Are you the owner for this park? Make it a featured listing and be seen in the top search results!
Cleary Lake Regional Park Campground
Overview
Cleary Lake Regional Park, located in the scenic landscapes of Prior Lake, Minnesota, offers a tranquil escape for nature enthusiasts. While the park is celebrated for its expansive outdoor recreation, it is important to note that the site operates as a regional park rather than a traditional RV resort. Visitors seeking a nature-focused retreat will find the setting peaceful and well-maintained, providing a classic Minnesota park experience nestled among lush forests and serene water bodies.
Location & Surroundings
Positioned just southwest of the Twin Cities, Cleary Lake Regional Park serves as a convenient gateway for those exploring the southern metro area. The park is characterized by its rolling topography and dense tree cover, which provides a welcome sense of seclusion despite its proximity to suburban amenities. The surrounding Prior Lake area is known for its abundant lakes and green spaces, making it a highly accessible destination for travelers.
Amenities & Park Features
The park is designed to highlight the beauty of the outdoors, offering visitors access to extensive trail systems and picnic areas. Amenities focus on outdoor engagement, featuring a swimming beach and boat rentals that allow guests to interact directly with the water. Because the facility prioritizes environmental conservation, the site is best suited for those who appreciate primitive-style camping surroundings and wish to immerse themselves in a quiet, natural environment.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Travelers staying near Prior Lake will find no shortage of local engagement. The regional park provides ample opportunities for year-round recreation, including cross-country skiing in the winter and hiking during warmer months. Beyond the park boundaries, visitors can easily access local golf courses, vibrant dining options in Prior Lake, and the shopping districts of the southern Twin Cities. It is an ideal hub for balancing relaxation with local cultural and recreational excursions.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for self-contained RV travelers who prioritize peace and quiet over high-end resort amenities. It is a fantastic choice for families or individuals looking to trade highway noise for the sound of rustling trees and wildlife. If you are seeking a basecamp that emphasizes outdoor activity and natural scenery rather than luxury resort services, this park will provide a memorable stay in the heart of Minnesota.
User Reviews
Lance Lietzau
Large campground with plenty of activities! They have two lots for RV and travel trailer use although the first lot only has two spaces and the second one has a total of five. The five space spot has no water or electric hook up but was a great place for me to test out my new solar set up. Word to the wise, 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 😅. The White Pine lot (5 spaces) has a central bathroom/shower building. The park was jam packed Friday/Saturday but a ghost town the remaining sun/mon/tue I stayed. Easy access dump station and trail systems.
Alek Cunningham
Not one who likes leaving 1 star reviews, but I've been staying at the campground for a few days now. I called the visitors center and asked if I could have a packaged shipped there as I'm staying here for work and they said yes. I then overnighted a package here, to when it arrived, the visitors center refused the package and called me to tell me they can't do that. Then why did you tell me yes yesterday? Maybe you could've made this one exception instead of costing me all this shipping money.
Carrie Clinard
We RV camped here for two nights. We camped at RV Site Two. I included a picture from our vantage point and a picture of an empty RV Site One. We really enjoyed our stay. At first it seemed a little weird to have only two RV spots, but we ended up really liking it. We practically had the whole place to ourselves! It was a little tricky getting the camper in. At first we backed it in, but realized the hookups were on the other side. You have to pull straight thru like a pull-in spot, but to get out you either have to back up awkwardly or just pull thru the other Rv spot (if it’s empty). The pad is concrete and very spacious for tables and chairs. It has a fire pit and trash cans. It’s super close to the trail around the lake and the visitors center. It’s also near where you can rent kayaks or canoes. There’s a large grassy field behind the camp site that’s great for playing with kids or letting your pet explore. For my review, I’m only commenting on the camping. We only did the bike trail around the lake (it was lovely and easy), so I can’t say much else for the actual park. It is pretty with the lake and has great views. Highly recommend it if you’re looking for a camping spot near the Twin Cities.
Andrew Johnson
Great camping/fishing. Basswood areas 1-10 are in a pine forest. Basswood 11+ is in a deeper wooded area next to the lake with easy access to the powered ramada. Whitepine areas are more sunny and open and have drive-up access. 4-5 good fishing spots (that I know of), though some are rented out with specific sites. Lots of trails, golfing, park and beach area.
David Fletcher (RegNeoJazz)
Quiet Regional Park. A good lake for kayak, canoe, paddle board, or any other non motorized water sports activities. The drawback is the lake is very weedy and full of silt. You will find the water is of a green color most of the time. FISHING: You can fish and while the water is full of sediment, there is a beach. CAMPIMG: Overnight camping is allowed. There are spots for Tents or a camper for reservation. WATER SPORTS: Rentals are available for: Kayaks, Canoues, Paddle Boards,and Paddle boats. WEDDINGS: There are shelters where a wedding can be held. GOLF: There is a public golf course attach to the park. TRAILS: There is a paved trail system that encircle the lake. It is almost 3 miles around. Walking or bicycle riding is allowed on the trails.