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Anders H.
Scout
ScoutBaker Campground - Baker Park Reserve
First time
We stayed at Baker as a family for our first camping trip, and it was great. Fire pit with swivel grate for cooking, bathrooms, and plenty to explore.
Camping near Anoka, MN
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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.
Best Campgrounds near Anoka (114)
1. Bunker Hills Regional Park
"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 Availability2. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve
"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 $25 - $164 / night
Check Availability3. Minneapolis Northwest KOA
"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."
4. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park
"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 Availability5. South of Sand Dunes State Forest
"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."
6. Ann Lake Campground — Sand Dunes State Forest
"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 Availability7. Ham Lake Resort
"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 Availability8. Rice Creek Campgrounds
"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 Availability9. Elm Creek Horse Camp
"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 $18 / night
Check Availability10. Lake Maria State Park Campground
"This park is only about 50 minutes away from me, and for hiking/camping I only think it is worth a trip in the fall."
"I chose Lake Maria for a solo camping excursion because it was close to the Cities, but still offered the level of seclusion I wanted."
from $22 - $80 / night
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Drive Time
- 22 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 44 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 1 hr 24 min from Mankato, MN
- 1 hr 34 min from Rochester, MN
Recent Camping Photos near Anoka, MN
216 Photos of 114 Anoka Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Bunker Hills Regional Park
Minneapolis Northwest KOA
Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park
Rice Creek Campgrounds
Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve
Country Camping RV Park
South of Sand Dunes State ForestS
Ann Lake Campground — Sand Dunes State Forest
Lake Auburn Campground
Lake Maria State Park Campground
Lake Elmo County Park Reserve
Town & Country Campground & RV Park
Recent Reviews near Anoka, MN
750 Reviews of 114 Anoka Campgrounds
- AAmparo G.Scout
Cokato Lake RV Resort
Excellent RV Resort to enjoy the whole summer!
We bought a membership in Cokato Lake RV Resort 5 years ago and it is a plus to spend every summer there along with our grandchildren, family, and friends.
It is a resort with great amenities such as minigolf, swimming pool, beach, docks, ballfield, red barn, boardroom, etc. Also, there is an activities committee in charge of organizing and setting up special events for children and adults. Well-maintained resort! They have great spots for rental and sale. Highly recommended!
WhiteBoyChaseScoutSandy Cove on the St. Croix River
Good spot
Back in 2020 I did about 3 months camping along here ! Good spot !
Tori K.
LegendLake Rebecca Park Reserve
Great Trails!
Great trails and close to home! Always a good spot for a last-minute trip for me or a place to test out new gear since it is so close to home!
Brett G.ScoutMinneapolis Southwest KOA
Basic KOA
Nice quiet campground. It's a very basic KOA. Not a whole lot of amenities. Large playground is quite good for children. Our site is right across from the campground.
Campsite is in the middle of nature. Lots of trees cover. Not much of a breeze but well protected.
Water is clean, electrical boxes are in good condition.
Gail G.
GuideRiver Terrace Park
love the river views and shade
Needs alot of updates, old facility with no amenities. Shower water, barely warm, sign on mens bathroom says, bring your own toilet paper. For most part the park is quiet, shady, but again could use some improvements. There are 3 long pull-thru sites for overnight stops
Arden P.
TravelerLebanon Hills Regional Park
Nice, private stay!!
We stayed for a weekend in the East Loop and had such a nice time! They have many trails to a pretty well-kept bathroom and the sites themselves are private nooks in the trees. They had firewood available that we took advantage of, and we overall had a great time!
FrosTWorX P.ScoutWillow River State Park Campground
Now this camping
Pretty much in the middle of nowhere surrounded by small towns.
- CChad H.Scout
Willow River State Park Campground
Willow
Great campsites. Have camped here 8 times this summer in 7 different sites and have loved every one of them. Bathrooms are good, showers are good, just very well kept.
Guide to Anoka
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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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?
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?
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?
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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