Lakeview Campground

For Minnesotans seeking a classic outdoor experience amidst the state's famed "land of 10,000 lakes," Lakeview Campground in New London, MN, offers a prime destination. Nestled within the beloved Sibley State Park, this campground provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature, enjoy lakeside activities, and explore diverse landscapes. While it's a popular and often busy spot, its appeal lies in its direct access to Lake Andrew and the natural wonders of Sibley State Park, making it a go-to choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a memorable camping trip. It's important for locals to know that Lakeview Campground has recently undergone significant renovations to enhance the camping experience, promising a refreshed and revitalized stay for the 2025 season and beyond.

Lakeview Campground is located within Sibley State Park, with its address being Lakeview Campground, New London, MN 56273, USA. The broader Sibley State Park is officially located at 800 Sibley Park Road NE, New London, MN 56273. This puts the campground in the heart of West-Central Minnesota, an area renowned for its scenic beauty, rolling hills, and abundant lakes. The location offers excellent accessibility for many Minnesotans: it’s roughly an hour's drive from St. Cloud, about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from the Twin Cities metropolitan area (Minneapolis-St. Paul), and within a reasonable drive from other major population centers in the state. The journey to the park itself is a pleasant one, winding through picturesque Minnesota landscapes. Once at the park, Lakeview Campground is situated directly on the shores of Lake Andrew, providing campers with easy access to the water and its adjacent swimming beach. This prime lakeside spot is a significant draw for local users looking for convenience and natural beauty.

Lakeview Campground, as part of Sibley State Park, offers a range of services designed to make your camping experience comfortable and enjoyable. It's crucial to note that the campground has undergone a major redevelopment, completed in mid-May 2025, which has significantly updated its offerings.

• Campsites: The renovated Lakeview Campground now features 41 drive-in campsites, a reduction from the previous 71, but with a significant upgrade. Of these, 40 sites now offer electric hookups, and two are handicap accessible. Each site typically includes a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill.

• Restroom Facilities: The historic 1930s shower and restroom buildings have been renovated to meet modern building codes and accessibility guidelines, including updated interiors and new fixtures. These provide flush toilets and hot-water showers.

• Potable Water: Drinking water is available at various water filling stations sprinkled throughout the park, including at the park office and the new dump station.

• Dump Station: A new, centrally located dump station has been installed to replace the previous congested site, serving both Lakeview and Oak Ridge campgrounds.

• Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for purchase at the park office year-round, ensuring campers can have campfires responsibly. Importantly, burning non-local firewood is prohibited to prevent the spread of invasive species.

• Vehicle Permits: A Minnesota state park vehicle permit is required for all vehicles entering the park. These can be purchased daily or annually.

• Park Office/Ranger Station: An on-site park office provides information, assistance, ice sales, and other services.

Lakeview Campground's appeal is deeply tied to its natural setting and the wider amenities of Sibley State Park. The recent renovations have significantly enhanced its features and highlights:

• Lakeside Location & Beach Access: A major draw is its direct proximity to Lake Andrew. The campground is well-shaded by mature trees and is right on the lake, with a swimming beach conveniently located next door. This provides easy access for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the water.

• Redesigned Layout and Larger Sites: The comprehensive redevelopment project has improved the campground's layout with better spacing and turning radii for RVs and trailers. Campsites are now larger, addressing previous feedback about sites being "cramped" and "right on top of each other." This makes for a more comfortable and private camping experience.

• Increased Electric Hookups: With 40 out of 41 sites now offering electric hookups, Lakeview Campground is much more accommodating for RVs and trailers, catering to modern camping preferences.

• Renovated Historic Buildings: The 1930s Veterans' Conservation Corps buildings within the campground, including shower/restroom buildings and an enclosed picnic shelter/lodge, have been renovated while preserving their historic character. This blends modern comfort with a sense of history.

• Access to Sibley State Park: Campers have full access to Sibley State Park's extensive offerings. This includes over 18 miles of hiking trails, notably the popular trek to Mount Tom, one of the highest points in the region, offering breathtaking panoramic views of forests, prairies, and lakes. The park is also excellent for birdwatching (over 200 species), wildlife viewing (fox, coyotes, raccoons, herons, Canada geese), and nature photography.

• Water Recreation: Beyond swimming, Lake Andrew offers opportunities for fishing (a fishing pier is available) and various boat rentals (canoes, kayaks, paddleboards) from the Sibley Beach Store during the summer season.

• Family-Friendly Environment: The combination of the beach, trails, and renovated facilities makes it a great spot for families with children, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities.

As Lakeview Campground is part of a Minnesota State Park, it operates under the pricing and reservation system of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Parks and Trails. Specific commercial "promotions" in the traditional sense are not offered. However, the value for money and state-provided programs serve as a form of benefit:

• State Park Vehicle Permits: While required, these permits (daily or annual) provide access to all Minnesota State Parks for the duration, offering value for frequent park visitors.

• "I Can!" Programs: The Minnesota DNR offers "I Can!" programs (e.g., I Can Camp!, I Can Paddle!, I Can Fish!) designed to help new campers learn outdoor skills. These programs are very affordable or free, and equipment is provided, making them an excellent "offer" for new or less experienced outdoor enthusiasts.

• State Park Library Pass Program: Starting in spring 2025, more libraries will be included in this program, allowing Minnesotans to check out a free, seven-day state park vehicle pass with a valid library card, providing free entry to the park.

Campsite reservations can be made up to 120 days in advance. Given its popularity and the recent renovations, it's highly recommended to book well in advance, especially for weekend and peak season stays.

For reservations, inquiries, or more detailed information about Lakeview Campground and Sibley State Park, use the following contact information:

• Address: 800 Sibley Park Road NE, New London, MN 56273, USA

• Park Office Phone: (320) 347-7810

• General Reservations Phone: 1-866-857-2757

• Email: sibley.statepark@state.mn.us

You can also find more information and make reservations through the official Minnesota DNR website for Sibley State Park.

For Minnesota locals, Lakeview Campground at Sibley State Park is an exceptionally suitable destination for a wide range of outdoor interests. Its prime location on Lake Andrew provides immediate access to swimming, fishing, and boating, which are quintessential Minnesota summer activities. The recent, extensive renovations have addressed previous concerns about campsite density and amenities, resulting in larger, more comfortable sites with increased electrical hookups and modernized facilities. This means a more enjoyable and convenient experience, especially for those with RVs or trailers. Beyond the campground itself, the abundance of hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and the iconic Mount Tom within Sibley State Park offer diverse activities for all ages and fitness levels. It’s a fantastic place for families to create lasting memories, for friends to reconnect with nature, or for individuals to find peace and solitude. By investing in its infrastructure, Lakeview Campground ensures that it continues to be a cherished and accessible natural escape for Minnesotans, providing a refreshed and inviting environment to experience the best of the state's outdoors.