Camping options near Edina, Minnesota range from rustic tent sites to modern cabin accommodations within a 30-mile radius of this Minneapolis suburb. Winter temperatures in the area often drop below freezing from November through March, with summer highs averaging in the mid-80s. The region features a mix of prairie, woodland, and lake environments across relatively flat terrain with some gentle hills.
What to do
Hiking year-round trails: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park offers extensive hiking options with well-maintained paths. "There are nice paved trails around a couple of lakes/ponds for biking, and easy access to the shower and bathroom facilities (which were very nice)," notes one visitor to Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park.
Disc golf access: Several parks in the area maintain top-rated disc golf courses. "Close to a top 10 disc golf course if that's your thing," mentions one camper who stayed at Bunker Hills Regional Park during a quick stop through Minnesota.
Winter yurt experiences: Yurt camping near Edina provides comfortable accommodations during cold months. "These have some great amenities and are perfect for family camping, especially in Fall, Winter and Spring," shares a visitor to Afton State Park Campground.
Lake swimming: Public beaches at many parks offer summer cooling options. "The swim area was cool after a hot day and the beach was gently sloping and smooth," reports a visitor to Lake Auburn Campground.
What campers like
Private tent sites: Tent campers appreciate secluded options at certain parks. "The hike in sites are super close to the car so it doesn't even require much work. Plan to come here again!" notes a visitor to Cleary Lake Regional Park.
Tree cover for shade: Wooded campsites provide relief from summer heat. "It was fairly busy, but we still felt secluded despite a full campground," shares a camper at Baker Park Reserve, adding "there are nice paved trails around a couple of lakes/ponds for biking."
Modern bathroom facilities: Clean restroom facilities rank high in camper reviews. "Amazing bathroom/Showers. Quiet, lots of flies, good spot overall," notes a Cleary Lake Regional Park visitor.
Off-season tranquility: Fall and spring camping offers fewer crowds. "In early September, no one else was around and it was PERFECT," reports a camper who enjoyed the solitude at a lakeside site.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Not all sites offer the same privacy or amenities. At Minneapolis Northwest KOA, "The sites are well maintained. The staff is very kind and accommodating. There are a few restaurants around that deliver."
Reservation timing: Popular sites book quickly, especially at state parks. "It's difficult to get reservations, so I recommend trying to start booking 120 days in advance, which is the farthest out you can reserve," advises a visitor to Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins.
Bug preparation: Mosquitoes and flies are common during warm months. "Lots of mosquitoes but it's MN so that's to be expected," notes one camper, while another mentions "lots of flies" at their campsite.
Limited winter facilities: Water access may be restricted during cold months. "Outside water is shut off during some parts of the year, so bring your own drinking water if you are camping close to/during winter."
Tips for camping with families
Look for accessible playgrounds: Family-friendly campgrounds often include play areas. "Great walking paths and clean restrooms. Great for a quick weekend camping trip," notes a visitor to Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park.
Consider camper cabins: Heated cabins provide comfortable family camping year-round. At Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins, "Each cabin has four sleeping spots: 2 bunk beds, and the 2 couches convert to beds. There's a heater inside, but no AC, which makes these the most suitable during the spring and fall."
Check beach facilities: Swimming beaches provide summer entertainment for children. "The beach area looks nice" notes one Lake Auburn visitor, while another adds "the swim area was cool after a hot day and the beach was gently sloping and smooth."
Plan for weather contingencies: Minnesota weather changes quickly. "No cooking is allowed inside the cabins, which can make things rough if the weather isn't cooperating," cautions a Whitetail Woods visitor.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup availability: Most regional parks offer electric sites with some restrictions. At Baker Park Reserve, "The sites are larger than average. This is a big campground with a lot of paved bike trails and a nice lake a short walk away."
Dump station access: Many campgrounds provide sanitary dump stations. "Water fill stations readily available so we loaded up prior to continuing out west," reports a visitor to Bunker Hills Regional Park.
Site levelness varies: Check site descriptions before booking. "While some sites are a little uneven and better suited to RVs than to tents, all sites are spacious and clean," notes a Lake Auburn camper.
