Best Campgrounds near Brooklyn Park, MN

The northern suburbs of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota provide convenient access to a variety of camping experiences within a 30-45 minute drive. Regional parks and county reserves dominate the camping landscape, with Baker Park Reserve in nearby Medina and Bunker Hills Regional Park in Coon Rapids offering well-maintained facilities for tent and RV camping. Minneapolis Northwest KOA in Maple Grove provides a commercial camping option closer to the city, while Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park features both drive-in and walk-in sites. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from late April through mid-October, closing during Minnesota's harsh winter months. The proximity to Minneapolis makes these locations popular weekend destinations for city residents seeking quick outdoor escapes.

Most campgrounds near Brooklyn Park require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays. As one camper noted about Baker Park Reserve, "It was crowded with RVs and tents alike but it never seemed loud or cramped. You'll need to book at least two nights and book as soon as you can." Cell service remains reliable throughout most established campgrounds in the region, though coverage may vary in more remote areas. The camping season typically runs from late April through October, with some facilities closing earlier depending on weather conditions. Mosquitoes and ticks can be problematic during summer months, particularly in wooded areas and near water features, making insect repellent essential equipment.

Family-friendly amenities distinguish many campgrounds in the region. Lebanon Hills Regional Park receives consistent praise for its recreational options, with one visitor noting it "has everything for the family. Schultz Beach for summer fun, professional built mountain bike trails for adventure, camping in Minnesota suburbs." Sites at most regional parks offer electrical hookups, with water available at central locations. Privacy between campsites varies considerably, with Baker Park described as having "not much privacy between camp sites" but compensating with "some of the best beaches in Minnesota." Winter camping options are limited, though William O'Brien State Park and a few others offer year-round camping and cabin rentals for those prepared to handle snow and freezing temperatures.

Best Camping Sites Near Brooklyn Park, Minnesota (109)

    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
    8 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. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park

    17 Reviews
    Lino Lakes, MN
    13 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."

    "We have lived in the Twin Cities for two decades and have never visited Rice Creek Chain of Lakes before. We will again!"

    4. Minneapolis Northwest KOA

    11 Reviews
    Maple Grove, MN
    9 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."

    5. Lebanon Hills Regional Park

    42 Reviews
    Apple Valley, MN
    24 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."

    6. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve

    37 Reviews
    Lake Elmo, MN
    23 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."

    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
    33 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. Ham Lake Resort

    4 Reviews
    Andover, MN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 434-9492

    $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."

    10. 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."

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Recent Reviews near Brooklyn Park, MN

737 Reviews of 109 Brooklyn Park 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 Park

Camping spots near Brooklyn Park, Minnesota typically operate within the Minnesota state park system's seasonal framework, with most sites closing by mid-October due to early frost conditions. The area sits at approximately 850 feet above sea level in the Mississippi River basin, creating microclimates that affect camping conditions. Weekly temperature swings can be significant during spring and fall transition periods, with overnight lows often dropping 20-30 degrees below daytime highs.

What to do

Water activities at Lake Independence: Baker Park Reserve offers multiple water-based recreation options during summer months. "Great biking trails. Nice clean bathrooms. Nice park for kids just a small hike away. Plus a decent amount of rentals," notes Matt H. about Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve.

Take advantage of metro-accessible bike trails: Many campgrounds connect to regional trail systems for day trips. According to Doug B., Bunker Hills Regional Park features "many paved trails, and an activity center," making it perfect for cycling enthusiasts looking for Bunker Hills Regional Park camping options within 30 minutes of Brooklyn Park.

Explore waterfall hikes: Located about 40 minutes northeast, Willow River State Park offers moderate hiking trails leading to scenic waterfalls. "Willow River falls is definitely a beautiful site to see. Definitely a place to camp if you like to be active and explore the trails. Winter, summer or fall!" shares Jessica B.

What campers like

Secluded sites despite suburban location: Many campers appreciate finding unexpected privacy close to the city. Kristin C. describes Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park: "We took a 30 minute drive north of the cities for a quick get away, and were rewarded with a very nice campground! Our site was clear, flat and grassy, and had an established fire pit."

Clean, modern facilities: Campground bathrooms and shower facilities receive consistent praise for maintenance standards. At Lebanon Hills Regional Park, Joanne M. notes, "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."

Unique swimming options: Several parks offer swimming beyond typical lake beaches. "They have a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming," explains Timothy S. about Lake Elmo County Park Reserve.

What you should know

Reservation timing matters: Most campgrounds require advance planning, especially for summer weekends. According to leif D., who stayed at Willow River State Park: "Unfortunately, I was only able to stay one night as my cross country trip hit this campground on the Thursday before memorial day and the whole weekend was booked."

Wildlife encounters are common: Expect wildlife visitors, particularly after dark. "Raccoons will visit your site at night. We had everything secured but they still tried and plenty of racket until we chased them away," warns Tim at William O'Brien State Park.

Insect conditions vary by season and location: Bug intensity depends on rainfall patterns and proximity to water. One camper at Rice Creek Campgrounds noted: "We entered the shower and restrooms to bugs, bugs, BUGS!! Nasty. Neither of us showered there."

Cell service limitations: Coverage can be spotty despite proximity to urban areas. Dani K. reports about William O'Brien State Park: "Cell reception for T-Mobile was minimal to non-existent. Wifi is available in the visitor center parking lot."

Tips for camping with families

Look for tent-only camping areas: Some campgrounds offer dedicated loops without RVs. Amy G. appreciates Rice Creek Campgrounds: "The fact that this loop (F LOOP) was 'tent only' meant no generators! It was very quiet!"

Check playground proximity: Sites near play areas offer convenience but may have more foot traffic. Angela L. at Lebanon Hills Regional Park mentions, "Our spot was spacious, and close to the bathrooms and play area. The play area was really nice and looked brand new. Our girls loved making new friends to play with."

Consider camping near water parks: Several regional parks combine camping with water recreation facilities. Tiffany W. recommends Minneapolis Northwest KOA for families: "The hosts at this campground were very nice. We had a tent site with no hook ups. The site was spacious and private-surrounded on 3 sides by trees. The bathrooms were clean. The pool area was clean and without issue."

Plan for mid-week visits: Weekday camping offers more space and quieter conditions. "Arriving on a Sunday afternoon was a dream—very few people in the campground loop (especially the non-electric ones), but still able to take advantage of a weekend day," advises Dani K.

Tips from RVers

Check electrical service specifications: Not all sites offer the same power capacity. As Justin R. notes about Minneapolis Northwest KOA: "The sites are well maintained. The staff is very kind and accommodating. There are a few restaurants around that deliver. Great spot."

Request specific site features: Call ahead for site preferences rather than relying on automated assignments. One RVer advises: "My suggestion to anyone staying at this campground, be sure to call the office ahead and let them know that you want a site with trees and not one backing up to the road."

Stay aware of seasonal closing dates: Several campgrounds shut water systems down before official closing dates when freezing temperatures approach. Most campground seasons run from late April through mid-October, but utilities may be limited during shoulder seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available in Brooklyn Park, MN?

While Brooklyn Park itself has limited camping options, there are excellent campgrounds within a short drive. Bunker Hills Regional Park in nearby Coon Rapids offers drive-in sites with water and toilets. For a family-friendly option, Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve provides clean, affordable sites managed by Three Rivers Parks. Both locations offer convenient camping options for Brooklyn Park residents and visitors without traveling far from the metropolitan area.

Can I rent a camper in Brooklyn Park instead of bringing my own?

Yes, you can rent a camper in the Brooklyn Park area instead of bringing your own. While no specific rental agencies are located directly in Brooklyn Park, several RV rental companies operate in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area that service Brooklyn Park residents. For a unique camping experience without your own equipment, consider William O'Brien State Park Campground which offers camper cabins along with beautifully groomed trails, making it perfect for families new to camping. Local outdoor retailers occasionally offer rental equipment as well.

Are there private campgrounds in Brooklyn Park for more amenities?

For enhanced amenities near Brooklyn Park, consider Minneapolis Northwest KOA in Maple Grove, offering full hookups, WiFi, and recreational facilities. Another option with excellent amenities is Lake Elmo County Park Reserve, featuring a filtered swimming pond with sandy beach, built-in umbrellas, modern campsites, hiking trails, horseback riding, boating, and an impressive playground. These private and county-run facilities provide comfort-focused camping experiences close to Brooklyn Park.