Best Campgrounds near Hopkins, MN

Campgrounds near Hopkins, Minnesota provide a range of accommodation options within easy reach of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Baker Campground in Baker Park Reserve and Lake Auburn Campground in Victoria offer tent, RV, and cabin camping opportunities approximately 15-20 miles west of Hopkins. Minneapolis Northwest KOA in Maple Grove features tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, yurts, and glamping accommodations. Several campgrounds in the area maintain electrical hookups, drinking water access, and shower facilities, providing convenient urban-adjacent camping experiences.

Many campgrounds operate seasonally from late April through October, with most facilities closing for winter. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak summer months as sites fill quickly. A visitor noted, "Baker Park Reserve is a gem so very close to the Twin Cities with great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby." Park roads are generally well-maintained for passenger vehicles, though some campgrounds restrict RV size or have limited pull-through sites. Campers should note that most sites provide electrical hookups, but full water and sewer connections vary by location. Temperature extremes range from hot, humid summers to below-freezing conditions in spring and fall.

Campers frequently mention the family-friendly nature of developed campgrounds in the area, with clean facilities and recreational amenities. Town & Country Campground in Savage draws mixed reviews, with one camper describing it as "clean, friendly, and convenient to the cities" while others note the compact layout with "everyone squeezed in like sardines." Baker Campground receives consistently positive feedback for its maintained grounds, lakefront access, and recreational trails. Several visitors highlighted the convenient proximity to urban attractions while maintaining a natural setting. According to one camper, "The grounds were very well kept and groomed. There was a very short walk down a path to the beautiful lake." Some reviewers mention limited privacy between campsites as a drawback at more popular locations.

Best Camping Sites Near Hopkins, Minnesota (113)

    1. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve

    38 Reviews
    Maple Plain, MN
    13 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
    15 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. Dakotah Meadows RV Park

    12 Reviews
    Prior Lake, MN
    14 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."

    4. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve

    37 Reviews
    Lake Elmo, MN
    24 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. Lake Auburn Campground

    10 Reviews
    Victoria, MN
    15 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."

    6. Town & Country Campground & RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Savage, MN
    11 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."

    7. Minneapolis Northwest KOA

    11 Reviews
    Maple Grove, MN
    16 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."

    8. Bunker Hills Regional Park

    16 Reviews
    Coon Rapids, MN
    20 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"

    9. Carver Park Reserve - Three Rivers Park District

    7 Reviews
    Victoria, MN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 694-1112

    "Family friendly campground with educational activities. campsites are close together but it is a close drive from the cities and a nice place for families. Nice walking & biking trails."

    "We had site 57, which is more expensive but is also very large, surrounded by trees and has a patio, the other campsite sizes vary greatly with some being very small, it's very easy for groups to camp"

    10. Cleary Lake Regional Park

    8 Reviews
    Prior Lake, MN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 694-7777

    $16 - $50 / night

    "I imagine in the middle of summer, it might feel slightly less secluded as there are 3 other sites relatively close by, one of which you have to walk through to get to this one, but in early September,"

    "The access to water is really nice and a couple sites were perfect. The hike in sites are super close to the car so it doesn’t even require much work. Plan to come here again!"

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Recent Reviews near Hopkins, MN

774 Reviews of 113 Hopkins Campgrounds


  • Jeremiah B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2026

    South of Sand Dunes State Forest

    Great Spot

    Got a nice spot by the water, big parking spot, little below the spot is an opening towards water with a fire pit. 2-3 bars of service but never had an issue. Worked well. Very private. Bugs weren’t bad either

  • Tony Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 23, 2026

    Cannon Falls Campground

    Great for Kids!!

    This was our first camping experience and it was a great one! I would highly recommend this for anyone’s first or fifth camping adventure!

  • Larisa M.
    May. 18, 2026

    South of Sand Dunes State Forest

    Peaceful

    I was able to find a campsite not on the road. There was a trail from the parking spot so keep an eye out. Lots of animals saw a turkey and coyote so just be aware. Very pretty and calm. Had to pick up some trash from other campers just a reminder to leave no trace.

  • DIANNE T.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 17, 2026

    High Island Creek Park

    Hidden Gem

    This place is spectacular,u have to walk down to the creek. God's work. Beautiful

  • Nika S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2026

    South of Sand Dunes State Forest

    Very popular but good

    We stayed here from about 10pm to 6am. There were a ton of people there so it was hard finding somewhere to sleep. Once we did, it was very quiet and we got a good nights rest. There were a couple of cars that passed us in the morning when we left but nothing too crazy. The scenery was very beautiful. This is definitely a great free option if you’re looking for a peaceful spot in the woods to sleep!

  • Jennifer N.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 13, 2026

    South of Sand Dunes State Forest

    Pretty place, ugly locals

    I stayed there with my RV. Most all of the campsites were too small to park it, but I found one at the very end of the park to stay. Although the land itself is beautiful, the locals were reporting me to the DNR officer, who were clearly his friends, and accusing me of things I was not doing. Also, there’s a lot of traffic in and out of there and they fly through there day and night, as well as a lot of gunfire going off a lot of the time. I use T-Mobile service and I was on SOS most of the time. Not very impressed.

  • T
    Apr. 26, 2026

    Cannon River Wilderness Area

    Year round free camping

    Been camping here year round for 20+ years. Free, first come first served rustic hike/cart in sites with steel fire ring/grill. There are 4 official sites and 2 more unofficial sites with no fire ring.

    If you camp with animals: Sites all sit directly off walking trail very popular with dog walkers.


Guide to Hopkins

Campsites near Hopkins, Minnesota range from rustic tent platforms to full-service RV parks with distances between 10-25 miles from town. The area experiences significant seasonal changes with open camping typically running from late April through mid-October. Winter conditions arrive early in this region, with overnight temperatures potentially dropping below freezing by late September.

What to do

Hiking trail networks: Lebanon Hills Regional Park offers extensive trails for day exploration. "The park has a lot of trails for hiking and mountain biking. Our family selected this camp ground to test out some gear -- if we had problems or if we forgot something it was a short drive home," notes Blair, a visitor to Lebanon Hills Regional Park.

Water activities: Lake access for kayaking is available at multiple parks within a 20-minute drive. "Nice little lake to kayak on," mentions Chris S. about Lebanon Hills, while Carver Park Reserve provides options for paddling in a motor-restricted environment. "The lake is nice, smaller with not many motor boats so good for kayaking or canoeing," says a Carver Park visitor.

Archery facilities: Several campgrounds maintain dedicated archery ranges with equipment rentals. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve "has awesome sites that fit the needs of just about anyone. They have beautiful hiking trails and a swimming beach for the hotter days. They also have an archery range," according to Tina H., who visited Lake Elmo County Park Reserve.

What campers like

Site privacy levels: Privacy between sites varies significantly by location. "Sites with full hookups or more remote sites with electric that are more tucked away in the pines," notes Katie C. about Lebanon Hills, while another visitor describes how "the sites are about as private as the typical state park, so not very, but that is offset by all the other positives."

Swimming facilities: Multiple parks feature swimming areas with varying amenities. Bunker Hills Regional Park stands out with "a water park with a wave pool," while Lake Auburn Campground offers a more traditional beach experience. "The swim area was cool after a hot day and the beach was gently sloping and smooth," says Sarah S.

Well-maintained facilities: Clean restrooms and shower facilities receive consistent praise. A visitor to Bunker Hills Regional Park notes, "The bathrooms were nice and clean," while another mentions that "the bathrooms/showers are great." Dakotah Meadows draws similar comments with its "well maintained facilities."

What you should know

Noise considerations: Urban proximity means varied noise levels at different sites. "The only criticisms we have are that you can hear road noise -- and depending on your site you'll hear the alarm of one of the access gates for the Minnesota Zoo," notes a Lebanon Hills visitor.

Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "Reserve early online, most weekends were already reserved by mid May," advises a visitor to Lebanon Hills. Baker Campground has similarly high demand: "You'll need to book for at least two nights and book as soon as you can. There are 200 sites but on the July weekend we stayed, I'd say almost all of them were booked."

Site-specific characteristics: Tent sites vary significantly even within the same campground. At Dakotah Meadows RV Park, a visitor noted "Dakotah's website has an incomplete campsite map showing only the lower sites between the pond and road. What the map doesn't show is the three rows of pull-through and additional 10 back-in sites at the top of the hill."

Tips for camping with families

Educational programming: Weekend programs provide structured activities. "They have programs every Saturday night, some of the ones we've been to were about bugs, raptors, bees, and snakes, there are usually programs during the day at the nature center as well," reports a visitor to Carver Park.

Swimming options for different ages: Some parks offer controlled swimming environments. Baker Campground provides lake access with "two swimming beaches: 1 for the campground and one for all of the day visitors." Bunker Hills features "a water park with a wave pool" that appeals to many families.

Playgrounds and open spaces: Most campgrounds feature play structures and field areas. "With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be," notes Bryan S. about Baker Campground, while another visitor mentions "a nice park for kids just a small hike away."

Tips from RVers

Campsite dimensions: Site sizes vary considerably between and within campgrounds. "Sites are a little close with little to no privacy in most," warns a visitor about Lebanon Hills, while another notes that "the sites are nice and level, with plenty of space between each one."

Water and electrical hookup access: Know exactly what hookups are available at each site. "We had full hookups, even though we only needed water and electric," reports a visitor to Lebanon Hills. At Minneapolis Northwest KOA, "the lots were really big and we had no one near us, so it was nice and private," according to Zach H.

Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds with hookups have on-site dump stations. "It's a nice park but very close compact. Everyone is squeezed in like sardines. Very tight quarters on roads and sites," warns a visitor to Town & Country Campground, where maneuvering large rigs requires planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Hopkins, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Hopkins, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 113 campgrounds and RV parks near Hopkins, MN and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Hopkins, MN?

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

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hopkins, MN?

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