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

    38 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

    43 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

    62 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

736 Reviews of 108 Brooklyn Center Campgrounds


  • Joel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Lake Byllesby Regional Park

    Very nice campground

    This is a good campground. Very well kept. Fishing from shore and there is a boat launch. Nice playground for kids. Sites are fairly close. Many have no privacy from others, but some do. No water at the sites and pit toilets are the biggest weaknesses. Nice paths for walking and biking.

  • H
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve

    First time camping!

    For our first time camping, this was a great site! It was very clean, had friendly staff, and was close to a really fun park for our kids. We will be back!

  • Larry K.
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Willow River State Park Campground

    Never again

    Never again, $81 for an electric only site. Come on Wisconsin let's jab the out of .staters. Entry fee to parks, extra for out of staters. The site was secluded but not close to level. Not close to the facilities. I am going back to SD. They don't add fees because you are from out of town, they actually encourage out of state tourists. Last trip to a Wisconsin state park . And the showers were closed for the season, this is 10/9/25. But still full price and just an electric only site. No thanks Wisconsin

  • Maria D.
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Interstate State Park — Interstate State Park

    Lovely River, Too Much Hustle

    Interstate State Park has some nice features, but overall it wasn’t my favorite. Many of the exterior loop sites have river access, which was a highlight, and we didn’t have to deal with mosquitoes thanks to being right on the water. The nearby towns are also very charming and worth exploring.

    That said, the campground is small and very crowded, likely because it’s so close to the Cities and popular with canoe rentals. Expect a lot of traffic noise, and in the fall, migrating geese can be very loud (which didn’t bother me, but might for some). The ranger office had limited hours, and since firewood is locked up, there’s no self-serve option. Another downside: a riverboat cruises by frequently, blasting music in the evenings and giving tours during the day.

    The sites are close together, with RVs and tents mixed on one loop, so generator noise is common. It wasn’t a terrible stay, but just too small and busy for my preference—I don’t think I’d return.

    Best sites seemed to be 21 (great river views, less private), 23 (fun detached tent pad), and 18 (most private). Sites 4–5 were also lovely but close to the bathrooms and camp host, so expect more foot traffic.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Ann Lake

    Quite camping just out of town

    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

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Lebanon Hills Regional Park

    Not a bad stay

    Sites are a little close with little to no privacy in most. Fun little trails nearby for an afternoon walk. Reservation system is weird and the sites are much bigger than they say. All rv sites are the listed length plus 16’ for your tow vehicle, which you need to call to find out.

  • 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!!


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 38 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.