Oak Grove, Minnesota and the surrounding area feature a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping opportunities within an hour of the Twin Cities metro. Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River offers tent and RV sites with riverfront access, while Bunker Hills Regional Park in Coon Rapids provides wooded campsites with electric hookups. Several campgrounds in the region accommodate various camping styles including tent camping, RV sites with full hookups, and cabin rentals. Ham Lake Resort and Minneapolis Northwest KOA round out the established camping options with amenities for different camping preferences.
Seasonal operations affect most campgrounds in the Oak Grove area, with many facilities open from May through October. Bunker Hills Regional Park typically operates from May to mid-October, while Country Camping RV Park generally welcomes campers from May 1 to October 1. Reservations are recommended at most established campgrounds, especially during summer weekends and holidays. Dispersed camping options like areas south of Sand Dunes State Forest provide more primitive experiences with few amenities but greater privacy and flexibility. A camper noted, "You can camp for free for 21 days at a time if you're a rock hound. Great place for it - got stuck in a ditch last year for the whole weekend, not one person came by, that's how private it is."
Riverside camping represents a popular option in the area, particularly along the Rum River. Visitors frequently mention water activities as highlights of their stay. "Love this place. Close to the Twin Cities, right on the Rum River. Great tent sites right on the river. Tubing! They have a bus that takes you into town, float back to the campground," one camper wrote about Country Camping. Bunker Hills Regional Park receives praise for its wooded setting despite being in a suburban area. A visitor remarked, "Heavily wooded with oak trees, lots of privacy, campsites are spaced out well. Nice trails, facilities down the road, many biking trails, and cool on a hot summer day." Most developed campgrounds in the region offer amenities like showers, flush toilets, and electric hookups, while dispersed sites provide a more rustic experience.
$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"
$40 - $75 / night
"Nice river nearby canoeing swimming pool fireplaces and little store for treats."
"Lots of close camp sites for larger groups near the entrance. The further back you go on the road, the more spread out sites get. There are a few walk-in sites that I absolutely love."
"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"
$20 - $75 / night
"Kelly's Bar nearby has a great fish fry on Friday. The campground is neat and well managed."
"We have lived in the Twin Cities for two decades and have never visited Rice Creek Chain of Lakes before. We will again!"
$54 - $999 / night
"The map provided was accurate which made locating the cruiser a breeze. There were further instructions inside as well. The RV was immaculate."
"For the proximity to the city and nearby highways, this was a good spot. Didn’t expect to see as many campers as I did, but all seemed to be friendly."
"I love that it's so close to home. I was able to walk in and find an incredible spot to camp and lay in my hammock."
"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."
$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."
"Close to the Twin Cities, right on the Rum River. Great tent sites right on the river.
Tubing! They have a bus that takes you into town float back to the campground, love it."
$25 - $90 / night
"Easy walking trails surround the park which is nice and convenient. Close proximity to Stillwater which made for a nice day trip. Camp sites were very clean and easy to access."
"We O'Brian has some of the best groomed trails that I have been on."
TravelerWe stayed here with a group of hot tent campers in early January. The site is large and had a couple of fire pits. Includes a few picnic tables, and a pit toilet. It's a beautiful open area not far from the parking lot with a gorgeous view of the St. Croix River.
ScoutWe visited Avatan Nudist Campground last July with our two kids (ages 8 and 11) for what was supposed to be a wholesome, body-positive family getaway. The website and brochures paint a perfect picture: serene woods, a sparkling pool, family activities, and a "welcoming community" vibe. And on the surface? Yeah, the grounds are stunning—pristine trails, a well-maintained pool. The facilities are clean, the staff (mostly) polite, and the natural setting is genuinely relaxing. If you're just looking for a quiet spot to shed your clothes and unwind in nature, it checks those boxes.
But dig a little deeper, and Avatan reveals itself as something else entirely—a place that's quietly optimized for adult fun, with kids as an inconvenient footnote they have to tolerate to keep the "family" label. From the moment we arrived, it was clear the real energy was elsewhere. Evenings around the fire pits and at the "Squirrel's" (code for the bar area) had this unmistakable swinger-party undercurrent. Lots of lingering glances, couples disappearing into the woods or private cabins, and a vibe that felt more like a discreet resort for the lifestyle crowd than a spot for building sandcastles with the little ones. Our kids picked up on it fast—whispers about "grown-up games" and awkward questions we had to deflect. The camp "tolerates" families, sure, but it's obvious the core membership would prefer a child-free zone. Activities for kids are minimal: a basic playground and the occasional nature hike, while the adults get themed nights, "sensual yoga," and late-night mixers that go until dawn.
What really soured the experience was the toxic underbelly of the community itself. This place is a powder keg of power struggles, with a small cadre of long-time board members and "elders" locked in a perpetual cold war. Gossip flows like the creek itself—endless whispers about who's sleeping with whom, who's "stealing" prime cabin spots, or who's cozying up to the President for favors. We overheard more drama in one week than in a season of reality TV. Cliques form fast: the "party crew" vs. the "purists," the swingers vs. the swingers-who-pretend-they're-not. As newcomers (and parents, no less), we felt like outsiders crashing a private club. Smiles were surface-level; the second you stepped away, the backstabbing started.
And then there's the elephant in the (clothing-optional) room: the camp's ugly history with sexual predators. We didn't know it going in, but after a few days, the stories trickled out from sympathetic members—multiple incidents over the years involving members who turned out to be registered offenders or worse, preying on the vulnerable in this "trust-based" environment. The rules around anonymity are ironclad: no photos, no last names, "what happens at Avatan stays at Avatan." It's sold as protecting privacy in a nudist space, which sounds noble until you realize it shields the creeps. Anyone who dares speak up—whether it's a parent noticing a sketchy guy lingering too long near the kids' area or a survivor sharing a red flag—is immediately branded a "troublemaker," "paranoid," or "anti-community." We've heard of families getting shamed in group meetings, then quietly asked to leave for "disrupting the harmony." Evictions happen fast if you rock the boat, all in the name of keeping the peace and the paying members happy.
Look, we're no prudes. Nudism can be liberating, and we've been to other resorts where it felt truly inclusive and safe. But Avatan? It's a divided house built on denial. The adult-party atmosphere thrives because the kids are an afterthought, and the predator problem festers because calling it out gets you exiled. If you're a child-free couple into the full swinger scene, this might be your paradise—plenty of like-minded folks and zero judgment. But if you're a family hoping for that advertised "safe, empowering space"? Steer clear. Your kids deserve better than being tolerated in a place where silence is golden and the wrong questions get you blacklisted. We won't be back, and I hope this review saves someone else the regret.
RangerSo, I think you know what you are signing up for here when you stay camp at the backpacking site at Afton, but let me fill in some of the blanks. #1 yes, the hill climb is as big of an effort as other people have said. You will feel like you earned your dinner. I may have found a hack for this, but more in that later. #2 the site are mostly private. I stayed on site #12. I could see (and they could have seen me) site #9, but thankfully no one was there. That would have been a bummer to have other looking into my site. There is even a semi-worn path between 12 and 9. They would make a good combo if you have a group. Other than that, totally secluded. As far space at #12, you could build as big of a tent structure there as you would need, easily room for a massive 16’x24’ palace (if you would dare to carry it) or anything smaller. An Eagle Scout project built hammock posts at this site, so it is ideal for that set up. #3 the campground amenities are very nice. The solar powered water works great year round, the two pits toilets (if you can even call them that) are very new and nice. And the coolest campground feature is the cut your own firewood station. I went a little overboard since it was so nice and had a way bigger fire than I needed. Bring your own saw and you will love it too. #4 After walking around the park, I discovered a possible hack. There is an unmarked entrance to the park on the north side. Instead of walking all my gear back to the parking lot, I walked the .5 miles to the service entrance, dropped my pack, and then walked the 1.8 miles back to the parking lot. I tend to carry too much. The flat short walk to drop my gear was worth it. Then I drop around the park and picked up my stuff. Probably not MN DNR endorsed way to do it, but I was proud of my discovery. All in, this is a unique and wonderful camping experience. Highly recommend.
TravelerIf you’re just passing through especially in the off-season, this is an extremely convenient location. Propane run out in the middle of the night? They got you. Need more beer? They got you. 10/10 if you just need a place to sleep. View is irrelevant
GuideNice spot with plenty of space between sites, which gives you some privacy. It’s right off a busy road, so you’ll hear some traffic noise. The hunters were out during my stay, so there were gunshots throughout the day, but that’s to be expected this time of year. Overall, a good spot for a quick overnight stay and it’s conveniently close to the cities.
RangerI 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!!!
GuideThey 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.
ScoutFor 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!
TravelerNever 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
Oak Grove camping options provide convenient access to outdoor recreation within an hour of Minneapolis-Saint Paul. Located on gently rolling terrain at elevations between 870-920 feet, this area features a mix of oak savanna, sandy soil forests, and water features including the Rum River watershed. Sites in this region typically open from April through October, with summertime temperatures averaging 78-83°F and frequent evening thunderstorms during peak camping months.
Biking through varied terrain: Baker Park Reserve features over 6 miles of paved trails connecting to wider networks. "There are nice paved trails around a couple of lakes/ponds for biking, and easy access to the shower and bathroom facilities (which were very nice)," notes one camper at Baker Campground.
Water activities on multiple lakes: Swimming, fishing and boating opportunities abound across several campgrounds. At Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park, campers appreciate the beach access. "Great beach & sunrise. Highly recommend!" one visitor mentioned. The park also offers multiple fishing spots within walking distance of campsites.
Tubing adventures: Float down the Rum River for a relaxing summer activity. "The tubing is a plus. Key thing is the river is very clean and sandy bottom," reports a camper at Country Camping Tent & RV Park, which provides transportation services for tubers.
Wildlife observation: Sand Dunes State Forest area offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. "Very beautiful and lots of deer on the trails," reports a visitor who noted frequent animal sightings during morning and evening walks.
Spacious, secluded sites: Many campgrounds in the region offer sites with good separation. At Ann Lake, "Sites are large with varying degrees of privacy. Well spaced out, just some have less undergrowth."
Water features: The rivers and lakes remain a major draw. "The campground is nice and clean. Good size spaces. The tubing is a plus," explains a camper at Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River, who appreciates the "very clean and sandy bottom" of the river.
Amenities for children: Many campgrounds feature facilities specifically for younger campers. At Country Camping, one visitor noted: "I stayed here 3 weeks ago with my wife and 2 young children and it was fantastic great playground and heated pool the spaces were well kept and spaced apart 10-10 would most definitely go again! A ton for the kids to do!"
Urban wilderness proximity: Despite being close to metropolitan areas, several parks maintain a natural feel. "For being in the middle of the northern suburbs of Minneapolis, this park and campground is surprisingly woodsy, secluded and spacious," notes a camper at Bunker Hills Regional Park.
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate from May through October. At Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park, the season runs May to September with limited late-fall options.
Poison ivy prevalence: Several campgrounds have significant poison ivy. At Ann Lake, "Be aware that the undergrowth is at least 25% poison ivy. Sites are large so they are clear. If you're susceptible, not for you."
Reservation requirements: First-come-first-served camping exists but remains limited. "This campground is on a first come, first serve basis. There are no reservations for the regular sites (although I do think they might take reservations for the equestrian and group sites)," notes a camper about Ann Lake.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for nighttime visitors at campsites. "Raccoons will visit your site at night. We had everything secured but they still tried and plenty of racket until we chased them away," reports a William O'Brien State Park camper.
Select campgrounds with amenities: Bunker Hills Regional Park offers numerous family-friendly features. "Something for everyone here! The facilities are well kept, the park is patrolled by rangers and the local sheriff after closing hours. Very safe place to camp. Perfect for kids, they have a water park with a wave pool, a disc golf course, a golf course, several pavilions with grills, a few playgrounds and plenty of trails both paved and unpaved."
Combine water activities with camping: Several campgrounds feature swimming options near camping areas. "We spent two nights in the campground. It was fairly busy, but we still felt secluded despite a full campground. There are nice paved trails around a couple of lakes/ponds for biking, and easy access to the shower and bathroom facilities (which were very nice)," notes a Baker Park Reserve visitor.
Choose less busy weekdays: For quieter family experiences, consider non-weekend visits. "My first time solo camping was at William O'Brien State Park on a Sunday evening. Weekends have been packed and reservations scarce for months at state parks in Minnesota. Arriving on a Sunday afternoon was a dream—very few people in the campground loop."
Site selection considerations: At Minneapolis Northwest KOA, site placement varies significantly. "We tent camped here for a night while passing through. It's a basic KOA with a few amenities. The lots were really big and we had no one near us, so it was nice and private. Most of the lots near the front were occupied but the back was almost empty, which is where the more wooded lots are."
Facility access: Water and electricity availability differs between campgrounds. "We stayed in a group site but there was no way 35 people could have camped in W3. Vaulted toilets need help and a good cleaning. The shower house needed a cleaning as well. There is no adjusting the shower temperature. Push the button and you get what you get," notes a William O'Brien visitor.
Road conditions for larger vehicles: Some campgrounds have accessibility challenges. "30' class C motor home. Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides. Campsites are nice, mowed, gravel parking. Fire rings and picnic tables at each site. Sites range from open and flat to secluded and a little hilly."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Oak Grove, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Oak Grove, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 126 campgrounds and RV parks near Oak Grove, MN and 7 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Oak Grove, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Oak Grove, MN is Bunker Hills Regional Park with a 4.6-star rating from 16 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Oak Grove, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Oak Grove, MN.
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