Campgrounds surrounding Blaine, Minnesota offer established facilities within easy driving distance of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The region includes several developed camping options like Bunker Hills Regional Park in Coon Rapids and Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park in Centerville, both providing a mix of tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. These county-managed parks maintain well-developed infrastructure while preserving natural settings with wooded sites. Most campgrounds in the area support multiple accommodation types, with many featuring both primitive tent areas and full-service RV sites.
Camping season in this region typically runs from April through October, with most facilities closing for winter. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekends during summer months when sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds require daily vehicle permits in addition to camping fees. The proximity to urban areas means these sites balance natural settings with nearby conveniences. Developed facilities generally include drinking water, electric hookups, and shower buildings. As one camper noted, "Despite being in the middle of the northern suburbs of Minneapolis, this park and campground is surprisingly woodsy, secluded and spacious."
Campers frequently mention the unexpected seclusion found at these metro-adjacent sites. Rice Creek and Bunker Hills receive consistently positive reviews for their spacious sites and privacy screening between camping areas. Several visitors highlighted the family-friendly amenities, with Bunker Hills offering access to a water park, disc golf, and extensive trail systems. A recent review emphasized that "For being in the Twin Cities for two decades and have never visited Rice Creek Chain of Lakes before. We will again! It's a lovely park, a reasonable biking distance from the Twin Cities." While road noise from nearby highways can be noticeable at some locations, many campers report this becomes simply background noise that doesn't detract from the overall experience. The combination of natural settings with proximity to urban conveniences makes these campgrounds particularly appealing for weekend getaways without long travel times.
$20 - $75 / night
"Kelly's Bar nearby has a great fish fry on Friday. The campground is neat and well managed."
"It was very easy to find, close to the twin cities, and clean. There was good access to kindling for a fire in the nice fire pit that has a grill."
$20 - $32 / night
"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"
$23 - $80 / night
"For a County Park, Lake Elmo has an impressive list of amenities. Before we even get to the campsite let's mention the filtered swimming pond."
"Lake Elmo County Park in Washington County Minnesota is a great park for families."
$25 - $90 / night
"Easy walking trails surround the park which is nice and convenient. Close proximity to Stillwater which made for a nice day trip. Camp sites were very clean and easy to access."
"We O'Brian has some of the best groomed trails that I have been on."
$20 - $32 / night
"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."
$21 - $29 / night
"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."
"Fun to play in the water, go behind the waterfall and a good hike up 200 steps to view the falls from above!"
"Located 5 miles outside of Hudson, Willow Creek State Park is large park with hiking, camp sites, fishing, canoeing, and the waterfall."
$54 - $999 / night
"The map provided was accurate which made locating the cruiser a breeze. There were further instructions inside as well. The RV was immaculate."
"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."
$24 - $42 / night
"Professional built mtn bike trails for adventure. Camping in Minnesota suburbs. Miles of hiking, horseback riding, cross country ski trails. . perfect for my family's weekend Stay-cation"
"We live about 15 mins. away from this campground. 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."
ScoutI was able to find a campsite not on the road. There was a trail from the parking spot so keep an eye out. Lots of animals saw a turkey and coyote so just be aware. Very pretty and calm. Had to pick up some trash from other campers just a reminder to leave no trace.
TravelerWe stayed here from about 10pm to 6am. There were a ton of people there so it was hard finding somewhere to sleep. Once we did, it was very quiet and we got a good nights rest. There were a couple of cars that passed us in the morning when we left but nothing too crazy. The scenery was very beautiful. This is definitely a great free option if you’re looking for a peaceful spot in the woods to sleep!
TravelerI stayed there with my RV. Most all of the campsites were too small to park it, but I found one at the very end of the park to stay. Although the land itself is beautiful, the locals were reporting me to the DNR officer, who were clearly his friends, and accusing me of things I was not doing. Also, there’s a lot of traffic in and out of there and they fly through there day and night, as well as a lot of gunfire going off a lot of the time. I use T-Mobile service and I was on SOS most of the time. Not very impressed.
TravelerWell maintained. Nice beach.
GuideSmall pullout area on state forest land. Can walk trail back to tent.
LegendInterstate Park in Wisconsin is just south of HWY 8 on HWY 35. The entrance is located on the west side of HWY 35 in the town of St. Croix Falls. St Croix Falls is a small town with a nice downtown on the river with plenty of restaurants (Dalles House Restaurant and Lounge is a favorite) and places for necessities. There are coffee shops, hotels and even a Wal-Mart nearby. There is also a casino in the town of Turtle Lake about 30 mins away.
The park is home to the western terminus of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail that covers 1200 miles through Wisconsin. The park also offers a Ice Age Interpretive Center which boasts interactive activities and displays of the last Ice Age. The park is also home to several other trails worth discovering.
There are two campgrounds in the park, a North and South campground as well as two group campsites. The South is a bit more rustic. The showers are located at the North campground.
For amenities there are flush toilets and showers. There is a sandy swimming area available as well as boat launch and other water activities.
This park is beautiful especially being on the cliffs of the St. Croix River offering spectacular views through out the park and the area. You can even take the bridge over to Taylor Falls Park Minnesota for more spectacular views as well as other shopping options. If you take this trip, Taylor Falls Park will be on the South and your shopping options will be to your North.
Even being in such a wonderful location with plenty of activities and amenities, I find the camping hard to enjoy at this park for all the noise that generates from the hwy crossing over the river. The sound especially of the semi trucks and their brakes that go all night long. This is the big reason for the average rating for this campground.
GuideNice spot right on the lake. Lots of animal noises! Pretty sunrise/sunset.
GuideGot in late on a Sunday night and there was plenty of space. Most sites are right along the gravel road so not super private. Wouldn’t recommend for large trailers/RVs as sites are small. Found a couple sets of deer bones right next to my site, not sure if it’s from hunters dumping their waste or coyotes but keep an eye out either way.
GuideKind of confusing for first time. Was not sure where I could camp. But then found out it's the spots right along road. Beautiful. Some good spots. Ended up in a pull thru around w view.
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.
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."
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!"
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."
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."
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there riverside camping options near Blaine?
Yes, there are excellent riverside camping options within driving distance of Blaine. William O'Brien State Park Campground offers beautiful sites along the St. Croix River near Scandia, featuring well-groomed trails, great amenities, and even camper cabins. The park is particularly popular for its river access and family-friendly environment. Interstate State Park is another fantastic option on the St. Croix River, part of the Wild and Scenic St. Croix National Waterway. While the campsites are standard, the spectacular river gorge views, unique geological features, and water recreation opportunities make it well worth the drive from Blaine.
What campgrounds are available near Blaine, MN?
Several excellent campgrounds are available within a short drive of Blaine. Bunker Hills Regional Park in nearby Coon Rapids offers drive-in sites with water and toilet facilities. For those willing to drive a bit further, Ham Lake Resort provides a convenient north metro location with lakeside camping. Other options include Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park near Centerville and Baker Park Reserve to the west. For those needing just an overnight stop, Cabela's in Rogers sometimes permits overnight parking for self-contained vehicles. Most campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during peak summer months.
Where can I find tent-specific camping sites around Blaine?
Lebanon Hills Regional Park offers excellent tent camping options within easy reach of Blaine. The East Loop is specifically designed for tents and smaller RVs, featuring electrical hookups and water pumps. Sites like #72 are conveniently located at the beginning of the loop, while others deeper in offer more tree seclusion. For a more rustic tent experience, South of Sand Dunes State Forest provides backcountry camping just an hour from the Twin Cities. This dispersed camping area offers a true wilderness experience with no amenities (no toilets, water, or trash cans), perfect for experienced tent campers seeking solitude.
What are some fun camping destinations for families near Blaine?
Lake Elmo County Park Reserve is an exceptional family destination with impressive amenities. Kids love the filtered swimming pond with sandy beach, built-in umbrellas, and concessions. The park also features hiking trails, horseback riding, boating, and an incredible playground. Sites like #40 offer a nice balance of openness and shade. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve is another excellent family choice, offering clean facilities and affordable rates. Managed by Three Rivers Parks, this campground provides a perfect base for family adventures without breaking the budget.
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