Hidden Valley Campground

For local users searching for "camping near me" in the Preston, Minnesota area, Hidden Valley Campground, located at 29596 Ideal Dr, Preston, MN 55965, USA, presents a location with a history of positive experiences but also significant recent concerns under new ownership. It is crucial for potential campers to consider the contrasting reviews carefully to make an informed decision.

One recent review from a long-term camper (30+ years) expresses considerable dissatisfaction with the new owners who took over two years prior. This lengthy and detailed negative account raises several serious issues that prospective campers should be aware of. The reviewer alleges a pattern of conflict with the new owners, contrasting it with the positive relationships they had with the previous management. Specific complaints include the removal of an old playground and its replacement with a "boring one," as well as the allowance of campers in the tenting area, purportedly for financial reasons.

More concerning allegations include the owner's mother allegedly touching children and allowing other children to choke each other, raising significant safety concerns for families with young children. The reviewer also claims a breach of contract, citing the owner's refusal to empty bathrooms as stipulated, inconsistent cleaning of outhouses, and demands regarding black water tank emptying that were not part of the original agreement. They further state they were uniquely instructed to pull in slide-outs for black water service and that the tank was not fully emptied.

Additional points of contention involve the treatment of pets, with the reviewer claiming their dog, which stays close to them, was unfairly targeted while other campers' dogs roamed freely, including the owner's unleashed dog entering their site. A long-standing practice of burning untreated, unpainted dimensional wood (pallets) was also reportedly prohibited by the new owner, despite the DNR guidelines allowing it, leading to accusations of rule-making on the fly.

The negative review also includes serious accusations of being falsely accused of throwing nails in the river and a burn pile containing hazardous materials. Furthermore, the reviewer states that cabin occupants were evicted due to planned weekend events, and that the new owner is attempting to retain landscaping done by long-term campers and charge them a cleaning fee upon departure. Restrictions on family and friends visiting or borrowing campers, including requiring owner permission and imposing visitor fees, are also mentioned.

Ultimately, this detailed negative review states that the long-term campers were told they are no longer welcome due to the pallet burning issue. The reviewer concludes with a strong warning, advising others to "save your $2000 and go camp some where else" and asserting that the campground is being "ran into the ground" by "absolutely horrible" owners. They urge potential campers to "save your family from a horrible experience and DO NOT CAMP HERE!!!!!!" The inclusion of photos allegedly showing others engaging in activities for which the reviewer was penalized adds further weight to their claims of unfair treatment.

In stark contrast, another, albeit briefer, review offers a positive perspective. This reviewer states they "Found it completely by accident, and will definitely be going back!" They describe the location as "Far enough away that it's pretty well silent, but close enough to civilization to be able to grab a quick meal somewhere." They also found the people to be "very friendly" and noted a "very tight knit community." This reviewer expressed gratitude for their weekend stay and looked forward to returning.

Given these highly divergent recent experiences, it is challenging to provide a definitive objective introduction to Hidden Valley Campground without further information or more balanced recent reviews. The negative review raises serious concerns about management practices, safety, and contractual obligations, while the positive review highlights a pleasant environment and friendly community. Potential campers must weigh these conflicting accounts carefully.

Regarding the environment, the positive reviewer's description suggests a location that offers both tranquility and accessibility to nearby amenities. The mention of silence indicates a potentially peaceful natural setting. However, the negative review does not provide specific details about the physical environment, focusing instead on management-related issues.

Information about services and features is also limited and conflicting. The negative review implies a decline in services, such as bathroom maintenance and black water tank emptying, and criticizes the new playground. The positive review does not detail specific amenities but praises the friendly atmosphere. It is reasonable to assume that Hidden Valley Campground offers basic camping amenities such as campsites, water access (though its reliability is questionable based on the negative review), and possibly electrical hookups, but the quality and consistency of these services are now in question.

Promotional information is absent from the provided data. Given the strong negative review, it is unlikely that the campground is actively promoting itself based on positive recent feedback. Local users considering "camping near me" at Hidden Valley Campground should perhaps look for more recent and balanced reviews from multiple sources to gain a clearer picture of the current state of the campground under its new ownership.

In conclusion, Hidden Valley Campground near Preston, MN, presents a complex picture for local users seeking "camping near me." While one reviewer found it to be a pleasant and friendly place, a detailed and highly critical review from a long-term camper raises significant concerns about the new management's practices, safety, and the overall camping experience. Potential visitors are strongly advised to seek additional, recent reviews and potentially contact the campground directly to inquire about the issues raised before making a reservation. The stark contrast between the provided reviews necessitates extreme caution and further investigation to determine if Hidden Valley Campground currently offers a positive and reliable camping experience.

Hidden Valley Campground

29596 Ideal Dr, Preston, MN 55965, USA