Camping near Golden Valley, Minnesota offers outdoor recreation within 30 miles of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Most campgrounds in the region sit at elevations between 800-1,000 feet above sea level, creating relatively flat terrain that's accessible for campers of all experience levels. Seasonal accessibility varies with several campgrounds closing between mid-October and late April due to Minnesota's winter conditions.
What to do
Hiking trails year-round: Bunker Hills Regional Park features numerous trail options through varied terrain. "Spent the entire time just saying 'wow'. I had never been here before, despite it only being 20 minutes away, because I always prioritize going to state parks... Basically, check this place out if you want to get out of the house for some outdoor pandemic family fun," says a camper at Bunker Hills Regional Park.
Water activities: Lake Auburn Campground offers swimming and fishing options on a small lake that's less crowded than many Twin Cities beaches. "Nice, well-maintained campground good for drive-in camping and RVs. Close to several towns in case you forgot something," notes one visitor. The campground's beach area is particularly popular during July and August weekends when temperatures typically reach the mid-80s.
Winter camping options: Unlike many regional campgrounds, Willow River State Park remains open year-round with winter facilities. "Definitely a place to camp if you like to be active and explore the trails. Winter, summer or fall!" explains a reviewer at Willow River State Park Campground. Winter campers should pack for temperatures that regularly drop below 10°F.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Lebanon Hills Regional Park offers secluded camping spots surrounded by trees. "Tent camp sites are far enough from each other that neighbors can't be seen, and we didn't hear them either," shares one reviewer about Lebanon Hills Regional Park.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds near Golden Valley maintain well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. "The bathrooms were among some of the nicest I've used at a campground. The shower stall was big enough for a meaty human like myself to shower comfortably," notes a camper who stayed at Lebanon Hills.
Proximity to urban amenities: Campers appreciate how quickly they can access city conveniences while still enjoying nature. "This RV park is clean, friendly, and convenient to the cities. Some road noise, but you are in the city so expected, but yet still quieter than in some areas being close to things," explains a visitor at Town & Country Campground.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Many campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. "Reserve early online, most weekends were already reserved by mid May," advises a Lebanon Hills camper.
Site selection challenges: Finding the right site requires research. At Lake Auburn, "While some sites are a little uneven and better suited to RVs than to tents, all sites are spacious and clean."
Urban noise considerations: Despite natural settings, some campgrounds experience traffic sounds. "Highway noise was noticeable in the evenings," mentions a camper at Willow River State Park, while others note periodic road noise at Dakotah Meadows RV Park and Town & Country.
Limited seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate from late April through mid-October. "We stayed here in late September and into October," notes one visitor at Lake Auburn, who caught the end of camping season.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated play areas: Several campgrounds feature playground equipment specifically designed for different age groups. "Great for the active family... With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be," shares a reviewer at Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve.
Swimming options: Lake Auburn offers family-friendly swimming areas. "The beach area looks nice" and provides a good place for children to cool off during hot summer days.
Educational opportunities: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes provides nature programming. "The nature center is nice and a great place to spend some time if it is raining during their open hours," explains a camper at Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park.
Consider noise levels: Family-friendly loops at campgrounds often generate more activity sounds. "We went with a group of friends (all families with young kids). It was the perfect place to easily get in, set up, hangout, and just relax," says a Baker Park camper.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Full-service sites with water, sewer and electric connections are limited at some parks. "Sites with full hookups or more remote sites with electric that are more tucked away in the pines," describes a camper about Lebanon Hills' varied offerings.
Site dimension accuracy: Verify actual space measurements before booking. "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," advises a Lebanon Hills visitor.
Utility access: Water access varies between campgrounds and seasons. At some locations, "The water wasn't turned on yet, but we were able to fill our fresh water tank with a hose from their laundromat," notes a Dakotah Meadows RVer who visited in early spring.
Parking considerations: Site layouts affect vehicle placement. "Only a little space for one vehicle but overflow parking isn't terrible if you're close to office," explains a Town & Country visitor.
