Camping sites near Maplewood, Minnesota offer opportunities for both secluded nature experiences and family-friendly amenities within a 30-mile radius. The area sits within the transition zone between hardwood forests and prairies, with elevations ranging from 850-1,100 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds in the region experience typical Midwestern weather patterns with summer highs in the 80s and cool fall camping conditions that often require extra layering after sunset.
What to do
Hiking diverse terrain: At William O'Brien State Park Campground, trails showcase the St. Croix River Valley's varied landscapes. "The moon was very bright that night so visibility was excellent. We walked some trail through a frozen marsh landscape and happened upon a railroad that passed above our trail with a beautiful tunnel-overpass," notes David K., highlighting winter exploration opportunities.
Water activities: Campers at Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park enjoy multiple water recreation options. One visitor shares, "Brief stay for a scavenger hunt in Minneapolis. Wonderful site! Feels very secluded in spite of being so close to the cities. Great beach & sunrise. Highly recommend!" The park provides lake access for swimming, fishing, and paddling.
Archery range access: Several Maplewood-area campgrounds feature specialized amenities beyond standard activities. A camper at Lake Elmo County Park Reserve mentions, "Great campground, sites are spacious and spread out, electric hookups at all sites, swim pond is great for kids, and other amenities like an archery range and hiking trails are fantastic for kids."
What campers like
Campsite privacy: Many Maplewood camping areas offer more seclusion than expected for suburban locations. At Bunker Hills Regional Park, campers appreciate the natural separation between sites. "For being in the middle of the northern suburbs of Minneapolis, this park and campground is surprisingly woodsy, secluded and spacious. There are both primitive (tent) non-electric sites, and sites with electricity, even some 50 amp," reports Doug B.
Modern facilities: Campgrounds around Maplewood maintain clean, updated amenities that enhance comfort without sacrificing the outdoor experience. A visitor to St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park notes, "Such a beautiful park with large sites. Nice playground for the kids. Fantastic bathrooms zoned showers."
Proximity to Twin Cities: The convenience of camping near Maplewood appeals to many visitors seeking quick getaways. A Rice Creek Chain of Lakes camper states, "We love to camp here as it's so close to home. Decent amenities, however NOT the feel of a State Park. Think suburbia meets nature." This accessibility makes these locations ideal for weekend trips without lengthy travel.
What you should know
Water availability varies: At Afton State Park Campground, water access can be inconsistent on trails. One visitor warned, "This may be an ongoing issue but 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!"
Site-specific challenges: Campgrounds near Maplewood feature varying site layouts that may affect your experience. A camper at Willow River State Park Campground noted, "We stayed at Site 133 and found it to be fairly spacious. One downside was that there's a trail running just behind the site, and several campers cut through our area to access it, which disrupted the sense of privacy."
Reservation requirements: Most camping areas require advance booking, particularly for summer weekends and holiday periods. A Rice Creek Campgrounds visitor advised, "I booked this on a whim since we needed an overnight close to the State Fair. Booking was fairly easy through their website, and you can 'hover' over the sites to see a photo of it."
Tips for camping with families
Filtered swimming ponds: Several camping locations near Maplewood offer swimming facilities designed specifically for families. At Lebanon Hills Regional Park, one reviewer shared, "Lebanon Hills is a great park and has a lot of trails for hiking and mountain biking. Our family selected this camp ground to test out some gear -- if we had problems or if we forgot something it was a short drive home."
Playground proximity: When selecting campsites with children, consider locations with easy playground access. A Baker Campground visitor noted, "This campground is a gem so very close to the Twin Cities. The sites are good sized, and the bathroom/showers are great. With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be."
Weekend timing strategy: For quieter family experiences, consider mid-week stays or Sunday arrivals. A William O'Brien State Park camper advised, "My first time solo camping was at William O'Brien State Park on a Sunday evening. Weekends have been packed and reservations scarce for months at state parks in Minnesota. Arriving on a Sunday afternoon was a dream—very few people in the campground loop."
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: While electric service is widely available at campgrounds near Maplewood, full hookups are less common. An RVer at Baker Park Reserve shared their experience: "After months of winter the first trip of the season is something we look forward to. The sites at Baker Park Reserve are larger than average. This is a big campground with a lot of paved bike trails and a nice lake a short walk away."
Site selection for larger rigs: Several campgrounds offer specific loops better suited for RVs. At Lebanon Hills, a camper advised, "The upper loop (sites 45-64) is definitely more geared towards RVs, so not what I would consider an ideal tent site." RVers should verify site lengths before booking, as actual accommodations may differ from listed specifications.
Off-season advantages: RV campers can often access parks near Maplewood when tent camping would be challenging. A William O'Brien visitor noted, "I visited William O'Brien in the middle of February with two college roommates. The cabin we stayed in felt very welcoming. Unknown at the time I booked it, the cabin offered Wi-Fi access that ended up not working for us anyway."
