Campgrounds near Columbia Heights, Minnesota range from wooded retreats to prairie landscapes, all within 30-40 minutes of the city. The region typically experiences warm summers with average July temperatures of 83°F and cold winters dropping below freezing, making late spring through early fall the prime camping season. Most campgrounds sit at elevations between 800-950 feet above sea level, offering relatively flat terrain with some rolling hills and river valleys.
What to do
Swimming options: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park offers more than just hiking trails. As one camper noted, "Great beach & sunrise. Highly recommend!" The park provides water access for kayaking and canoeing from May through September.
Disc golf courses: Several campgrounds feature disc golf courses, but Bunker Hills Regional Park stands out with what one reviewer called "Close to a top 10 disc golf course if that's your thing." The 18-hole course winds through wooded and open areas, offering technical challenges for all skill levels.
Winter activities: Unlike most local campgrounds that close seasonally, William O'Brien State Park remains open year-round with winter camping options. A winter camper shared: "The moon was very bright that night so visibility was excellent. We walked some trail through a frozen marsh landscape and happened upon a railroad that passed above our trail with a beautiful tunnel-overpass."
What campers like
Privacy levels: Lebanon Hills Regional Park receives high marks for site spacing. One camper noted, "Tent camp sites are far enough from each other that neighbors can't be seen, and we didn't hear them either." Sites in the East Loop feature electricity but no water hookups, though water pumps are available throughout the campground.
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness varies significantly between campgrounds. A camper at Bunker Hills reported, "The bathrooms were nice and clean. The only down fall was there was no trash cans in the campground only with you were leaving the campground." Most campgrounds clean their facilities daily during peak season.
Variety of camping styles: For those seeking alternatives to traditional tent or RV camping, Afton State Park offers yurts. As one visitor explained: "Minnesota State Parks have just started to build Yurts for 3 campgrounds around the state; Afton, Cuyuna and Glendalough State Parks. These have some great amenities and are perfect for family camping, especially in Fall, Winter and Spring."
What you should know
Seasonal challenges: The Minnesota camping season brings distinct challenges each month. During summer, one camper at Rice Creek Campgrounds warned about "horseflies nonstop attacked us. To not get bite we had to run around like chickens with our heads cut off!" Bug activity peaks from June through August, when repellents and screened shelters become essential.
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer weekends and holidays. A Lebanon Hills camper advised: "Reserve early online, most weekends were already reserved by mid May." For holiday weekends, reservations often need to be made 3-6 months in advance.
Firewood quality: Firewood availability and quality vary widely. One camper noted: "Firewood at $7 a bundle doesn't burn, it just smokes. I asked for a refund. Buy firewood elsewhere." Many campgrounds prohibit bringing outside firewood due to invasive species concerns, so check current policies before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Beach amenities: Younger children often enjoy the swimming options at Lake Elmo County Park Reserve. One visitor shared: "They have a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming." The filtered swimming pond provides a cleaner alternative to natural lake swimming.
Playground access: When selecting a family-friendly site, consider proximity to playground facilities. One Baker Park visitor mentioned: "Nice park for kids just a small hike away." Many campgrounds have playground equipment, though quality and maintenance vary considerably.
Teaching opportunities: Multiple parks offer educational programming. At Rice Creek Chain of Lakes, a visitor noted: "The nature center is nice and a great place to spend some time if it is raining during their open hours." Most nature centers operate limited hours, typically 10am-4pm on weekends and select weekdays.
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: When booking an RV site, ask specific questions about site dimensions. One Lebanon Hills camper explained: "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." This extra information can prevent booking issues for larger rigs.
Dump station access: Most campgrounds with RV sites provide dump stations, though not all offer full hookups. Many campers recommend using the sanitary dump stations when arriving or departing rather than during peak check-in/check-out times to avoid long lines, especially on Sunday afternoons between 12-3pm.
Electric options: Check the amperage available at your chosen campground. One Minneapolis Northwest KOA visitor mentioned: "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." While most RV sites offer electrical hookups, amperage varies from 20-50 amps depending on the campground.
