes water, electric (30 or 50 amp service), and sewer connections for a comfortable stay. The availability of these full hookups is crucial for year-round camping, especially during Minnesota's cold winters.

• Year-Round Operation: A standout service is its operation throughout all four seasons, including the Minnesota winter. This is a rare offering in the state and caters to a specific demographic of campers who enjoy cold-weather RVing. It implies that sites are prepared for winter conditions, though winter spots may fill up quickly, requiring advance planning.

• Access to Hiking and Biking Trails: Direct access to a hike and bike trail along the Minnesota River is a significant service for outdoor enthusiasts, providing immediate recreational opportunities.

• Laundry Facilities: While reviews indicate some challenges, the presence of washers and dryers suggests on-site laundry facilities are offered for resident use. However, concerns about availability due to management use have been raised.

• Bathhouses/Restrooms: Shared bathhouses are generally provided for campers. However, customer feedback explicitly mentions that bathhouses can be dirty and lack toilet paper, indicating an area where services may be inconsistent or require significant improvement in cleanliness and stocking.

• Community Management/Assistance: The park has management personnel on-site, as indicated by references to "Jason and Kim" as owners and the introduction of "new management" in reviews. Their role involves overseeing park operations and assisting campers, though past reviews suggest inconsistencies in their approach and resident relations.

• Seasonal and Monthly Rates: The campground offers various rate structures, including nightly, weekly, and monthly rates, providing flexibility for different types of stays. Mention of winter spots filling up early also implies a system for longer-term seasonal rentals.

It is crucial for prospective campers to directly inquire about the current state of these services, especially concerning the noted issues with laundry and bathhouse cleanliness, to ensure their expectations are met.

### Features / Highlights

Wills Riverview Campground boasts several attractive features and highlights that draw in RV campers, particularly those looking for unique experiences in Minnesota:

• Year-Round Camping: This is arguably the most significant highlight. Wills Riverview Campground is noted as "one of the few parks in the state that is open all year." This feature is invaluable for those who want to experience RV camping during Minnesota's beautiful autumn, crisp spring, and especially the challenging but rewarding winter months. The term "Minnesota winter RV park = Badass" from a review truly captures its unique appeal.

• Scenic Minnesota River Views: The campground offers "Beautiful views" of the Minnesota River, providing a serene and picturesque backdrop for your stay. This natural setting enhances the overall camping experience.

• Direct Access to Hike and Bike Trail: A major convenience is the direct proximity and access to a "kickass hike and bike trail right on the Minnesota River." This is a huge draw for active campers who enjoy walking, running, or cycling amidst nature without needing to travel off-site.

• Location Near Major Attractions: Its prime location in Shakopee puts campers within easy reach of popular Minnesota destinations. Valleyfair amusement park, Canterbury Park (horse racing and casino), and the Minnesota Renaissance Festival are all very close, offering diverse entertainment options for all ages.

• Community Potential: While some reviews suggest internal issues, the concept of a year-round park often fosters a strong, tight-knit community among long-term or repeat campers who share a passion for RVing in all seasons.

However, it is equally important to highlight concerns that have been raised by some past residents, as these also form part of the park's operational features from a user perspective:

• Management and Community Relations: Reviews indicate significant issues with management, including allegations of "trash talk about people," using and then discarding residents, and "starting drama." There are also serious unverified claims of "FBI investigation" and management calling the "cops on you for everything" by "new managers" who "have NO clue what they are in for." These are critical concerns regarding the living environment and overall community dynamic.

• Facility Upkeep: Cleanliness and availability of shared facilities are noted as problematic. Reviews mention "Bath houses are dirty," "they don’t clean it," and "they don’t provide toilet paper." Additionally, "washer and dryers are constantly being used by management so you can never do your laundry." These operational issues directly impact guest comfort and convenience.

For potential campers, these points represent important considerations when weighing the highlights against the overall lived experience at Wills Riverview Campground.

### Promotions or Special Offers

Based on the provided information, specific, time-limited "promotions" or "special offers" from Wills Riverview Campground are not explicitly detailed in the customer reviews. However, the nature of their operations and pricing implies certain ongoing benefits and considerations that could be seen as inherent "offers":

• Year-Round Camping Availability: This is the most significant and consistent "special offer." As one of the few RV parks in Minnesota open all year, it provides a unique opportunity for campers to enjoy all seasons, including the winter. This caters to a niche market and serves as a continuous draw for those seeking winter RV spots.

• Long-Term Stay Options: The mention of "winter spots fill up early so plan ahead" suggests that Wills Riverview Campground accommodates longer-term stays. This offers a valuable option for RVers who need a stable base for an extended period, which can often come with more favorable monthly or seasonal rates compared to nightly stays.

• Location-Based Value: While not a discount, the campground's proximity to major attractions like Valleyfair, Canterbury Park, and the Minnesota Renaissance Festival inherently adds value to a stay. Campers can access these entertainment venues easily without extensive travel, enhancing their overall experience.

Any specific pricing details or discounts, such as weekly or monthly rates, would typically be found on their official website or by direct inquiry. For example, some common RV park pricing structures include paying for 6 nights and getting the 7th free for weekly stays, or discounted monthly rates. Prospective campers should directly contact Wills Riverview Campground to inquire about their current rate structure, any available long-term contracts, or specific seasonal deals that might be running.

Given the significant concerns raised in reviews regarding management and facility upkeep, it would be prudent for potential customers to factor these operational aspects into their assessment of overall value, regardless of any potential promotional pricing.

### Contact Information

For those interested in inquiring about availability, rates, or any other information regarding Wills Riverview Campground, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 1705 3rd Ave W, Shakopee, MN 55379, USA

Phone: (952) 457-5436

It is always recommended to contact the campground directly to get the most up-to-date and accurate information, especially concerning seasonal availability, specific site features, and any current rates or long-term stay options. Given the nature of some of the public reviews, it would also be advisable to ask any questions you may have about facility maintenance, management practices, and community guidelines during your inquiry to ensure the campground aligns with your expectations for a comfortable and enjoyable RV experience.

### Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Minnesotan RV enthusiasts, Wills Riverview Campground in Shakopee presents a unique and potentially valuable option for a variety of reasons. Its most defining characteristic is its rare year-round operation, which is a significant advantage for those who wish to extend their camping season beyond the warmer months and embrace Minnesota's full spectrum of weather. This caters directly to a local desire for continuous outdoor engagement, even in the "Badass" cold. The ability to find a winter RV spot is a sought-after feature that many other parks in the state do not offer.

Furthermore, its location along the Minnesota River provides unparalleled access to scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. Locals who enjoy hiking, biking, or simply being by the water will appreciate the direct connection to trails and river views. Beyond the natural appeal, the campground's proximity to major Shakopee attractions like Valleyfair, Canterbury Park, and the Minnesota Renaissance Festival means that entertainment and family-friendly activities are always within easy reach, making it an ideal base for experiencing the best of the local area without extensive travel.

However, suitability for locals also hinges on transparency regarding the lived experience. While the physical location and year-round access are strong draws, recent customer feedback highlights significant concerns regarding management behavior, community relations, and the maintenance of shared facilities such as dirty bathhouses and laundry accessibility issues. For Minnesotans considering a stay, especially a longer-term one, it is crucial to approach Wills Riverview Campground with a full understanding of these operational aspects. Directly addressing these concerns with management before committing is highly advisable to ensure that the unique benefits of year-round camping and prime location are not overshadowed by potential day-to-day frustrations.

In summary, Wills Riverview Campground is suitable for Minnesota locals who prioritize rare year-round RV camping, value direct access to nature and major local attractions, and are prepared to engage proactively with management to ensure a positive and well-maintained living experience. It offers a distinct niche in the Minnesota RV scene that, for the right camper, could be an excellent fit.

Wills Riverview Campground

1705 3rd Ave W, Shakopee, MN 55379, USA