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 (121)

    1. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park

    16 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."

    "It was 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."

    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

    36 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. Willow River State Park Campground

    59 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."

    5. Bunker Hills Regional Park

    15 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"

    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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Showing results 1-10 of 121 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lino Lakes, MN

735 Reviews of 121 Lino Lakes Campgrounds



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

What camping is available near Lino Lakes, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lino Lakes, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 121 campgrounds and RV parks near Lino Lakes, MN and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Lino Lakes, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lino Lakes, MN is Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park with a 4.7-star rating from 16 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lino Lakes, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Lino Lakes, MN.

What parks are near Lino Lakes, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Lino Lakes, MN that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.