Best Campgrounds near Golden Valley, MN

Camping options near Golden Valley, Minnesota include several established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. The Minneapolis Northwest KOA in Maple Grove offers tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations, while Baker Park Reserve in Medina provides lakeside camping with cabins and tent sites. Most campgrounds in the region feature electric hookups, drinking water, and fire rings, with several offering full RV hookups including 50-amp service. Regional parks like Bunker Hills, Lebanon Hills, and Rice Creek Chain of Lakes provide a mix of camping experiences from basic tent sites to glamping options.

The camping season in this area typically runs from late April through mid-October, with most facilities closing for winter. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holiday periods when campgrounds frequently reach capacity. Many campsites feature level pads with picnic tables, though privacy varies considerably between locations. Water access is a common highlight, with several parks offering swimming beaches, fishing opportunities, and boat launches. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, Baker Park Reserve receives praise for its amenities: "This is a fantastic place for families. They have an incredible playground and very clean facilities."

Campers should consider site placement when booking, as some locations have quirks that affect the camping experience. At Baker Park, several reviews mention unusual fire pit placement, with one camper noting the fire ring was "doing its own thing like 30 feet from the tent pad—felt like I needed a shuttle to roast a marshmallow." Most developed campgrounds in the area provide showers and flush toilets with varying cleanliness levels. The Minneapolis Northwest KOA receives mixed reviews, with some praising the friendly staff while others mention crowded conditions, describing sites as "packed in on top of each other like sardines in a can." For those seeking more urban convenience, several reviews indicate big-box store parking lots in suburban areas sometimes permit overnight stays as an alternative to developed campgrounds.

Best Camping Sites Near Golden Valley, Minnesota (109)

    1. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve

    38 Reviews
    Maple Plain, MN
    14 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."

    2. Lebanon Hills Regional Park

    43 Reviews
    Apple Valley, MN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 480-7773

    $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."

    3. 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"

    4. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve

    37 Reviews
    Lake Elmo, MN
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 430-8370

    $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."

    5. Minneapolis Northwest KOA

    11 Reviews
    Maple Grove, MN
    13 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."

    6. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park

    17 Reviews
    Lino Lakes, MN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 324-3340

    $20 - $75 / night

    "Kelly's Bar nearby has a great fish fry on Friday.   The campground is neat and well managed."

    "We have lived in the Twin Cities for two decades and have never visited Rice Creek Chain of Lakes before. We will again!"

    7. Lake Auburn Campground

    12 Reviews
    Victoria, MN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (952) 443-2911

    $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."

    8. Dakotah Meadows RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Prior Lake, MN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (952) 445-8800

    $40 - $50 / night

    "The grass around the lots is very green, lush and well maintained. Campground is right next to the hotel/casino and very much within walking distance."

    "Shuttle bus comes through the camp if you want to go to the casino and play- it’s also within walking distance."

    9. Town & Country Campground & RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Savage, MN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (952) 445-1756

    "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."

    "Some road noise, but you are in the city so expected, but yet still quieter then in some areas being close to things. I recommend this park."

    10. Willow River State Park Campground

    62 Reviews
    Hudson, WI
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 386-5931

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Golden Valley, MN

767 Reviews of 109 Golden Valley Campgrounds


  • Sarah D.
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Wild River State Park Campground

    Secluded Backpack/Canoe Site with Sunrise Views

    I was looking for a secluded backpack in site where I could have a peaceful 48 hours of prayer and solitude, and this site was perfect! I also wanted one that wasn't too far remote, since I hadn't been on a proper backpacking trip since the pandemic hit. And as a solo female camper, I wanted a reserved site so that there would be a record of my location for safety reasons. I'm so glad I chose the Deer Creek site, and will almost definitely stay here again at some point!

    This site is accessible by either hiking or canoe. It took me about 30 minutes to hike in from the visitor center parking lot. There is easy access to river water to boil or filter from the canoe landing.

    This site was incredibly spacious. It includes a fire ring and picnic table overlooking the creek and river. It also includes 2 large tent pads (look out for widow makers, one of the tent pads is under a dead tree!). It also has a spot nestled in some pine trees that could fit a smaller tent, canoe storage, or I found it to be the perfect spot to hang my hammock! (This would be a great site for hammock camping.) So if you're camping with a small group of people this would be a great site. It also includes a trail to a fairly private latrine, and a bear box (the park ranger warned me that there are bears in the park although I did not see any.) I also found plenty of dead down and dry wood and birch bark on the ground for building fires.

    This site is great for a one nigjt stay on a longer backpacking or canoeing trip, but also great for camping out at for a couple of nights. I stayed for two, and it connects to all the major trails in the park, so I was able to use it as a great base for hiking and seeing the beautiful changing leaves. In the morning I hiked North to do the Riverside trail and looped back through the woods. Then in the afternoon I did the Deer Creek loop, which is a shared horse and hiking trail. It was so nice to he able to hike out to some of the best trails in the park directly from my site.

    This site felt remarkably remote for being only an hour from the twin cities and a mile from the parking lot! I stayed there Thursday -Saturday, and after leaving the parking lot on Thursday did not see another human being for the rest of the day, and Friday not until I hit the main trails! There was no one else staying within at least a mile of me. I was even able to see fantastic stars Friday night. There was amazing wildlife - a blue heron frequented the site, and I heard all types of owls. Two bald eagles had a nest across the river so I got to see and hear them the whole trip, too- it was absolutely magical!

    This site has a great view of both sunrise and sunset. Thursday night there was a gorgeous sunset over the woods reflected in deer Creek. Both mornings I woke up to watch the sunrise while drinking my coffee next to the fire (it was freezing!!!). Watching the sun rise over the river and fog roll over th water and evaporate while eagles soared was truly magical. Having an easy backpack in site surrounded by water on two sides and with views of the sunrise and sunset like this was so incredible!!!

  • Lance L.
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Cleary Lake Regional Park

    Large campground with plentyy of activities!

    They have two lots for RV and travel trailer use although the first lot only has two spaces and the second one has a total of five. The five space spot has no water or electric hook up but was a great place for me to test out my new solar set up. Word to the wise, gates ACTUALLY close at 10pm, there's no way to contact anyone and I had to walk about a mile in parked outside the gate 😅. The White Pine lot (5 spaces) has a central bathroom/shower building. The park was jam packed Friday/Saturday but a ghosts town the remains sun/mon/tue I stayed.

  • Joel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Lake Byllesby Regional Park

    Very nice campground

    This is a good campground. Very well kept. Fishing from shore and there is a boat launch. Nice playground for kids. Sites are fairly close. Many have no privacy from others, but some do. No water at the sites and pit toilets are the biggest weaknesses. Nice paths for walking and biking.

  • H
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve

    First time camping!

    For our first time camping, this was a great site! It was very clean, had friendly staff, and was close to a really fun park for our kids. We will be back!

  • Larry K.
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Willow River State Park Campground

    Never again

    Never again, $81 for an electric only site. Come on Wisconsin let's jab the out of .staters. Entry fee to parks, extra for out of staters. The site was secluded but not close to level. Not close to the facilities. I am going back to SD. They don't add fees because you are from out of town, they actually encourage out of state tourists. Last trip to a Wisconsin state park . And the showers were closed for the season, this is 10/9/25. But still full price and just an electric only site. No thanks Wisconsin

  • Maria D.
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Interstate State Park — Interstate State Park

    Lovely River, Too Much Hustle

    Interstate State Park has some nice features, but overall it wasn’t my favorite. Many of the exterior loop sites have river access, which was a highlight, and we didn’t have to deal with mosquitoes thanks to being right on the water. The nearby towns are also very charming and worth exploring.

    That said, the campground is small and very crowded, likely because it’s so close to the Cities and popular with canoe rentals. Expect a lot of traffic noise, and in the fall, migrating geese can be very loud (which didn’t bother me, but might for some). The ranger office had limited hours, and since firewood is locked up, there’s no self-serve option. Another downside: a riverboat cruises by frequently, blasting music in the evenings and giving tours during the day.

    The sites are close together, with RVs and tents mixed on one loop, so generator noise is common. It wasn’t a terrible stay, but just too small and busy for my preference—I don’t think I’d return.

    Best sites seemed to be 21 (great river views, less private), 23 (fun detached tent pad), and 18 (most private). Sites 4–5 were also lovely but close to the bathrooms and camp host, so expect more foot traffic.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Ann Lake

    Quite camping just out of town

    Just a quick one night trip but a perfect getaway close to home. Very quiet. Camp host was nice . Found a tucked away site that we could park Infront of for more privacy

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Lebanon Hills Regional Park

    Not a bad stay

    Sites are a little close with little to no privacy in most. Fun little trails nearby for an afternoon walk. 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.

  • 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.


Guide to Golden Valley

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Golden Valley, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Golden Valley, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 109 campgrounds and RV parks near Golden Valley, MN and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Golden Valley, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Golden Valley, MN is Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve with a 4.5-star rating from 38 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Golden Valley, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Golden Valley, MN.