Camping near Ramsey, Minnesota offers year-round opportunities with varied terrain across the Mississippi River watershed. The area features sandy soil in many locations, particularly in the eastern sections near Sand Dunes State Forest, creating distinct camping environments across seasons. Winter temperatures frequently drop below 0°F while summer humidity levels often exceed 80% in July and August.
What to do
Disc golf excursions: At Bunker Hills Regional Park, campers can access a top-rated disc golf course. "Close to a top 10 disc golf course if that's your thing (it's ours)," notes Lynsey M., who visited during a quick Minnesota trip.
Watercraft rentals: Explore lakes and rivers using rental equipment at many campgrounds. Country Camping on the Rum River provides multiple options as one visitor explains: "You can either relax in the pool or even take a ride down the rum river in a rented canoe, tube, or kayak."
Wildlife observation: The region hosts diverse bird populations and mammals throughout the year. "I love briding here as well," mentions one visitor at Baker Campground, while others note regular deer sightings across multiple parks, particularly at dusk and dawn.
Equestrian trails: For campers traveling with horses, dedicated facilities exist. "This is an all-time favorite park to bring my horse to, and it's her favorite trail too," shares a rider about Crow Hassan Park Reserve, which features hitching posts and dedicated equestrian campsites.
What campers like
Lake access sites: Many campers seek waterfront locations. "The site was nearly surrounded by a lake which lended to a lot of bugs, but was absolutely gorgeous!" explains Lydia N. about her experience at Lake Maria State Park.
Heated amenities: Some campgrounds offer extended season comfort. At Country Camping, visitors appreciate that "It has a heated pool, splash pad area, BIG playground area, indoor game room, HUGE sites!" according to Spencer C.
Secluded walk-in sites: For those seeking privacy, backcountry-style camping exists close to the metro area. "For being in the middle of the northern suburbs of Minneapolis, this park and campground is surprisingly woodsy, secluded and spacious," notes Doug B. about Bunker Hills Regional Park.
Varied terrain: The region offers significant diversity in camping environments. "You'll access pull-off dispersed sites along gravel roads south of Ann Lake. The sites are spaced for solitude, nestled between pine stands and open sandy stretches," reports a camper at South of Sand Dunes State Forest.
What you should know
Seasonal insect conditions: Bug populations vary significantly by location and season. At Lake Maria, one camper warns: "The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon... First step onto the grassy trail exploded in a cloud of mosquitos."
Poison ivy prevalence: Several natural areas contain significant amounts of this irritating plant. "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," cautions Kari P. about Ann Lake campground.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely across the region. In South of Sand Dunes State Forest, visitors note "Zero Bars, Zero Interruptions" and recommend to "Bring a journal and some good company—your phone's chances are slim."
Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds require advance booking while others operate first-come, first-served. "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)," explains Emily H. about Ann Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Select sites near play areas for convenience with small children. At Baker Campground, a visitor notes there's "a really fun park for our kids" and that "It was very clean, had friendly staff, and was close to a really fun park for our kids."
Swimming options: Water recreation varies from natural beaches to constructed facilities. Minneapolis Northwest KOA offers "a small pool and game room but not much else for kids," according to Zach H., who adds that bugs can be "aggressive here, especially near the tent sites which are located near a swampy area."
Multi-generational activities: Look for campgrounds with diverse recreation options. Bryan S. explains that Bunker Hills Regional Park is "a nice, quiet campground with activities nearby" and "the waterpark is a blast and we were able to find discount passes online."
Educational opportunities: Some parks offer nature programming for younger campers. "The nature center is nice and a great place to spend some time if it is raining during their open hours," shares a visitor about Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park.
Tips from RVers
Campsite privacy levels: RV sites vary significantly in spacing and separation. Jennifer H. notes about Baker Campground: "The sites are fairly large, but very open (which was OK with a group of us, not our style when it's just us though)."
Access road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging entry roads. Andy L. warns about Ann Lake: "Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides. Campsites are nice, mowed, gravel parking."
Site selection strategy: When booking, be specific about preferences. One RVer at Minneapolis Northwest KOA advises: "Be sure to call the office ahead and let them know that you want a site with trees and not one backing up to the road."
Utility reliability: During peak periods, power systems may be stressed. A camper at Country Camping mentions: "Had one issue with power dropping so we had to pull the surge protector off then it was fine. Also very hot and humid so everyone was running AC to the max."
