Best Campgrounds near Hanover, MN
Campgrounds near Hanover, Minnesota range from developed parks with modern amenities to more rustic options in surrounding natural areas. Baker Park Reserve in nearby Medina offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations with access to Lake Independence for fishing and swimming. Minneapolis Northwest KOA in Maple Grove provides similar options with additional glamping and yurt facilities, while more primitive camping can be found at South of Sand Dunes State Forest, a dispersed camping area north of Hanover that accommodates both tent and RV camping.
Seasonal availability varies significantly across the region, with most established campgrounds operating from April through October. Baker Park Reserve typically opens April 30 and closes October 20, while Lake Maria State Park Campground remains open year-round for those seeking winter camping opportunities. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays. The dispersed camping area south of Sand Dunes State Forest offers more flexibility but comes with fewer amenities. As one camper noted, "For a County Park, Lake Elmo has an impressive list of amenities... The hike in camp spot we chose was on a small lake so it had a nice breeze and made it easy to bring a kayak or paddleboard and hop right in."
Campers report high satisfaction with water access at several locations, particularly Baker Park Reserve, which features a swimming beach and boat launch. "Baker Park near Minneapolis Minnesota was our camp choice for inexpensive camping on the last leg of our Minnesota vacation... This is one of the cleanest camps I've ever stayed at," shared one visitor. Sites at Lake Maria State Park offer more seclusion with walk-in only access, providing a more private camping experience. Cell service can be limited in some areas, especially at South of Sand Dunes State Forest where visitors mention "unreliable cell coverage." Mosquitoes and ticks are common during summer months, so appropriate repellent is recommended. Most established campgrounds provide clean restroom facilities and showers, while dispersed camping areas require visitors to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste.
