Cabin campgrounds near Coon Rapids offer varying site layouts that impact the camping experience. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park features well-spaced, shaded sites with mature trees creating natural dividers between campsites. Temperatures in central Minnesota range from 50-85°F during camping seasons, with late August bringing cooler nights in the upper 40s.
What to do
Hiking networks: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park features extensive trail systems with both paved and unpaved options. "The sites are well maintained. Access to lake is great," notes Bruce M., highlighting the park's combination of lake access and hiking opportunities.
Beach activities: William O'Brien State Park offers river access for cooling off during summer months. "We even saw a turtle laying eggs in a different campsite," reports Laura E., showcasing the wildlife viewing possibilities along the waterfront areas.
Disc golf courses: Bunker Hills Regional Park maintains a top-rated disc golf course near camping areas. Lynsey M. points out it's "Close to a top 10 disc golf course if that's your thing (it's ours)," making it convenient for campers who enjoy the sport.
What campers like
Private sites: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Coon Rapids feature sites with good separation. At Rice Creek Campgrounds, Corey P. notes the "Level private sites, lots of trees," providing natural screening between campsites.
Clean facilities: The shower houses at many campgrounds receive regular maintenance. "The bathrooms were nice and clean," reports Melissa A. about Bunker Hills Regional Park, though she noted "the only down fall was there was no trash cans in the campground only with you were leaving the campground."
Proximity to city: Most pet-friendly camping options sit within 30-45 minutes of downtown Minneapolis. As Krista T. observed about Bunker Hills, "I had never been here before, despite it only being 20 minutes away," making it ideal for quick weekend getaways with pets.
What you should know
Reservation timing: During peak summer months, secure campsites 2-3 months in advance. At Lebanon Hills Regional Park, Blair noted, "Reserve early online, most weekends were already reserved by mid May."
Bug conditions: Insect activity varies significantly by season and rainfall amounts. Ariel H. had a challenging experience at Rice Creek: "Horseflies nonstop attacked us. To not get bite we had to run around like chickens with our heads cut off!"
Day use fees: Several parks charge additional entrance fees beyond camping costs. At Bunker Hills, Krista T. explains, "a daily pass in 2021 is $6 and an annual pass is $30," which applies even for registered campers.
Tips for camping with families
Waterpark access: Baker Campground offers swimming beaches and family activities. Bryan S. recommends it, stating "With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be."
Playground facilities: Campgrounds often maintain play areas for children near camping loops. Angela L. from Lebanon Hills noted, "The play area was really nice and looked brand new. Our girls loved making new friends to play with."
Site selection for families: Request sites closer to bathrooms and play areas when traveling with small children. Jennifer H. appreciates Baker Campground because "It's a great place to spend a weekend close to home, but feel like you are getting away!"
Tips from RVers
Hookup considerations: Minneapolis Northwest KOA provides full hookups but site spacing varies. David E. notes, "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."
Site selection strategies: When booking online, research specific site characteristics. One KOA visitor advised, "If I wanted one with trees I needed to put a note on my reservation," highlighting the importance of requesting specific features during booking.
Camp host assistance: Several campgrounds offer after-hours check-in with on-site hosts. Lynsey M. appreciated Bunker Hills because of the "Easy late check in with campsite hosts," which helps RVers arriving after office hours.
