Pioneer Power Campground

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As Minnesotans, we know the best camping experiences don't always come with water parks and endless traffic. Sometimes, all you need is a **simple, clean, and quiet** place to park your RV or pitch a tent while exploring the beauty of our rural landscape. If you're traveling through the western part of the state, perhaps visiting the renowned Minnesota Machinery Museum, the **Pioneer Power Campground** in Hanley Falls, MN, offers exactly that: an uncomplicated, convenient, and affordable basecamp.

This destination is particularly well-known locally for its direct affiliation with the **Pioneer Power Showgrounds**, making it an especially lively and relevant spot for those interested in agricultural history and vintage machinery, though it serves as a functional campground year-round. It embodies the straightforward, no-frills spirit of the heartland, providing all the necessary amenities without any added fuss.

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## **Introduction / Overview: Your Simple Gateway to Western Minnesota**

The **Pioneer Power Campground** in Hanley Falls, Minnesota, is a modest but essential camping facility nestled within Yellow Medicine County. Unlike massive commercial resorts, this campground prides itself on offering **simple RV and tent sites** with a focus on core utilities. Its main distinction and appeal come from its location right off Highway 23 and its integral connection to the **Minnesota Machinery Museum** complex (Pioneer Power Association). This proximity means that visitors, especially those attending the popular annual Pioneer Power Show, have immediate access to the events and exhibits.

While not situated directly on a major lake, the campground serves as a highly practical spot for travelers seeking convenience and accessibility in this region. It’s a great option for folks looking to save money while still ensuring their vehicle has the necessary hookups. It primarily attracts RV users and tent campers who appreciate a quiet rural setting and proximity to the region's agricultural heritage attractions. The atmosphere is generally described as accommodating and laid-back, reflecting the welcoming nature of the Hanley Falls community. For a comfortable, economical stay in the quiet prairies of Minnesota, Pioneer Power Campground is a reliable choice.

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## **Location and Accessibility: Right Off Highway 23 in Hanley Falls**

Finding Pioneer Power Campground is easy, making it an excellent stopover point for travelers on a long journey or those specifically visiting the local area. The campground is located at **5th St S, Hanley Falls, MN 56245, USA**. It is clearly identified as being right off **Highway 23**, a significant roadway running through the area, ensuring effortless ingress and egress for all campers, including those driving large RVs or towing trailers.

**Hanley Falls** itself is a small, charming town in Yellow Medicine County. The campground's location provides a peaceful, rural backdrop, but is conveniently close to the essentials.

For regional travelers, the campground is approximately:

• **30 miles from Marshall, MN**, providing access to a larger regional center for major shopping or services.
• **20 miles from Granite Falls, MN**, another nearby hub.

This western Minnesota location makes the campground a strategic spot for exploring the prairies, rivers, and nearby state parks of the southwestern region, offering a comfortable place to rest before a day of hiking, fishing, or historical exploration. Its position adjacent to the Pioneer Power Showgrounds adds significant contextual appeal for history buffs and agricultural enthusiasts.

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## **Services Offered**

Pioneer Power Campground focuses on providing the foundational necessities for comfortable RV and tent camping, prioritizing utility and value. Based on public records and local information, the core services available to campers include:

• **Full Hookup Sites:** The facility offers several **full hookup** campsites, which include water, electric, and sewer connections—a major convenience for RV users.
• **Electric Hookup:** Sites are equipped with electrical service, typically offering both **30 Amp** connections for standard RVs. Public information specifically notes 30 Amp service.
• **Water Hookup:** Convenient on-site water access is provided at the hookup sites.
• **Sewer Hookup:** Sewer connections are available on the full hookup sites.
• **Tent Sites:** Dedicated areas are available for traditional tent camping for those who prefer a more rustic experience.
• **Pet-Friendly Policy:** The campground welcomes pets, allowing Minnesota families to bring their four-legged companions along on their outdoor adventures.
• **Picnic Tables:** Each campsite is generally outfitted with a picnic table for outdoor dining and gathering.
• **Campfire Rings:** Sites include provisions for campfires, perfect for those classic Minnesota s'mores and evening storytelling.

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## **Features / Highlights**

While the amenities are simple, the primary features and highlights of Pioneer Power Campground stem from its location and its community focus, offering a unique regional experience:

• **Association with the Pioneer Power Showgrounds:** This is the campground's most distinguishing feature. Guests have an exceptional opportunity to stay right next to the grounds that host the annual Pioneer Power Show, which celebrates antique tractors, vintage machinery, and Minnesota's agricultural heritage.
• **Direct Highway 23 Access:** The location right off a major state highway ensures easy navigation, especially for those driving large recreational vehicles or coming in late.
• **Affordable, No-Frills Camping:** It provides an economical alternative to more expensive resort-style campgrounds, making it a budget-friendly option for families and long-term travelers.
• **Rural Minnesota Tranquility:** The setting provides a quiet, authentic taste of the Minnesota countryside, ideal for relaxing and escaping the urban rush.
• **Essential Utilities for Self-Contained RVs:** The availability of six full hook-up spots ensures that RV users can operate their self-contained units with maximum comfort and efficiency.

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## **Contact Information**

For booking your stay, especially if you are planning a trip around the Pioneer Power Show dates when demand is highest, it is always recommended to contact the campground directly. Note that public information occasionally links this campground with the Pioneer Power Association, which may handle seasonal or special event bookings.

• **Address:** 5th St S, Hanley Falls, MN 56245, USA
• **Phone:** (507) 829-6138
• **Mobile Phone:** +1 507-829-6138

*Note: The campground is also sometimes referenced as being on 66th Street, which is likely part of the larger showgrounds complex, confirming that the camping facilities are immediately adjacent to the Pioneer Power Museum.*

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## **What is Worth Choosing Pioneer Power Campground?**

The Pioneer Power Campground in Hanley Falls, MN, is a prime choice for Minnesotans who value **simplicity, value, and local culture**. This is not the place for glamping or endless structured activities; it's the perfect spot for the independent traveler or the history buff.

**The main reason to choose this campground is its dual-purpose nature.** While it functions year-round as a convenient stopover, its true identity is tied to the Pioneer Power Showgrounds. If you are planning to attend the annual show, which draws crowds from all over the Midwest to celebrate vintage engines and farm equipment, staying right on-site is an unparalleled experience that puts you steps away from the action. The location means you can fully immerse yourself in the show's atmosphere without worrying about daily travel logistics.

Beyond the event, it is an excellent choice for its **practical amenities and accessibility**. For RV owners traveling through the region, finding a clean, simple site right off a major highway with **full hookups (water, electric, sewer)** for an affordable rate is a significant advantage. It offers a solid, dependable base from which to explore the Upper Minnesota River Valley National Scenic Byway, nearby state parks like Camden State Park, and other local historical sites. It offers a genuine and unpretentious experience, reflecting the best of small-town Minnesota hospitality and efficiency. For a quiet night under the prairie stars with the convenience of full utilities, Pioneer Power Campground is an authentic and trustworthy option.

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