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.