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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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."
Tips from RVers
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."
