Best Campgrounds near Champlin, MN

Campgrounds near Champlin, Minnesota feature a mix of developed county parks and private facilities with a range of accommodation options. Bunker Hills Regional Park in Coon Rapids offers tent, RV, cabin and glamping options in a wooded setting just south of Champlin, while Minneapolis Northwest KOA in Maple Grove provides similar amenities approximately 5 miles west of Champlin. The area campgrounds primarily operate seasonally from spring to fall, with most facilities closing by mid-October. Several sites offer both rustic and modern camping experiences within a 20-minute drive of Champlin's city center.

Seasonal considerations shape the camping experience in this region, with most campgrounds operating from late April through mid-October. "Despite being in the middle of the northern suburbs of Minneapolis, this park and campground is surprisingly woodsy, secluded and spacious," notes one visitor about Bunker Hills Regional Park. Advance reservations are recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when facilities reach capacity. The campgrounds typically maintain paved access roads suitable for standard vehicles, though larger RVs may find limited site options at certain locations. Many campgrounds in the area charge separate reservation and daily park entrance fees, which visitors should factor into their budget planning. Winter camping is generally unavailable as facilities close during the colder months.

The suburban location of these campgrounds creates a unique experience where natural settings exist alongside urban conveniences. Campers highlight the wooded privacy at Bunker Hills despite its proximity to suburban amenities. Elm Creek Horse Camp offers equestrian-friendly camping with horse corrals and trail access, though non-equestrian campers are welcome. Site privacy varies considerably across campgrounds, with reviewers noting that Minneapolis Northwest KOA features relatively close sites while Bunker Hills provides more separation between campsites. Several campgrounds in the area complement camping with recreational facilities—Bunker Hills features a water park, disc golf course, and extensive trail networks. For campers seeking a quick escape from the Twin Cities metropolitan area without driving long distances, these campgrounds provide accessible nature experiences within minutes of urban neighborhoods.

Best Camping Sites Near Champlin, Minnesota (104)

    1. Bunker Hills Regional Park

    16 Reviews
    Coon Rapids, MN
    5 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"

    2. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve

    38 Reviews
    Maple Plain, MN
    17 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."

    3. Minneapolis Northwest KOA

    11 Reviews
    Maple Grove, MN
    8 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."

    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. Rice Creek Campgrounds

    8 Reviews
    Lino Lakes, MN
    15 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."

    6. Ann Lake

    23 Reviews
    Zimmerman, MN
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 878-2325

    $15 - $17 / night

    "Lots of close camp sites for larger groups near the entrance. The further back you go on the road, the more spread out sites get. There are a few walk-in sites that I absolutely love."

    "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"

    7. Ham Lake Resort

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

    $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."

    8. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve

    37 Reviews
    Lake Elmo, MN
    27 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."

    9. Lebanon Hills Regional Park

    43 Reviews
    Apple Valley, MN
    30 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."

    10. Elm Creek Horse Camp

    1 Review
    Dayton, MN
    4 miles
    Website

    $16 / night

    "Tucked away near the archery range(don’t worry—nobody’s aiming at your pup), this campsite offers a solid patch of peace where dogs can sniff, stretch, and settle in by the fire."

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Recent Reviews near Champlin, MN

712 Reviews of 104 Champlin Campgrounds


  • Sarah D.
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Wild River State Park Campground

    Secluded Backpack/Canoe Site with Sunrise Views

    I 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!!!

  • Lance L.
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Cleary Lake Regional Park

    Large campground with plentyy of activities!

    They 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.

  • 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.


Guide to Champlin

Camping near Champlin, 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 mentioned, “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 said, “Canoe and kayak rentals for more adventures on the river” made their trip memorable.
  • Wildlife Watching: At Wild River State Park Campground, you might spot deer and other wildlife. One camper shared, “We spotted three white-tail deer during our hike.”

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 review stated, “Shower facilities are very nice.”
  • Convenient Location: William O'Brien State Park Campground is close to Stillwater, making it a great spot for day trips. A camper said, “Close proximity to Stillwater made for a nice day trip.”

What you should know:

  • No Alcohol Allowed: Some campgrounds, like Interstate State Park, have strict rules against alcohol. 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. One camper at Lake Maria State Park warned, “The mosquitos were awful.”
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, have fewer amenities. A visitor noted, “Only water/toilets at the campground or picnic area.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites, like Wild River State Park Campground. A family shared, “The sites are secluded by sumac trees.”
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One camper at Afton State Park Campground said, “Good pricing, great trails for all different skill levels.”
  • Bring Bug Spray: With the presence of mosquitoes, a camper at Lake Maria State Park advised, “Be prepared with bug spray/repellant!”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your chosen campground has the right hookups for your RV. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve offers electric hookups, which many RVers appreciate.
  • Space Between Sites: Look for campgrounds that provide enough space between RV sites. A visitor at Lebanon Hills Regional Park mentioned, “Some sites are more shaded than others.”
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Make sure to know where the nearest dump station is located. Campers at William O'Brien State Park Campground found it convenient to have facilities nearby.

Camping around Champlin, Minnesota, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Champlin, Minnesota?

Several excellent campgrounds are located near Champlin. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve is highly recommended for inexpensive camping with well-maintained facilities and is managed by Three Rivers Parks. William O'Brien State Park Campground offers beautifully groomed trails, great amenities including toilets, and is perfect for families with new campers. Other nearby options include Bunker Hills Regional Park and Elm Creek Horse Camp, all providing convenient access to outdoor recreation while staying close to the Twin Cities metro area.

Are there RV parks with full hookups near Champlin?

Yes, there are several RV-friendly options near Champlin. Minneapolis Northwest KOA offers full hookup sites and is big-rig friendly, making it convenient for RVers. Ham Lake Resort is another option within a short drive from Champlin. For those looking for a temporary overnight spot, Cabela's Rogers, MN allows overnight parking, though it's worth noting it can be noisy due to its proximity to I-94. Rice Creek Campgrounds also accommodates RVs with various amenities including water and toilet facilities.

Is Cleary Lake Regional Park a good camping option near Champlin?

Cleary Lake Regional Park isn't currently known for developed camping facilities. Better alternatives near Champlin include Lebanon Hills Regional Park, which offers excellent family camping with amenities including electric hookups, water pumps, and hiking trails. Another great option is Lake Elmo County Park Reserve, which features impressive amenities including a filtered swimming pond with sandy beach, hiking trails, horseback riding, and boating opportunities, making it an excellent family-friendly alternative to Cleary Lake.