Camping near Blaine, Minnesota offers suburban wilderness experiences within Anoka County's diverse landscape of hardwood forests, glacial lakes, and prairie remnants. The region typically experiences hot summers with highs near 80°F and frequent rainfall, making reservations crucial throughout the peak season from late May through early September. Flooding can occasionally affect the area's wetlands and water bodies following heavy spring rains, particularly at lower elevation campsites.
What to do
Water activities on Chain of Lakes: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes offers multiple water-based recreation options across its connected lakes. According to one camper, there's "a gorgeous beach area with tables, a pavilion, changing rooms and a well equipped playground" along with "plenty of flat space for our tent" at rustic sites.
Mountain biking trails: Lebanon Hills Regional Park features extensive mountain biking networks suitable for various skill levels. "Lebanon Hills is a great park and has a lot of trails for hiking and mountain biking. Our family selected this camp ground to test out some gear," notes one visitor who appreciated the trail variety.
Winter recreation: While most campgrounds close for winter, William O'Brien State Park maintains year-round availability with cold-weather options. A camper who visited in February shared: "I visited William O'Brien in the middle of February with two college roommates. The moon was very bright that night so visibility was excellent. We walked some trail through a frozen marsh landscape and happened upon a railroad that passed above our trail with a beautiful tunnel-overpass."
Guided horseback riding: Several parks offer guided trail rides during summer months. At Bunker Hills Regional Park, "there is a stable with horses/ponies that you can take guided trail rides on," according to one visitor who initially thought the park might be "overly-commercialized" but discovered it "feels like a hidden paradise."
What campers like
Secluded sites close to urban areas: Many campgrounds maintain surprisingly private sites despite urban proximity. At Rice Creek, one camper noted: "We had a wonderful stay at Lake Elmo at the rustic site. There was plenty of flat space for our tent. They provide a fire ring and picnic bench."
Clean facilities: Bathroom and shower quality receives consistent praise across multiple parks. At Lebanon Hills Regional Park, "The bathroom facility near the ranger station was very well maintained and cleaned several times a day," while another camper observed "The bathrooms were among some of the nicest I've used at a campground. The shower stall was big enough for a meaty human like myself to shower comfortably."
Natural features: Despite suburban locations, many parks maintain substantial natural areas. One camper at Willow River State Park observed: "Large campsites, most with thick wooded areas between the sites. Most of the trail heads start at the campground. Walked about a mile to the falls area. This was really beautiful and was only a the head was only a couple hundred yards from my site."
Tent-only camping areas: Dedicated tent sections provide relief from RV noise at some parks. One camper specifically praised Rice Creek: "I booked this on a whim since we needed an overnight close to the State Fair. I loved the look of the 'TENT ONLY' loop - you don't see this often. And the fact that this loop (F LOOP) was 'tent only' meant no generators! It was very quiet!"
What you should know
Seasonal insect activity: Bug populations vary dramatically by season and location. A visitor to Rice Creek Campgrounds described one July experience as "Horsefly Camping Trip From Hell," noting "hot 90 degree day, horseflies and no breeze," while others reported minimal issues in different seasons.
Urban noise factors: Some campgrounds experience road or neighboring facility noise. A Lebanon Hills camper noted "The only criticisms we have are that you can hear road noise — and depending on your site you'll hear the alarm of one of the access gates for the Minnesota Zoo."
Firewood quality concerns: Several campers mentioned inconsistent firewood quality at official sales points. At Rice Creek Chain of Lakes, one visitor warned "Firewood at $7 a bundle doesn't burn, it just smokes. I asked for a refund. Buy firewood elsewhere."
Limited water access: Not all sites feature water hookups. At Lake Elmo Park Reserve, "We stayed in the East Loop which is for smaller RVs and tents. It has electricity but no water hookups, however there are water pumps."
Tips for camping with families
Water park access: Baker Park Reserve offers extensive water recreation beyond natural swimming areas. "We love to camp here. Access to lake independence. A lot of biking trails. Nice clean bathrooms. Nice park for kids just a small hike away. Plus a decent amount of rentals," writes one regular visitor.
Filtered swimming pond: Some parks feature water facilities beyond natural lakes. A visitor to Lake Elmo County Park noted: "Great place for families. There are a bunch of things to do including hiking, horseback riding, swimming in their filtered pond, boating and an insane playground."
Playgrounds and recreation: Most regional parks maintain multiple play areas. At Lake Elmo, "Our modern site 40 was in a great open location with a shaded edge. We had plenty of room to play, park the camper or set up tents. I can imagine in the heat of summer the lack of shade trees may be a hindrance to avoiding the noon day sun but there's always the amazing filtered swimming pond to go cool off in."
Seasonal programming: Some parks offer structured activities during peak season. One Baker Park visitor noted: "They also have an archery range and on Saturday nights they have a campground program for the kids and families to watch. Very organized and clean facilities."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup options: Minneapolis Northwest KOA provides comprehensive services for larger RVs. "The sites are well maintained. The staff is very kind and accommodating. There are a few restaurants around that deliver. Great spot," according to a recent visitor.
Electric-only loops: Several parks maintain electric-only sections with designated water fill stations. At Willow River, "No water at the site. Water nearby at stations. Large campsites, most with thick wooded areas between the sites."
Site selection recommendations: RVers report varying levels of privacy between campgrounds. At Minneapolis Northwest KOA, "This is a basic KOA with a few amenities. The lots were really big and we had no one near us, so it was nice and private. Most of the lots near the front were occupied but the back was almost empty, which is where the more wooded lots are."
Dump station availability: Most parks maintain dump stations even without full hookups. A visitor to Lebanon Hills noted: "We had full hookups, even though we only needed water and electric," mentioning the convenience for shorter stays.
