Campsites near New Brighton, Minnesota offer year-round recreational opportunities despite the region's seasonal temperature variations that range from below-freezing winters to humid 80°F summer days. The area's terrain features a mix of prairie landscapes and wooded areas surrounding numerous lakes and waterways. Most camping facilities operate from April through October, with a few locations providing winter cabin options when temperatures typically drop below freezing.
What to do
Hiking through varied terrain: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park features trails through diverse ecosystems. "There are a bunch of things to do including hiking, horseback riding, swimming in their filtered pond, boating and an insane playground," mentions one visitor about Lake Elmo County Park Reserve.
Mountain biking on dedicated trails: Several parks maintain purpose-built bike paths for various skill levels. "Professional built mtn bike trails for adventure" can be found at Lebanon Hills, while Bunker Hills offers "plenty of trails both paved and unpaved."
Water recreation beyond swimming: Beyond basic beach access, campers can rent various watercraft. At Bunker Hills Regional Park, "there is a large water park with wave pool" adjacent to the campground, providing additional aquatic options for families looking to cool off during summer months.
Winter activities: When snow covers the ground, several parks transition to winter recreation. William O'Brien State Park maintains trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. One visitor noted exploring "William O'Brien in the middle of February" where "the moon was very bright that night so visibility was excellent" during a night trek through the snow-covered landscape.
What campers like
Natural privacy barriers: Certain campgrounds offer more seclusion than others. At Rice Creek Campgrounds, "sites are spacious and spread out" with one visitor noting that "the tent only loop" is particularly appealing because "you don't see this often." Another camper observed that "tent camp sites are far enough from each other that neighbors can't be seen."
Proximity to urban amenities: Many campers appreciate the balance of wilderness and convenience. "For being in the middle of the northern suburbs of Minneapolis, this park and campground is surprisingly woodsy, secluded and spacious," reported one camper at Lebanon Hills Regional Park. Another visitor called it "an oasis in the middle of the Twin Cities."
Well-maintained facilities: Consistent cleanliness ranks high in camper satisfaction. "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," commented one Lebanon Hills visitor. Another camper at Baker Park noted the "nice clean bathrooms" and "very nice shower buildings."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak times. For William O'Brien State Park Campground, one visitor advised that "you might want to" make reservations immediately when returning home as "most weekends were already reserved by mid May."
Bug preparation: Insect activity varies by season and location. "The mosquitoes were absolutely nuts!" reported one camper at Rice Creek Campgrounds, while another described their experience as "Horsefly Camping Trip From Hell" where "to not get bite we had to run around like chickens with our heads cut off!"
Firewood considerations: Quality and availability of firewood differs between parks. "Firewood at $7 a bundle doesn't burn, it just smokes. I asked for a refund. Buy firewood elsewhere," advised one Rice Creek visitor. At Afton State Park, "they do have firewood available however it is long slab wood, so you do need to cut it yourself."
Site selection strategy: Research specific site numbers before booking. At Afton State Park, "a few of the sites are in wooded areas" while others are in prairie settings. One visitor to Baker Park Campground noted site C14 had "the fire ring placement... doing its own thing like 30 feet from the tent pad—felt like I needed a shuttle to roast a marshmallow."
Tips for camping with families
Explore specialized family amenities: Several parks feature kid-friendly facilities. At Afton State Park Campground, "Camper Cabins" offer an alternative to tent camping with "heated with electricity, and two double bunk beds" plus a "screened in porch." These provide comfortable options for families with young children.
Consider swimming alternatives: When beach access is limited, seek other water options. At Lake Elmo Park Reserve, "they have a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming," according to one visitor. Another notes that "the swim pond is great for kids."
Look for educational opportunities: Several parks offer nature programs specifically designed for younger visitors. One Baker Park visitor mentioned that "on Saturday nights they have a campground program for the kids and families to watch."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: For campers requiring complete utilities, specific campgrounds offer comprehensive services. At Minneapolis Northwest KOA, "the sites are well maintained" with "nice hookups" including water, electric, and sewer connections. Another visitor noted the "level sites" which are important for larger RVs.
Site spacing considerations: RV sites vary considerably in privacy levels. One KOA visitor cautioned that "your packed in on top of each other like sardines in a can," while another noted sites are "on the small side" unless you secure "an end site."
Accessibility for larger vehicles: Some campgrounds accommodate bigger rigs better than others. At Baker Park Campground, "modern sites" are available with sufficient space for larger RVs, while William O'Brien has more limited options for oversized vehicles, particularly in the Savanna Campground section.
