Best Campgrounds near Minneapolis, MN

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Minneapolis. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Minnesota camping adventure.

Best Camping Sites Near Minneapolis, Minnesota (112)

    1. Lebanon Hills Regional Park

    43 Reviews
    Apple Valley, MN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 480-7773

    $24 - $42 / night

    "Lebanon Hills is a beautiful county park only a few minutes from Minneapolis / St. Paul. We stayed three nights. Most of the sites are not shady, but there are woods and shade nearby."

    "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"

    2. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve

    37 Reviews
    Lake Elmo, MN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 430-8370

    $23 - $80 / night

    "Well placed sites nestled near lovely walking trails - Very nice water hook ups and electric- well maintained! Loved this Camping Site!"

    "Stayed here due to its proximity to Minneapolis airport...had an early flight the next morning. Really convenient location. No problems. Facilities were really well maintained."

    3. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve

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

    $21 - $29 / night

    "This is just the best campground that is close to Minneapolis! Peaceful, quiet, with spacious sites that are situated in a staggered way, so you never feel like you’re on top of each other."

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

    4. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park

    17 Reviews
    Lino Lakes, MN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 324-3340

    $20 - $75 / night

    "On a trail system that you can ride around the lake (3 miles) or all the way into Minneapolis if you’re adventurous. Fantastic beach."

    "Brief stay for a scavenger hunt in Minneapolis"

    5. Bunker Hills Regional Park

    16 Reviews
    Coon Rapids, MN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (763) 862-4970

    $20 - $32 / night

    "For being in the middle of the northern suburbs of Minneapolis, this park and campground is surprisingly woodsy, secluded and spacious."

    "I was very happy with the trails and accommodations available to me, during my stay."

    6. Willow River State Park Campground

    62 Reviews
    Hudson, WI
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 386-5931

    "A quick trip from Minneapolis will get you there in a half hour. There are a bunch of hiking trails around the campground."

    "Fun to play in the water, go behind the waterfall and a good hike up 200 steps to view the falls from above!"

    7. Afton State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Denmark, MN
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 436-5391

    "Less than an hour drive from Minneapolis this is a good get away. As expected it has many walk trails. Highlight of this location is beach which is nice for swim and sun bath."

    "It's a mere 40 minutes or so from Minneapolis-St. Paul and it's a great beginner campground for backpackers."

    8. Minneapolis Northwest KOA

    11 Reviews
    Maple Grove, MN
    17 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."

    9. Tony’s Backyard

    2 Reviews
    Bloomington, MN
    9 miles
    +1 (612) 751-0908

    $45 - $60 / night

    10. Dakotah Meadows RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Prior Lake, MN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (952) 445-8800

    $40 - $50 / night

    "Nice place to stay to unhook if you want to explore Minneapolis."

    "The grass around the lots is very green, lush and well maintained. Campground is right next to the hotel/casino and very much within walking distance."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 112 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Minneapolis, MN

767 Reviews of 112 Minneapolis Campgrounds


  • Sarah D.
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Wild River State Park Campground

    Secluded Backpack/Canoe Site with Sunrise Views

    I was looking for a secluded backpack in site where I could have a peaceful 48 hours of prayer and solitude, and this site was perfect! I also wanted one that wasn't too far remote, since I hadn't been on a proper backpacking trip since the pandemic hit. And as a solo female camper, I wanted a reserved site so that there would be a record of my location for safety reasons. I'm so glad I chose the Deer Creek site, and will almost definitely stay here again at some point!

    This site is accessible by either hiking or canoe. It took me about 30 minutes to hike in from the visitor center parking lot. There is easy access to river water to boil or filter from the canoe landing.

    This site was incredibly spacious. It includes a fire ring and picnic table overlooking the creek and river. It also includes 2 large tent pads (look out for widow makers, one of the tent pads is under a dead tree!). It also has a spot nestled in some pine trees that could fit a smaller tent, canoe storage, or I found it to be the perfect spot to hang my hammock! (This would be a great site for hammock camping.) So if you're camping with a small group of people this would be a great site. It also includes a trail to a fairly private latrine, and a bear box (the park ranger warned me that there are bears in the park although I did not see any.) I also found plenty of dead down and dry wood and birch bark on the ground for building fires.

    This site is great for a one nigjt stay on a longer backpacking or canoeing trip, but also great for camping out at for a couple of nights. I stayed for two, and it connects to all the major trails in the park, so I was able to use it as a great base for hiking and seeing the beautiful changing leaves. In the morning I hiked North to do the Riverside trail and looped back through the woods. Then in the afternoon I did the Deer Creek loop, which is a shared horse and hiking trail. It was so nice to he able to hike out to some of the best trails in the park directly from my site.

    This site felt remarkably remote for being only an hour from the twin cities and a mile from the parking lot! I stayed there Thursday -Saturday, and after leaving the parking lot on Thursday did not see another human being for the rest of the day, and Friday not until I hit the main trails! There was no one else staying within at least a mile of me. I was even able to see fantastic stars Friday night. There was amazing wildlife - a blue heron frequented the site, and I heard all types of owls. Two bald eagles had a nest across the river so I got to see and hear them the whole trip, too- it was absolutely magical!

    This site has a great view of both sunrise and sunset. Thursday night there was a gorgeous sunset over the woods reflected in deer Creek. Both mornings I woke up to watch the sunrise while drinking my coffee next to the fire (it was freezing!!!). Watching the sun rise over the river and fog roll over th water and evaporate while eagles soared was truly magical. Having an easy backpack in site surrounded by water on two sides and with views of the sunrise and sunset like this was so incredible!!!

  • 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

  • Maria D.
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Interstate State Park — Interstate State Park

    Lovely River, Too Much Hustle

    Interstate State Park has some nice features, but overall it wasn’t my favorite. Many of the exterior loop sites have river access, which was a highlight, and we didn’t have to deal with mosquitoes thanks to being right on the water. The nearby towns are also very charming and worth exploring.

    That said, the campground is small and very crowded, likely because it’s so close to the Cities and popular with canoe rentals. Expect a lot of traffic noise, and in the fall, migrating geese can be very loud (which didn’t bother me, but might for some). The ranger office had limited hours, and since firewood is locked up, there’s no self-serve option. Another downside: a riverboat cruises by frequently, blasting music in the evenings and giving tours during the day.

    The sites are close together, with RVs and tents mixed on one loop, so generator noise is common. It wasn’t a terrible stay, but just too small and busy for my preference—I don’t think I’d return.

    Best sites seemed to be 21 (great river views, less private), 23 (fun detached tent pad), and 18 (most private). Sites 4–5 were also lovely but close to the bathrooms and camp host, so expect more foot traffic.

  • 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.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Haycreek Valley Campground

    Beautiful surroundings

    Red Wing, Minn might be the prettiest small town in the US. Rolling hills, greenery, the Mississippi River, and genuinely nice people in a small city with lots of attractions.

    The campground is about a 10 minute ride from the city center. The amenities are sparse and aged, but the sites are level, plentiful, and reasonably priced.

    Be aware however…..The Dyrt is wrong. There are no sewer hookups at this campground. They have a dump station and will pump for a fee.

    There is a perfectly average pub on site. The food is okay, the price is reasonable.


Guide to Minneapolis

Camping near Minneapolis offers a great escape into nature without straying too far from the city. With a variety of campgrounds, each with its own unique features, you can find the perfect spot for your next outdoor adventure.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Many campgrounds have trails for all skill levels. For instance, at Willow River State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "Lovely trails, the beach is a large area with a nice park and picnic area."
  • Water Activities: If you enjoy being near water, Interstate State Park offers canoe and kayak rentals. A visitor shared, "The friendly folks at the park office helped me plan a fun day of hiking that included seeing glacial potholes and sandstone bluffs."
  • Wildlife Watching: At Wild River State Park Campground, you might spot deer and other wildlife. One camper noted, "The woods surrounding dense enough to obscure others while still feeling open."

What campers like:

  • Privacy: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Lebanon Hills Regional Park. A reviewer said, "We were very surprised at the privacy of our site."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, like Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve, are praised for their cleanliness. One visitor mentioned, "Shower facilities are very nice."
  • Scenic Views: Campers enjoy the beautiful surroundings at Afton State Park Campground. A reviewer expressed, "Good pricing, great trails for all different skill levels and nice staff."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lake Elmo County Park Reserve, have fewer amenities. A visitor noted, "Only portapotties. I think the best camping opportunity I saw was the group campgrounds."
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. One camper at Lake Maria State Park warned, "The mosquitos were awful."
  • Crowded Sites: Some campgrounds can get busy, particularly on weekends. A reviewer at William O'Brien State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are all very close to one another with very little foliage dividing the sites."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites, like Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground. A camper shared, "Larger and more private than most state parks."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of family-friendly activities. One family at Afton State Park Campground enjoyed the "beautiful surroundings and clean bathrooms."
  • Pack Bug Spray: With the presence of mosquitoes, it's essential to bring bug spray. A visitor at Lake Maria State Park advised, "Be prepared with bug spray/repellant!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: RVers should ensure their site can accommodate their vehicle. A reviewer at Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve mentioned, "RV pads are gravel."
  • Look for Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric hookups, which can be a big plus. At Wild River State Park Campground, a camper noted, "The campground is a long drive into the park from the main entrance."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some RVers can be loud, which might disturb others. A visitor at Interstate State Park shared, "People in RVs tend to not recognize their voices penetrate tent walls with incredible ease."

Camping around Minneapolis offers a mix of nature, fun activities, and family-friendly options. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Minneapolis, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Minneapolis, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 112 campgrounds and RV parks near Minneapolis, MN and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Minneapolis, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Minneapolis, MN is Lebanon Hills Regional Park with a 4.8-star rating from 43 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Minneapolis, MN.