Best Campgrounds near Coon Rapids, MN

Campgrounds near Coon Rapids, Minnesota range from developed parks with modern amenities to more rustic settings along waterways. Bunker Hills Regional Park in Coon Rapids offers tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations from May to mid-October. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park in Centerville and Baker Park Reserve in Medina, both featuring electric hookups, drinking water, and reservable sites. Most campgrounds in the area maintain shower facilities and restrooms, with many offering both tent and RV camping options.

The camping season in this region typically runs from late April through mid-October, with most facilities closing during Minnesota's harsh winter months. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays during summer months when campgrounds fill quickly. A camper noted, "Baker Park near Minneapolis was our camp choice for inexpensive camping on the last leg of our Minnesota vacation. This is one of the cleanest camps I've ever stayed at." Many campgrounds in the area enforce quiet hours after 10 PM, and some restrict alcohol consumption. Cell service varies by location but remains generally reliable throughout the region, with some exceptions in more remote areas.

Regional parks receive consistently positive reviews for their maintenance and family-friendly amenities. Lebanon Hills Regional Park earns praise for its hiking trails and spacious sites, with one visitor describing it as having "everything for the family" including "professional built mountain bike trails" and "miles of hiking." Lake Elmo County Park Reserve stands out for its filtered swimming pond and sandy beach, making it particularly popular with families. Campers frequently mention the convenience of these developed campgrounds being close to the Twin Cities while still providing a sense of getting away. Most campgrounds feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to recreational activities like fishing, hiking, and boating, with many sites accommodating both tent and RV camping.

Best Camping Sites Near Coon Rapids, Minnesota (110)

    1. Bunker Hills Regional Park

    16 Reviews
    Coon Rapids, MN
    4 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
    19 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. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park

    17 Reviews
    Lino Lakes, MN
    12 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."

    4. Minneapolis Northwest KOA

    11 Reviews
    Maple Grove, MN
    10 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. Rice Creek Campgrounds

    8 Reviews
    Lino Lakes, MN
    12 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. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve

    37 Reviews
    Lake Elmo, MN
    24 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. Ham Lake Resort

    4 Reviews
    Andover, MN
    9 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."

    8. Lebanon Hills Regional Park

    43 Reviews
    Apple Valley, MN
    28 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."

    9. William O'Brien State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Marine on St. Croix, MN
    27 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."

    10. Willow River State Park Campground

    62 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."

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Recent Reviews near Coon Rapids, MN

732 Reviews of 110 Coon Rapids Campgrounds


  • David R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2025

    South of Sand Dunes State Forest

    Quick overnight

    Nice 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.

  • 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.

  • Joel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Lake Byllesby Regional Park

    Very nice campground

    This 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.

  • 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.


Guide to Coon Rapids

Camping near Coon Rapids, Minnesota, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic trails to family-friendly amenities, there’s something for everyone in this area.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the 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: At Interstate State Park, you can rent canoes and kayaks. A reviewer shared, "Canoe and kayak rentals for more adventures on the river."
  • Wildlife Watching: Wild River State Park Campground is great for spotting deer and other wildlife. One camper noted, "The woods surrounding dense enough to obscure others while still feeling open."

What campers like:

  • Privacy: Many campers appreciate the spacious sites. A visitor at Lebanon Hills Regional Park said, "We were very surprised at the privacy of our site."
  • Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of restrooms and showers. A review for Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve stated, "Shower facilities are very nice."
  • Convenient Location: The proximity to the Twin Cities is a big plus. One camper at William O'Brien State Park Campground remarked, "Close proximity to Stillwater which made for a nice day trip."

What you should know:

  • Reservations: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A visitor at Lake Elmo County Park Reserve advised, "Must reserve months in advance as usually full."
  • Limited Amenities: Some sites may not have water hookups or showers. A camper at Lake Maria State Park noted, "There is no adjusting the shower temperature."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for raccoons and mosquitoes. A review for William O'Brien State Park Campground mentioned, "Raccoons will visit your site at night."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A family at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground found, "Larger and more private than most state parks."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or canoes for family fun. One parent at Afton State Park Campground said, "Great trails for all different skill levels."
  • Pack Bug Spray: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially in warmer months. A visitor at Lake Maria State Park warned, "Be prepared with bug spray/repellant!"

Tips from RVers:

Camping around Coon Rapids, Minnesota, has its perks and quirks. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a fantastic outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Coon Rapids, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Coon Rapids, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 110 campgrounds and RV parks near Coon Rapids, MN and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Coon Rapids, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Coon Rapids, MN is Bunker Hills Regional Park with a 4.6-star rating from 16 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Coon Rapids, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Coon Rapids, MN.