Clarke’s Landing

For many Minnesotans, the dream of a lakeside escape, where peaceful mornings turn into vibrant sunsets and friendly faces greet you daily, is the essence of true relaxation. Clarke’s Landing, a beloved campground nestled on the picturesque shores of Lake Francis in Elysian, MN, embodies this very dream. It's a place where the rhythm of lake life sets the pace, and a strong sense of community makes every visit feel like coming home.

Clarke’s Landing has long been a favored destination for those seeking a tranquil yet welcoming outdoor experience. It's especially popular among seasonal campers who cherish having a consistent spot by the water throughout Minnesota’s beautiful warmer months. The atmosphere here is consistently praised by those who stay. As one recent visitor beautifully put it, "loving it here. So peaceful, friendly, Everyone made me feel so welcomed. And it's so nice to walk down to the beach and watch the sunset." Another visitor, enjoying time with a friend, simply noted, "Visited a friend. Nice park. Took his pontoon out on Lake Francis." These sentiments perfectly capture the spirit of Clarke's Landing: a place where tranquility meets genuine camaraderie, all against the stunning backdrop of a Minnesota lake.

This article will delve into what makes Clarke’s Landing a highly suitable and cherished destination for Minnesotans. We’ll explore its idyllic location and accessibility, the specific services and amenities designed for comfortable lakeside living, the unique features that set it apart, and how you can connect with them to plan your own peaceful retreat on Lake Francis.

Clarke’s Landing is wonderfully situated at 21790 516th St, Elysian, MN 56028, USA. This address places it directly on the serene shores of Lake Francis, a beautiful body of water in Le Sueur County, within the charming community of Elysian. This location is a significant draw for Minnesotans, offering that sought-after lakeside lifestyle.

Elysian is a small, friendly town, providing a quiet, rural escape that many locals crave. Despite its peaceful setting, Clarke's Landing remains quite accessible. It is conveniently located within a reasonable driving distance from larger population centers in Southern Minnesota, making it an ideal weekend getaway or a seasonal home that isn't too far from urban amenities when needed. Key regional routes connect to the Elysian area, ensuring a relatively straightforward journey for RVs and trailers.

The direct lake frontage on Lake Francis is a primary geographical advantage. Lake Francis is known for its recreational opportunities, including boating and fishing, allowing campers to easily enjoy these activities right from the campground. The presence of a beach provides direct access to the water for swimming or simply relaxing by the shore, perfect for watching those renowned Minnesota sunsets. Furthermore, the surrounding area offers additional outdoor pursuits, with local parks and trails, such as potential access to the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail (which is mentioned in relation to a nearby campground in Elysian), enhancing the recreational appeal. This blend of direct lake access, rural charm, and regional connectivity makes Clarke's Landing a highly desirable and accessible location for Minnesotans.

Clarke’s Landing primarily caters to a clientele seeking a peaceful, friendly, and consistent camping experience, with a significant focus on seasonal stays. While specific, exhaustive details on every single service are not always publicly listed for such operations, based on the provided information, typical offerings for a lakeside campground of this nature, and the positive reviews, you can anticipate the following services designed to ensure a comfortable stay:

• Seasonal RV & Tent Sites: Clarke's Landing offers sites for both RVs and tent campers, with options for nightly, weekly, monthly, and especially seasonal rates. The presence of 117 seasonal camp sites indicates a strong focus on long-term residents.
• Full Hookups: RV sites are equipped with full hookups, which typically include 30-amp or 50-amp electrical service, city water, and sewer connections, providing all the necessary conveniences for extended stays.
• Lake & Dock Access: Direct access to Lake Francis is a core service, including dock access for boats and pontoons, making it convenient for water-based activities like fishing and boating. One review specifically mentions taking a pontoon out on Lake Francis.
• Beach Access: The presence of a beach directly accessible from the campground allows for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the lakeside environment, with peaceful sunsets as a highlight.
• Winter/Summer Boat Storage: For seasonal campers or boat owners, the convenience of on-site boat storage for both summer and winter seasons is a valuable service.
• Bath House: A communal bath house with restroom facilities is typically available for all campers, ensuring hygiene and comfort.
• Laundry Facilities: On-site laundry services are commonly provided at campgrounds, offering convenience for guests, especially those on longer stays.
• Friendly and Welcoming Staff/Community: While not a tangible "service," the consistently mentioned friendly and welcoming atmosphere created by staff and fellow campers ("Everyone made me feel so welcomed") is a significant offering in itself, fostering a pleasant environment.
• Well-Maintained Grounds: Implied by the peaceful and positive reviews, the general upkeep and maintenance of the park grounds contribute to a pleasant camping experience.

Clarke’s Landing stands out as a unique and inviting campground in Minnesota due to several key features and highlights that emphasize tranquility, community, and direct lake enjoyment. These elements contribute to its strong appeal among both short-term and especially seasonal campers:

• Direct Lake Francis Access: The most prominent feature is its prime location directly on Lake Francis. This provides unparalleled access for boating, fishing, kayaking, and enjoying the water, making it a dream for lake enthusiasts.
• Beautiful Beach and Sunset Views: The campground boasts a lovely beach area, perfect for swimming or simply unwinding by the water. The opportunity to "watch the sunset" from the beach is a highlight, creating memorable and peaceful evenings.
• Peaceful and Friendly Atmosphere: Consistently praised in reviews, the campground is known for its serene and quiet environment, fostering true relaxation. This tranquility is complemented by an exceptionally friendly and welcoming community of campers and staff, making new visitors feel instantly at home.
• Strong Seasonal Community: With 117 seasonal sites, Clarke's Landing has a well-established community of long-term residents. This creates a stable, neighborly atmosphere where friendships can flourish, and a shared love for lake life is common.
• Convenient Boat & Dock Access: For boat owners, the ease of taking a pontoon or other watercraft directly out onto Lake Francis from the campground's docks is a significant convenience and a major highlight.
• Proximity to Elysian Town Amenities: While offering a peaceful escape, Clarke's Landing is close to downtown Elysian, providing easy access to local conveniences like a convenience store, various restaurants and bars (Tucker's Tavern, Fischers Corner Bar), and unique boutiques.
• Access to Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail: Nearby access to this popular paved multi-use trail offers opportunities for biking, walking, and snowmobiling, appealing to active campers looking to explore the region.
• Fishing Opportunities: Lake Francis is well-regarded for fishing, providing ample opportunities for anglers to cast a line for species like channel catfish, bluegill, walleye, crappie, and northern pike, as is common in Minnesota lakes.
• Well-Maintained Grounds & Facilities: While not explicitly detailed, the consistent positive feedback about the "nice park" and feeling "so welcomed" implies well-kept facilities and grounds, contributing to a pleasant and comfortable stay.

For the most accurate and current information on any promotions or special offers at Clarke’s Landing, directly contacting the campground is highly recommended. As a property that emphasizes seasonal camping and a personalized, friendly atmosphere, their specific deals may not always be widely advertised online on third-party sites. However, based on common practices for campgrounds of this nature, you might inquire about the following:

• Seasonal Site Rates: Given that Clarke's Landing has 117 seasonal sites and openly advertises a seasonal rate (e.g., $3400.00 in some historical information), inquiring about current availability and pricing for a full season is paramount for long-term campers.
• Weekly or Monthly Discounts: For those planning extended stays that aren't a full season, asking about reduced weekly or monthly rates compared to daily fees is often beneficial.
• Early Booking Incentives: Sometimes, campgrounds offer incentives for booking seasonal sites early in the off-season, or for reserving popular dates well in advance.
• Boat Docking Packages: Inquire if there are any bundled deals for seasonal site rentals that include boat docking fees, especially if you plan to bring a watercraft.
• Winter Storage Options: For seasonal campers, asking about the cost and availability of winter boat or RV storage on-site can be a valuable part of a longer-term arrangement.

Connecting with Clarke’s Landing directly via phone will provide you with the most up-to-date information on site availability, current rates, and any special offers that might enhance your lakeside camping experience. Their friendly staff will be able to assist you with all your planning needs.

Ready to discover your peaceful lakeside retreat at Clarke’s Landing on Lake Francis? For reservations, inquiries about seasonal sites, amenities, or any other questions you may have, the friendly team at Clarke’s Landing is ready to assist you. We look forward to helping you plan your relaxing and memorable stay in Elysian, Minnesota.

• Address: 21790 516th St, Elysian, MN 56028, USA
• Phone: (507) 386-0671
• Mobile Phone: +1 507-386-0671

We encourage you to call us directly during business hours for the quickest response and to secure your preferred dates. We can't wait to welcome you to the tranquil shores of Lake Francis at Clarke's Landing!

For Minnesotans, Clarke’s Landing stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly appealing campground, perfectly encapsulating the cherished "Minnesota lake life" experience. Its strong suitability for locals stems from its unique blend of serene natural beauty, a vibrant and welcoming community, and a focus on long-term enjoyment of the outdoors.

Firstly, the direct access to Lake Francis is a paramount draw. Minnesotans have a deep connection to their lakes, and Clarke's Landing offers immediate immersion in lake activities, from leisurely pontoon rides and fishing trips to simply enjoying the refreshing waters from the beach. The opportunity to witness stunning sunsets over the lake from your campsite or the shoreline is a truly authentic Minnesota experience, fostering peace and relaxation right outside your door.

Secondly, the powerful sense of community, particularly among its numerous seasonal campers, is a significant highlight for locals. Many Minnesotans seek camaraderie and a friendly atmosphere in their recreational spaces, and Clarke's Landing delivers. The consistent positive reviews highlighting how "everyone made me feel so welcomed" speak volumes about the supportive and neighborly environment. This allows new visitors to easily integrate and build lasting friendships, transforming a temporary stay into a cherished tradition.

Finally, the campground's peaceful setting in Elysian, while still being accessible from larger regional centers, provides that ideal balance many locals desire. It offers an escape from the daily hustle without being too remote, ensuring convenient access for regular visits throughout the season. For Minnesotans yearning for a consistent, tranquil, and genuinely friendly lakeside retreat where they can truly unwind and become part of a community, Clarke's Landing on Lake Francis is an unmatched choice, offering the perfect blend of natural beauty and human connection.