Tiell Park Campground

For Minnesota locals looking for a convenient, amenity-rich, and scenic camping experience, Tiell Park Campground in St. James offers an appealing solution. Nestled along the beautiful St. James Lake, this city-operated campground provides a blend of natural beauty and urban accessibility that's often hard to find. It’s an ideal spot for RV enthusiasts and tent campers alike, offering modern conveniences right on the water's edge.

Tiell Park Campground is more than just a place to park your camper; it’s a hub for outdoor recreation and relaxation. With direct access to St. James Lake and its surrounding trails, it’s a perfect base for fishing, biking, and enjoying the peaceful Minnesota outdoors. While a recent review highlighted some serious concerns regarding interactions with a city worker, it's important to note the generally positive sentiment towards the campground's facilities and location. One review stated, "Boat launch available. Fish cleaning station. Fishing Pier in the campground," underscoring the excellent amenities for anglers. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Tiell Park Campground, focusing on its many features that make it a suitable choice for Minnesotans seeking a convenient and enjoyable camping adventure.

Tiell Park Campground is perfectly situated at 301 Tiell Dr, St James, MN 56081, USA. This address places it on the south side of St. James Lake, providing picturesque lakeside views and immediate access to water-based activities. St. James is a vibrant community in Watonwan County, nestled in the southern part of Minnesota.

What makes Tiell Park Campground particularly attractive for locals is its seamless blend of natural setting with urban convenience. Unlike some remote campgrounds, Tiell Park is located within the city limits of St. James. This means campers are just a short walk or drive away from local shops, restaurants, and other essential services. This accessibility is a major plus for those who prefer not to be completely off the grid or who might need to quickly replenish supplies.

The campground is also strategically positioned with direct access to the paved 4-mile St. James Area Bike Trail and the WatLine Trail, making it a fantastic spot for cyclists and walkers. Its proximity to the municipal swimming pool and the historic Railroad Museum adds further convenience and entertainment options. St. James itself is easily reachable via major state highways, ensuring a smooth journey for campers coming from various parts of Minnesota. This prime location allows visitors to enjoy the tranquility of lakefront camping while still having the comforts and attractions of a welcoming Minnesota town at their fingertips.

Tiell Park Campground provides a robust array of services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all its guests. The focus is on convenience and modern amenities, making it a highly appealing choice for today's campers.

• Full Hookup RV Sites: The campground offers 21 well-appointed RV sites. Each site comes with excellent electric service (50 amp, with 30/20/15 amp options available), city sanitary sewer, and city water service, ensuring a hassle-free experience for RVers. These sites also feature private concrete pads and fire rings, perfect for campfires and outdoor relaxation. There are no camper length restrictions on sites, though park model campers are prohibited.

• Tent Camping Sites: For those who prefer a more traditional camping experience, there is at least one designated tenting site available near the water's edge, offering a serene spot to connect with nature.

• Restroom and Shower Facilities: A modern and well-maintained comfort station is available, offering public showers and clean restrooms for all campers.

• Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected even while enjoying the outdoors with complimentary Wi-Fi service available throughout the campground.

• Boat Launch and Fishing Amenities: Direct access to St. James Lake is provided via a boat landing adjacent to the campground. There's also a convenient fishing pier within the campground and a dedicated fish cleaning station, making it ideal for anglers.

• Enclosed Shelter: An enclosed shelter is available for campers on a first-come, first-serve basis. This shelter is equipped with a sink (cold running water), countertops, and electrical outlets, with a capacity for approximately 48 people, perfect for group gatherings.

• Dump Station: A public dump station is available on-site, offering convenience for RVers.

• Water Sports Rentals: During outdoor pool hours, kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes are available for rent at the adjacent St. James Outdoor Pool for use on St. James Lake, adding another layer of recreational fun.

Tiell Park Campground boasts several key features and highlights that truly set it apart as a premier camping destination for Minnesotans:

• Lakeside Location on St. James Lake: This is arguably the biggest highlight. The campground's direct proximity to St. James Lake provides campers with beautiful views, easy water access for fishing, boating, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the lake.

• Direct Access to Paved Trails: The campground is directly connected to the paved 4-mile St. James Area Bike Trail and the WatLine Trail. This is a massive advantage for cyclists, walkers, and runners, offering miles of scenic paths for outdoor exercise and exploration.

• Proximity to St. James Outdoor Pool: Being adjacent to the city's outdoor pool means campers have convenient access to a public swimming facility, complete with amenities like a waterslide, splash pool for toddlers, and diving boards during the open season. This is a huge bonus for families, as well as offering kayak/paddleboard/canoe rentals for the lake.

• Miracle Playground & Memorial Park Access: Within Tiell Park itself, and just around the bend at Memorial Park, there are multiple playground areas, including a "Miracle playground." Memorial Park further offers disc golf, sand volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, a skate park, and other recreational amenities, making it ideal for families and active individuals.

• Fishing Paradise: With a fishing pier directly in the campground, a boat launch, and a fish cleaning station, Tiell Park is a dream for anglers. St. James Lake is known for good fishing, providing ample opportunities to cast a line.

• Historic & Cultural Attractions Nearby: The campground is within walking distance of the historic Railroad Museum and Model Rail Club, offering a glimpse into St. James's rich past. This adds a cultural dimension to a camping trip.

• Cleanliness and Maintenance: Reviews often highlight the campground's well-manicured grounds and clean facilities, indicating a strong commitment from city management to provide a pleasant environment.

• Full Hookup Convenience: The abundance of full hookup RV sites with 50-amp service, water, and sewer makes camping incredibly convenient, reducing the need for frequent trips to dump stations or water fill-ups.

As a city-run campground, Tiell Park Campground in St. James, MN, typically offers consistent and affordable rates rather than frequent, fluctuating promotions seen at private resorts. However, Minnesotans looking to camp here can consider the following aspects for potential value or unique booking considerations:

• Affordable Daily Rates: City campgrounds are often known for their competitive and budget-friendly daily rates, making them an excellent value for those seeking amenities without a high price tag. Rates mentioned in past reviews were around $25 USD per night, which is quite competitive for full hookup sites.

• Seasonal Rate Passes: The city of St. James website indicates that camping on a seasonal rate pass prior to May 1 and after October 1 will be charged the daily rate. This suggests there might be seasonal pass options for extended stays during the core camping season, offering potential savings for those planning to stay for weeks or months. It's advisable to inquire directly about these seasonal pass structures and their associated costs.

• First-Come, First-Serve for Non-Seasonal Sites: While seasonal sites may exist, non-seasonal campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. This means early arrival, especially during peak times like weekends or holidays, is its own "promotion" in securing a prime spot.

• Off-Peak Season Value: Camping during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) often provides a more tranquil experience with fewer crowds. While daily rates might remain consistent, the overall value for a more peaceful setting could be considered a perk.

• Inclusion of Amenities: The core value of Tiell Park Campground lies in the extensive amenities included in the standard rate, such as full hookups, free Wi-Fi, access to clean restrooms and showers, and proximity to the lake, trails, and pool. These integrated features provide excellent value without needing a separate promotion.

For the most accurate and current information on rates, seasonal passes, or any potential special offers, it is always recommended to contact Tiell Park Campground directly or visit the official City of St. James Parks & Recreation website.

To plan your visit to Tiell Park Campground or to inquire about reservations, amenities, and local information, please use the contact details provided below. The city staff managing the campground will be able to assist you with your questions.

• Address: 301 Tiell Dr, St James, MN 56081, USA

• Phone: (507) 375-3241

• Mobile Phone: +1 507-375-3241

When calling, you may wish to specifically ask about site availability, current rates, seasonal pass options, and any specific questions you have about the facilities or local area. If you have concerns about the city worker behavior mentioned in a review, you may consider directing those questions to the city's parks and recreation department directly as well.

For Minnesotans seeking an accessible, amenity-rich, and family-friendly camping experience, Tiell Park Campground in St. James stands out as an excellent choice. Its suitability for locals is rooted in its unique combination of natural beauty and urban convenience, offering the best of both worlds without the need for extensive travel.

The prime lakeside location on St. James Lake means immediate access to fishing, boating, and simply enjoying the peaceful waterfront views. This is the essence of a Minnesota summer, easily within reach. The direct connection to the paved St. James Area Bike Trail is a huge draw for active individuals and families, providing safe and scenic routes for cycling and walking right from your campsite. Furthermore, the adjacent St. James Outdoor Pool offers a fantastic amenity, especially during warm weather, with swimming, waterslides, and even water sports rentals for the lake, making it a perfect spot for families with children.

Beyond recreation, the campground’s position within the city limits of St. James ensures that essential services, dining options, and local attractions like the Railroad Museum are just a stone's throw away. This convenience means less preparation and more spontaneity for your camping trip. With full hookup sites, clean bathhouses, and free Wi-Fi, Tiell Park Campground provides a comfortable and modern camping experience, catering to both seasoned RVers and those new to tent camping. While a past review raises important concerns about staff conduct, the core facilities and location remain highly appealing. Minnesotans looking for a convenient, value-packed, and engaging outdoor getaway that blends nature with community accessibility will find Tiell Park Campground a perfect fit for their next adventure.