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.
$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."
$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"
$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."
$20 - $75 / night
"Kelly's Bar nearby has a great fish fry on Friday. The campground is neat and well managed."
"We took a 30 minute drive north of the cities for a quick get away, and were rewarded with a very nice campground! The check in staff was friendly, helpful and efficient."
$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."
"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."
$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."
"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."
$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."
$22 - $85 / night
"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."
TravelerWe stayed here with a group of hot tent campers in early January. The site is large and had a couple of fire pits. Includes a few picnic tables, and a pit toilet. It's a beautiful open area not far from the parking lot with a gorgeous view of the St. Croix River.
ScoutWe visited Avatan Nudist Campground last July with our two kids (ages 8 and 11) for what was supposed to be a wholesome, body-positive family getaway. The website and brochures paint a perfect picture: serene woods, a sparkling pool, family activities, and a "welcoming community" vibe. And on the surface? Yeah, the grounds are stunning—pristine trails, a well-maintained pool. The facilities are clean, the staff (mostly) polite, and the natural setting is genuinely relaxing. If you're just looking for a quiet spot to shed your clothes and unwind in nature, it checks those boxes.
But dig a little deeper, and Avatan reveals itself as something else entirely—a place that's quietly optimized for adult fun, with kids as an inconvenient footnote they have to tolerate to keep the "family" label. From the moment we arrived, it was clear the real energy was elsewhere. Evenings around the fire pits and at the "Squirrel's" (code for the bar area) had this unmistakable swinger-party undercurrent. Lots of lingering glances, couples disappearing into the woods or private cabins, and a vibe that felt more like a discreet resort for the lifestyle crowd than a spot for building sandcastles with the little ones. Our kids picked up on it fast—whispers about "grown-up games" and awkward questions we had to deflect. The camp "tolerates" families, sure, but it's obvious the core membership would prefer a child-free zone. Activities for kids are minimal: a basic playground and the occasional nature hike, while the adults get themed nights, "sensual yoga," and late-night mixers that go until dawn.
What really soured the experience was the toxic underbelly of the community itself. This place is a powder keg of power struggles, with a small cadre of long-time board members and "elders" locked in a perpetual cold war. Gossip flows like the creek itself—endless whispers about who's sleeping with whom, who's "stealing" prime cabin spots, or who's cozying up to the President for favors. We overheard more drama in one week than in a season of reality TV. Cliques form fast: the "party crew" vs. the "purists," the swingers vs. the swingers-who-pretend-they're-not. As newcomers (and parents, no less), we felt like outsiders crashing a private club. Smiles were surface-level; the second you stepped away, the backstabbing started.
And then there's the elephant in the (clothing-optional) room: the camp's ugly history with sexual predators. We didn't know it going in, but after a few days, the stories trickled out from sympathetic members—multiple incidents over the years involving members who turned out to be registered offenders or worse, preying on the vulnerable in this "trust-based" environment. The rules around anonymity are ironclad: no photos, no last names, "what happens at Avatan stays at Avatan." It's sold as protecting privacy in a nudist space, which sounds noble until you realize it shields the creeps. Anyone who dares speak up—whether it's a parent noticing a sketchy guy lingering too long near the kids' area or a survivor sharing a red flag—is immediately branded a "troublemaker," "paranoid," or "anti-community." We've heard of families getting shamed in group meetings, then quietly asked to leave for "disrupting the harmony." Evictions happen fast if you rock the boat, all in the name of keeping the peace and the paying members happy.
Look, we're no prudes. Nudism can be liberating, and we've been to other resorts where it felt truly inclusive and safe. But Avatan? It's a divided house built on denial. The adult-party atmosphere thrives because the kids are an afterthought, and the predator problem festers because calling it out gets you exiled. If you're a child-free couple into the full swinger scene, this might be your paradise—plenty of like-minded folks and zero judgment. But if you're a family hoping for that advertised "safe, empowering space"? Steer clear. Your kids deserve better than being tolerated in a place where silence is golden and the wrong questions get you blacklisted. We won't be back, and I hope this review saves someone else the regret.
RangerSo, I think you know what you are signing up for here when you stay camp at the backpacking site at Afton, but let me fill in some of the blanks. #1 yes, the hill climb is as big of an effort as other people have said. You will feel like you earned your dinner. I may have found a hack for this, but more in that later. #2 the site are mostly private. I stayed on site #12. I could see (and they could have seen me) site #9, but thankfully no one was there. That would have been a bummer to have other looking into my site. There is even a semi-worn path between 12 and 9. They would make a good combo if you have a group. Other than that, totally secluded. As far space at #12, you could build as big of a tent structure there as you would need, easily room for a massive 16’x24’ palace (if you would dare to carry it) or anything smaller. An Eagle Scout project built hammock posts at this site, so it is ideal for that set up. #3 the campground amenities are very nice. The solar powered water works great year round, the two pits toilets (if you can even call them that) are very new and nice. And the coolest campground feature is the cut your own firewood station. I went a little overboard since it was so nice and had a way bigger fire than I needed. Bring your own saw and you will love it too. #4 After walking around the park, I discovered a possible hack. There is an unmarked entrance to the park on the north side. Instead of walking all my gear back to the parking lot, I walked the .5 miles to the service entrance, dropped my pack, and then walked the 1.8 miles back to the parking lot. I tend to carry too much. The flat short walk to drop my gear was worth it. Then I drop around the park and picked up my stuff. Probably not MN DNR endorsed way to do it, but I was proud of my discovery. All in, this is a unique and wonderful camping experience. Highly recommend.
GuideNice spot with plenty of space between sites, which gives you some privacy. It’s right off a busy road, so you’ll hear some traffic noise. The hunters were out during my stay, so there were gunshots throughout the day, but that’s to be expected this time of year. Overall, a good spot for a quick overnight stay and it’s conveniently close to the cities.
RangerI was looking for a secluded backpack in site where I could have a peaceful 48 hours of prayer and solitude, and this site was perfect! I also wanted one that wasn't too far remote, since I hadn't been on a proper backpacking trip since the pandemic hit. And as a solo female camper, I wanted a reserved site so that there would be a record of my location for safety reasons. I'm so glad I chose the Deer Creek site, and will almost definitely stay here again at some point!
This site is accessible by either hiking or canoe. It took me about 30 minutes to hike in from the visitor center parking lot. There is easy access to river water to boil or filter from the canoe landing.
This site was incredibly spacious. It includes a fire ring and picnic table overlooking the creek and river. It also includes 2 large tent pads (look out for widow makers, one of the tent pads is under a dead tree!). It also has a spot nestled in some pine trees that could fit a smaller tent, canoe storage, or I found it to be the perfect spot to hang my hammock! (This would be a great site for hammock camping.) So if you're camping with a small group of people this would be a great site. It also includes a trail to a fairly private latrine, and a bear box (the park ranger warned me that there are bears in the park although I did not see any.) I also found plenty of dead down and dry wood and birch bark on the ground for building fires.
This site is great for a one nigjt stay on a longer backpacking or canoeing trip, but also great for camping out at for a couple of nights. I stayed for two, and it connects to all the major trails in the park, so I was able to use it as a great base for hiking and seeing the beautiful changing leaves. In the morning I hiked North to do the Riverside trail and looped back through the woods. Then in the afternoon I did the Deer Creek loop, which is a shared horse and hiking trail. It was so nice to he able to hike out to some of the best trails in the park directly from my site.
This site felt remarkably remote for being only an hour from the twin cities and a mile from the parking lot! I stayed there Thursday -Saturday, and after leaving the parking lot on Thursday did not see another human being for the rest of the day, and Friday not until I hit the main trails! There was no one else staying within at least a mile of me. I was even able to see fantastic stars Friday night. There was amazing wildlife - a blue heron frequented the site, and I heard all types of owls. Two bald eagles had a nest across the river so I got to see and hear them the whole trip, too- it was absolutely magical!
This site has a great view of both sunrise and sunset. Thursday night there was a gorgeous sunset over the woods reflected in deer Creek. Both mornings I woke up to watch the sunrise while drinking my coffee next to the fire (it was freezing!!!). Watching the sun rise over the river and fog roll over th water and evaporate while eagles soared was truly magical. Having an easy backpack in site surrounded by water on two sides and with views of the sunrise and sunset like this was so incredible!!!
GuideThey have two lots for RV and travel trailer use although the first lot only has two spaces and the second one has a total of five. The five space spot has no water or electric hook up but was a great place for me to test out my new solar set up. Word to the wise, gates ACTUALLY close at 10pm, there's no way to contact anyone and I had to walk about a mile in parked outside the gate 😅. The White Pine lot (5 spaces) has a central bathroom/shower building. The park was jam packed Friday/Saturday but a ghosts town the remains sun/mon/tue I stayed.
GuideThis 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.
ScoutFor 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!
TravelerNever 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
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.
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."
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)."
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."
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."
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.
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 110 campgrounds and RV parks near Brooklyn Center, MN and 4 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 4 free dispersed camping spots near Brooklyn Center, MN.
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