Campsites near Long Lake, Minnesota offer convenient access to outdoor recreation within 30 minutes of Minneapolis. The area features rolling woodland terrain with elevations ranging from 930-1,050 feet above sea level. The camping season typically spans April through October, with average summer temperatures between 70-85°F during peak camping months.
What to do
Biking trails access: Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve connects to several paved trails spanning over 6 miles. "We spent two nights in the campground. There are nice paved trails around a couple of lakes/ponds for biking, and easy access to the shower and bathroom facilities (which were very nice)," notes ERolf P.
Water recreation options: Lake Rebecca Park Reserve provides multiple water activities with boat rentals available seasonally. "There are two water access points- one for Lake Rebecca and one for the nearby Crow River. There are also boat rentals available... There are also two fishing docks located not too far from the main beach area," explains a camper who visited the park.
Mountain biking trails: Several parks offer dedicated single-track trails for mountain biking enthusiasts. "Lake Rebecca's... newly developed trail is 13.25 miles long, so a nice option close to the city for those who are inclined to adventurous biking. Different loops are available for varying skill levels," according to one review.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Lebanon Hills Regional Park consistently receives praise for its well-maintained bathrooms and showers. "The bathrooms were among some of the nicest I've used at a campground. The shower stall was big enough for a meaty human like myself to shower comfortably. And you can tell the staff takes good care of the facilities," writes Joanne M.
Proximity to Twin Cities: Dakotah Meadows RV Park offers a convenient location for visiting Minneapolis attractions. "Dakotah Meadows is one of the nicer parks in the Twin Cities area. Grounds are mostly well groomed and the roads are maintained... I would choose this park over others in the area for the access to 494 and 35W," shares Tom D.
Spacious sites: Many campsites offer adequate room between neighbors. "The sites are pretty large, but very open (which was OK with a group of us, not our style when it's just us though). The bathrooms and showers are nice and clean, some of the best I've seen at a campground," reports Jennifer H. about one local campground.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during summer weekends. "Reserve early online, most weekends were already reserved by mid May," advises a camper at Lebanon Hills Regional Park.
Site privacy varies: Lake Auburn Campground and similar parks have open layouts. "Lake Auburn's sites are all along a one way road that loops through the campground. While the park is nice and has mature trees, the sites are very open and offer little privacy between sites," notes Emily H.
Seasonal bathroom closures: Not all facilities remain open year-round. "The bathrooms were locked up... They looked relatively modern though," reports a visitor during shoulder season.
Weather considerations: Bug activity intensifies during certain months. "The bugs are aggressive here, especially near the tent sites which are located near a swampy area," warns Zach H. about Minneapolis Northwest KOA.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Bunker Hills Regional Park features exceptional play areas. "The best kids park at any campground I've been to," states Daniel R. Another reviewer adds, "Perfect for kids, they have a water park with a wave pool, a disc golf course, a golf course, several pavilions with grills, a few playgrounds and plenty of trails both paved and unpaved."
Swimming beaches: Multiple campgrounds offer designated swimming areas with gentle shorelines. "The swim area was cool after a hot day and the beach was gently sloping and smooth," notes Sarah S. about Lake Auburn Campground.
Educational programs: Some parks provide scheduled nature activities. "The playground is good for kids and they have programs every Saturday night, some of the ones we've been to were about bugs, raptors, bees, and snakes," shares a local camper.
Kid-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with open areas for play. "It's a great place for families. Lots of space between campsites. They aren't very private though. Great playground and green space for the kids, beach is very nice," reports Amy K.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Minneapolis Northwest KOA provides full-service sites for larger rigs. "The sites are level and easy access, clean grounds and facilities, friendly staff, and a K9 fenced area for a pet friendly campground," writes David E. about this location.
Site selection strategy: When booking online, specify your preferences. "There is an algorithm that determines the site selection and if you wanted one with trees you needed to put a note on your reservation," advises one RVer based on their experience.
Parking configurations: Some sites have limitations for larger vehicles. "Our spot was spacious, and close to the bathrooms and play area... We liked that we weren't super close to any campers unlike most RV spots are nowadays," notes Angela L. about Lebanon Hills Regional Park.
Concrete pad availability: Some campgrounds offer more solid parking surfaces. "The sites are paved and have well-maintained grass. We were located near the casino road, which has an occasional loud car, even at night," mentions Chris F. about a nearby RV park.
