The Minneapolis metropolitan area provides a wide range of camping options within convenient driving distance from the city center. Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan stands as one of the primary campgrounds, offering tent sites, RV spots with full hookups, and wooded campsites approximately 15 miles south of downtown Minneapolis. Additional mixed-use campgrounds include Baker Park Reserve in Medina and Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park in Centerville, both offering cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping areas. The regional parks generally maintain high standards for facilities, with most campgrounds providing showers, drinking water, and electrical connections for both tent and RV campers.
Most campgrounds in the Minneapolis region operate seasonally from April through October, with limited winter camping opportunities. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays during the peak summer months when sites fill quickly. The camping season typically runs from late April through mid-October, with some variance depending on weather conditions. The regional parks feature well-maintained access roads suitable for standard vehicles, though RV campers should note size restrictions at certain campgrounds. As one camper noted, "Lebanon Hills is a great campsite for families, first time campers, or anyone having a 'staycation' while keeping hotel costs down."
Campers frequently highlight the unexpected privacy and natural setting of sites despite their proximity to urban areas. Lebanon Hills receives particularly high marks for its wooded tent sites, clean facilities, and family-friendly atmosphere. Several visitors mentioned appreciating the balance between nature immersion and urban convenience. A reviewer described the experience as "close to everything but yet secluded," noting the spacious sites and proximity to amenities. Many campgrounds in the region feature lake access, hiking trails, and playground facilities, making them popular for family outings. While some campgrounds like Bunker Hills and Afton State Park include cabin options, the majority of camping opportunities focus on traditional tent and RV sites with varying levels of hookups and amenities.
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Round 1 of 5
$24 - $42 / night
"Lebanon Hills is a beautiful county park only a few minutes from Minneapolis / St. Paul. We stayed three nights. Most of the sites are not shady, but there are woods and shade nearby."
"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"
$23 - $80 / night
"Well placed sites nestled near lovely walking trails - Very nice water hook ups and electric- well maintained! Loved this Camping Site!"
"Stayed here due to its proximity to Minneapolis airport...had an early flight the next morning. Really convenient location. No problems. Facilities were really well maintained."
$21 - $29 / night
"This is just the best campground that is close to Minneapolis! Peaceful, quiet, with spacious sites that are situated in a staggered way, so you never feel like you’re on top of each other."
"Baker Park near Minneapolis Minnesota was a our camp choice for inexpensive camping on the last leg of our Minnesota vacation in 2017."
$20 - $75 / night
"On a trail system that you can ride around the lake (3 miles) or all the way into Minneapolis if you’re adventurous. Fantastic beach."
"Brief visit for a scavenger hunt in Minneapolis"
$20 - $32 / night
"For being in the middle of the northern suburbs of Minneapolis, this park and campground is surprisingly woodsy, secluded and spacious."
"I was very happy with the trails and accommodations available to me, during my stay."
"A quick trip from Minneapolis will get you there in a half hour. There are a bunch of hiking trails around the campground."
"Fun to play in the water, go behind the waterfall and a good hike up 200 steps to view the falls from above!"
$22 - $85 / night
"Less than an hour drive from Minneapolis this is a good get away. As expected it has many walk trails. Highlight of this location is beach which is nice for swim and sun bath."
"It's a mere 40 minutes or so from Minneapolis-St. Paul and it's a great beginner campground for backpackers."
"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."
"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."
$40 - $50 / night
"Nice place to stay to unhook if you want to explore Minneapolis."
"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."
ScoutI 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.
GuideThis place is spectacular,u have to walk down to the creek. God's work. Beautiful
TravelerWe 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!
TravelerI 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.
TravelerWell maintained. Nice beach.
TravelerBeen 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.
GuideSmall pullout area on state forest land. Can walk trail back to tent.
LegendInterstate Park in Wisconsin is just south of HWY 8 on HWY 35. The entrance is located on the west side of HWY 35 in the town of St. Croix Falls. St Croix Falls is a small town with a nice downtown on the river with plenty of restaurants (Dalles House Restaurant and Lounge is a favorite) and places for necessities. There are coffee shops, hotels and even a Wal-Mart nearby. There is also a casino in the town of Turtle Lake about 30 mins away.
The park is home to the western terminus of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail that covers 1200 miles through Wisconsin. The park also offers a Ice Age Interpretive Center which boasts interactive activities and displays of the last Ice Age. The park is also home to several other trails worth discovering.
There are two campgrounds in the park, a North and South campground as well as two group campsites. The South is a bit more rustic. The showers are located at the North campground.
For amenities there are flush toilets and showers. There is a sandy swimming area available as well as boat launch and other water activities.
This park is beautiful especially being on the cliffs of the St. Croix River offering spectacular views through out the park and the area. You can even take the bridge over to Taylor Falls Park Minnesota for more spectacular views as well as other shopping options. If you take this trip, Taylor Falls Park will be on the South and your shopping options will be to your North.
Even being in such a wonderful location with plenty of activities and amenities, I find the camping hard to enjoy at this park for all the noise that generates from the hwy crossing over the river. The sound especially of the semi trucks and their brakes that go all night long. This is the big reason for the average rating for this campground.
GuideNice spot right on the lake. Lots of animal noises! Pretty sunrise/sunset.
Campgrounds near Minneapolis offer diverse overnight stays within natural settings, with campsites available from April through October when temperatures typically range from 45°F to 85°F. Most parks are situated within the rolling hills and mixed forests characteristic of east-central Minnesota, with elevations ranging from 800 to 1,100 feet. The Minneapolis metropolitan area's campgrounds are typically located along bodies of water, with many offering fishing, paddling, and swimming access.
Paddling opportunities: At Lebanon Hills Regional Park, visitors can experience water recreation on site. "Nice little lake to kayak on," notes camper Chris S. The park rents various watercraft during summer months, with another camper mentioning "a lake with a beach that rents kayaks (single and double), canoes, and paddle boards."
Hiking trails: Most campgrounds feature extensive trail networks that accommodate day hikes of varying difficulty. Willow River State Park offers trail experiences ranging from easy walks to more challenging climbs. "We did SO many miles hiking! And at certain points in the river, you are able to get in and swim!" explains Sarah L. The park features a waterfall accessible via hiking trails.
Swimming options: Several parks offer swimming facilities beyond natural lakes. At Lake Elmo County Park Reserve, campers enjoy a unique swimming experience. "They have a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming," reports Timothy S. This chlorinated swimming pond provides a controlled environment suitable for families.
Spacious sites: Campgrounds frequently offer generously sized sites. At Bunker Hills Regional Park, campers appreciate the layout. "Surprisingly well spaced sites, facilities modern and clean. Trees galore," notes reviewer MalibuDave42 L. The campground includes both primitive tent sites and RV spots with electrical hookups.
Variety of accommodation options: The region offers alternatives to traditional tent camping. Baker Campground provides cabin options alongside tent and RV sites. Alison O. shares that "Campsite C1 offers basic yet essential facilities, including clean showers and well-maintained restrooms. The convenience of these amenities makes it easy to enjoy a longer stay without sacrificing comfort."
Natural environment: Despite proximity to urban areas, many campgrounds maintain a natural setting. A visitor to Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park notes the camping experience is "very easy to find, close to the twin cities, and clean. There was good access to kindling for a fire in the nice fire pit that has a grill." The park offers a balance of accessibility and natural surroundings.
Reservation timing: Regional campgrounds fill quickly, particularly on weekends. Campers should make reservations well in advance. At Afton State Park, hiking campsites require advance planning and preparation. "These sites do require a hike from parking. Would strongly discourage big coolers or lots of weight," advises Adam P.
Facility variations: Bathroom and shower facilities vary significantly between parks. While some offer modern amenities, others provide more basic options. One reviewer at Lake Elmo notes the campground 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."
Water access considerations: Some parks experience seasonal water issues. At Afton State Park, a camper reported, "None of the water faucets or water pumps on the trails at Afton State Park are working. The good news is you can fill up on cold drinking water at the visitor center before trekking around the park's beautiful hiking trails!"
Playground access: Many campgrounds offer playground facilities. Baker Campground provides family-friendly amenities close to camping areas. Heather V. shares: "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."
Swimming facilities: Families appreciate dedicated swimming areas. Lake Elmo Park Reserve offers a unique swimming experience, with one camper noting, "They have a swim pond, fishing pier," and another mentioning, "swim pond is great for kids, and other amenities like an archery range and hiking trails are fantastic for kids."
Camper cabin options: For families new to camping, several parks offer cabin alternatives. Dakotah Meadows RV Park provides facilities for families wanting additional amenities. "The sites are paved and have well-maintained grass," notes Chris F., while another camper mentioned that "shuttle takes you to casino, but sometime we don't even go there and just enjoy the area."
Hookup availability: RV campers should note variations in electrical service across campgrounds. Dakotah Meadows RV Park offers comprehensive facilities. James and Susan K. report, "Sites are two pull-thru's to each site. Your door is opposite of your site mate and you each have your own power pedestal w/water. Sites are 60+ feet, concrete and level."
Site access information: Access roads and site dimensions vary between parks. Bunker Hills camper Krista T. noted, "The campground map does a good job of providing visual indicators of what a site provides. The upper loop (sits 45-64) is definitely more geared towards RVs." Many campgrounds provide specific site information online.
Reservation system quirks: Some campgrounds have particular reservation processes. At Lebanon Hills, one camper noted, "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Minneapolis, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Minneapolis, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 118 campgrounds and RV parks near Minneapolis, MN and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Minneapolis, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Minneapolis, MN is Lebanon Hills Regional Park with a 4.8-star rating from 43 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Minneapolis, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Minneapolis, MN.
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