Camping opportunities around Plymouth, Minnesota range from developed county parks to private campgrounds within a 30-minute drive of the city. Baker Park Reserve in Medina offers tent, RV, and cabin camping with lakefront access, while Minneapolis Northwest KOA in Maple Grove provides full-service sites including glamping options and yurts. Several campgrounds in the area feature electric hookups, shower facilities, and recreational amenities like swimming beaches, hiking trails, and boat launches. Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan and Bunker Hills Regional Park in Coon Rapids provide more secluded camping experiences with wooded sites.
Most campgrounds in the Plymouth area operate seasonally from late April through mid-October due to Minnesota's cold winters. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays during summer months when sites fill quickly. "Lebanon hills has everything for the family. Schultz Beach for summer fun. Professional built mtn bike trails for adventure. Camping in Minnesota suburbs. Miles of hiking, horseback riding, cross country ski trails," noted one visitor. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though some campgrounds like Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park may have spotty coverage in certain areas. Many campgrounds offer both primitive tent sites and full-hookup RV sites, with some featuring camper cabins for those seeking more comfort.
Campers consistently rate waterfront locations highly, with Lake Elmo County Park Reserve and Baker Park Reserve receiving positive reviews for their swimming areas and lake access. The proximity to urban amenities while maintaining a natural setting is frequently mentioned as a benefit. A review described Baker Park as "a gem so very close to the Twin Cities. The sites are good sized, and the bathroom/showers are great." Privacy varies significantly between campgrounds, with Lebanon Hills offering more secluded sites compared to the more open layouts at Baker Park. Family-friendly amenities like playgrounds, fishing piers, and beach areas are common features at county parks in the region. For those seeking more rustic experiences, dispersed camping options can be found farther from the city in state forests, though these require more self-sufficiency as they typically lack amenities like running water or electrical hookups.
$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."
$24 - $42 / night
"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"
"We live about 15 mins. away from this campground. We stayed in the East Loop which is for smaller RVs and tents. it has electricity but no water hookups, however there are water pumps."
"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."
$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"
$15 - $18 / night
"This campground even has 2 walking/hike-in campsites to give your avid campers a real out-in-the-middle-of-nowhere kind if feel, like you drove hundreds if miles to get away from the hustle and bussle"
"But the Eady walk to the lake, sitting on the dock or the grass and swimming III m the water are a great way to destress."
$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!"
$23 - $80 / night
"For a County Park, Lake Elmo has an impressive list of amenities. Before we even get to the campsite let's mention the filtered swimming pond."
"Lake Elmo County Park in Washington County Minnesota is a great park for families."
"Tons of trails and camping. 🏕"
"Family friendly campground with educational activities. campsites are close together but it is a close drive from the cities and a nice place for families. Nice walking & biking trails."
"We had site 57, which is more expensive but is also very large, surrounded by trees and has a patio, the other campsite sizes vary greatly with some being very small, it's very easy for groups to camp"
$40 - $50 / night
"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."
"Shuttle bus comes through the camp if you want to go to the casino and play- it’s also within walking distance."
ScoutI was able to find a campsite not on the road. There was a trail from the parking spot so keep an eye out. Lots of animals saw a turkey and coyote so just be aware. Very pretty and calm. Had to pick up some trash from other campers just a reminder to leave no trace.
GuideThis place is spectacular,u have to walk down to the creek. God's work. Beautiful
TravelerWe stayed here from about 10pm to 6am. There were a ton of people there so it was hard finding somewhere to sleep. Once we did, it was very quiet and we got a good nights rest. There were a couple of cars that passed us in the morning when we left but nothing too crazy. The scenery was very beautiful. This is definitely a great free option if you’re looking for a peaceful spot in the woods to sleep!
TravelerI stayed there with my RV. Most all of the campsites were too small to park it, but I found one at the very end of the park to stay. Although the land itself is beautiful, the locals were reporting me to the DNR officer, who were clearly his friends, and accusing me of things I was not doing. Also, there’s a lot of traffic in and out of there and they fly through there day and night, as well as a lot of gunfire going off a lot of the time. I use T-Mobile service and I was on SOS most of the time. Not very impressed.
TravelerWell maintained. Nice beach.
TravelerBeen camping here year round for 20+ years. Free, first come first served rustic hike/cart in sites with steel fire ring/grill. There are 4 official sites and 2 more unofficial sites with no fire ring.
If you camp with animals: Sites all sit directly off walking trail very popular with dog walkers.
GuideSmall pullout area on state forest land. Can walk trail back to tent.
LegendInterstate Park in Wisconsin is just south of HWY 8 on HWY 35. The entrance is located on the west side of HWY 35 in the town of St. Croix Falls. St Croix Falls is a small town with a nice downtown on the river with plenty of restaurants (Dalles House Restaurant and Lounge is a favorite) and places for necessities. There are coffee shops, hotels and even a Wal-Mart nearby. There is also a casino in the town of Turtle Lake about 30 mins away.
The park is home to the western terminus of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail that covers 1200 miles through Wisconsin. The park also offers a Ice Age Interpretive Center which boasts interactive activities and displays of the last Ice Age. The park is also home to several other trails worth discovering.
There are two campgrounds in the park, a North and South campground as well as two group campsites. The South is a bit more rustic. The showers are located at the North campground.
For amenities there are flush toilets and showers. There is a sandy swimming area available as well as boat launch and other water activities.
This park is beautiful especially being on the cliffs of the St. Croix River offering spectacular views through out the park and the area. You can even take the bridge over to Taylor Falls Park Minnesota for more spectacular views as well as other shopping options. If you take this trip, Taylor Falls Park will be on the South and your shopping options will be to your North.
Even being in such a wonderful location with plenty of activities and amenities, I find the camping hard to enjoy at this park for all the noise that generates from the hwy crossing over the river. The sound especially of the semi trucks and their brakes that go all night long. This is the big reason for the average rating for this campground.
GuideNice spot right on the lake. Lots of animal noises! Pretty sunrise/sunset.
Campgrounds near Plymouth, Minnesota range from rustic sites in county parks to full-service RV parks within 30 minutes of the city. Most operate from late April through mid-October when temperatures remain moderate. Several parks feature unique amenities including filtered swimming ponds, reservable camper cabins, and recreational trails. The area's glacial terrain provides varied camping landscapes from densely wooded sites to open prairie settings.
Mountain biking trails: Lebanon Hills Regional Park offers extensive trail networks for various skill levels. "We love Lebanon Hills! Close to home and an oasis in the middle of the Twin Cities... Great hiking," notes a camper who visits regularly.
Water activities: The region's lakes provide numerous paddling opportunities for campers. At Lake Auburn Campground, visitors appreciate the easy lake access. "Nice little lake to kayak on," mentions one reviewer, while another comments, "The beach is very nice."
Archery range: Families can practice target shooting at dedicated facilities. "Lake Elmo County Park in Washington County Minnesota is a great park for families. There are a bunch of things to do including hiking, horseback riding, swimming in their filtered pond, boating and an insane playground," according to an experienced camper.
Clean facilities: The well-maintained bathrooms and showers at Bunker Hills Regional Park receive consistent praise. "The bathrooms were nice and clean. The only down fall was there was no trash cans in the campground only with you were leaving the campground," notes one visitor.
Private sites: Campers appreciate secluded spots despite urban proximity. "Sites are a little close with little to no privacy in most. Fun little trails nearby for an afternoon walk," explains a recent visitor to Lebanon Hills, while another mentions, "Tent camp sites are far enough from each other that neighbors can't be seen."
Convenient location: The accessibility to urban amenities while enjoying nature is frequently highlighted. "The only criticisms we have are that you can hear road noise — and depending on your site you'll hear the alarm of one of the access gates for the Minnesota Zoo," explains one camper who still gave the experience five stars.
Reservation timing: Book early for weekend stays, especially during summer. At Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park, one camper notes it "feels very secluded in spite of being so close to the cities," making it popular.
Site selection strategies: At some campgrounds, specific site requests matter. At Minneapolis Northwest KOA, a camper advises: "If I wanted one with trees I needed to put a note on my reservation. He also suggested calling the office and requesting a site with trees."
Varied levels of privacy: Site layouts differ significantly between parks. "The sites are about as private as the typical state park, so not very, but that is offset by all the other positives this campground has to offer," explains one visitor about a nearby campground.
Water park access: Dakotah Meadows RV Park offers amenities for families including shuttle service to nearby attractions. "We enjoy this park a lot. We stay here 2-3 times per summer. Shuttle takes you to casino, but sometime we don't even go there and just enjoy the area," shares one regular visitor.
Educational programs: Many parks offer weekend programming for children. "The playground is good for kids and they have programs every Saturday night, some of the ones we've been to were about bugs, raptors, bees, and snakes," explains a family camper.
Designated swim areas: Several campgrounds feature swimming beaches with safety features. One camper notes: "The beach area looks nice" while another explains that Lake Auburn has "a nice beach for summer fun."
Hookup availability: Baker Campground offers full hookup sites with various amenities. "The sites are good sized, and the bathroom/showers are great. With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be," mentions a satisfied RVer.
Concrete pads: Some parks feature level, paved sites ideal for larger rigs. "The sites are paved and have well-maintained grass. We were located near the casino road, which has an occasional loud car, even at night," notes one RV camper.
Dump station access: Most county parks maintain sanitary facilities even at more rustic campgrounds. "Great price for full hookup," states one reviewer about Dakotah Meadows, while another notes it has "everything and it's in great as new condition."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Plymouth, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Plymouth, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 113 campgrounds and RV parks near Plymouth, MN and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Plymouth, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Plymouth, MN is Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve with a 4.5-star rating from 38 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Plymouth, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Plymouth, MN.
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