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.
$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."
$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."
$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"
"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."
$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."
$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."
"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."
$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."
$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."
"Beach was closed but we still got some good walks in. Fire ring was a little shallow for my liking so had to get some solid coals going to get dinner on the table."
$22 - $85 / night
"Minnesota State Parks have just started to build Yurts for 3 campgrounds around the state; Afton, Cuyuna and Glendalough State Parks."
"It is also next to Afton Ski resort. This park has a lot of beautiful prairie landscape with some temperate forest features. Wildflowers, shrubs, fungi, evergreens, and deciduous trees."
ScoutGot a nice spot by the water, big parking spot, little below the spot is an opening towards water with a fire pit. 2-3 bars of service but never had an issue. Worked well. Very private. Bugs weren’t bad either
ScoutThis was our first camping experience and it was a great one! I would highly recommend this for anyone’s first or fifth camping adventure!
ScoutI was able to find a campsite not on the road. There was a trail from the parking spot so keep an eye out. Lots of animals saw a turkey and coyote so just be aware. Very pretty and calm. Had to pick up some trash from other campers just a reminder to leave no trace.
GuideThis place is spectacular,u have to walk down to the creek. God's work. Beautiful
TravelerWe stayed here from about 10pm to 6am. There were a ton of people there so it was hard finding somewhere to sleep. Once we did, it was very quiet and we got a good nights rest. There were a couple of cars that passed us in the morning when we left but nothing too crazy. The scenery was very beautiful. This is definitely a great free option if you’re looking for a peaceful spot in the woods to sleep!
TravelerI stayed there with my RV. Most all of the campsites were too small to park it, but I found one at the very end of the park to stay. Although the land itself is beautiful, the locals were reporting me to the DNR officer, who were clearly his friends, and accusing me of things I was not doing. Also, there’s a lot of traffic in and out of there and they fly through there day and night, as well as a lot of gunfire going off a lot of the time. I use T-Mobile service and I was on SOS most of the time. Not very impressed.
TravelerWell maintained. Nice beach.
TravelerBeen camping here year round for 20+ years. Free, first come first served rustic hike/cart in sites with steel fire ring/grill. There are 4 official sites and 2 more unofficial sites with no fire ring.
If you camp with animals: Sites all sit directly off walking trail very popular with dog walkers.
GuideSmall pullout area on state forest land. Can walk trail back to tent.
Camping options near Crystal, Minnesota range from heavily wooded sites to more open RV parks with modern amenities. Located in Hennepin County at an elevation of about 860 feet, this area experiences summer temperatures that can swing from 65°F to 90°F between June and August with occasional heavy rainfall. Most campgrounds operate seasonally with peak usage in July and August when mosquito activity also reaches its height.
Explore extensive trail systems: At Bunker Hills Regional Park, miles of paved and unpaved trails connect throughout the park. "There are nice trails to help explorer the regional park," notes Melissa A., while another camper mentions "the temperature was COLD the first night, but perfect the rest of the week. Absolutely loved the experience."
Visit water attractions: The Minneapolis Northwest KOA offers a pool for guests. Though one camper notes "the pool area was clean and without issue. There were no extra walk ways or special features in those regards," it provides a convenient cooling option. At Bunker Hills, a waterpark with wave pool is available within the park boundaries.
Try disc golf courses: Several campgrounds offer disc golf access. At Rice Creek Campgrounds, one visitor mentioned being "close to a top 10 disc golf course if that's your thing (it's ours)." Most courses are open from April through October, with some requiring small usage fees.
Fish in local lakes: Lake Auburn Campground provides fishing access from their dock. "The swim area was cool after a hot day and the beach was gently sloping and smooth," according to Sarah S. Fishing licenses are required and can be purchased online or at local sporting goods stores.
Wooded seclusion: Many campsites offer tree cover for privacy. At Willow River State Park, one camper noted "large campsites, most with thick wooded areas between the sites." While slightly farther from Crystal (about 30 miles east), campers appreciate that "you can't even tell you're in Hudson."
Family-friendly amenities: Baker Park Reserve scores high with families. "With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be," writes Bryan S. Another visitor appreciated that it was "a great site! It was very clean, had friendly staff, and was close to a really fun park for our kids."
Easy access and conveniences: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park offers convenience close to home. "We love to camp here as it's so close to home. Decent amenities, however NOT the feel of a State Park. Think suburbia meets nature," explains one camper. The park provides a mix of developed facilities while maintaining some natural settings.
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness receives frequent positive mentions. At Lake Auburn, "the facilities are very nice, but I like my camp sites to be more private than what Auburn Lake has to offer," notes Emily H. Most campgrounds in the area maintain restrooms daily during peak season.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. At Lake Auburn, "this campground, given its proximity to our house, made for an easy weekend getaway to give the gear a trial run," mentions Erik R. Reservations are typically available 3-4 months in advance.
Bug considerations: Mosquitoes and horseflies can be problematic, especially in wooded areas. One camper at Rice Creek Campgrounds described a difficult experience: "When you first pull in to the park there we're an average amount of annoying bugs, especially for an 85 to 90 degree, summer day in a highly vegetative, woodsy park." Come prepared with repellent.
Site privacy varies significantly: Some campgrounds offer more separation between sites than others. At Lake Elmo County Park Reserve, "sites are spacious and spread out, electric hookups at all sites, swim pond is great for kids," according to John H. Minneapolis Northwest KOA, by contrast, has sites "stacked on top of each other like sardines in a can."
Water access considerations: Swimming areas may have limited hours or seasonal closures. "The beach area looks nice but we didn't use it," noted a camper at Lake Auburn. Several parks have recently upgraded their swimming facilities, though some have seasonal limitations.
Playground access: Lake Auburn Campground offers excellent play facilities. "Great beach, good playground, okay camp sites," reports Emily H. The playground accommodates various age groups and is centrally located within the campground.
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds feature swimming areas. At Baker Park Reserve, "there are 2 swimming beaches: 1 for the campground and one for all of the day visitors. You can rent canoes, paddle boats and SUP boards," writes Jennifer H. Most beaches are unguarded, so parental supervision is required.
Activity planning: Lebanon Hills Regional Park offers diverse activities for children. "We love Lebanon Hills! Close to home and an oasis in the middle of the Twin Cities," shares Katie C. The nature center provides educational programming throughout summer months, typically between 10am-4pm daily.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise that might disturb light sleepers. At Willow River State Park, campers mention "highway noise was noticeable in the evenings," while still rating the experience highly. Sites farther from main roads tend to be quieter.
Hookup availability: Full hookups are available at several campgrounds. Dakotah Meadows RV Park offers "cement parking pads with full hookups. The grass around the lots is very green, lush and well maintained," according to Jim M. Electrical service ranges from 30-50 amp depending on location.
Site layout and accessibility: RV sites vary significantly in size and arrangement. "Sites are paved and have well-maintained grass. We were located near the casino road, which has an occasional loud car, even at night," notes Chris F. at Dakotah Meadows. Most campgrounds can accommodate rigs up to 40 feet, though some have sites for larger vehicles.
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds with electric hookups offer full sewer connections. At Rice Creek Chain of Lakes, facilities include sanitary dump stations that may have limited hours. Water fill stations are generally accessible throughout operating hours.
Reservation timing: RV sites often book faster than tent sites. At Lebanon Hills Regional Park, one camper advises: "Reserve early online, most weekends were already reserved by mid May." Some parks offer limited first-come, first-served sites, but these fill early in the day, especially on summer weekends.
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.
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