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

    37 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

    12 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

    61 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

762 Reviews of 109 Golden Valley Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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


Guide to Golden Valley

Camping near Golden Valley, Minnesota, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are great options nearby.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Willow River State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Lovely trails, the beach is a large area with a nice park and picnic area."
  • Water Activities: Check out Interstate State Park for canoeing and kayaking. A reviewer noted, "Canoe and kayak rentals for more adventures on the river."
  • Wildlife Watching: At Wild River State Park Campground, you might spot deer and other wildlife. One camper shared, "The woods surrounding were dense enough to obscure others while still feeling open."

What campers like:

  • Privacy: Many campers appreciate the spacious sites at Lebanon Hills Regional Park. A visitor said, "We were very surprised at the privacy of our site."
  • Clean Facilities: Campers at Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve enjoy the cleanliness. One review stated, "Shower facilities are very nice."
  • Convenient Location: William O'Brien State Park Campground is close to the Twin Cities, making it a great spot for a quick getaway. A camper mentioned, "It’s a great park conveniently located near the twin cities."

What you should know:

  • No Alcohol Allowed: Some campgrounds, like Afton State Park, have strict rules against alcohol. A reviewer noted, "NO alcohol allowed."
  • Limited Amenities: At Lake Elmo County Park Reserve, there are no showers or toilets. One camper said, "Only portapotties."
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A visitor at Lake Maria State Park warned, "The mosquitos were awful."

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Ensure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve mentioned, "RV pads are gravel."
  • Look for Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Lebanon Hills Regional Park, offer electric hookups. A camper noted, "The RV portion has full hookups."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Make sure to know where the nearest dump station is. A visitor at Interstate State Park mentioned, "Dump Station and 50 amps."

Camping around Golden Valley, MN, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to check the specific campground rules and amenities before you go!

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 37 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.