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Hickory Hills Campground Introduce

For Minnesota families and travelers seeking a welcoming and amenity-rich outdoor experience, Hickory Hills Campground, nestled peacefully in the countryside near Albert Lea, is a highly recommended destination. Praised by visitors for its exceptional hospitality and family-friendly features, this campground stands out as a true gem for locals looking to unwind, have fun, and connect with nature. If you’re a Minnesotan planning your next camping adventure, Hickory Hills Campground promises a blend of comfort, recreation, and genuine warmth that will make you want to return "again and again."

Hickory Hills Campground isn't just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it's a vibrant community where guests feel truly at home. Reviewers consistently highlight the "great owners" and their "kind and welcoming" nature, emphasizing the personalized touch that sets this campground apart. Beyond the friendly faces, the property boasts features that cater to all ages, from a "huge playground for kids" to a refreshing "swimming pool," ensuring that every member of the family finds something to enjoy. Situated on a quiet gravel road amidst 40 wooded acres, surrounded by prairie and near the beautiful Upper Twin Lakes, it offers a serene escape from freeway noise, yet remains conveniently located for easy access, making it an ideal choice for a memorable Minnesota getaway.

Location and Accessibility

Hickory Hills Campground is conveniently located at 15694 717th Ave, Albert Lea, MN 56007, USA. This prime location places it "out in the country in Twin Lakes," offering a peaceful, secluded setting that is wonderfully free of highway noise. Despite its tranquil atmosphere, the campground remains highly accessible for Minnesota residents. It's situated on a gravel road about 12 miles south of the junction of I-90 and I-35, and approximately 5 miles off I-35 (Exit 5). Clear signage from Twin Lakes guides visitors directly to the entrance, ensuring a smooth and stress-free arrival for campers, including those with large RVs or trailers.

The campground's proximity to Albert Lea means that while you're enjoying the serenity of nature, you're just a short drive away from essential services, grocery stores, and local attractions. This balance of secluded tranquility and practical convenience makes it an ideal spot for Minnesota locals. Whether you're coming from Minneapolis, Rochester, or Mankato (all within reasonable driving distances), Hickory Hills Campground offers an easily reachable escape that feels genuinely removed from the hustle and bustle, allowing for more relaxation and less travel time.

Services Offered

  • Full Hookup Sites: The campground offers 99 sites, including 11 short-stay weekend sites, all of which come with full hookups (water, electric - 30 & 50 amp, and sewer). This is a significant convenience for RV campers.
  • Soft Water: A unique and welcome amenity, all water hookups throughout the park provide soft water.
  • Swimming Pool: A "huge" and "gigantic" swimming pool is available, providing ample space for swimming and relaxation, particularly after long days of travel or outdoor activity.
  • Clean Restrooms and Showers: Public restrooms and showers are available 24 hours a day and are noted for being clean and well-maintained.
  • Laundry Facilities: On-site laundry facilities are provided for camper convenience.
  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi service is available, typically as a hotspot at the lodge or store.
  • On-site Store/Lodge: The lodge offers basic grocery items, Hickory Hills souvenirs, ice cream, pizza, ice, and firewood (with free delivery!). Beer and wine are also available.
  • LP Tanks: Propane (LP) tanks are available for purchase.
  • Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is available for RV waste disposal.
  • Gated Community: The campground is a gated community, providing enhanced security and controlled access for guests.
  • Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed at campsites (with a limit of two pets and an additional fee for the second), provided they are kept on a leash, supervised, picked up after, and not brought into buildings, rental units, the pool, or beach areas.
  • Seasonal and Overflow Sites: In addition to daily and weekly rentals, Hickory Hills offers 88 seasonal sites and 3 overflow sites, accommodating various lengths of stay.

Features / Highlights

  • Exceptional Hospitality: Consistently praised for its "kind and welcoming" owners and staff, creating a genuinely friendly and inviting atmosphere.
  • Huge Playground: A major draw for families, featuring a large playground for children to enjoy.
  • Family-Friendly Activities: The campground organizes various weekend activities, including crafts, wagon rides, bingo, and bag tournaments for kids, with additional themed events on holidays.
  • Quiet and Secluded Setting: Located on 40 wooded acres surrounded by prairie and near Upper Twin Lakes, offering a serene escape with "absolutely no freeway noise."
  • Spacious Sites: Sites are generously sized, with pull-thru options (27'x120') and standard sites (54'x60'), each featuring a fire pit and picnic table.
  • Beautiful Minnesota Stars: Guests often rave about the clear, beautiful night sky, perfect for stargazing.
  • Proximity to Twin Lakes: The campground is near the Upper Twin Lakes, providing opportunities for enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
  • Outdoor Games: Besides the playground, the campground offers a sandbox, horseshoe pits, basketball hoop, and volleyball net. Equipment is available at the lodge.
  • Air-Conditioned Lodge: A comfortable lodge with board games and extra seating provides a great communal space.
  • Close to Diamond Jo Casino: For adult entertainment, Diamond Jo Casino is just minutes away.
  • Wooded and Nature Landscapes: The campground is set amidst beautiful wooded and prairie landscapes, offering opportunities for nature appreciation and wildlife spotting.

Contact Information

Address: 15694 717th Ave, Albert Lea, MN 56007, USA
Phone: (507) 852-4555

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Minnesota locals, Hickory Hills Campground near Albert Lea is more than just a place to stay; it's a destination that consistently delivers on its promise of a "perfect" family-friendly outdoor experience. Its suitability for residents stems from its unique combination of top-notch amenities, a genuinely welcoming atmosphere, and a peaceful, accessible location. The consistent praise for the "great owners" and their "kind and welcoming" hospitality creates a sense of belonging, making every return visit feel like coming home. This personal touch is a significant draw for Minnesotans seeking a campground where they feel valued and well cared for.

The array of features specifically catering to families truly sets Hickory Hills apart. The "huge playground" is a clear hit with children, providing endless hours of entertainment, while the "gigantic" swimming pool offers a refreshing escape, particularly on warm Minnesota days. These amenities, combined with organized "weekend activities" like crafts and wagon rides, ensure that boredom is never an option, fostering memorable experiences for kids and adults alike. For those traveling with RVs, the full hookup sites with soft water and dedicated dump station offer unparalleled convenience, allowing for comfortable and extended stays.

Furthermore, the campground's serene setting "out in the country in Twin Lakes," free from the noise of freeways, provides the tranquil escape many Minnesotans desire. Yet, it remains easily accessible from major interstates, meaning less travel time and more time enjoying the beautiful "Minnesota stars" by a campfire. The option for seasonal sites also appeals to locals looking for a longer-term retreat. Hickory Hills Campground truly understands what makes a successful family camping trip, offering a blend of fun, relaxation, and genuine hospitality that makes it an ideal and repeatable choice for any Minnesota resident looking to create cherished outdoor memories.

Location

MinnesotaFreeborn CountyAlbert Lea717th Avenue

Customer Reviews

4.0
37 reviews
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Denise Scherer
Jun 16, 2025

Great campground out in the country in Twin Lakes , great owners !! There's a huge playground for kids and a swimming pool.

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Annette Hannon
Aug 21, 2021

We recently stayed at Hickory Hills Campground for a night while traveling home from a trip out west. We did this last year also and were excited to go back. The owner, Jennifer, and her family could not be more kind and welcoming. We had a lovely quiet night under the beautiful Minnesota stars. My husband also enjoyed a relaxing swim in the pool after a lot of long driving days. Hickory Hills is a place we would return to again and again. Thanks for the hospitality.

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Forever Amber Acres
Aug 15, 2022

I stayed here over July 4th weekend this summer. We called them 2 hours before arrival without a reservation. The nicest folks. Super clean and scenic campgrounds. So accommodating. Nice hot shower and bathroom. Fantastic country store and pizzeria. It came up in a conversation I needed to buy jugs of water for my road-trip the next day and the owners walked over to my campsite with waters in hand that they had purchased for their own groceries! We wish we could have stayed longer!! Definitely on our list to return one day!

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Dawn Richardson
Aug 27, 2023

What a great campground!! The couple that run it are so wonderful and nice and also the seasonal people are so friendly! The pool is gigantic and everything is very well maintained. We would highly recommend it and hope to come back again soon!!

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stan wujcik
Aug 08, 2021

Nice campground, owners were very helpful. Great large pool and spacious camp sites. The reason for only 4 stars is no hot tub and the short term sites could use some strategically placed trees. Weather was cool so wasn't a big issue to be in direct sun all day. When coming from the West on rt 90 the GPS takes you to exit 119. If you take this route and turn right on 720 Ave you will have to travel over 4.5 miles of dirt road. Take the next exit and go down rt 13 to rt 69. No dirt road except that of the campground. If you take exit 119, don't turn right onto 720 Ave, keep going to rt 69 and turn right. Full hookups and large grassy areas. Very quiet location. Purchase the homemade dill pickles, they are great tasting.