Tent campsites near Coon Rapids, Minnesota range from wooded sites with river access to prairie settings in park reserves. The area features a mix of glacial landscapes with elevation changes of 100-300 feet in many parks, creating varied terrain for campers. Winter camping options exist at several locations with temperatures often dropping below 0°F from December through February.
What to do
Birding opportunities: Lake Rebecca Park Reserve offers exceptional wildlife viewing with diverse bird species. "Big park! Great for birding and walking trails! One of my favorite places to go near home," notes one visitor to Lake Rebecca Park Reserve.
River paddling: Access the St. Croix River directly from several camping areas in the region. "This is a great place to see all the various landscapes of the St. Croix River Valley," reports a camper about the riverside options.
Winter cabin stays: Experience Minnesota's snowy season from the comfort of heated accommodations. "The cabin we stayed in felt very welcoming. Unknown at the time I booked it, the cabin offered Wi-Fi access that ended up not working for us anyway, so that at least allowed for a bit more of a rustic experience," shares a winter visitor to Lake Maria State Park.
What campers like
Diverse ecosystems: Campsites in the area showcase Minnesota's varied natural environments from river valleys to prairies. "We loved the trails. It was easy to takes hikes of varying lengths. There were so many different kinds of birds, and the wildflowers were blooming and ferns were unfurling - so many shades of green!" explains a camper at William O'Brien State Park.
Weekday solitude: For campers seeking quiet experiences, midweek bookings offer significantly less crowded conditions. "My first time solo camping was at William O'Brien State Park on a Sunday evening. Weekends have been packed and reservations scarce for months at state parks in Minnesota. Arriving on a Sunday afternoon was a dream—very few people in the campground loop."
Proximity to cities: Many camping options provide wilderness experiences within short driving distance from urban centers. "I have long overlooked William O'Brien because I thought you had to drive a long way to get away. I was wrong!" writes one reviewer.
What you should know
Site privacy varies: Some campgrounds offer more separation between sites than others. "Compared to Wild River State Park, the sites at Savannah are pretty cramped with inconsistent vegetation between sites. I wouldn't want to stay here when the loop is fully reserved," notes a visitor to William O'Brien.
Bug preparation essential: Insects can be intense, particularly in summer months. "When we pulled up to the parking lot we knew we were in trouble. The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon," reports a summer visitor to Lake Maria State Park.
Trail conditions: Hiking paths range from paved surfaces to sandy stretches depending on location. "The best place to be bug-free happens to be the sandy prairie trails, the wooded areas are nice but you may want to hustle out of there if you don't have enough bug protection," advises a visitor to Crow Hassan Park Reserve.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Several parks offer swimming options for children. "This has an amazing beach. Great Trails. Sweet single track for mountain biking. The best kids park at any campground I've been to," shares a camper about Lake Rebecca Park Reserve.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many sites offer chances to observe local fauna. "This campground is lovely. You can hear frogs all night and we even saw a turtle laying eggs in a different campsite," recounts a visitor to William O'Brien's Savanna Campground.
Camper cabins: For families new to camping, heated cabins provide comfort with wilderness proximity. "Perfect little cabin nestled in the southern half of the park! Screened in porch, heated with electricity, and two double bunk beds!" reports a visitor to Afton State Park.
Tips from RVers
Horse-friendly options: Some campgrounds accommodate equestrian campers with specialized facilities. "This is my all-time favorite park to bring my horse to, and it's her favorite trail too. Seriously, when we head back to our trailer she will stop and refuse to proceed," shares an equestrian visitor to Crow Hassan Park Reserve.
Site size considerations: Space limitations affect larger rigs at some locations. "The information for this site states you can fit 10 horse trailers on this lot, but I have definitely seen groups camp here with more," notes a visitor regarding Riverbend group equestrian campground.
Seasonal availability: Check reservation systems early as popular RV sites fill quickly during summer months. "Weeknights are $70 and weekends/holidays are $85. This seems like a huge steal considering how many people these sites can accommodate!" advises a reviewer about group sites at Lake Rebecca.
