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.
$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."
"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."
$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."
"Tons of trails and camping. 🏕"
$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."
"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"
$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"
"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. "
$22 - $80 / night
"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."
$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!"
ScoutGot a nice spot by the water, big parking spot, little below the spot is an opening towards water with a fire pit. 2-3 bars of service but never had an issue. Worked well. Very private. Bugs weren’t bad either
ScoutI was able to find a campsite not on the road. There was a trail from the parking spot so keep an eye out. Lots of animals saw a turkey and coyote so just be aware. Very pretty and calm. Had to pick up some trash from other campers just a reminder to leave no trace.
GuideThis place is spectacular,u have to walk down to the creek. God's work. Beautiful
TravelerWe stayed here from about 10pm to 6am. There were a ton of people there so it was hard finding somewhere to sleep. Once we did, it was very quiet and we got a good nights rest. There were a couple of cars that passed us in the morning when we left but nothing too crazy. The scenery was very beautiful. This is definitely a great free option if you’re looking for a peaceful spot in the woods to sleep!
TravelerI stayed there with my RV. Most all of the campsites were too small to park it, but I found one at the very end of the park to stay. Although the land itself is beautiful, the locals were reporting me to the DNR officer, who were clearly his friends, and accusing me of things I was not doing. Also, there’s a lot of traffic in and out of there and they fly through there day and night, as well as a lot of gunfire going off a lot of the time. I use T-Mobile service and I was on SOS most of the time. Not very impressed.
TravelerWell maintained. Nice beach.
TravelerBeen camping here year round for 20+ years. Free, first come first served rustic hike/cart in sites with steel fire ring/grill. There are 4 official sites and 2 more unofficial sites with no fire ring.
If you camp with animals: Sites all sit directly off walking trail very popular with dog walkers.
GuideSmall pullout area on state forest land. Can walk trail back to tent.
GuideNice spot right on the lake. Lots of animal noises! Pretty sunrise/sunset.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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 92 campgrounds and RV parks near Medina, MN and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
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 are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Medina, MN.
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