Camping options near Champlin, Minnesota range from rustic tent sites to RV-friendly grounds with full hookups, all within 20-30 miles of the city. The Mississippi River flows along Champlin's eastern border, creating a natural recreation corridor with fishing access and wildlife viewing. Seasonal considerations include high humidity and abundant mosquitoes from June through August, with September and October offering more moderate temperatures and fewer insects.
What to do
Biking on paved trails: At Baker Park Reserve, campers can access over 6 miles of connected paved trails. "There is a nice 6+ mile biking trail that connects to others, so bring the bikes," recommends Jennifer H., who found the park great for family activities. The trails link to other regional routes, creating longer riding options.
Beach swimming: Lake Auburn Campground provides a dedicated beach area with shade options. "The swim area was cool after a hot day and the beach was gently sloping and smooth," notes Sarah S. Families appreciate the beach amenities: "The beach is gorgeous, and the staff was extremely nice over the phone when I set my reservation," adds Sam S.
Horseback riding: Crow Hassan Park Reserve offers dedicated equestrian trails and camping options. "This is my all-time favorite park to bring my horse to, and it's her favorite trail too," says Krista T. The park maintains two separate horse camping areas and miles of sandy prairie trails ideal for riding.
Disc golf: Nearby courses attract players of all skill levels. "Close to a top 10 disc golf course if that's your thing (it's ours)," mentions Lynsey M. about Bunker Hills Regional Park. The course requires no additional fees beyond the park entrance fee, making it an economical activity option.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Lake Maria State Park, the hike-in sites offer true seclusion. "Site B6 feels like a secret woodland sanctuary — set up on a slight rise, tucked beneath a cathedral of towering oaks and maples," describes Alison O. These backpacking sites require hiking gear but reward with solitude.
Tubing on the Rum River: Country Camping RV Park provides direct river access with rental options. "Great tubing and canoeing," reports Rory T. The river features a clean, sandy bottom that enhances the experience: "Key thing is the river is very clean and sandy bottom," adds David G.
Yurt camping near Champlin: Multiple parks now offer yurt accommodations as alternatives to traditional tent camping. "You can fit quite a bit of horse trailers on here. The barn stalls are available for use, otherwise there are overhead horse hitch lines," explains Krista T. about the equestrian-friendly yurt options at Crow Hassan Park Reserve.
Well-maintained facilities: Campground cleanliness ranks high in visitor satisfaction. "The bathrooms were nice and clean. The only down fall was there was no trash cans in the campground only when you were leaving the campground," notes Melissa A. about Bunker Hills Regional Park, highlighting the park's commitment to maintenance.
What you should know
Seasonal bugs: Mosquitoes and black flies can be intense during summer months. "The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon," warns Steph H. about Lake Maria State Park. For more comfortable camping, visit after mid-September when insect populations decline.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance bookings, especially for yurt camping near Champlin. Minnesota parks typically accept reservations up to 120 days in advance. Weekend availability fills quickly during peak season (May-September).
Park fees: Daily vehicle permits are required at most parks in addition to camping fees. "Your reservation fee does NOT include the daily parks fee of 7 dollars just FYI," cautions Lynsey M. about Bunker Hills Regional Park. Consider purchasing an annual Minnesota parks permit ($35) if planning multiple visits.
Water access: Not all campsites have nearby water sources. "The pump for the water was very slow," notes Brian C. about Lake Maria State Park. Many campgrounds recommend bringing filled containers to your site rather than relying solely on communal pumps.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Minneapolis Northwest KOA offers dedicated play areas. "It has a pool (unheated) and a cute little camp store," mentions Bryan S., highlighting amenities that keep children entertained. Request sites close to play areas to minimize walking distance for young campers.
Splash pad options: Newer water features appeal to families with children of different ages. "It's has a heated pool, splash pad area, BIG playground area, indoor game room, HUGE sites!" enthuses Spencer C. about Country Camping RV Park, noting the range of activities available.
Site selection strategy: Research specific site numbers before booking. "Campsite C14: Super peaceful vibes, nice tree cover, flat tent pad, and plenty of space to spread out," recommends Alison O. about Baker Park Reserve, though she cautions: "The only reason this isn't a full 5-star banger is the fire ring placement. That thing is doing its own thing like 30 feet from the tent pad."
Junior Ranger programs: Many parks offer educational activities for children. Request program schedules when checking in, as most are offered only on weekends during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require additional equipment for comfortable parking. "While some sites are a little uneven and better suited to RVs than to tents, all sites are spacious and clean," reports Sarah S. about Lake Auburn Campground. Bring leveling blocks even for sites listed as level.
Proximity to services: Location convenience matters for longer stays. "My husband and I picked this spot to try out our new camper for camping and it's been a lovely place to stay. Close to lots of state parks and hiking opportunities," shares one visitor about the area's camping options.
Power reliability concerns: During peak summer usage, electrical systems may become strained. "Had one issue with power dropping so we had to pull the surge protector off. It was fine. Also very hot and humid so everyone was running AC to the max," explains David G., highlighting the importance of power protection devices.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer on-site dumping facilities. Those traveling in larger RVs should confirm dumping locations and access routes before arrival, as some facilities have limited turning radius for larger rigs.
