Best Campgrounds near Brooklyn Center, MN

Regional campgrounds within a 30-minute drive of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota accommodate a variety of camping styles in suburban parklands. Notable options include Bunker Hills Regional Park in Coon Rapids, which provides tent, RV, cabin, and glamping sites in a wooded setting. Minneapolis Northwest KOA in Maple Grove offers traditional developed campgrounds with amenities like electric hookups, showers, and fire rings. Baker Park Reserve in Medina features boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in access with accommodations for tents, RVs, and cabins. Most campgrounds in the area are established facilities rather than dispersed camping areas.

Camping in the region operates seasonally, with most facilities open from late April through mid-October. Several parks require both a campsite reservation and a separate daily vehicle entrance fee. "A nice, quiet campground with activities nearby. The sites are decently private and there are nice bathrooms/showers," noted one camper about Bunker Hills. Weather conditions can vary significantly across seasons, with summer bringing humidity and mosquitoes, while spring and fall typically offer more comfortable temperatures. Many camping areas provide water and electric hookups, though amenities vary by location. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area due to proximity to the Twin Cities.

Campers frequently mention the surprising amount of seclusion available despite the urban proximity. The mixed-use campgrounds in the area typically feature wooded sites with reasonable privacy between neighbors. One visitor remarked, "For being in the middle of the northern suburbs of Minneapolis, this park and campground is surprisingly woodsy, secluded and spacious." Many campgrounds integrate with larger recreational areas offering additional amenities such as hiking trails, water parks, golf courses, and bike paths. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park combines camping with waterfront recreation opportunities. Families appreciate the combination of natural settings with convenient access to urban amenities, making these camping areas popular weekend destinations for Twin Cities residents.

Best Camping Sites Near Brooklyn Center, Minnesota (108)

    1. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve

    37 Reviews
    Maple Plain, MN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 694-7662

    $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."

    2. Bunker Hills Regional Park

    16 Reviews
    Coon Rapids, MN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 862-4970

    $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"

    3. Lebanon Hills Regional Park

    42 Reviews
    Apple Valley, MN
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 480-7773

    $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."

    4. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park

    17 Reviews
    Lino Lakes, MN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 324-3340

    $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."

    5. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve

    37 Reviews
    Lake Elmo, MN
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 430-8370

    $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."

    6. Minneapolis Northwest KOA

    11 Reviews
    Maple Grove, MN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 420-2255

    "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."

    7. Rice Creek Campgrounds

    8 Reviews
    Lino Lakes, MN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 324-3340

    $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."

    "When Rice Creek Campground opens up again in April I'd highly recommend going there if all you want is a simple camping experience to get away from the city grind."

    8. Willow River State Park Campground

    61 Reviews
    Hudson, WI
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 386-5931

    "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."

    9. William O'Brien State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Marine on St. Croix, MN
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 539-4980

    $16 - $250 / 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."

    10. Afton State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Denmark, MN
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 436-5391

    "Minnesota State Parks have just started to build Yurts for 3 campgrounds around the state; Afton, Cuyuna and Glendalough State Parks."

    "It is also next to Afton Ski resort. This park has a lot of beautiful prairie landscape with some temperate forest features. Wildflowers, shrubs, fungi, evergreens, and deciduous trees."

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Recent Reviews near Brooklyn Center, MN

730 Reviews of 108 Brooklyn Center Campgrounds


  • Krista T.
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park

    Nice metro get away

    This is a beautiful park and the campsites for the most part all seem spacious, and the loop we were in (whichever one site 52 is in) all had decent tree cover.

    The bathroom facility has seen better days. The nature center is nice and a great place to spend some time if it is raining during their open hours.

  • Kathy L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park Campground

    Really nice campground!

    Really nice campground! Meadow setting where the campsites are, but then TONS of hiking trails with significant trees& shade. Really beautiful. Nice people staying in adjacent sites. We would return.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park

    Nice campsite

    Friendly staff, quiet during the week and busy on the weekends. Nice pool, laundry facility, nice restrooms with showers. Stayed for a little more than a month after selling my house. (End of Aug-Sept)
    Recommend!!

  • Lance L.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Fish Lake Acres Campground

    Cozy Lakeside Sitr

    Great pricing and friendly staff. Nice beach. A few spots are pull through which is nice for larger RVs and travel trailers.

  • Andy L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Ann Lake

    Nice, quiet, rustic

    30' class C motor home. Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides. Campsites are nice, mowed, gravel parking. Fire rings and picnic tables at each site. Sites range from open and flat to secluded and a little hilly. Most sites are fairly private and well spaced. Higher elevation sites for air tv reception. 2 bars of 4g service made it a little difficult to pay online over the phone. No reception in lower elevation sites. Pay immediately or the camp host will nag you even if you have to walk to higher elevation to get signal. Very beautiful and lots of deer on the trails.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Camp Waub-O-Jeeg

    Waub O Jeeg- Tent camping

    Checking was easy with owner on site. A little steep getting up to x Some of the site. Bathroom and shower house were great

  • Deb M.
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Lake Byllesby Regional Park

    Great park

    Lakeside sites are close together, with W/E hookups, but they’re right in the lake with a wonderful view. The facilities are very clean and well-kept. Cannon Falls is a nice town to explore, and it’s close to home and work. Cell service was good also.

  • Ludwig H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2025

    Willow River State Park Campground

    Tent camped here

    Facilities are great no complains, the beach is a bit over run my goose so is a little dirty, there is a great spot below the dam to cool off if needed.

  • Dan O.
    Jul. 27, 2025

    Mississippi Riverwood RV Park

    A hidden gem - PRIVATE RV Park

    This hidden gem is a PRIVATE RV Park where each lot is individually owned and most owners live South in the winter. Individual owners can rent their lot with restrictions and those rentals are between the owner and the renter. The owners association is not involved in these rentals or the disputes that sometimes arise.  That said, we own a riverside lot and absolutely love it here.


Guide to Brooklyn Center

Camping near Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds nearby, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature, whether you're in a tent or an RV.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Willow River State Park Campground. One visitor said, "Lovely trails, the beach is a large area with a nice park and picnic area."
  • Water Activities: Check out Interstate State Park for canoeing and kayaking. A reviewer mentioned, "Canoe and kayak rentals for more adventures on the river."
  • Wildlife Watching: At Wild River State Park Campground, you might spot deer and other wildlife. One camper shared, "The woods surrounding were dense enough to obscure others while still feeling open."

What campers like:

  • Privacy: Many campers appreciate the spacious sites at Lebanon Hills Regional Park. A visitor noted, "We were very surprised at the privacy of our site."
  • Clean Facilities: Campers at Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve often mention the cleanliness. One reviewer said, "Shower facilities are very nice."
  • Convenient Location: William O'Brien State Park Campground is close to the Twin Cities, making it a great spot for a quick getaway. A camper remarked, "It’s a great park conveniently located near the twin cities."

What you should know:

  • No Alcohol Allowed: If you’re planning to visit Interstate State Park, keep in mind that alcohol is not permitted. A reviewer mentioned, "This was a great spot for our first time camping with our kids!"
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A visitor at Lake Maria State Park warned, "The mosquitos were awful."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lake Elmo County Park Reserve, have fewer facilities. A camper noted, "Only portapotties. I think the best camping opportunity I saw was the group campgrounds."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites, like Wild River State Park Campground. One camper said, "The sites are secluded by sumac trees."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of family-friendly activities. A visitor at Afton State Park Campground mentioned, "Good pricing, great trails for all different skill levels."
  • Pack Bug Spray: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially in summer. A camper at Lake Maria State Park advised, "Be prepared with bug spray/repellant!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve noted, "RV pads are gravel."
  • Look for Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Lebanon Hills Regional Park, offer electric hookups. A camper mentioned, "The RV portion has full hookups."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some RVers have noted noise from nearby sites. A visitor at Interstate State Park shared, "People in RVs tend to not recognize their voices penetrate tent walls with incredible ease."

Whether you're looking for the best camping near Brooklyn Center, MN, or just a peaceful spot to unwind, these campgrounds have something for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Brooklyn Center, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Brooklyn Center, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 108 campgrounds and RV parks near Brooklyn Center, MN and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Brooklyn Center, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Brooklyn Center, MN is Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve with a 4.5-star rating from 37 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Brooklyn Center, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Brooklyn Center, MN.