Campgrounds within 25 miles of New Hope, Minnesota offer a mix of terrains from dense woodland to open prairie settings. The area typically sees summer temperatures ranging from 70°F to 85°F with cooler spring and fall camping conditions. Most local sites sit at elevations between 800-950 feet above sea level, creating gentle slopes rather than steep terrain challenges that campers might face elsewhere.
What to do
Water activities at Baker Campground: Located on Lake Independence with swimming beaches and boat rentals. "I recently had the pleasure of staying at Campsite C1 in Baker Park Reserve, and it was a truly delightful experience. Nestled in a picturesque setting, this campsite offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and essential amenities," notes one visitor about the lake access.
Trail systems at Bunker Hills Regional Park: Features extensive paved and unpaved trail networks connecting camping areas to key attractions. "Huge waterpark, miles of bike trails," explains a camper, highlighting the well-maintained paths that wind through diverse landscapes.
Disc golf opportunities: Several campgrounds near New Hope feature disc golf courses within a short driving distance. "Close to a top 10 disc golf course if that's your thing (it's ours)," reports one camper about their stay at a local site, making this an excellent option for campers looking to combine outdoor recreation with camping.
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Many campers praise the separation between sites in certain areas, particularly in the more wooded sections. A visitor to Lebanon Hills Regional Park mentions: "We love Lebanon Hills! Close to home and an oasis in the middle of the Twin Cities. Sites with full hookups or more remote sites with electric that are more tucked away in the pines."
Clean facilities: Bathhouses and shower facilities receive consistent positive feedback for maintenance. "The bathroom facility near the ranger station was very well maintained and cleaned several times a day," noted a Lebanon Hills camper, reflecting a common appreciation across several campgrounds in the area.
Natural privacy barriers: Site designs that incorporate existing vegetation for separation. "We bought new camping gear and this campground, given its proximity to our house, made for an easy weekend getaway to give the gear a trial run," wrote a visitor about Lake Auburn Campground, where mature trees and strategic site placement create natural screening between campers.
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: Each campground has unique reservation policies and lead times. At Rice Creek Campgrounds, "Booking was fairly easy through their website, and you can 'hover' over the sites to see a photo of it. I chose the one I wanted and hoped it would be what we wanted it to be."
Site spacing considerations: Some campgrounds offer much more privacy than others. "The sites are a little close with little to no privacy in most," mentioned a Lebanon Hills visitor, though they still enjoyed their stay.
Insect preparation essential: Minnesota's summer mosquito and fly populations can be significant. "So my husband and I officially nicknamed this campground 'Horsefly Hell'. And no we don't recommend this one," warns one camper about their summer experience, highlighting the need for proper repellent and timing visits strategically.
Firewood availability: Quality and pricing of on-site firewood differs significantly. "Many campsites are fantastic with good spacing and shade. Access to lake is great. Firewood at $7 a bundle doesn't burn, it just smokes. I asked for a refund. Buy firewood elsewhere," advises a Rice Creek camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds proximity: When selecting a campsite near New Hope, Minnesota with children, check distances to playground facilities. "With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be," notes a visitor to Baker Park Reserve, highlighting the convenience of having activities within walking distance.
Water features for hot days: Summer heat can be mitigated by selecting campgrounds with swimming access. At Willow River State Park Campground, "There is a great spot below the dam to cool off if needed," providing relief during hot weather camping trips.
Loop selection for different age groups: Some campgrounds have designated quiet loops better suited for families with young children. "The TENT ONLY loop - you don't see this often - so it was a good fit," mentions one Rice Creek camper, noting how this configuration created a more peaceful experience away from RV generators.
Tips for RVers
Concrete pad availability: Several campgrounds near New Hope offer level, concrete parking areas ideal for RVs. At Dakotah Meadows RV Park, "The sites are paved and have well-maintained grass. We were located near the casino road," notes a visitor appreciating the stable, level setup.
Service access considerations: Cell service and WiFi quality vary significantly between campgrounds and specific sites. "Also, wifi is not great, less than 1MB download speeds from our site, and our Verizon service was pretty poor in our spot, max 2 bars," warns a Dakotah Meadows camper about connectivity challenges.
Site length accuracy: Check actual available lengths when booking. "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," explains a Lebanon Hills visitor, pointing out that published site lengths may not accurately reflect actual usable space.
