Best Camping 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, MN (119)

Showing results 1-10 of 119 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Elk River

Recent Reviews in Elk River

686 Reviews of 119 Elk River Campgrounds


  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Love's RV Hookup-Rockville MN 842
    Nov. 13, 2024

    Love's RV Hookup-Rockville MN 842

    Good pit stop

    Stayed here kind of last minute on my way home and wanted electric hook ups.

    Still open in the winter! Convenient location right off I94 and HWY 23. Close to Waite Park for entertainment and food. Love's is open 24 hours and has most things you would need. There is also a Hardee's if you need dinner!

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Spirit of Ripley
    Nov. 4, 2024

    Spirit of Ripley

    Close to lake

    Nice large grass pads, easily accessible for big rigs! Close to the lake and public boat access. Each site had a picnic table and a fire ring provided. All sites have power, water, and sewer hook ups. Went for several bike rides around the lake.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from South of Sand Dunes State Forest
    Oct. 31, 2024

    South of Sand Dunes State Forest

    Nice place. Lots of traffic

    Plenty of spots. Fairly small spots. This road is pretty busy for a dirt forest road and people FLY down it. Almost got hit a few times walking. Even through a Wednesday night cars are flying down the road.

  • David T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park Campground
    Oct. 23, 2024

    Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park Campground

    A really excellent stop over, although I didn't need a whole hookup!

    I was traveling Eastward through the upper Midwest and had a really hard time in this area finding a place to camp. I finally came across this place. 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. I ended up paying a fair amount of money for a full hookup site. The bathrooms were extremely modern and clean.

    There were some really nice wide trails around the lake. I think those were basically designed for cross-country skiing in the winter. But they made a perfect opportunity for me to let the dog run off. Leash. Probably was not within the rules, but it was very quiet there and the dog didn't bother anybody with her running.

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Masonic West River Campground
    Oct. 15, 2024

    Masonic West River Campground

    Large riverfront sites

    Amazing campsite! Sites are large and grassy! We had a lakeview site right off the paved walking/biking trail with room for a large tent and the pop-up camper. Fire ring and picnic table provided. A man drives through the campsite close to dusk to sell firewood as there is no traditional office. Bathrooms and showers are located near the dump station and dumpster. Be on the lookout for the code for the doors during your reservation process. We had missed it and had to ask a neighbor if they knew the codes so we could shower.

  • Katherine T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wild River State Park Campground
    Oct. 11, 2024

    Wild River State Park Campground

    Solid option with star gazing

    This is a solid state park offering. The sites are decently spaced with good tree cover. Noise seemed to travel between sites, I had some loud neighbors during the day but they settled down before quiet hours. The grass was easy to get tent stakes into. Bathrooms were your basic state park situation. Clean with warm showers so no complaints from me. The star gazing area was great! Intermittently had 1-2 bars of T-Mobile with LTE Internet. Wi-Fi is available at the park entrance.

  • Megan J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Rock Creek
    Oct. 8, 2024

    Big Rock Creek

    Eh

    I am writing to you in regards to our recent stay at Big Rock Creek on the weekend of October 4-6 at the Lakeview Family Tent. I am not normally one to write reviews or give feedback, but we were very disappointed with our stay at Big Rock. We spent over$700 for lackluster amenities and customer service. I want to say that your grounds are beautiful and a great idea for a family stay. However, your website is quite deceiving. There was no mention on the website or anywhere in the booking paperwork that the bathroom facilities provided were a porta potty. Paying the amount of money we did- we expected a more permanent, clean bathroom facility with running water. It wasn’t until we arrived that we were informed that it would be a porta potty we would be using all weekend. We made the trek up to the barn to use the bathroom there and to be able to wash out hands only to find the floor to be covered in mud and no paper towels or toilet paper. As far as the firewood, again if we are paying over$700 for a weekend the firewood should be included in the cost of the tent rental. Having to pay extra for pretty much everything on your grounds(including firewood) was ridiculous and we decided to just forgo any extra activities due to the expensive price. We went for a relaxing family weekend, getting to see the Christmas lights everywhere at night was nice- however it was loud and intrusive during the day. The entire evening on Friday and the entire day on Saturday there was a crew of men working right outside our ten with a lift hanging lights. We were parked on the side of the tent and they were right next to our car. Listening to the lift going up and down all day along with the ATVs driving back and forth in front of the tent causing dust to fly up each time was not exactly relaxing. We felt this was quite rude honestly. I am not sure why this work needed to be done during the weekend when you had guests using the tent. We ended up leaving for the last part of the day because of the noise right next to the tent and the constant traffic of workers coming and going. I understand a cleaning charge as you have to wash linens, etc. But to be quite honest, the tent was not exactly clean when we arrived. There were stains all over the couch, leaves and pine needles all over the flooring inside the tent, it appeared it hadn’t been swept or cleaned. The coffee maker had built up grime and grounds left in it. There were no garbage bags to use in the bins. It wasn’t exactly clean and presentable. Overall, our stay was quite disappointing. Up at the Barn, there really wasn’t much to see or do, using a porta potty all weekend was disgusting, and the crew right next to the tent all weekend was noisy and intrusive. This short weekend stay was not worth the money we spent. We really looked forward to our stay there and it was nothing as portrayed on your website.

  • gary W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Isanti County Fairgrounds
    Sep. 8, 2024

    Isanti County Fairgrounds

    Fun at the fairgrounds.

    Very nice clean well kept grounds. Always things going at the fairgrounds,we missed the flea market by 1 day. Great places to eat in the area. We were visiting family nearby and they could come visit us for picnics with no problems and no extra cost. Very friendly grounds keepers. Will be back again when in the area. We had a nice view of the little lake.

  • Travis A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Leaf Park
    Aug. 28, 2024

    Oak Leaf Park

    Wonderful city park

    I stayed two nights. The city park has private restrooms. Check in with the park host and he will provide you the code to access the restrooms/showers. The park has 13 rv sites with 30/50amp and water, four tent sites. Fishing pond, two baseball fields, basket ball court, playground, disk golf, and aquatic center/swimming pool. Little town has a lot to offer. Great place to camp

  • Maggie W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from The Jubilee Homestead
    Aug. 23, 2024

    The Jubilee Homestead

    Lovely place and people!

    We are excited to go back to the Farm! Wonderful atmosphere and if there are any hiccups the hosts are super reasonable and kind, great communication. They gave a warm welcoming and tour right away then left us to our peace. All animals who were out and about were friendly. The grounds were kept very tidy and well put together by any farm standard! I felt very safe letting my 5yr old run around with the other campers and be around the animals.

  • wThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Minneapolis Southwest KOA
    Aug. 5, 2024

    Minneapolis Southwest KOA

    Older koa

    We stayed at this koa because it was our only way to watch softball tournament. We stayed 5 days and it was fairly nice. People that were working were very helpful and nice. Lost power a couple hours twice because of branches falling g from trees.

  • Molly M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Willow River State Park Campground
    Aug. 4, 2024

    Willow River State Park Campground

    Very nice camping

    Lovely trails, the beach is a large area with a nice park and picnic area. The water itself is ok, lots of geese and algae. The falls are wonderful though. The bathrooms are fine. I could not find a garbage bin to save my life, not near the bathrooms or anywhere in campground 200 or by the park ranger post. If there were garbage cans dispersed throughout the campground, I would have given 5 stars. Especially along the trail to the waterfalls because there was garbage all along the trail unfortunately. Not the camps fault, but maybe people would be more responsible if garbage bins were placed along the route.

  • Leslie P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lebanon Hills Regional Park
    Jul. 31, 2024

    Lebanon Hills Regional Park

    Jewel near the cit

    Stayed here while visit our son. Picked it because it was close. We were very surprised at the privacy of our site. We were in the east loop with just electric.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from William O'Brien State Park Campground
    Jul. 31, 2024

    William O'Brien State Park Campground

    OK but not great

    The east part of the park was all closed for construction. Everything on the east side of the highway was closed so we could not hike a lot of the trails or use the beach which was a challenge with kids. Constructing is scheduled to the end of 2025.

    We stayed in a group site but there was no way 35 people could have camped in W3. Vaulted toilets need help and a good cleaning.

    The shower house needed a cleaning as well. There is no adjusting the shower temperature. Push the button and you get what you get.

    Wood was $8 bundle. This was steep in my opinion. They do not all any gathering of firewood.

    If your vehicle permit is not properly displayed, you will receive a notice on your windshield and have to talk with the office.

    The dumpster was overflowing the whole time we were there.

    Raccoons will visit your site at night. We had everything secured but they still tried and plenty of racket until we chased them away.

    Lastly we had a battle with mosquitoes. We went through a lot of bug spray and coils. Deer flies were thick around the water filling station.

    Although we did not stay in the main campground the sites are very close in there and were small.

  • Laurie V.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mississippi Riverwood RV Park
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Mississippi Riverwood RV Park

    Buyer Beware!

     If you do NOT stay the entire amount of time you have paid for, you may lose the right to return to your site, even if your lease says the lot is still yours.

    My husband and I camped at MRRV Park from July 5 to August 5th,2023, because my husband had a job in the area. We signed a lease that went through October 15th. We agreed that the lot’s owner could find another renter after we left with the condition that some of our money would be refunded. Shortly after we left, my husband found out he had a second job in the twin cities. We tried to contact the owner many times to see if any other renters were lined up. Only by contacting the park board did we find that the lot had been rented out 2 days after we left. The lot’s owner refuses to return any money for the 9 extra weeks we paid for! My husband had to rent a hotel room☹ 

    The RV Park board refuses to help so we are going to court.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rum River State Forest Dispersed
    Jul. 28, 2024

    Rum River State Forest Dispersed

    Secluded, Quiet, Good Cell Coverage, Bugd

    There are many different sites (most just pull offs) in this area! I did see one that was pull through further down game refuge road. The cell service with Verizon is good enough to stream videos and work on your laptop with ease. There aren't too many people in the area, even on a Sunday in July. The bugs are not great but that's just what you're going to get in an area like this one. Overall I would definitely stay here again.

  • David G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River
    Jul. 28, 2024

    Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River

    Fun place

    The campground is nice and clean. Good size spaces. The tubing is a plus. Had one issue with power dropping so we had to pull the surge protector off the. It was fine. Also very hot and humid so everyone was running AC to the max. Pool was small but nice. Splash pad was even nice for adults I recommend this campground. Key thing is the river is very clean and sandy bottom.

  • p
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Elmo County Park Reserve
    Jul. 23, 2024

    Lake Elmo County Park Reserve

    Great camping

    This was a great experience overall. The sites are spacious and far enough away from others to feel like there was enough privacy.

    The one negative thing was that some neighbors watched a movie each night — starting just after quiet hours. We could hear their movie from across a road and through some trees (and tents).

    But overall it was great. Good hiking and geocaching.

    We would go back to this campground.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Town & Country Campground & RV Park
    Jul. 20, 2024

    Town & Country Campground & RV Park

    If you want to be close to the city this does it

    We’re in town to catch a twins game and see the mall of America and this was a campground not too far from both. It’s an easy on and off the interstate, super close to a gas station and RV wash bay. Also super close to some very large power lines. The kids enjoyed the compact playground and pool. The site were in is w&e only but they have a dump station. It appears to be sold out for the weekend so book ahead. Lots of MN license plates and a few of us from out of state too.

  • samuel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from South of Sand Dunes State Forest
    Jul. 18, 2024

    South of Sand Dunes State Forest

    Good forest road, nothing special

    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 stayed here for one night and roads were totally fine for any vehicle. Most spots are like the pictures shown. There are a few spots that have great views or pull-through areas, and there are limited spots that are big-rig friendly. Saw lots of dogs, and mine had a blast, even had what seemed to be a stray husky quickly roll through camp around dusk. Something to keep on your mind. The road goes for a long ways, I parked near the front and closer to numbers, always like to be safer. Overall there was some shouting and yelling but for the location I was happy.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from South of Sand Dunes State Forest
    Jul. 17, 2024

    South of Sand Dunes State Forest

    Very Quiet

    There’s lots of little spots off the main gravel road. Nothing allowed further into the forest. One pull through area that I found. Couple vehicles pass a day. Stand storks are very protective. Stay away from them. They attack. 🤣

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve
    Jul. 16, 2024

    Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve

    Favorite spot

    This is just the best campground that is close to Minneapolis! Peaceful, quiet, with spacious sites that are situated in a staggered way, so you never feel like you’re on top of each other. The lake was a bit reedy and silty but overall a fantastic and easy option.



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 119 campgrounds and RV parks near Elk River, MN and 6 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 Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve with a 4.5-star rating from 35 reviews.

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Elk River, MN.

  • What parks are near Elk River, MN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Elk River, MN that allow camping, notably Saint Croix National Scenic River and Eau Galle Lake.