Best Campgrounds near Medina, MN

Campgrounds in the Medina, Minnesota area feature a mix of developed sites and natural settings within a short drive of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Baker Park Reserve stands out as a prominent camping destination with electric hookups, showers, and accommodations for tents, RVs, and cabins. Minneapolis Northwest KOA in nearby Maple Grove offers additional amenities including full hookup sites for RVs and alternative lodging options such as yurts and glamping tents. The region includes several county and regional park campgrounds within 10-15 miles of Medina, providing varying levels of development and natural settings.

Most campgrounds in the Medina area operate seasonally from April through October, with specific opening and closing dates varying by location. Baker Park Reserve typically opens in late April and closes by mid-October, while the Minneapolis Northwest KOA operates from early April through mid-October. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holiday periods when facilities often reach capacity. Electric hookups are common in the area's campgrounds, though water and sewer connections are less universal. Bathroom and shower facilities are generally well-maintained and modern. A camper noted, "The bathrooms and showers are nice and clean, some of the best I've seen at a campground."

Campers frequently mention the recreational opportunities available at area campgrounds, particularly water activities. Baker Park Reserve provides access to Lake Independence with swimming beaches, boat rentals, and fishing opportunities. Several visitors highlighted the extensive trail systems found throughout the region's parks. The paved trails at Baker Park Reserve received specific praise for biking, with one review mentioning a "6.2 mile paved trail" ideal for cycling. While sites at many campgrounds provide basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, reviews indicate varying levels of privacy between locations. Some campers noted that Baker Park sites can be "very open" and "fairly close together with no trees in between," suggesting those seeking seclusion should research specific sites carefully. Family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and open recreation areas are common features across the region's campgrounds.

Best Camping Sites Near Medina, Minnesota (89)

    1. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve

    38 Reviews
    Maple Plain, MN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 694-7662

    $21 - $29 / night

    "Baker Park near Minneapolis Minnesota was a our camp choice for inexpensive camping on the last leg of our Minnesota vacation in 2017."

    "The beaches are some of the best in Minnesota. The bike trails are nearby and plentiful."

    2. Minneapolis Northwest KOA

    11 Reviews
    Maple Grove, MN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 420-2255

    "The site was spacious and private-surrounded on 3 sides by trees. The bathrooms were clean. The pool area was clean and without issue."

    "Sites are close to each other, but easy access, clean grounds and facilities, friendly staff, and a K9 fenced area for a pet friendly campground."

    3. Lake Auburn Campground

    12 Reviews
    Victoria, MN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (952) 443-2911

    $15 - $18 / night

    "This campground even has 2 walking/hike-in campsites to give your avid campers a real out-in-the-middle-of-nowhere kind if feel, like you drove hundreds if miles to get away from the hustle and bussle"

    "But the Eady walk to the lake, sitting on the dock or the grass and swimming III m the water are a great way to destress."

    4. Three Rivers Park District Baker Campground

    3 Reviews
    Maple Plain, MN
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 694-7662

    "Tons of trails and camping. 🏕"

    5. Lebanon Hills Regional Park

    43 Reviews
    Apple Valley, MN
    27 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."

    6. Carver Park Reserve - Three Rivers Park District

    7 Reviews
    Victoria, MN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 694-1112

    "Family friendly campground with educational activities. campsites are close together but it is a close drive from the cities and a nice place for families. Nice walking & biking trails."

    "We had site 57, which is more expensive but is also very large, surrounded by trees and has a patio, the other campsite sizes vary greatly with some being very small, it's very easy for groups to camp"

    7. Bunker Hills Regional Park

    16 Reviews
    Coon Rapids, MN
    19 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"

    8. Lake Rebecca Park Reserve

    3 Reviews
    Rockford, MN
    9 miles
    Website

    "Great for birding and walking trails! One of my favorite places to go near home😁"

    "When I first pulled in I checked out the single track trail area first and the parking lot was full of mountain bikers. "

    9. Lake Maria State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Silver Creek, MN
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 878-2325

    "This park is only about 50 minutes away from me, and for hiking/camping I only think it is worth a trip in the fall."

    "I chose Lake Maria for a solo camping excursion because it was close to the Cities, but still offered the level of seclusion I wanted."

    10. Crow Hassan Park Reserve

    3 Reviews
    St. Michael, MN
    11 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "Do a 180 on the trail and she is happy to trot away from the trailer."

    "I never tire walking the dog park circle along the crow river! Great for birding and tons of beautiful trails!"

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Recent Reviews near Medina, MN

627 Reviews of 89 Medina Campgrounds


  • Lance L.
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Cleary Lake Regional Park

    Large campground with plentyy of activities!

    They have two lots for RV and travel trailer use although the first lot only has two spaces and the second one has a total of five. The five space spot has no water or electric hook up but was a great place for me to test out my new solar set up. Word to the wise, gates ACTUALLY close at 10pm, there's no way to contact anyone and I had to walk about a mile in parked outside the gate 😅. The White Pine lot (5 spaces) has a central bathroom/shower building. The park was jam packed Friday/Saturday but a ghosts town the remains sun/mon/tue I stayed.

  • Joel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Lake Byllesby Regional Park

    Very nice campground

    This is a good campground. Very well kept. Fishing from shore and there is a boat launch. Nice playground for kids. Sites are fairly close. Many have no privacy from others, but some do. No water at the sites and pit toilets are the biggest weaknesses. Nice paths for walking and biking.

  • H
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve

    First time camping!

    For our first time camping, this was a great site! It was very clean, had friendly staff, and was close to a really fun park for our kids. We will be back!

  • Larry K.
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Willow River State Park Campground

    Never again

    Never again, $81 for an electric only site. Come on Wisconsin let's jab the out of .staters. Entry fee to parks, extra for out of staters. The site was secluded but not close to level. Not close to the facilities. I am going back to SD. They don't add fees because you are from out of town, they actually encourage out of state tourists. Last trip to a Wisconsin state park . And the showers were closed for the season, this is 10/9/25. But still full price and just an electric only site. No thanks Wisconsin

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Ann Lake

    Quite camping just out of town

    Just a quick one night trip but a perfect getaway close to home. Very quiet. Camp host was nice . Found a tucked away site that we could park Infront of for more privacy

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Lebanon Hills Regional Park

    Not a bad stay

    Sites are a little close with little to no privacy in most. Fun little trails nearby for an afternoon walk. Reservation system is weird and the sites are much bigger than they say. All rv sites are the listed length plus 16’ for your tow vehicle, which you need to call to find out.

  • 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.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park

    Nice campsite

    Friendly staff, quiet during the week and busy on the weekends. Nice pool, laundry facility, nice restrooms with showers. Stayed for a little more than a month after selling my house. (End of Aug-Sept)
    Recommend!!


Guide to Medina

Camping sites near Medina, Minnesota sit within the western suburbs of the Twin Cities, offering hardwood forests and prairie landscapes at elevations between 900-1,100 feet. The area experiences significant seasonal temperature variations, with summer camping temperatures typically ranging from 60-85°F. Most campgrounds in the region operate on a reservation system with varying rates between $25-40 per night depending on amenities.

What to do

Hiking and biking trails: Several campgrounds feature extensive trail networks. At Lake Maria State Park, campers enjoy secluded woodlands with "winding wooded trails, wildflowers, and glimpses of the lake through the trees." The park offers both day hikes and longer backpacking options connecting to backcountry sites.

Water activities: Lake swimming and boating opportunities are accessible at multiple locations. Lake Auburn Campground features "a nice lil beach for swimming" and a gentle shoreline that remains "gently sloping and smooth." Many campers appreciate the fishing docks available at waterfront campgrounds.

Unique outdoor recreation: Beyond standard camping activities, some parks offer specialized recreation options. Bunker Hills Regional Park provides "archery, an event center, frisbee golf" along with "a golf course, a restaurant is on the grounds, there is a stable with horses/ponies that you can take guided trail rides on."

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Site seclusion varies significantly across campgrounds. Baker Campground in Loop C offers "quiet, lots of trees, nice fire rings. Bathrooms were close and well kept." Some campers note "the sites are large and plentiful so it was not crowded."

Clean facilities: Consistently maintained bathrooms and showers receive frequent positive mentions. At Lebanon Hills Regional Park, "the bathroom facility near the ranger station was very well maintained and cleaned several times a day." Another camper noted the "nice clean bathrooms" that enhance the camping experience.

Proximity to attractions: Many campers appreciate the balance of nature with nearby conveniences. One visitor to Lebanon Hills enjoyed that it was "close to the zoo as well as the city" while others value campgrounds that are "a short drive home" for testing gear or quick weekend trips.

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly, especially on summer weekends. The Lake Auburn reviewer advised: "Reserve early online, most weekends were already reserved by mid May."

Bug activity: Insect populations can impact camping comfort, particularly in wooded areas. A camper at Lake Maria State Park warned: "When we pulled up to the parking lot we knew we were in trouble. The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon." Consider "permethrin-treated clothes during bug season."

Noise considerations: Sound carries between sites at some campgrounds. A camper at Minneapolis Northwest KOA noted: "The KOA was nice and clean but your packed in on top of each other like sardines in a can." Research site maps carefully if seeking quiet camping experiences.

Tips for camping with families

Family-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds offer dedicated facilities for children. Lake Rebecca Park Reserve features "the best kids park at any campground I've been to" alongside "an amazing beach" and "great trails" for family exploration.

Educational opportunities: Several parks provide nature programming. One camper mentioned Lake Auburn has "programs every Saturday night, some of the ones we've been to were about bugs, raptors, bees, and snakes, there are usually programs during the day at the nature center as well."

Campsite selection: Families should research specific sites before booking. At Baker Park Reserve, one camper noted sites are "fairly large, but very open (which was ok with a group of us, not our style when it's just us though)." Consider proximity to playgrounds, bathrooms, and noise levels.

Tips from RVers

Site dimensions: Check actual site sizes before booking. At Lebanon Hills, "the sites are much bigger than they say. All rv sites are the listed length plus 16' for your tow vehicle, which you need to call to find out."

Utility hookups: Available connections vary widely between campgrounds. The Minneapolis Northwest KOA offers "clean site, great staff, nice hookups" with "full hookup sites" available for larger rigs. Some campers recommend calling ahead to request specific site features not listed online.

Access roads: Some campgrounds have limitations for larger RVs. One camper at Crow Hassan Park Reserve noted "the road into this group site only is wide enough for one vehicle at a time," which could present challenges for drivers of larger rigs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Medina, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Medina, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 89 campgrounds and RV parks near Medina, MN and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Medina, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Medina, MN is Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve with a 4.5-star rating from 38 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Medina, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Medina, MN.