117 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The northern suburbs of Anoka, Minnesota feature a variety of camping options within a 30-minute drive, ranging from developed county parks to more rustic state forest sites. Bunker Hills Regional Park in nearby Coon Rapids offers tent, RV, and cabin camping with modern amenities, while Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park provides a similar experience with excellent lake access. For those seeking more seclusion, Sand Dunes State Forest and Ann Lake campground to the northwest offer more primitive experiences. Ham Lake Resort, just northeast of Anoka, maintains 122 campsites with full hookups for RVs. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally from May through October, closing during Minnesota's harsh winter months.
Reservations are essential during summer weekends at most established campgrounds, with many sites booking months in advance. The camping season typically runs from late April through mid-October, though weather can significantly impact early and late season comfort. As one camper noted about Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park: "This is a beautiful park reserve with sites that have quite a bit more privacy than you would expect at a county park." Highway noise can be noticeable at some locations, particularly those near Interstate 35. Cell service varies considerably, with better coverage at developed campgrounds closer to the metro area and spotty reception in the more remote northern sites like Sand Dunes State Forest.
Water recreation dominates the camping experience in this region, with most campgrounds situated near lakes or rivers. Centerville Lake at Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park features swimming beaches and boat access, while Baker Park Reserve offers what one visitor called "some of the best beaches in Minnesota." Family-friendly amenities are common, including playgrounds, hiking trails, and fishing opportunities. Privacy between campsites varies significantly, with more developed campgrounds offering less seclusion. As one reviewer of Baker Park noted: "It was crowded with RVs and tents alike but never seemed loud or cramped." Summer weekends bring higher occupancy rates, especially at locations with water access, making midweek visits preferable for those seeking quieter experiences.
"I was very happy with the trails and accommodations available to me, during my stay."
"It has a golf course, a restaurant is on the grounds, there is a stable with horses/ponies that you can take guided trail rides on, a water park(it is called The Beach, which was very confusing for us"
from $20 - $32 / night
Check Availability"Baker Park near Minneapolis Minnesota was a our camp choice for inexpensive camping on the last leg of our Minnesota vacation in 2017."
"The beaches are some of the best in Minnesota. The bike trails are nearby and plentiful."
from $21 - $29 / night
Check Availability"The site was spacious and private-surrounded on 3 sides by trees. The bathrooms were clean. The pool area was clean and without issue."
"Sites are close to each other, but easy access, clean grounds and facilities, friendly staff, and a K9 fenced area for a pet friendly campground."
"We had never heard of this campground prior to seeing a booth for the Anoka Parks system at the Sportsman's Show. This is a beautiful park reserve!"
"Kelly's Bar nearby has a great fish fry on Friday. The campground is neat and well managed."
from $20 - $75 / night
Check Availability"For the proximity to the city and nearby highways, this was a good spot. Didn’t expect to see as many campers as I did, but all seemed to be friendly."
"I love that it's so close to home. I was able to walk in and find an incredible spot to camp and lay in my hammock."
"Lots of close camp sites for larger groups near the entrance. The further back you go on the road, the more spread out sites get. There are a few walk-in sites that I absolutely love."
"Just a quick one night trip but a perfect getaway close to home. Very quiet. Camp host was nice . Found a tucked away site that we could park Infront of for more privacy"
from $50 / night
Check Availability"The map provided was accurate which made locating the cruiser a breeze. There were further instructions inside as well. The RV was immaculate."
from $54 - $999 / night
Check Availability"Access to lake is great. Firewood at $7 a bundle doesn't burn, it just smokes. I asked for a refund. Buy firewood elsewhere."
"Beach was closed but we still got some good walks in. Fire ring was a little shallow for my liking so had to get some solid coals going to get dinner on the table."
from $20 - $32 / night
Check Availability"Tucked away near the archery range(don’t worry—nobody’s aiming at your pup), this campsite offers a solid patch of peace where dogs can sniff, stretch, and settle in by the fire."
from $16 / night
Check Availability"Do a 180 on the trail and she is happy to trot away from the trailer."
"I never tire walking the dog park circle along the crow river! Great for birding and tons of beautiful trails!"
from $15 / night
Check Availability
ScoutVery clean and level sites. Small park close to lovely historic towns. Sites feel very private . There is road noise and possibly a shooting range near by so it is not quiet in the day.
RangerI’m still a little miffed that this was a county campground—it’s better than some state (non-MN) campgrounds I’ve been to. Unfortunately I only had one quick night here, but it was a quiet, relaxing stay.
There is a dump station and playground, but I didn’t come across a bathhouse when walking the inner campground loop—it’s likely I just missed it. I had poor cell service with Verizon, but it was good enough to text although web browsing was a bit slow. Be aware there is also an additional $7/day vehicle fee required upon entry, which is not included in the price of your campsite. It can be paid at the visitors center and I believe there is a kiosk if you arrive after hours.
My only complaint was the 5 piles of very large dog excrement in my campsite, which says more about the previous campers, but it was prevalent enough that I found myself wishing the park staff had cleaned it up.
ScoutMe and my nephew came to camp at Bertram Park in Monticello and the boss came up to him and was being an ass telling him that he can’t ride his dirtbike that has the battery in it and he said it in a mean way and he said if he catches him again, he will kick us out of the park. I don’t recommend coming here. The bus could’ve been a lot nicer about it.
ScoutGreat place if you have tents but no rv or pull behind parking
GuideVery small, very few sites. There’s a water park but you have to pay extra as it’s not part of the campground. It’s ok. I won’t stay there again.
GuideNo hookups. No privacy at sites. Nice and clean, beautiful beach area. Nice pier for fishing. You can rent kayaks, canoes, paddle boards. Many miles of bike paths on site. Great family campground. FYI, 10 sites are dedicated for generator usage, however you cannot use them overnight.
GuideStayed for two nights when I worked at concerts in Somerset. Was very impressed with how private the sites are. There is Good tree cover in between each site. There is nothing to do for kids, if that’s important for you….I didn’t look around too much, just a walk around the loops. But I want to go back again. Beautiful and clean is how I’d describe in 2 words.
ScoutLarge sites. NO sewer hookups but there is a dump station.
ScoutThere are NO sewer hookups and they charge you$40 per dump fee. Should be included when you pay$600 a month to stay here. Theres no laundry on site. You have to drive 20 mins one way to do laundry. There is only ONE restroom and shower house there are porta potties placed all around to use instead. They also CLOSED the only shower house on a FRIDAY for remodeling the counter tops. If they charged less to stay here I’d say it’s ok but for what they charge and saying they are non-profit makes it suspiciously convenient to slap a veteran camp on their sign to make you feel special. Meanwhile everything is a fee. Extra charge. Won’t be staying again.
Camping options around Anoka offer diverse recreational experiences on both forested uplands and wetland habitats characteristic of the Mississippi River basin's transition zone. The area sits at approximately 860 feet above sea level, featuring a mix of sandy glacial deposits and river sediments that create unique camping environments. Winter camping remains limited with temperatures regularly dropping below 0°F, though a few campgrounds maintain select sites year-round.
Disc golf courses: Bunker Hills Regional Park features a top-rated course, making it a popular destination for camping disc golf enthusiasts. "Close to a top 10 disc golf course if that's your thing (it's ours)," notes Lynsey M. about Bunker Hills Regional Park.
Trail riding options: Several campgrounds accommodate equestrians with dedicated facilities. At Elm Creek Horse Camp, riders find specialized amenities. "Tucked away near the archery range, this campsite offers a solid patch of peace where dogs can sniff, stretch, and settle in by the fire," writes Alison O., highlighting the dual-use nature of the trails.
Paddling and watercraft: Lake access at multiple locations provides paddling opportunities with rental equipment available. "You can rent canoes, paddle boats and SUP boards, and many people bring their own boats (although they do charge to park your boat trailer unless you bring it back to the campground)," explains Jennifer H. about the water recreation at Baker Campground.
Site privacy and spacing: Many campers appreciate the thoughtful layout at certain campgrounds near Anoka. "The sites are well maintained. The staff is very kind and accommodating," notes Justin R. about Minneapolis Northwest KOA.
Natural amenities: The region's mix of lakes, woods, and wildlife creates distinctive camping experiences. "The campground is great, and in a beautiful area. However there is a ton of trash throughout the forest. Also a large amount of poison ivy, which I don't mind as much as I did the trash," shares Tyler N. about Ann Lake.
Off-grid options: Dispersed camping opportunities exist for those seeking solitude. "I love that it's so close to home. I was able to walk in and find an incredible spot to camp and lay in my hammock," reports Joslyn H. about South of Sand Dunes State Forest, highlighting the accessibility of backcountry experiences near Anoka.
Bug preparedness: Insect activity varies dramatically by season, location, and weather conditions. "We tent camped here for a night while passing through. The lots were really big and we had no one near us, so it was nice and private... The bugs are aggressive here, especially near the tent sites which are located near a swampy area," warns Zach H. about Minneapolis Northwest KOA.
Site selection strategies: Research specific sites before booking when possible. "Our site was on a short private trail off the main loop and opened up to a decent space. We had a picnic table and fire pit and plenty of space for our two tents and an area to play," describes kristin C. about Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park.
Seasonal flexibility: Weekday visits can provide significantly different experiences than weekends. "I visited in August and needed gallons of bug spray," adds kristin C. about her experience at Ham Lake Resort, emphasizing the importance of seasonal preparation.
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds feature dedicated recreation facilities for children. "Something for everyone here! The facilities are well kept, the park is patrolled by rangers and the local sheriff after closing hours. Very safe place to camp. Perfect for kids, they have a water park with a wave pool, a disc golf course, a golf course, several pavilions with grills, a few playgrounds and plenty of trails," recommends Arielle P. about Bunker Hills Regional Park.
Beach access: Multiple lakes with swimming areas provide welcome relief during summer months. "There is a gorgeous beach area with tables, a pavilion, changing rooms and a well equipped playground," notes kristin C. about Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park.
Introductory backpacking: For families wanting to try backpacking, certain parks offer beginner-friendly options. "Backpack sites only. Love this park as it offers many backpacking sites with some being very short hikes in and some being longer hikes. Some are lake front and some are more woodsy sites," explains Tori K. about Lake Maria State Park Campground.
Hookup availability: Electric and water service varies widely between campgrounds. "Sites are close to each other, but easy access, clean grounds and facilities, friendly staff, and a K9 fenced area for a pet friendly campground," reports David E. about Minneapolis Northwest KOA.
Parking considerations: Some campgrounds have limitations on rig size or trailer parking. "30' class C motor home. Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides. Campsites are nice, mowed, gravel parking," describes Andy L. at Ann Lake, highlighting the access challenges for larger vehicles.
Self-service options: Some facilities have automated systems for late arrivals. "Staff was not present due to the COVID-19 but we submitted our cash payment and grabbed the site map and park guide and drove to the left to find our camp site," explains Ariel H. about her experience at Rice Creek Campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are offered at Anoka area campgrounds?
Campgrounds near Anoka offer diverse amenities to enhance your outdoor experience. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve provides impressive facilities including a filtered swimming pond with sandy beaches, built-in umbrellas for shade, concessions, and an extensive playground. The park also features hiking trails, horseback riding opportunities, and modern campsites. At William O'Brien State Park Campground, you'll find well-groomed hiking trails, clean campsites, toilets, and camper cabins, making it ideal for families with new campers. Many campgrounds in the area offer standard amenities like potable water, restrooms, and fire rings, while some provide additional features such as swimming areas, playgrounds, and nature trails.
What campgrounds are available near Anoka, MN?
Several excellent campgrounds are located within a short drive of Anoka. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park offers beautiful park reserve camping with sites that provide more privacy than typical county parks, plus well-maintained shower facilities. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve provides inexpensive camping options near Minneapolis with clean facilities managed by Three Rivers Parks. Other nearby options include Bunker Hills Regional Park in Coon Rapids with drive-in sites and modern amenities, and for those seeking a more rustic experience, South of Sand Dunes State Forest offers dispersed camping about an hour from the Twin Cities.
How do I make camping reservations in Anoka County parks?
To make camping reservations in Anoka County parks, visit the official Anoka County Parks website or call their reservation line. For parks like Lebanon Hills Regional Park, which is perfect for family weekend getaways, reservations can be made online through the county's reservation system. Most Anoka area parks allow reservations up to 120 days in advance, with some prime weekend dates filling quickly during summer months. If you're interested in camping at parks managed by Three Rivers Park District, such as Minneapolis Northwest KOA, you can make reservations through their dedicated website at ThreeRiversParks.org. Always check specific park requirements, as some may have minimum stay requirements for weekends during peak season.
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