Near Ramsey, Minnesota, campgrounds sit within the Anoka Sand Plain, a unique ecosystem formed by glacial outwash with sandy soils and scattered wetlands. The area averages 32 inches of annual rainfall with summer highs around 83°F, creating ideal camping conditions from May through September when most local campgrounds operate at full capacity.
What to do
Waterpark access: Bunker Hills Regional Park offers a large wave pool and waterpark just a short walk from the campground. "Huge waterpark, miles of bike trails," notes camper Tiffany W., making it a popular summer destination when temperatures climb.
Horseback riding: Crow Hassan Park Reserve provides extensive equestrian trails and designated horse camping areas. "This is an all-time favorite park to bring my horse to, and it's her favorite trail too," shares one rider who finds the sandy prairie trails particularly bug-free compared to wooded sections.
Tubing and paddling: Country Camping Tent & RV Park offers direct access to the Rum River with canoe, tube, and kayak rentals. "You can either relax in the pool or even take a ride down the rum river in a rented canoe, tube, or kayak," explains Spencer C., highlighting the river's clean, sandy bottom.
Disc golf: Bunker Hills features a top-rated disc golf course within walking distance of camping areas. "Close to a top 10 disc golf course if that's your thing (it's ours)," mentions Lynsey M., who appreciated this activity during a quick overnight stop.
What campers like
Privacy in walk-in sites: Lake Maria State Park features hike-in sites that offer greater seclusion than typical drive-up camping. "A mile hike from the parking lot, with no one around," writes Brian C., who spent a weekend without seeing another person at his site "surrounded by a small pond."
Clean facilities: Baker Park Reserve maintains well-kept restrooms and shower buildings. "The bathrooms and showers are nice and clean, some of the best I've seen at a campground!" reports Jennifer H., who visited with young children.
Spacious sites: Many Ramsey-area campgrounds offer larger-than-average sites. At Country Camping, David G. notes, "Good size spaces," while at Baker Park Reserve, Bryan S. confirms "the sites are good sized" with enough room for family activities.
Dog-friendly amenities: Dog owners appreciate dedicated pet areas at several campgrounds. At Minneapolis Northwest KOA, campers mention the "K9 fenced area where dogs can exercise off-leash," a feature that distinguishes this pet-friendly option among dog friendly campgrounds near Ramsey.
What you should know
Bug protection essential: Multiple campgrounds report heavy mosquito and tick activity, particularly from June through August. At Sand Dunes State Forest (Ann Lake), one camper warns about vegetation: "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 strategies: Most campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. At Ann Lake, Johnny H. advises, "Show up early on weekends if you want one of the better spots," noting his 30-year history visiting the park.
Limited cell service: Several camping areas have spotty connectivity. At Sand Dunes State Forest, Andy L. reports "2 bars of 4g service made it a little difficult to pay online over the phone" with "no reception in lower elevation sites."
Trash disposal limitations: Some parks restrict trash receptacle locations. At Bunker Hills, Melissa A. notes, "The only down fall was there was no trash cans in the campground only with you were leaving the campground."
Tips for camping with families
Heated pools: For families with kids, Country Camping provides temperature-controlled swimming. "Great playground and heated pool," reports one camper, while another mentions the "splash pad area" that appeals to younger children regardless of weather.
Playground access: Multiple dog friendly campgrounds near Ramsey feature play areas. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes has "great walking paths" near the camping areas according to Courtney C., who found it "great for a quick weekend camping trip" with kids.
Beach swimming: Baker Park Reserve offers natural swimming options beyond pools. Bryan S. notes, "With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be," making it ideal for active families.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds have varying noise levels. At Minneapolis Northwest KOA, one camper reports sites "packed in on top of each other like sardines in a can," which may not suit families seeking quiet evenings.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Many Ramsey-area campgrounds use automated systems for site assignments. When booking at Minneapolis Northwest KOA, Diane A. 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."
Pull-through availability: For larger rigs, Country Camping accommodates substantial vehicles. Spencer C. reports, "Max trailer length that I've seen here is 70'. Anyone can fit in here!" noting the campground offers both 30-amp and 50-amp hookups with pull-through spots.
Road clearance: When driving larger vehicles to Ann Lake campground, Andy L. cautions: "Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides," recommending care when navigating a 30' class C motorhome through the entrance roads.