Best Campgrounds near Elk River, MN

Searching for the best camping near Elk River, MN? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Elk River camping trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Elk River, Minnesota (122)

    1. Ann Lake

    22 Reviews
    Zimmerman, MN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 878-2325

    $15 - $17 / night

    "Lots of close camp sites for larger groups near the entrance. The further back you go on the road, the more spread out sites get. There are a few walk-in sites that I absolutely love."

    "Lake Ann Campground, located in the Sand Dunes State Forest north of Big Lake, MN is great for a weekend getaway with the family or a solo walk in trip."

    2. Lake Maria State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Silver Creek, MN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 878-2325

    "This park is only about 50 minutes away from me, and for hiking/camping I only think it is worth a trip in the fall."

    "I chose Lake Maria for a solo camping excursion because it was close to the Cities, but still offered the level of seclusion I wanted."

    3. South of Sand Dunes State Forest

    11 Reviews
    Zimmerman, MN
    8 miles

    "For the proximity to the city and nearby highways, this was a good spot. Didn’t expect to see as many campers as I did, but all seemed to be friendly."

    "I love that it's so close to home. I was able to walk in and find an incredible spot to camp and lay in my hammock."

    4. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve

    37 Reviews
    Maple Plain, MN
    21 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."

    5. Bunker Hills Regional Park

    16 Reviews
    Coon Rapids, MN
    16 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"

    6. Minneapolis Northwest KOA

    11 Reviews
    Maple Grove, MN
    12 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."

    7. Crow Hassan Park Reserve

    3 Reviews
    St. Michael, MN
    9 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "Do a 180 on the trail and she is happy to trot away from the trailer."

    "I never tire walking the dog park circle along the crow river! Great for birding and tons of beautiful trails!"

    8. Mississippi Riverwood RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Elk River, MN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (612) 281-5021

    9. Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River

    7 Reviews
    Cambridge, MN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 444-9626

    $40 - $75 / night

    "Nice river nearby canoeing swimming pool fireplaces and little store for treats."

    10. Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Monticello, MN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 295-0409

    "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."

    "There was some suggestion that there was some drive in sites that were not reservable, that is. They were first come first serve. But I was unaware or unable to find those."

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Recent Reviews near Elk River, MN

719 Reviews of 122 Elk River Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Rum River State Forest

    Free parking in solitude.

    No potable water, grey dump, nor trash cans, but it's rugged wilderness along a gravel road with plenty of space to park.

  • 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.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park

    Nice campsite

    Friendly staff, quiet during the week and busy on the weekends. Nice pool, laundry facility, nice restrooms with showers. Stayed for a little more than a month after selling my house. (End of Aug-Sept)
    Recommend!!

  • Lance L.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Fish Lake Acres Campground

    Cozy Lakeside Sitr

    Great pricing and friendly staff. Nice beach. A few spots are pull through which is nice for larger RVs and travel trailers.

  • Andy L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Ann Lake

    Nice, quiet, rustic

    30' class C motor home. Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides. Campsites are nice, mowed, gravel parking. Fire rings and picnic tables at each site. Sites range from open and flat to secluded and a little hilly. Most sites are fairly private and well spaced. Higher elevation sites for air tv reception. 2 bars of 4g service made it a little difficult to pay online over the phone. No reception in lower elevation sites. Pay immediately or the camp host will nag you even if you have to walk to higher elevation to get signal. Very beautiful and lots of deer on the trails.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Two Rivers Campground

    Great place to camp.

    Two Rivers Campground is the perfect spot for a fun and relaxing getaway. They have a lazy river, a splash pool for little ones, and another pool for all ages. Kids will love the giant inflatable bouncy house, mini golf, and the many activities offered. The general store has all your camping essentials, plus they make great pizza and other food—delivered right to your campsite along with firewood and ice, just by calling or texting. The campground also features a beautiful beach area on the river that’s perfect for swimming. A few nice spots to shower and restrooms. Quiet beaches one is 1100 to 0900. It’s well maintained and taken care of. We will come back again.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Camp Waub-O-Jeeg

    Waub O Jeeg- Tent camping

    Checking was easy with owner on site. A little steep getting up to x Some of the site. Bathroom and shower house were great

  • Ludwig H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2025

    Willow River State Park Campground

    Tent camped here

    Facilities are great no complains, the beach is a bit over run my goose so is a little dirty, there is a great spot below the dam to cool off if needed.


Guide to Elk River

Camping near Elk River, Minnesota, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Many campgrounds have scenic trails. 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." You can explore various landscapes, including waterfalls and forests.
  • Water Activities: If you love water, check out Interstate State Park. A visitor shared, "Canoe and kayak rentals for more adventures on the river." This park is perfect for swimming and fishing too.
  • Wildlife Watching: At Wild River State Park Campground, you might spot deer and other wildlife. One camper noted, "The woods surrounding were dense enough to obscure others while still feeling open."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Lebanon Hills Regional Park highlighted, "The showers were clean and the hot water was great."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. At Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve, one visitor said, "Spacious sites that are situated in a staggered way, so you never feel like you’re on top of each other."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention helpful staff. A review for St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park stated, "The Camp Host was one of the best we have ever met."

What you should know:

  • No Alcohol Allowed: Some campgrounds, like Afton State Park Campground, have strict rules against alcohol. A camper noted, "No alcohol allowed and no pets!"
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A visitor at Lake Maria State Park warned, "The mosquitos were awful."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A review for Lake Elmo County Park Reserve mentioned, "Must reserve months in advance as usually full."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. At Wild River State Park Campground, one parent said, "Hiking was awesome," making it a great spot for family adventures.
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Some campers can be noisy. A review for William O'Brien State Park Campground mentioned, "Our neighbors were extremely loud and were pretty rowdy all evening."
  • Pack Snacks and Games: Keep kids entertained with snacks and games. A camper at Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve shared, "We enjoy walking the grounds down to the lake."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park noted, "Nice large pull through lots for any size RV."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups. At Interstate State Park, one visitor mentioned, "The site did not have electricity, but there were plenty of sites in the inner circle that did."
  • Dump Stations: Ensure there's a dump station nearby. A camper at Wild River State Park Campground appreciated, "Dump Station and 50 amps."

Camping around Elk River, Minnesota, has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed adventure, you'll find it in the local campgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Elk River, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Elk River, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 122 campgrounds and RV parks near Elk River, MN and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Elk River, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Elk River, MN is Ann Lake with a 4.2-star rating from 22 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Elk River, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Elk River, MN.