Camping in Hanover, MN ranges from undeveloped forest sites to established campgrounds with varying access to water and amenities. Located along the Crow River watershed at 948 feet above sea level, the area features a mix of deciduous forest and prairie lands, with summer high temperatures averaging 83°F and winter lows reaching 4°F. The camping season typically runs April through October with some year-round options available in sheltered locations.
What to do
Trail exploration: 13+ miles of single-track mountain biking at Lake Rebecca Park Reserve provides both beginner and advanced routes through forest and prairie. "Different loops are available for varying skill levels," notes one visitor who appreciated the newly developed trail system and "two water access points—one for Lake Rebecca and one for the nearby Crow River."
Winter camping options: Year-round availability at Lake Maria State Park Campground for those seeking off-season solitude. "The hike itself is rather hilly, and the site is about a quarter mile off of the main path," explains a camper who enjoyed the secluded winter experience. "You could see the occasional car from the site, which is surrounded by a small pond. You could hear voices, but not see anyone."
Horseback riding: Dedicated equestrian facilities for riders seeking trail access. "This is my all-time favorite park to bring my horse to, and it's her favorite trail too," shares a regular at Crow Hassan Park Reserve. The park offers "two locations in the park" for horse camping with "overhead horse hitch lines" and accessible water sources.
What campers like
Walk-in sites for privacy: Secluded spots that require short hikes provide greater separation from other campers. "Backpack sites only. Love this park as it offers many backpacking sites with some being very short hikes in and some being longer hikes," explains a Lake Maria State Park visitor. "Site 1 is my favorite despite the road noise due to the location of the tent pad and being on almost a peninsula offering lots of lake views."
Spacious camping areas: Sites with ample room for multiple tents and activities. "Loved this site! Super peaceful vibes, nice tree cover, flat tent pad, and plenty of space to spread out," notes a camper at Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve about site C14. "It's tucked just enough off the path to feel private, but not so far that you feel isolated."
Free dispersed camping: Options for primitive camping without fees. "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," shares a camper at South of Sand Dunes State Forest, where stays are permitted up to 14 days in summer and 21 days in cooler seasons.
What you should know
Bug preparation essential: Mosquitoes and ticks are abundant, especially near water. One Lake Maria visitor warns, "First step onto the grassy trail exploded in a cloud of mosquitos. Walking along the kids all looked like Pig-Pen from Peanuts. Even though we'd sprayed everyone down the bugs must have felt safety in numbers because we were covered in welts in no time flat."
Cell service limitations: Coverage is spotty in forested areas. South of Sand Dunes State Forest has "unreliable cell coverage" with one visitor noting "weak cell service but manageable." Most sites around Ann Lake require driving to higher elevations: "2 bars of 4g service made it a little difficult to pay online over the phone. No reception in lower elevation sites."
Poison ivy awareness: Several campgrounds have significant poison ivy. "Be aware that the undergrowth is at least 25% poison ivy," reports a visitor to Ann Lake. "Sites are large so they are clear. If you're susceptible, not for you."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer play structures for children. "The waterpark is a blast and we were able to find discount passes online," notes a visitor to Bunker Hills Regional Park. Another camper calls it "the best kids park at any campground I've been to."
Swimming opportunities: Lake beaches provide water recreation during hot months. Lake Auburn Campground features an "unguarded beach, playground, volleyball court" with a visitor noting, "The swim area was cool after a hot day and the beach was gently sloping and smooth."
Short hiking options: Trails suitable for young children. "This campground is a gem so very close to the Twin Cities," explains a Baker Park visitor. "With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Certain areas better accommodate larger vehicles. "The upper loop (sites 45-64) is definitely more geared towards RVs, so not what I would consider an ideal tent site," advises a visitor to Bunker Hills Regional Park. Sites at Minneapolis Northwest KOA are described as "more space than many other KOA locations" with "level sites."
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging approach roads. At Ann Lake, a camper with a 30-foot Class C motor home warns, "Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides. Campsites are nice, mowed, gravel parking."
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary by location. Baker Park Reserve provides "tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations" while South of Sand Dunes State Forest is primitive with "best for straight vehicles or very small trailers" and no hookups available.
