Best Campgrounds near Lino Lakes, MN

The northern suburbs of Lino Lakes, Minnesota feature a range of camping options within a 30-minute drive, with several well-maintained county and regional parks dominating the landscape. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park in nearby Centerville provides developed campsites with modern amenities, while Bunker Hills Regional Park in Coon Rapids offers both tent and RV camping with electrical hookups. Ham Lake Resort, just north of Lino Lakes, maintains 122 campsites open from May through November. These established campgrounds primarily serve weekend getaways for Twin Cities residents seeking convenient outdoor recreation without traveling far from metropolitan amenities.

Reservation requirements vary significantly by location, with most county and regional parks requiring advance bookings, especially during summer weekends. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from May through September or October, with limited winter camping options at William O'Brien State Park. Cell service remains reliable throughout most established campgrounds in the region, though coverage may diminish in more remote areas. According to one visitor at Lebanon Hills Regional Park, "The trails in the park are quite impressive for its size. We enjoyed a 5 mile loop off the Nordic center and right past the camp spot." Summer weekends typically see high occupancy rates, with many campers noting the importance of early reservations.

Family-friendly amenities distinguish many campgrounds in the area, with filtered swimming ponds, playgrounds, and multi-use trails appearing frequently in visitor reviews. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve receives particular praise for its recreational facilities, with one camper noting, "For a County Park, Lake Elmo has an impressive list of amenities including a filtered swimming pond, archery, horse trails, and paved trails." Privacy levels vary considerably between campgrounds, with some offering spacious, well-separated sites while others feature more open layouts. Visitors frequently mention the cleanliness of facilities as a highlight, with well-maintained shower buildings and restrooms. The proximity to lakes and rivers provides opportunities for fishing, paddling, and swimming at many locations, making water-based recreation a common attraction.

Best Camping Sites Near Lino Lakes, Minnesota (122)

    1. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park

    17 Reviews
    Lino Lakes, MN
    0 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!"

    2. William O'Brien State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Marine on St. Croix, MN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 539-4980

    $16 - $250 / night

    "Easy walking trails surround the park which is nice and convenient. Close proximity to Stillwater which made for a nice day trip. Camp sites were very clean and easy to access."

    "We O'Brian has some of the best groomed trails that I have been on."

    3. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve

    37 Reviews
    Lake Elmo, MN
    16 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."

    4. Bunker Hills Regional Park

    16 Reviews
    Coon Rapids, MN
    10 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"

    5. Willow River State Park Campground

    61 Reviews
    Hudson, WI
    22 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."

    6. Rice Creek Campgrounds

    8 Reviews
    Lino Lakes, MN
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (763) 324-3340

    $20 - $32 / night

    "Access to lake is great. Firewood at $7 a bundle doesn't burn, it just smokes. I asked for a refund. Buy firewood elsewhere."

    "When Rice Creek Campground opens up again in April I'd highly recommend going there if all you want is a simple camping experience to get away from the city grind."

    7. Interstate State Park — Interstate State Park

    51 Reviews
    Taylors Falls, MN
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 483-3747

    $24 - $34 / night

    "This is a state park on the Wisconsin side of the St Croix River, which is mirrored by a comparable but smaller state park in Minnesota on the wrst side of the river, both being part of the wild and scenic"

    "Now that I live in Minnesota, I find myself frequenting the Taylors Falls side. Here you have the amazing "Pot Holes" from glacial waters and some pretty spectacular rock climbing."

    8. Lebanon Hills Regional Park

    42 Reviews
    Apple Valley, MN
    28 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."

    9. Afton State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Denmark, MN
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 436-5391

    "Minnesota State Parks have just started to build Yurts for 3 campgrounds around the state; Afton, Cuyuna and Glendalough State Parks."

    "It is also next to Afton Ski resort. This park has a lot of beautiful prairie landscape with some temperate forest features. Wildflowers, shrubs, fungi, evergreens, and deciduous trees."

    10. Ham Lake Resort

    4 Reviews
    Andover, MN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 434-9492

    $54 - $999 / night

    "The map provided was accurate which made locating the cruiser a breeze. There were further instructions inside as well. The RV was immaculate."

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Recent Reviews near Lino Lakes, MN

747 Reviews of 122 Lino Lakes Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • 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

  • Deb M.
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Lake Byllesby Regional Park

    Great park

    Lakeside sites are close together, with W/E hookups, but they’re right in the lake with a wonderful view. The facilities are very clean and well-kept. Cannon Falls is a nice town to explore, and it’s close to home and work. Cell service was good also.

  • Ludwig H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2025

    Willow River State Park Campground

    Tent camped here

    Facilities are great no complains, the beach is a bit over run my goose so is a little dirty, there is a great spot below the dam to cool off if needed.

  • Dan O.
    Jul. 27, 2025

    Mississippi Riverwood RV Park

    A hidden gem - PRIVATE RV Park

    This hidden gem is a PRIVATE RV Park where each lot is individually owned and most owners live South in the winter. Individual owners can rent their lot with restrictions and those rentals are between the owner and the renter. The owners association is not involved in these rentals or the disputes that sometimes arise.  That said, we own a riverside lot and absolutely love it here.

  • Lynsey M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 26, 2025

    Bunker Hills Regional Park

    Quick stop in MN

    Stayed here for an overnight stop through MN. Close to downtown which was nice for us coming through. Water fill stations readily available so we loaded up prior to continuing out west. Easy late check in with campsite hosts. Lots of site options from open gield options to pretty tree covered areas. Fire grates and restrooms ava. Your reservation fee does NOT include the daily parks fee of 7 dollars just FYI. Lots of mosquitoes but it's MN so that's to be expected. Close to a top 10 disc golf course if that's your thing (it's ours)


Guide to Lino Lakes

Camping near Lino Lakes, Minnesota, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful parks and campgrounds, you can enjoy nature while making lasting memories with family and friends.

What to do:

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

What campers like:

What you should know:

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

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites, like Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground. A camper said, "Larger and more private than most state parks."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A family at Wild River State Park Campground enjoyed hiking and swimming, stating, "Hiking was awesome."
  • Pack Bug Spray: Protect your family from bugs. A visitor at Lake Maria State Park advised, "Be prepared with bug spray/repellant!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve noted, "RV pads are gravel."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Lebanon Hills Regional Park offer full hookups, which many RVers appreciate. A visitor mentioned, "RV portion has full hook ups."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some RVers can be loud. A camper at Interstate State Park shared, "People in RVs tend to not recognize their voices penetrate tent walls with incredible ease."

Camping around Lino Lakes, MN, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there RV rentals available in Lino Lakes for camping?

While Lino Lakes itself doesn't have dedicated RV rental facilities, several nearby options accommodate RVs. Island Campground and Marina offers full hookups for RVs, though it's primarily visited for river access. Highland Ridge is popular with RV campers and features clean facilities with showers and bathrooms. For overnight parking without hookups, Cabela's Rogers, MN provides a convenient option. To rent an RV, check with RV dealerships in the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul area that offer rental services.

What campgrounds are near Lino Lakes, Minnesota?

Several quality campgrounds are located within easy driving distance of Lino Lakes. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park offers both drive-in and walk-in sites with water and toilet facilities just minutes away in nearby Centerville. Bunker Hills Regional Park in Coon Rapids provides another convenient option with reservable sites. For those willing to drive a bit further, Lake Elmo County Park Reserve and Lebanon Hills Regional Park offer excellent family-friendly camping experiences with modern amenities.

What recreational activities can I do while camping in Lino Lakes?

The Lino Lakes area offers diverse recreational opportunities for campers. William O'Brien State Park Campground features excellently maintained hiking trails and is near Scandia with easy access to the St. Croix River for water activities. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve provides an affordable base for family activities. At Lebanon Hills Regional Park, you can enjoy professional mountain biking trails, swimming at Schultz Beach, hiking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing in winter. Many area campgrounds also offer fishing, boating, and nature observation opportunities.