Camping sites near Brooklyn Center, Minnesota exist primarily in suburban parklands within a 30-minute drive radius. Elevation across the region averages 830-950 feet above sea level with gently rolling terrain. Local campgrounds typically operate from late April through mid-October, with sites often requiring advanced reservations due to their proximity to the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area.
What to do
Water activities at Lake Independence: Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve connects campers with lake-based recreation. "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," notes a visitor.
Hiking through varied terrain: Afton State Park Campground offers trails through diverse landscapes just 40 minutes from Brooklyn Center. "I hiked 11 miles here and it was awesome!" shares one enthusiast. Another camper adds, "Lots of elevation. Great park with lots of trails with a wide variety of landscapes. Prairie, forest, river, it's got it all."
Seasonal swimming: Many campgrounds offer swimming options during summer months. At Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park, one visitor mentions a "Great beach & sunrise" while another notes that Lebanon Hills Regional Park has "a lake with a beach that rents kayaks (single and double), canoes, and paddle boards."
What campers like
Well-spaced sites: Rice Creek Campgrounds receives praise for its thoughtful site layout. "Level private sites, lots of trees, showers were clean," writes one camper. Another notes, "I was thoroughly impressed by the space, the maintenance of the property, the size of the campsites. All of them were impressive and big!"
Urban wilderness contrast: Bunker Hills Regional Park offers a natural retreat despite its suburban location. A camper explains, "I went to this park for the first time last weekend, and I spent the entire time just saying 'wow'. I had never been here before, despite it only being 20 minutes away, because I always prioritize going to state parks."
Quiet weekday camping: For those seeking peace, timing matters. At William O'Brien State Park, a visitor shares, "Weekends have been packed and reservations scarce for months at state parks in Minnesota. Arriving on a Sunday afternoon was a dream—very few people in the campground loop (especially the non-electric ones)."
What you should know
Site accessibility varies: Different campgrounds offer various access options. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve features both drive-in and hike-in sites. "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," reports one camper.
Insect preparation essential: Mosquitoes and other insects can be abundant, particularly in wooded areas. One camper at Rice Creek notes, "The horseflies were making it known that we were 'trespassing on their turf'," while another recommends, "I know that bugs are part of camping, so I don't review based on that, but I'll add details, if needed. When I camp, I come prepared."
Firewood considerations: Several campgrounds sell firewood, but quality varies. At Rice Creek Chain of Lakes, a camper warns, "Firewood at $7 a bundle doesn't burn, it just smokes. I asked for a refund. Buy firewood elsewhere."
Tips for camping with families
Water park access: Minneapolis Northwest KOA offers family-friendly amenities. "The hosts at this campground were very nice. The pool area was clean and without issue," notes one visitor, though another adds, "It has a small pool and game room but not much else for kids."
Natural playgrounds: Many area campgrounds integrate play areas with natural settings. At Lake Elmo County Park Reserve, a visitor shares, "There are a bunch of things to do including hiking, horseback riding, swimming in their filtered pond, boating and an insane playground."
Budget-friendly swim options: Families can save on activities by seeking out deals. One Baker Park Reserve camper notes, "The waterpark is a blast and we were able to find discount passes online."
Tips from RVers
Specific site selection: When booking at Lebanon Hills Regional Park, RVers should note differences between loops. A camper advises, "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." Another mentions, "Sites with full hookups or more remote sites with electric that are more tucked away in the pines."
Length measurement clarification: At some campgrounds, the stated RV length limits can be confusing. A visitor to Lebanon Hills notes, "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."
Hookup options: Regional campgrounds offer varying levels of services. At Rice Creek Chain of Lakes, sites include electric hookups and water access points, while Bunker Hills provides water fill stations and electric sites with a sanitary dump station.
