Best Campgrounds near Crystal, MN

Camping in the Crystal, Minnesota area centers around several established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. The Minneapolis Northwest KOA in nearby Maple Grove provides tent, RV, cabin, and glamping options with full hookups. Bunker Hills Regional Park in Coon Rapids offers more secluded sites with tent, RV, and cabin accommodations in a wooded setting. Baker Park Reserve in Medina and Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park in Centerville round out the developed campground options, each with various accommodation types and amenities.

Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally from April or May through October, with several closing by mid-October before Minnesota's winter sets in. Reservations are recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when campgrounds fill quickly. Electric hookups are common at most sites, with water and sewer connections available at select locations. Facilities typically include showers, toilets, and dump stations. Weather conditions can change rapidly in this area, with summer temperatures ranging from pleasant to hot and humid. As one camper noted about Bunker Hills, "Heavily wooded with oak trees, lots of privacy, campsites are spaced out well. Nice trails, facilities down the road, many biking trails, and cool on a hot summer day."

The camping experience around Crystal balances suburban convenience with natural surroundings. Campsites at Minneapolis Northwest KOA provide basic amenities but less privacy. "The sites are stacked on top of each other, but there is a pool and a cute little camp store," according to one visitor. In contrast, Bunker Hills and Rice Creek offer more seclusion among trees. Hiking and biking trails connect many campgrounds to surrounding parks and recreation areas. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, various bird species, and occasional small mammals. Road noise can be a factor at some locations, particularly at sites positioned near major highways. Winter camping is extremely limited, with most facilities completely closed during the snow season, though some parks remain open for day use and winter activities.

Best Camping Sites Near Crystal, Minnesota (108)

    1. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve

    38 Reviews
    Maple Plain, MN
    14 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."

    2. Lebanon Hills Regional Park

    43 Reviews
    Apple Valley, MN
    20 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."

    3. Bunker Hills Regional Park

    16 Reviews
    Coon Rapids, MN
    13 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"

    4. Minneapolis Northwest KOA

    11 Reviews
    Maple Grove, MN
    11 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 Chain of Lakes Regional Park

    17 Reviews
    Lino Lakes, MN
    16 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."

    6. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve

    37 Reviews
    Lake Elmo, MN
    23 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. Lake Auburn Campground

    12 Reviews
    Victoria, MN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (952) 443-2911

    $15 - $18 / night

    "This campground even has 2 walking/hike-in campsites to give your avid campers a real out-in-the-middle-of-nowhere kind if feel, like you drove hundreds if miles to get away from the hustle and bussle"

    "But the Eady walk to the lake, sitting on the dock or the grass and swimming III m the water are a great way to destress."

    8. Rice Creek Campgrounds

    8 Reviews
    Lino Lakes, MN
    17 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."

    9. 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."

    10. Dakotah Meadows RV Park

    12 Reviews
    Prior Lake, MN
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (952) 445-8800

    $40 - $50 / night

    "The grass around the lots is very green, lush and well maintained. Campground is right next to the hotel/casino and very much within walking distance."

    "Shuttle bus comes through the camp if you want to go to the casino and play- it’s also within walking distance."

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Recent Reviews near Crystal, MN

775 Reviews of 108 Crystal Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • Krista T.
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park

    Nice metro get away

    This is a beautiful park and the campsites for the most part all seem spacious, and the loop we were in (whichever one site 52 is in) all had decent tree cover.

    The bathroom facility has seen better days. The nature center is nice and a great place to spend some time if it is raining during their open hours.

  • Kathy L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park Campground

    Really nice campground!

    Really nice campground! Meadow setting where the campsites are, but then TONS of hiking trails with significant trees& shade. Really beautiful. Nice people staying in adjacent sites. We would return.


Guide to Crystal

Camping near Crystal, Minnesota, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Many campgrounds have great hiking options. For example, at Willow River State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "Lovely trails, the beach is a large area with a nice park and picnic area." This park is perfect for those who enjoy nature walks and scenic views.
  • Fishing and Water Activities: If you love fishing, Lebanon Hills Regional Park is a great choice. A visitor shared, "Fishing was great, we enjoyed ourselves the whole thing." You can also rent canoes or kayaks for a fun day on the water.
  • Wildlife Watching: Many parks are home to diverse wildlife. At William O'Brien State Park Campground, a camper noted, "We saw an abundance of birds while we were there." Bring your binoculars for a chance to spot some local critters.

What campers like:

  • Privacy and Space: Campers appreciate the spacious sites. One happy visitor at Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve said, "Peaceful, quiet, with spacious sites that are situated in a staggered way." This makes it easier to relax without feeling crowded.
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and showers are a big plus. A reviewer at Afton State Park Campground mentioned, "Clean restrooms and showers." This is important for a comfortable camping experience.
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers rave about the helpful staff. At Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park, one visitor said, "Staff were very helpful." A friendly face can make your stay even better.

What you should know:

  • Reservations Recommended: Popular campgrounds fill up quickly. A camper at Lake Elmo County Park Reserve advised, "Must reserve months in advance as usually full." Planning ahead is key to securing your spot.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. For instance, Ann Lake offers rustic camping with few amenities, so be prepared for a more primitive experience.
  • Mosquitoes and Bugs: Be ready for bugs, especially in warmer months. A visitor at Lake Maria State Park Campground warned, "Be prepared with bug spray/repellant!" Keeping some repellent handy can save your trip.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Parks: Look for parks with playgrounds and kid-friendly activities. St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park has "several playgrounds for the kids," making it a great choice for families.
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep the kids entertained. One parent at Baker Campground mentioned, "The grounds are absolutely gorgeous," which is perfect for family exploration.
  • Pack Snacks and Meals: Having food ready can make mealtime easier. A camper at William O'Brien State Park enjoyed the "great mix of electric and non-electric sites," allowing for easy cooking options.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Rice Creek Chain of Lakes noted, "Nice large pull-through lots for any size RV." This is crucial for a smooth camping experience.
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need water and electric, check for campgrounds that offer these amenities. At Baker Park Reserve, a visitor mentioned, "Shower facilities are very nice," which is a bonus for RV campers.
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Lake Elmo County Park Reserve shared, "Some neighbors watched a movie each night—starting just after quiet hours." Consider this when choosing your site.

Camping around Crystal, MN, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With the right planning and knowledge, you're sure to have a great time outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Crystal camping areas?

Camping areas near Crystal offer varying amenities depending on the campground. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve features impressive facilities including a filtered swimming pond with sandy beaches, built-in umbrellas, concessions, modern campsites with electrical hookups, and activities like hiking, horseback riding, boating and a large playground. For those preferring more developed amenities, Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve offers affordable, clean camping with electrical hookups managed by Three Rivers Parks organization.

Where are the best campgrounds near Crystal?

The Minneapolis area offers several excellent campgrounds near Crystal. Lebanon Hills Regional Park provides a perfect family-friendly environment with miles of hiking, mountain biking trails, and a beach at Schultz Lake, all while being conveniently located in the suburbs. For campers seeking a riverside experience, Cannon River Wilderness Area offers free camping in secluded sites right along the water, ideal for hammock camping with just a short 10-minute hike from parking.

When is the best time of year to go camping in Crystal?

The ideal camping season near Crystal runs from late spring through early fall (May through September) when temperatures are most comfortable. Fall brings particularly beautiful conditions at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground, making it perfect for leaf peeping amidst its walking trails and diverse forest. William O'Brien State Park Campground is excellent in summer, offering clean, accessible campsites with easy walking trails and proximity to Stillwater for day trips. Winter camping is possible but requires proper cold-weather gear and preparation.